Anansi (genus)

Anansi is a genus of araneomorph spiders in the family Theridiidae, commonly known as cobweb spiders or comb-footed spiders. These spiders are found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with a higher concentration of species in the Americas.

Anansi spiders are generally small, with body lengths ranging from a few millimeters to about 5 millimeters. Their coloration can vary, often featuring combinations of brown, black, white, or yellow. The cephalothorax (prosoma) is typically pear-shaped, and the abdomen (opisthosoma) can be globular or elongated depending on the species.

Like other theridiids, Anansi spiders construct irregular, three-dimensional webs, often described as cobwebs. These webs serve as traps for small insects and other invertebrates. The spiders typically hang upside down in their webs, waiting for prey to become entangled.

The genus name Anansi is derived from the West African folklore character Anansi, a trickster spider spirit, reflecting the often intricate and deceptive nature of their webs and behaviors.

Taxonomically, Anansi is characterized by specific features of their genitalia and other anatomical characteristics, which are used to distinguish them from other theridiid genera. The classification of species within Anansi has been subject to revision based on morphological and molecular data.

Further research is ongoing to better understand the diversity, distribution, and evolutionary relationships within the genus Anansi.