Linyphiid species

Fact Box Species: Linyphiid species (the correct scientific name for this small species is presently unavailable) Family: Linyphiidae Body length: female: 3.5 mm male: about 4 mm Habitat: In small tangled webs in low shrubs or tall grasses along the edges of fresh water ponds; webs may be present in such a large numbers they are almost continuous Toxicity: Not naturally aggressive and much too small to be able to cause human illness and few, if any, bitings have ever been reported

Other views In its web The web

Some linyphiid species, including this one, build small, tent-like webs associated with green vegetation. This particular species has its 'tent' in the centre of a lacy ball of webbing.

This species appears to be quite common in South-east Queensland but is not often noticed because of its small size. Its body shape closely resembles that of many theridiid and araneid species. Recognition of this spider as a linyphiid rather than a theridiid, araneid, or even a tetragnathid species is based on microscopic evidence, including a rebordered labium, the absence of a tarsal comb at the ends of the fourth pair of legs, and spines on all four pairs of legs.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Some small araneid and theridiid species.