Nesticidae Nesticella

Nesticella sp. "Grassland Midget"

Grassland Midget Cobweb Spider

Like Nescina and other nesticids, spiders of the genus Nesticella have a "paracymbium" on the male palp. However, the paracymbium of a typical Nesticella differs from that of Nescina in at least two aspects. First, it is longer – at least one-third the length of the cymbium. Second, while the relatively shorter paracymbium of Nescina has a small lobed ventral branch, the paracymbium of Nesticella is more complicated with conspicuous dorsal and ventral branches that may be sub-divided further as lobes or processes (pointed or elongated extensions).

Nesticella species (2–4 mm) also differ from those of Nescina (<2 mm) by their comparatively larger sizes, and by the details of the female genitalia. Their AME are proportionally smaller than the remaining eyes.

The Singapore Nesticella species is closely related to N. beccus Graill & Jäger, 2016 described from Laos. Apart from its unique palpal structures, it differs from N. beccus and most other Nesticella by its habit of living in drier habitat such as open scrubland. In contrast, most Nesticella are found inside caves or around cave entrances, while some others live in paddy fields or wooded areas, often under stones or among leaf litter.