Tapinesthis

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Tapinesthis inermis, the ivy parchment spider, is the only species in the small goblin spider genus Tapinesthis (family Oonopidae). It was first described in Europe and has since been introduced to North America.

It lives in a variety of places, including forests, dry grasslands, garrigue, and inside human homes. Earlier ideas of two seasonal forms are now doubtful; researchers think color and body hair changes with age explain the differences seen among individuals.

The spider is very small. Females measure about 2.4–2.5 mm in body length, with a 0.8 mm prosoma; males are slightly smaller at about 1.8 mm. In living specimens the carapace is pale yellowish-orange to pink, turning yellowish-white to pale orange when preserved. It has a pale, soft body with a dark net-like pattern on the carapace and six eyes arranged in two rows. The legs lack spines, and the spider overall is a pale, delicate goblin spider.

In Europe the ivy parchment spider is spreading to new areas and has been introduced to the United States and Canada. In Central Europe adults of both sexes can often be found in buildings year-round.

Taxonomically, Eugène Simon described the species in 1882 as Oonops inermis and, in 1914, established the genus Tapinesthis with the species Tapinesthis inermis. Its precise relationships within goblin spiders are still studied. The eye arrangement is near an H shape, and the tarsal organ pattern is likely 3-3-2-2.

Conservation status is not well known. In Germany the species is considered very rare due to insufficient data, while in the Czech Republic it is listed as ecologically sustainable (adaptable to different environments).

Quick facts
- Family: Oonopidae; Genus: Tapinesthis (monotypic); Species: Tapinesthis inermis
- Common name: ivy parchment spider
- Size: females 2.4–2.5 mm; males ~1.8 mm
- Color: living spider pale yellow-orange to pink; preserved form pale yellow-white
- Habitat: forests, dry grasslands, garrigue, and human dwellings
- Distribution: native to Europe; introduced to North America
- Notable: previously described seasonal forms are now thought to be age-related changes rather than true seasons
- Taxonomy: described by Simon (1882) as Oonops inermis; placed in Tapinesthis (1914); relationships within goblin spiders under study