Nesticus

Nesticus is a genus of spiders belonging to the family Nesticidae, commonly known as cave cobweb spiders or scaffold web spiders. These spiders are typically small to medium in size, with a pale coloration, often whitish or yellowish, reflecting their frequent inhabitation of dark environments.

Nesticus spiders are found worldwide, with a greater diversity in temperate and subtropical regions. They are often associated with caves, cellars, mines, and other dark, humid places, but some species are also found in leaf litter, under rocks, and in forests. Their cryptic lifestyle contributes to their relatively low visibility.

These spiders construct irregular, three-dimensional webs, often described as scaffold-like, hence the name "scaffold web spiders." These webs are typically built close to the substrate and are used to trap small invertebrates. The webs are not sticky in the same way as orb-weaver webs, but rely on the complexity of the structure to entangle prey.

The taxonomic history of Nesticus is complex, with ongoing research leading to revisions and reclassifications of species within the genus and the family Nesticidae as a whole. Identification of Nesticus species often requires detailed examination of their genitalia.

Reproduction in Nesticus involves the male transferring sperm to the female via pedipalps. Females typically create egg sacs that are attached to the web or carried by the female. The lifecycle of Nesticus spiders is relatively slow compared to some other spider groups.

Due to their secretive habits and often localized distributions, the conservation status of many Nesticus species is poorly understood. Habitat loss and disturbance, particularly in cave environments, pose potential threats to some populations.