How dangerous spider SCORPIO

For the first time he saw a spider Arachnura higgins, you can mix it with the scorpion. This impression outgrowth on the belly of the animal, like a scorpion's tail, and a number of dark, shipoobraznyh, smaller outgrowths on the tip of the "tail".

This outgrowth can be seen only in female spider, it does not have venom glands. Females in size is much larger than the male, about 16 mm in length, and males - only 2 mm. The color of the "tail" in adults can range from cream to brown, while young spiders can be characterized by a bright color, like yellow or pink.

However, despite the awesome view of the "tail", the spikes on its soft tip, and not capable of spider to bite them, as do scorpions, or hurting. Therefore, scientists are still wondering why the abdomen spider has such an unusual shape?

According to one version, so the spider misleading enemy. It is known that the female Arachnura higginsi at the approach of danger can twist its tail to the back, just as it does the scorpion. In addition, due to the outgrowth of a predator may simply confuse, where the spider is head or abdomen, and to strike the less important parts of the body of the animal.

According to another hypothesis, color and shape of the animal makes it look like a dry leaf, allowing you to "merge" with the environment. So spider can hide from predators, or be invisible to his prey - flying insects.

Arachnura higginsi refers to the form araneomorphae Arachnura kind of orb-weaver spider family.