New records for the Turkish araneo-fauna: Theridion varians Hahn, 1833, Dipoena melanogaster (C. L. Koch, 1837) and Achaearanea riparia (Blackwall, 1834) (Araneae: Theridiidae)

• Published in: Zoology in the Middle East Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 119 - 120
• Main Authors: Bayram, Abdullah, Danışman, Tarık, Yiğit, Nazife, Çorak, İlkay, Sancak, Zafer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01-01-2007
• Subjects: Araneae; Riparia; Theridiidae; Theridion varians
• ISSN: 0939-7140; 2326-2680
• DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2007.10638219

The comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) are commonly found in webs on vegetation. A total of 34 species in 10 genera are known from Turkey. Their general appearance may vary between genera, but they have a relatively small globular opisthosoma and a mostly circular prosoma. Tarsus IV is characteristic, with a tarsal comb consisting of six to ten serrated bristles. These bristles may disappear and are often difficult to recognise. The tarsal comb is absent from some immatures and adult males.