Scourge spiders

the scourge spiders (Amblypygi) are an order of the Kieferklauenträger and at the same time the Arachnids (Arachnida). World-wide are only100 kinds of these animals admits, which reach a body size from 10 to 45 mm. Nearly all scourge spiders live most in the Tropics and Subtropen, in rain forests. In the Mediterranean area two kinds occur, one of it also in Europe.

Are by their flat body thoseScourge spiders in the situation to hide itself under stones. They move usually slowly and ore branches with its feeler legs the environment, frequently move them thereby sideways. Its booty (crickets, moths and other small Gliederfüsser) ore branches it with the help of these legs andpack they very fast with the Pedipalpen converted to catch pliers.

building of the scourge spiders

the scourge spiders a flat body, as with the Web spiders by a body handle (Petiolus) into a front body (Prosoma) and an abdomen (Opisthosoma) dividedbecomes. Both body parts are clearly arranged. The Pedipalpen represents pronounced catch apparatuses, which remind far away of those of the catch grasshoppers. The first pair of run legs forms very long feeler legs (with the 39 mm are enough kind Heterophrynus longicornis up to 30 mm long) as with the scourge scorpios, thosea multiplicity of the original members possess. As run legs only the following 3 pairs serve according to. Military or Giftdrüsen is missing to the scourge spiders.

reproduction and development

the males of the scourge spiders carry frequently harmless rival fights with its feeler legs out, for the favour of the females tooexcite. Afterwards they turn away from the female and platzieren themselves a sperm cells package (Spermatophore) between itself and the Partnerin. After they turned again, they try to lure the female over the Spermatophore, so that it can take up these.

Web on the left of

• scourge spidersin Europe and North Africa (pdf)