Post by trehopr1 on Jan 22, 2022 12:05:00 GMT -8
Oddities of evolutionary design abound across nature's palette
of life. Strange looking creatures which (at times) defy the
parameters of reason for having such an appearance.
A case in point which is present in the class Arachnida
(spiders and their relatives) -- (a side interest of mine);
are the Spiney-backed orb weaver spiders of the family (Araneidae).
Virtually all belong to the genus Gasteracantha and it is the (females)
of most species which have a broad, hardened, shell-like abdomen
which is often brightly colored with prominent spines. The most riotous
profusion of their extraordinary design takes form in the closely
related genus called Macracantha.
Pictured below are examples of Macracantha arcuata which at present
remains the lone species of its genus.
Notable indeed for the extremely long, curved spines on their
abdomens; this species remains a curiosity of Southeast-Asian
rainforests (including India, China, Singapore, and Borneo).
From the ecology standpoint they are known to make webs of
3 -4 ft. wide (in forested areas). Their webs have a hollow hub
with white silk beads on the radial threads. The spiders themselves
have been observed however, most often hiding on the underside of
leaves near their webs; rather than hanging in the center of the web
(like most of their orb weaving relatives).
One can only extrapolate from their extreme design that they have
evolved to be difficult if not dangerous to attempt eating. Certainly,
any creature "trying" one of these likely won't want to try another !
It is also likely that provided that the (carapace) of the spider is not
crushed or damaged by an offending predators bite; it may well live
to thrive and survive.
These measure about 1 (1/2) inches from head to abdomen tips.
Some are red in color whilst others are a grayish/red and yet still
others yellow/black.
Fabulous in appearance and as "exotic" looking as any spider can be.
of life. Strange looking creatures which (at times) defy the
parameters of reason for having such an appearance.
A case in point which is present in the class Arachnida
(spiders and their relatives) -- (a side interest of mine);
are the Spiney-backed orb weaver spiders of the family (Araneidae).
Virtually all belong to the genus Gasteracantha and it is the (females)
of most species which have a broad, hardened, shell-like abdomen
which is often brightly colored with prominent spines. The most riotous
profusion of their extraordinary design takes form in the closely
related genus called Macracantha.
Pictured below are examples of Macracantha arcuata which at present
remains the lone species of its genus.
Notable indeed for the extremely long, curved spines on their
abdomens; this species remains a curiosity of Southeast-Asian
rainforests (including India, China, Singapore, and Borneo).
From the ecology standpoint they are known to make webs of
3 -4 ft. wide (in forested areas). Their webs have a hollow hub
with white silk beads on the radial threads. The spiders themselves
have been observed however, most often hiding on the underside of
leaves near their webs; rather than hanging in the center of the web
(like most of their orb weaving relatives).
One can only extrapolate from their extreme design that they have
evolved to be difficult if not dangerous to attempt eating. Certainly,
any creature "trying" one of these likely won't want to try another !
It is also likely that provided that the (carapace) of the spider is not
crushed or damaged by an offending predators bite; it may well live
to thrive and survive.
These measure about 1 (1/2) inches from head to abdomen tips.
Some are red in color whilst others are a grayish/red and yet still
others yellow/black.
Fabulous in appearance and as "exotic" looking as any spider can be.
