Leaf-curling spider hide and seek
These intriguing and talented spiders protect themselves from predators by hiding inside an impressively constructed, silk-seamed curled leaf that sits roughly at the middle of their web.
I'd been watching this little leaf-curling spider over several days and it was adept at avoiding me if I got too close. It provided a great lesson in practicing patience. I finally managed a couple of quick images as it came out of its hiding place - then true to form, it promptly shot back in! I notice from the image that the front leg is missing.
Ventral view, Phonognatha graeffei, just 10 mm in length.
© All rights reserved.
Leaf-curling spider hide and seek
These intriguing and talented spiders protect themselves from predators by hiding inside an impressively constructed, silk-seamed curled leaf that sits roughly at the middle of their web.
I'd been watching this little leaf-curling spider over several days and it was adept at avoiding me if I got too close. It provided a great lesson in practicing patience. I finally managed a couple of quick images as it came out of its hiding place - then true to form, it promptly shot back in! I notice from the image that the front leg is missing.
Ventral view, Phonognatha graeffei, just 10 mm in length.
© All rights reserved.