[1] They are widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, the Mediterranean and one in Uzbekistan, but not Australia.

[2] The most obvious features of the Palpimanidae are the front legs, which are disproportionately powerful and heavily sclerotised.

The abdomen is evenly rounded without conspicuous sculpting, and in many species is elongated into an olive shape twice as long as the cephalothorax, giving the spider a vaguely torpedo-shaped appearance.

Most others are brownish or reddish to dark in general colour, but as a rule the cephalothorax is more heavily sclerotised and darker than the abdomen, as well as glossier.

They generally keep their very strong first legs held up in front of themselves while walking slowly at night,[2] and on encountering possible prey they may feel it gently before grabbing it very rapidly and powerfully, as shown in some on-line video material.