Atypoidea

The Atypoidea are a superfamily of mygalomorph spiders, containing only one family, the Atypidae (purseweb spiders). Members of this superfamily are characterized by their unique hunting behavior, constructing silken tubes, or "purses," that lie partially or entirely buried in the ground. These tubes serve as both retreats and hunting traps. When prey walks across the exposed portion of the tube, the spider detects the vibrations and ambushes the prey from within, piercing the silk and dragging the victim inside.

The Atypoidea represent a relatively ancient lineage of spiders. They are found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, although their distribution within these regions can be patchy. Fossil evidence suggests their presence dates back to the Tertiary period.

The Atypoidea are considered relatively small spiders, typically ranging in size from 5 to 15 millimeters in body length. They are generally dark in color and have a relatively stocky build. Their chelicerae (fangs) are large and powerful, adapted for piercing through their silken tubes.

Classification:

• Order: Araneae (Spiders)
• Suborder: Mygalomorphae (Primitive Spiders)
• Superfamily: Atypoidea
• Family: Atypidae (Purseweb Spiders)