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 #8Clue: Tom may struggle to catch this one.
Shouldn't that clue be "Thom" and not Tom ? (trying to still keep the clue Cryptic if I am on the right lines) If so, I had to cheat to get the answer to this spider so I better not answer !
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Regards, Hazel
Oh mouse spider, that's a good one Birdie, I never thought of that ! sounds good.
But it actuallly quite horrible - have you watched YT vid??
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Mouse Spider could be good but also a Running Crab Spider would be hard for Tom to catch.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Clue: A local spoils buckwheat.
MrsT, I'm most impressed that you managed to make an intelligble phrase from Scotophaeus blackwalli. That must have taken some head scratching and lots of bits of paper.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Back to our Mouse Spider then ?
Oohhh squeak!
Jennifer T said: Oohhh squeak!
Congratulations to all of you who guessed Mouse spider (Scotophaeus blackwalli). First a bit about the clues! First clue: Tom may struggle to catch this one. Tom is, of course, the feline half of the slapstick cartoon comedy duo Tom & Jerry, created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Each plot saw Tom’s feverish attempts to capture Jerry who was a mouse. Mouse spiders are said to hold their bodies low and move like mice and this is one reason for their name. The second clue: A local spoils buckwheat. This is an anagram of the Latin for Mouse spider - Scotophaeus blackwalli.
With a furry grey-brown abdomen, you might feel tempted to stroke a Mouse spider, but beware they have been known to bite. As far as I am aware they do not squeak! Mouse spiders are a nocturnal hunter, partial to insects and like most spiders the females are larger than the males and can have a body length of 12mm. It is a widespread species that is often found in houses and sheds and is most commonly seen during the summer months.
A picture of a Mouse spider is found here.
Did you know that: Mouse spiders were first recorded in the UK in 1861.
Keep an eye out (or eight) for next week’s Mystery spider quiz here soon!
Take care,
Claire