pirate spider
pirate spider, (family Mimetidae), any of around 100 species of spiders noted for their habit of eating other spiders. They are distributed nearly worldwide. Pirate spiders do not build nests or webs and move slowly on low plants or among leaf litter. They are characterized by a row of sharp bristles on the first pair of legs.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
Citation Information
Article Title:
pirate spider
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
07 November 2025
Access Date:
November 14, 2026