Cyrtarachne sp.
BIRD-DROPPING SPIDER displaying pulsating movements in the abdomen visible to human eye.
"The interesting question is… why does it exhibit such a phenomenon? Is there a purpose designed by nature for such a visual feast? After years of infrequent and casual discussions with local arachnologists Joseph Koh and David Court, as well as some random discussions with other arachnophiles on Facebook, I’ve consolidated a short list of hypotheses in an attempt to explain this behavior. Please let me know via the comments section if you have other suggestions or know of studies that could explain this behavior.
Movement to attract prey
Warning for potential predators
Simply the movement of digestive fluids, we’re thinking too much (i.e. no special reason)
As this video is being shared around, more speculations are coming in so here’s a quick consolidation of additional ideas from the public. (Updated 13 Nov 2016)
Mimicry of a snake head
Mimicry of a mantis head
Mimicry of a gecko head
Mimicry of other insect larva to attract parasitoids (...)"
Cyrtarachne sp.
BIRD-DROPPING SPIDER displaying pulsating movements in the abdomen visible to human eye.
"The interesting question is… why does it exhibit such a phenomenon? Is there a purpose designed by nature for such a visual feast? After years of infrequent and casual discussions with local arachnologists Joseph Koh and David Court, as well as some random discussions with other arachnophiles on Facebook, I’ve consolidated a short list of hypotheses in an attempt to explain this behavior. Please let me know via the comments section if you have other suggestions or know of studies that could explain this behavior.
Movement to attract prey
Warning for potential predators
Simply the movement of digestive fluids, we’re thinking too much (i.e. no special reason)
As this video is being shared around, more speculations are coming in so here’s a quick consolidation of additional ideas from the public. (Updated 13 Nov 2016)
Mimicry of a snake head
Mimicry of a mantis head
Mimicry of a gecko head
Mimicry of other insect larva to attract parasitoids (...)"