Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Unknown insect
Posted by Alvesgaspar on 26-08-2014 00:38
#1
This one is most puzzling to me, doesn't even look like an insect. About 5mm long, found in house. Any idea?
Thanks,
Joaquim
Posted by Alvesgaspar on 26-08-2014 00:39
#2
... another view
Posted by Dmitry Gavryushin on 26-08-2014 07:29
#3
A close relative of
Hexapodus benedictus (cf. Jules Verne)
Posted by Tony Irwin on 26-08-2014 10:21
#4
Scytodes fusca - an American spider that has become established in Europe, or
Scytodes vetulina
Edited by Tony Irwin on 26-08-2014 10:26
Posted by Alvesgaspar on 27-08-2014 16:49
#5
Thank you, Dmitry and Tony. It seems I was fooled by the lack of the front legs! Any idea on how they could be lost and which species are more likely to loose them?
Joaquim
Posted by Tony Irwin on 27-08-2014 21:59
#6
This is one of the spitting spiders, which use a double stream of glue, squirted from specially adapted chelicerae to catch their prey. The glue dries on exposure to air, and (if properly applied) will restrain the prey item, so that the spider simply walks up to it and bites it on an extremity. Once the venom has taken effect, the spider can dine in leisure and safety. Occasionally the prey may not be sufficiently "tied down", and I guess accidents happen in these circumstances. Alternatively it may just be the result of a problem moult. Either way, it doesn't help us identify this female. Someone more familiar with the species may be able to say which on the basis of colour pattern, but the on-line images I have seen are not helpful in that respect. :|