Mimetidae

The common name “pirate spiders” refers to them being predatory on other spiders. They spin no web but stalk or ambush their prey. Often the web of a potential prey spider is invaded. Sometimes the prey spider is lured to advance towards the pirate spider, which plucks the thread to imitate a lovesick male. The pirate spider then bites the prey spider, usually in a leg and then sucks it dry through the hole bitten. Pirate spiders are slow moving, perhaps an adaptation not to scare potential prey spiders in the vicinity or maybe to avoid triggering aggressive behaviour such as the pirate spider becomes the prey instead. The European members of the family are characterized by long legs, which often are clearly annulated.
Characters of family: Metatarsi I and II are furnished with a prolateral row of spines. In between the spines there are series of smaller curved spines, which increase in length distally.