Funnel Web Weaver (Agelenidae) spider - doing what?
This is looking into the funnel-like opening of the web of a Funnel Web Weaver (Agelenidae) spider in the woods today - but what is it showing?? My first thought was that it's two spiders mating, but the one on top is all shriveled up. My second thought was that they were mating, but now the one is eating the other - it happens, see this photo of different spiders. But no, the spider on top has the slender palps of a female. I think my third thought is right, that it's a female spider just finishing its molt into a larger size. I'll go back tomorrow and see if I can find the cast-off skin or exuviae as it is properly called. (San Marcos Pass, 11 July 2020)
Funnel Web Weaver (Agelenidae) spider - doing what?
This is looking into the funnel-like opening of the web of a Funnel Web Weaver (Agelenidae) spider in the woods today - but what is it showing?? My first thought was that it's two spiders mating, but the one on top is all shriveled up. My second thought was that they were mating, but now the one is eating the other - it happens, see this photo of different spiders. But no, the spider on top has the slender palps of a female. I think my third thought is right, that it's a female spider just finishing its molt into a larger size. I'll go back tomorrow and see if I can find the cast-off skin or exuviae as it is properly called. (San Marcos Pass, 11 July 2020)