The family Eresidae, commonly known as velvet spiders, belongs to the order Araneae (spiders). These spiders are typically small to medium-sized and are named for their dense, velvety body covering. Eresids are primarily found in Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia, often inhabiting arid or semi-arid environments. Many species are notable for their communal or social behaviors, living in small colonies and exhibiting cooperative brood care, which is unusual among spiders. They construct silk retreats or burrows, and some species produce distinctive egg sacs in which the young are cared for by the mother. Velvet spiders are predators, feeding mainly on insects, and they play an important role in controlling insect populations within their ecosystems.