Bill W Posted February 16 Posted February 16 3 hours ago, sandrewn said: Male pink crab spider on top of female (P. onustus) Damn, there's such a huge difference in the size of the male and female spider that it looks like one of her kids on her back, not her mate. 2
sandrewn Posted February 19 Posted February 19 ELECTRON MICROSCOPE PHOTO Image of a spider’s silk spigots By MicroAngela Yikes, this is AWESOME — a super close-up of a spider producing silk for a web! 1
Bill W Posted February 19 Posted February 19 8 hours ago, sandrewn said: ELECTRON MICROSCOPE PHOTO Image of a spider’s silk spigots By MicroAngela Yikes, this is AWESOME — a super close-up of a spider producing silk for a web! Such an interesting and intimate look at this. 1
sandrewn Posted February 20 Posted February 20 Spitting spiders - nature's strangest hunters Spitting spiders - nature's strangest hunters - Institute for Molecular Bioscience - University of Queensland 1 1
Bill W Posted February 24 Posted February 24 (edited) On 2/23/2026 at 10:28 AM, sandrewn said: Yellow harvestman (Opiliones sp.) Damn, that does even look like a spider. Legs appear to be straight, with no joints, so how would a spider be able to walk? Edited February 25 by Bill W make a change 1
Site Moderator TalonRider Posted February 24 Site Moderator Posted February 24 Maybe like walking on stilts.? 1 1
sandrewn Posted February 25 Posted February 25 14 hours ago, Bill W said: I hope this wasn't what Tiny Tim in a Christmas Carol, or one of his descendants, grew up to be. He definitely wasn't a good-looking guy. But a face I will always remember, RIP my friend. Did you know he died while singing that song! Famous Funerals - Tiny Tim #history #funeral #famous #death #tinytim #ukelele #opencasket #rip - YouTube 1
Bill W Posted February 26 Posted February 26 4 hours ago, sandrewn said: Now that spider does appear to be walking on stilts. I'm not sure if it's an optical illusions of how big it is, but it looks huge compared to its background. 2
Site Moderator TalonRider Posted March 4 Site Moderator Posted March 4 Another beauty from the spider world. 2
sandrewn Posted March 6 Posted March 6 7 minutes ago, Bill W said: Unfortunately, I was unable to view the video this link directed me to, but I looked up the following information: Spiders survive winter by entering a dormant state called diapause, seeking shelter in protected areas like leaf litter, under bark, or in soil, and by producing glycerol-based "antifreeze" compounds in their body fluids to prevent freezing. Many species die after laying eggs in protective, insulated sacs, while others remain active on warm winter days. Antifreeze Compounds: They undergo a process called cold hardening, where their bodies produce glycerol to lower the freezing point of their bodily fluids, preventing cell rupture. Diapause (Dormancy): Many spiders enter a state of suspended animation, significantly slowing their metabolism to survive with little to no food. Overwintering in Egg Sacs: Many adult spiders die in the fall, having already produced tough, insulated silk egg sacs that protect the next generation until spring. Indoor Survival: Common house spiders simply stay active, relying on the warmth of homes and buildings to survive. Active Survival: On warmer winter days, some spiders may emerge from hiding and can even be found moving on top of the snow, having survived in the subnivean zone (the layer between snow and ground). Shelter and Insulation: Spiders hide in spots that protect them from freezing temperatures, such as under logs, in rock crevices, deep inside wood piles, or deep within leaf litter, which acts as insulation . I tried the link and it works for me. The info you found was great, thank you. 1
Site Moderator TalonRider Posted March 7 Site Moderator Posted March 7 It was the same for me. I think you have to join in order to view their content. I agree, that was some good information. 2
Bill W Posted March 8 Posted March 8 1 hour ago, TalonRider said: Come along, my pretty. Actually, it reminds me more of Darth Vader, rather than the witch in The Wizard of Oz. 2
Bill W Posted March 8 Posted March 8 2 hours ago, sandrewn said: The dragon spider - look at that tail. Does it also breathe fire? Lovely ruby red/black color! 2
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