In Australia, they found spiders that build entrance doors in their burrows
Australian arachnologists have discovered a whole genus of spiders that build “doors” of cobwebs and plants for their holes.
Australian wildlife researchers from the University of Griffith and the Queensland Museum recently discovered a new group of spiders with an unusual feature in the Brisbane suburbs. Arthropods build holes that lock on an impromptu "door" created from cobwebs, leaves and branches.
Sitting at the “door”, which is difficult to distinguish from the surrounding space, spiders not only hide from dangers, but also lie in wait for prey. As soon as the victim accidentally “rings the doorbell” - touches the thin signal web, the eight-armed hunter will immediately jump out of the ambush and attack the “invited guest”.
The discovered group of spiders consists of 20 species, which scientists decided to combine in a separate genus called Cryptoforis, which means “mysterious door”. To make a new genus in international catalogs, it was necessary to make sure that its representatives have unique features.
Scientists considered the external signs and characteristics of the genus “building abilities” using the example of a species found in Brisbane. The reference view of Cryptoforis hughesae was named after Jane Hughes, the supervisor of studies, Dr. Wilson, who was the supervisor of the study. Jane Hughes recently retired, and the authors of the work considered it necessary to pay tribute, devoting a colleague an important discovery.
The study showed that Australian scientists were really lucky, and they discovered a new kind of unusual spiders. Strong differences in appearance, as well as well-hidden burrows, make it possible to distinguish the Cryptofori genus from other genera of the trapdoor spider family that live in East Australia.
Australian wildlife researchers from the University of Griffith and the Queensland Museum recently discovered a new group of spiders with an unusual feature in the Brisbane suburbs. Arthropods build holes that lock on an impromptu "door" created from cobwebs, leaves and branches.
Sitting at the “door”, which is difficult to distinguish from the surrounding space, spiders not only hide from dangers, but also lie in wait for prey. As soon as the victim accidentally “rings the doorbell” - touches the thin signal web, the eight-armed hunter will immediately jump out of the ambush and attack the “invited guest”.
The discovered group of spiders consists of 20 species, which scientists decided to combine in a separate genus called Cryptoforis, which means “mysterious door”. To make a new genus in international catalogs, it was necessary to make sure that its representatives have unique features.
Scientists considered the external signs and characteristics of the genus “building abilities” using the example of a species found in Brisbane. The reference view of Cryptoforis hughesae was named after Jane Hughes, the supervisor of studies, Dr. Wilson, who was the supervisor of the study. Jane Hughes recently retired, and the authors of the work considered it necessary to pay tribute, devoting a colleague an important discovery.
The study showed that Australian scientists were really lucky, and they discovered a new kind of unusual spiders. Strong differences in appearance, as well as well-hidden burrows, make it possible to distinguish the Cryptofori genus from other genera of the trapdoor spider family that live in East Australia.
