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Wendilgarda sp.

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description Wendilgarda sp. Overview

Wendilgarda sp. denotes an unidentified species or specimen in Wendilgarda, a genus of tropical spiders in the family Theridiosomatidae. Members of this group are associated with streams and construct reduced webs from horizontal support lines and sticky threads that descend to, or attach to, the water surface, where they can intercept small insects. The notation "sp." indicates that the exact species has not been specified.

help Wendilgarda sp. FAQ

What does "sp." mean in Wendilgarda sp.?

The abbreviation "sp." signals that the specimen belongs to the genus Wendilgarda but hasn't been identified to a named species. It's standard scientific shorthand for an unidentified or undescribed species.

What family of spiders does Wendilgarda belong to?

Wendilgarda is a genus in the Theridiosomatidae, the ray spiders, a family of small tropical orb weavers. Species are known from the American tropics, including Costa Rica and even the Galápagos Islands.

What is unusual about Wendilgarda webs?

These spiders live along streams and build highly reduced webs: a horizontal support line with sticky threads descending to or just above the water surface. The design lets them intercept insects emerging from or skimming the water, a strategy almost unique among spiders.

How big are Wendilgarda spiders?

They're tiny — only a couple of millimeters as adults, which is typical for theridiosomatids. You usually find them anchored on rocks or roots at stream edges in tropical forest.

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