Mithrodiidae
Mithrodiidae is a family of sea spiders, marine arthropods of the class Pycnogonida. They are characterized by their long, slender legs and small, compact bodies. Most species are found in the intertidal zone or on shallow, rocky shores. They are often referred to as “sea spiders” because of their long legs and spider-like appearance, but they are not true spiders, which belong to the class Arachnida.
Common Names
Members of the Mithrodiidae family are commonly known as "sea spiders."
Characteristics
Mithrodiidae share the general characteristics of all sea spiders, including:
- A small, compact body with a distinct head (cephalothorax) and abdomen (opisthosoma)
- Four to eight long, slender legs
- A pair of chelicerae (mouthparts) that are used to grasp prey
- A pair of palps (sensory appendages) that are used to detect food
- A single pair of eyes located on the dorsal surface of the head
In addition to these general characteristics, members of the Mithrodiidae family have some unique features, including:
- A pair of small, lateral appendages called ovigers that are used to carry eggs in females
- A pair of terminal claws on the legs, which are used for clinging to surfaces
- A distinctive "snout" or "rostrum" that extends from the head
Environments
Mithrodiidae are found in marine environments worldwide. They are primarily found in the intertidal zone or on shallow, rocky shores. Some species can be found in deeper waters, but they are less common.
References
For further information, please refer to the following sources: