Meta is a genus of long-jawed orb-weavers that was first described by Ludwig Carl Christian Koch in 1835. They are often associated with caves, caverns, and recesses, earning some of them the name "cave orbweavers"
Contents
Distribution
Spiders in this genus are found worldwide.
Description
Meta species have a carapace slightly longer than wide with eyes in two rows, evenly spaced. The abdomen is long and oval, decorated with spots and silver coloration.
Life style
The inclination of Meta webs varies from vertical to horizontal, most often at a sharp angle to the vertical. The hub is open with widely spaced viscid spirals. Most species spin their webs in shadowy, dark and damp places such as caves and shaded ravines. They are more common at higher altitudes.
Species
As of October 2025, this genus includes 33 species:
Synonyms
Synonyms include:
Meta americana Marusik & Koponen, 1992 = Meta ovalis (Gertsch, 1933)
Meta milleri Kratochvíl, 1942 = Meta bourneti Simon, 1922
Dubious names
Nomina dubia (dubious names) include:
Meta nigra Franganillo, 1920