Since my photos have been going around on the internet again with a whole bunch of falsehoods, thought I'd share the original shots instead.
This is a Cyclocosmia, a genus of cork-lid trapdoor spiders with a posteriorly truncated abdomen. More shots to follow...
This is a Cyclocosmia, a genus of cork-lid trapdoor spiders with a posteriorly truncated abdomen. More shots to follow...
Specimen was collected from Thailand and photographed in captivity. But it has been labelled to be from many other countries in central America.
I rarely shoot specimens on white backgrounds, but had some ideas for the book and made a few attempts.
I rarely shoot specimens on white backgrounds, but had some ideas for the book and made a few attempts.
These spiders have a unique pattern on the "cork-lid" end of the abdomen.
The posterior is highly sclerotized (hardened), and often positioned to face its burrow entrance to protect itself from predators like wasps.
Previously from the family Ctenizidae, the family was split in 2018 and this genus is now in the family Halonoproctidae.
Some of my friends called this the "half-backside" spider. Where did the other half go?!
What makes this Halonoproctidae? The tarsi and metatarsi of the first two pairs legs are densely armed with robust and slightly curved spines.
I'm getting a little incoherent! Anyway, the fake posts would state that this spider would kill humans easily etc etc. It is actually a very docile spider with medically insignificant venom. i.e. harmless to humans. It would also much rather hide than go chasing after anyone.
Of course, there's another popular name for this spider. The "Butt-Plug Spider". I wonder why....
For those who asked where the spinnerets were in the Cyclocosmia.
