[1] This diverse, globally distributed family includes over 3,000 species in 124 genera,[2] and is the most common arthropod found in human dwellings throughout the world.

[6] The Hawaiian Theridion grallator is used as a model to understand the selective forces and the genetic basis of color polymorphism within species.

[11][12] Theridiid gumfoot-webs consist of frame lines that anchor them to surroundings and of support threads, which possess viscid silk.

[13][14] Building gum-foot lines is a unique, stereotyped behaviour, and is likely homologous for Theridiidae and its sister family Nesticidae.

Parasteatoda, previously Achaearanea, is another large genus that includes the North American common house spider.