Phoroncidia rotunda

Fact Box Species: Phoroncidia rotunda as suggested by Robert Raven and other expert taxonomists (see notes below) Family: Theridiidae Body length: female: perhaps 3 mm male: 1 mm Habitat: Phoroncidia species are said to catch insects during the evenings by waiting at the end of a single thread of sticky silk, but during the day they sit motionless on twigs Toxicity: This spider is far too small to cause illness in humans

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An unusual feature of this Phoroncidia species is the turret-like caput that projects forward over the male palps.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: The members of a number of other spider families, including the Anapidae, Micropholcommatidae, Mysmenidae, Symphytognathidae and Tetrablemmidae, contain spiders that are very small and somewhat similar to this spider in overall appearance. However, all of these species are so small that they can be distinguished only with the aid of a stereo microscope.