Spitting Spider
Scytodes thoracica
This record describes Scytodes thoracica (species). Recorded family: Scytodidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This fascinating species is the sole member of its family in Britain. It ranges from 3-6mm in size and the cephalothorax is massively domed when viewed from the side - a distinctive feature. The cephalothorax and abdomen are similar in size, colour and markings, both being straw-coloured and marked with black flecks. The legs are also straw-coloured with dark annulations. Found in buildings, usually heated ones, and it has a particular association with museums. It is a slow-moving, nocturnal hunter which catches its prey by the unusual technique of squirting a sticky, venomous fluid from its chelicerae. These are moved in a side-to-side motion resulting in a zig-zag of threads that pins its prey to the surface. The same mechanism is used as a defense against other spiders.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Scytodidae (Spitting Spiders)
- Genus
- Scytodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in buildings, usually heated ones, and it has a particular association with museums.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a slow-moving, nocturnal hunter which catches its prey by the unusual technique of squirting a sticky, venomous fluid from its chelicerae. These are moved in a side-to-side motion resulting in a zig-zag of threads that pins its prey to the surface. The same mechanism is used as a defense against other spiders.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in southern Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Scytodes thoracica. 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.
Photos of Spitting Spider (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spitting Spider
What is Spitting Spider?
Spitting Spider (Scytodes thoracica) is a species in the family Scytodidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Spitting Spider found?
Habitat: Found in buildings, usually heated ones, and it has a particular association with museums.
When is Spitting Spider active?
Spitting Spider: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Spitting Spider?
It is a slow-moving, nocturnal hunter which catches its prey by the unusual technique of squirting a sticky, venomous fluid from its chelicerae. These are moved in a side-to-side motion resulting in a zig-zag of threads that pins its prey to the surface. The same mechanism is used as a defense against other spiders.