AraneaeTheridiidae – Cobweb Spiders

Fingered Cobweaver

Hentziectypus globosus

This record describes Hentziectypus globosus (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.

Identification and Appearance

Fingered Cobweaver - Hentziectypus globosus
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins

All specimens examined ... had the characteristic black spot on the abdomen, and the species can thereby readily be distinguished from A. conjuncta . Epigynum: Palp:

Wikipedia reference for Hentziectypus globosus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hentziectypus_globosus.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae (Spiders)
Family
Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)
Genus
Hentziectypus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

North America (more specific range will be added when time allows)

Diet and Behavior

Life History

The egg sacs are spindle-shaped. One spider can have as many as five egg sacs hung in its web at a time.

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Author of the name: Hentz. Year first published: 1850.

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Hentziectypus globosus. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.

Ecological role of the group

Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.

Economic and practical significance of the group

The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.

Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Araneae families and species →

Photos of Fingered Cobweaver (3)

Fingered Cobweaver - photo 1
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Fingered Cobweaver - photo 2
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Fingered Cobweaver - photo 3
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins

Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins

Frequently Asked Questions About Fingered Cobweaver

What is Fingered Cobweaver?

Fingered Cobweaver (Hentziectypus globosus) is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.

How do you identify Fingered Cobweaver?

All specimens examined ... had the characteristic black spot on the abdomen, and the species can thereby readily be distinguished from A. conjuncta . Epigynum: Palp:

Where is Fingered Cobweaver found?

Range: North America (more specific range will be added when time allows)

What is the life cycle of a Fingered Cobweaver?

The egg sacs are spindle-shaped. One spider can have as many as five egg sacs hung in its web at a time.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.