Smiley Faced Spider

"Hear ye, hear ye my winged brethren. I invite ye one and all to partake in the nectar of the prairie gods," whispers the smiley faced spider. In a realm fraught with peril, the golden abode and smiling inn keeper are a tempting refuge. The eight-eyed caretaker of the inviting roadhouse turns out to be an ambush predator. Its deceptive camouflage, which takes days to acquire, has done its job.

Closer examination reveals an efficient hunter with four oversized front legs for grabbing its prey. This arachnid has small fangs compared to other family members, but its potent venom paralyzes prey swiftly. It set the trap by using its four short hind legs to crawl into position sideways. The peculiar locomotion reveals its Crab Spider identity.

© Ilija Lukić 2011

Smiley Faced Spider

Let The Sun Shine In