The ribs, grooves, and patterns at the end of the abdomen add strength to the already hardened disk, which the spider uses when threatened. It burrows into the ground about 7-15cm (2.75-5.9 inches) deep, its disk facing skyward: an impenetrable barrier against hungry predators.
Using your own body as a burrow barrier is known as phragmosis, and the effectiveness and camouflage of Cyclocosmia’s barrier is enough for them to be considered among the rarest spiders.
Reference:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/174732
#coolcritters #trapdoorspider #biodiversity
Oreo cookies. Lol pretty accurate observation
ReplyDeleteA bit crunchier than an Oreo though...
ReplyDeleteAnother example of phragmosis is the pink fairy armadillo (Chlamyphorus truncatus).
ReplyDeleteSpiders freak me out. That's why I've been collecting them to put in my balcony garden. To work over my fear, caused by idot step mother; and to control the flying bugs around my door. My favorite is the large Black and Yellow Garden spider (Argiope aurantia). I haven't found one this season yet. I may just stick with the European Garden Spiders (Araneus diadematus) that I had last year.
ReplyDelete