Often confused as insects (despite having no antennae) spiders, though they are also members of the Arthropod phylum, belong to the largest order of Arachnids. In fact, as of 2008, a massive 43,678 spider species have been recorded (that’s a lot of legs!!!!). As you know, each spider has eight legs, and if you look close enough you’ll notice that their mouthparts are primed with tiny fangs. Bizarrely enough I suffer from Arachnophobia, but even I have to admit that this diverse group of creatures are absolutely fascinating and I do hope you will join me for next 12 weeks as I test your spidey senses.Have fun,ClaireMYSTERY SPIDER QUIZ #3Clue: Worthy of Karkinos
In Greek mythology Karkinos was a giant crab. I'll suggest a Huntsman spider which is also known as a giant crab spider.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
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Tony
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Sounds scary! I don't mind spiders, it's crabs I'm wary of.
Annie
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
Einstein
Common Crab Spider maybe the Giant seems to fit better but may not be a U.K. species
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
It's big, it's black, it's hairy and I's afeard of it.........no idea really
Mrs T - this link was posted on a wildlife group and it seems apt (pun intended)
www.societyofbiology.org/.../house-spider-survey
Caroline in Jersey
Cin J
Thanks Caroline, I have dutifully recorded the beastie (even made the dog leave the room) that was in my living room over the weekend.
Clue: Trusty cactus is six!
I was wrong with Huntsman and I think Seaman is right with Common Crab Spider. It's latin name is Xysticus cristatus which is an anagram of MrsT's clue.
Going on my past record we are not popping the champagne corks here in N.Yorks yet LOL
MYSTERY SPIDER QUIZ #3
Answer is a little earlier this week, as I am on leave tomorrow and away from a computer. Congratulations to all of you who guessed the Crab spider (Xysticus cristatus). First a bit about the clues! First clue: Worthy of Karkinos. This refers to the Greek myth of Karkinos – the crab. During one of his 12 labours (the second, if my memory serves me right), Hercules enters into a battle with a hydra, a multi-headed serpent. Hera (Queen of the Gods), who has raised the hydra in order to kill Hercules, sends Karkinos to distract Hercules during the battle. Despite grabbing one of Hercules’ toes, Karkinos is thwarted and eventually crushed under foot by Hercules. The second clue: Trusty cactus is six, is simply an anagram of the Latin for this Crab spider, Xysticus cristatus.
Crab spiders, such as Xysticus cristatus get their name because of the positioning of their legs and some even walk like crabs. Crab spiders make no web and have to rely on hunting and ambushing their prey. First recorded in 1820, crab spiders can be found throughout the UK and can come in a whole array of colours ranging from pale cream to dark brown. Males can grow up to 5mm and females 7mm.
A picture of a Crab spider is found here.
Did you know that: before mating the male crab spider will grab hold of one a females legs, wait for her to stop struggling before attaching her to the ground with silk threads.
Keep an eye out (or eight) for next week’s Mystery spider quiz here soon!
Take care,
Claire
Well done Seaman! Spot on! :-)
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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