Spitting Spider
Scytodes thoracica
Scytodidae (Spitting Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Small, fragile-looking spider characterized by an unusually domed, high-arched carapace that is significantly larger and rounder than the abdomen. This shape accommodates the large venom and silk glands used to spit sticky silk at prey.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 3 to 6 mm, with a leg span of roughly 15 to 20 mm.
Coloration & Markings
Pale yellowish to light brown background with distinctive dark brown or black markings and spots radiating across the domed carapace and banding on the slender legs.
Web Type
Does not build a traditional web to catch prey. Instead, it wanders actively at night and uses its specialized spitting technique.
Eye Arrangement
Six eyes arranged in three dyads (pairs) in a characteristic grouping, which is typical of the family Scytodidae.
Leg Characteristics
Long, thin, delicate legs with distinct dark banding, lacking heavy spination but adapted for slow, deliberate stalking.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Venom is combined directly with silk to immobilize prey instantly; it is completely harmless and medically insignificant to humans.
Medical Significance
Not dangerous to humans. Due to their tiny size and weak chelicerae, they are rarely capable of piercing human skin, and their venom poses no health risk.
Safety Recommendations
No safety measures are necessary as they are completely harmless to humans. They can be safely relocated using a simple glass and piece of paper if found in living areas.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Cosmopolitan distribution, frequently found indoors in temperate regions, inhabiting warm, dark, and humid corners of homes, cellars, and outbuildings, as well as under bark and stones outdoors.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal, slow-moving, and exceptionally docile. It relies on a unique hunting method where it creeps up on prey and spits a zig-zag pattern of venom-laced silk.
Diet & Prey
Feeds on small insects, silverfish, and other spiders, immobilizing them instantly with a sticky, toxic silk mixture projected from its chelicerae.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round indoors in climate-controlled buildings, with increased movement and mating activity during warmer spring and summer months.
Description
The spitting spider is a fascinating urban dweller known for its specialized hunting technique. With its unmistakable hump-backed carapace and delicate, banded legs, it moves quietly through indoor environments at night, hunting pests like silverfish and dust mites using a unique silk-spitting mechanism.
Key Features
Extremely domed, high-arched cephalothorax, pale body with dark spots and banding, six eyes in three pairs, and nocturnal indoor habits.
Similar Species
Cellar spiders (Pholcidae) or brown recluses (Loxosceles reclusa), though spitting spiders are easily distinguished by their highly domed carapace and distinct spotted patterns.
Life Cycle
Females carry a small egg sac containing around 20-50 eggs in their jaws until the spiderlings hatch. Development through multiple molts takes several months to over a year.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest controller inside homes and natural habitats, preying on small household insects and other arthropods.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are widespread, stable, and common globally.
Interesting Facts
Spitting spiders are the only known animals that possess combined venom and silk glands opening through the same duct, allowing them to spit a venomous glue.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with good side lighting to highlight the domed carapace shape and distinctive dark spots. Best photographed at night when active, keeping movements gentle to avoid startling them.
Identified: 2026-10-27T21:06:19.259161