Spitting Spider
Scytodes thoracica
Scytodidae (Spitting Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
The spitting spider has a distinctively domed, pear-shaped carapace that is higher in the rear to accommodate specialized venom and silk glands. It has relatively long, slender legs and a small, oval abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 3 to 6 mm, with a leg span of approximately 15 to 25 mm. This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Yellowish-brown to pale grey base coloration with characteristic dark brown or black spots and stripes radiating across the domed carapace and forming bands on the abdomen and legs.
Web Type
Spitting spiders do not build traditional webs to capture prey. They wander actively at night and rely on their unique ability to spit a mixture of venom and silk.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three pairs (dyads) forming a characteristic curved row across the front of the carapace, which is typical for the Scytodidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Legs are long, thin, and delicate, lacking heavy spination but featuring dark banding. They are used for slow, deliberate stalking movements.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains a combined venom and fast-hardening silk substance that immobilizes and subdues insect prey instantly upon contact.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Their chelicerae are generally too weak to pierce human skin, and they are not considered medically significant.
Safety Recommendations
No safety measures needed as they are completely harmless; if found indoors, they can safely be left alone or gently relocated outside.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found globally in temperate and tropical regions, frequently inhabiting human dwellings, cellars, caves, and dark, warm crevices under bark or stones.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal and slow-moving. They are non-aggressive toward humans and hunt by stalking prey closely before spitting a sticky, venomous web onto them.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on small insects including silverfish, flies, and other spiders, using its unique spit-glue technique to immobilize prey instantly.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors, with peak foraging and mating activity occurring during the warmer spring and summer months in temperate zones.
Description
The spitting spider is a fascinating nocturnal hunter known for its domed carapace and unique predatory mechanism. Instead of building a web, it sneaks up on prey and spits a zig-zag pattern of venomous silk to pin them down.
Key Features
High domed carapace, six eyes in three pairs, distinct dark spot patterns on the back, and the absence of a traditional web.
Similar Species
Cellar spiders (Pholcidae), which can be distinguished by their longer, much thinner legs and different eye arrangements.
Life Cycle
Females produce small egg sacs which they carry in their chelicerae until the spiderlings hatch. They undergo several molts and can live for a couple of years.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a beneficial household and garden predator by helping control populations of nuisance insects like silverfish and flies.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are stable and widespread globally due to commensal habits with humans.
Interesting Facts
They are one of the few animals capable of producing both silk and venom from the same gland apparatus, mixing them together into a projectile.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with a high depth of field to capture the domed carapace and distinct eye arrangement, preferably under gentle side lighting.
Identified: 2026-09-12T17:56:05.636034