The Linyphiidae is a very large and diverse family represented by more than 440 genera and 4000 species, with a worldwide distribution. Linyphiids are well represented and studied in the temperate and cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Little is known about the Southern Hemisphere representatives. From Southern Africa 22 genera represented by 33 species are known.

Common names
Sheet-web spiders or hammock-web spiders (Linyphiidae); intertidal linyphiid (Erigonops littoralis); red-tail linyphiid (Ostearius melanopygius); tree linyphiid (Mecynidis spp.).

Lifestyle
Web dwellers (sheet-webs); webs are made between the branches of trees or shrubs, in high grass and sometimes close to the ground; abundance: common.

Body size
1.5-6 mm (males slightly smaller).