Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Portia Jumping Spider




I was amazed by this jumping spider! This spider lives in Australia, and belongs to a certain family of over 5000 jumping spiders! However, this spider isn't as friendly as the average spider - it eats other spiders! It is amazingly intellingent for a spider. It can problem solve, and even learn 'different languages'. For example, it will go onto another spider's web and tug at the stands in the same way a trapped insect would. When the unfortunate spider comes to investigate, SNAP go the Portia's mandibles, and the spider's body is slowly turned into digestive juices. The Portia will ingest this grusome spider smoothie with delight. But the Portia has more tricks up it's sleeve. Sometimes it will mimmick the 'mating calls' of other spiders. It will tug on the other spider's web in the exact way a male spider of the same species would. When the female comes over, the Portia gets another smoothie. And if that doesn't work, the Portia can always drop down on it's own thread to within striking distance of the prey spider. All in all, this is one AMAZING and smart little spider!! P.S- here is a link to a great video of the spider! http://videos.howstuffworks.com/animals/fooled-by-nature-videos-playlist.htm#video-28357

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