Long-Jawed Orbwaver

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Precarious

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I didn't realize we had such monsters locally! I found this male Long-Jawed Orbweaver along the Monocacy Creek. Didn't add him to the 'Walk in the Woods" thread because I thought he was interesting enough to get his own post.

Big thanks to Kitkat39 for the ID.

Spiderjaws_2011-sm.jpg


Brought him home to take pics before I set him free. Would love to see how he eats with those massive mandibles! Will try to catch that on video.

Those knobs at the end of his palps (the feelers by the mouth) are used during mating. They contain a reservoir that holds sperm to transfer to the female.

Long-JawedOrb_2066-sm.jpg


Long-JawedOrb_2067-sm.jpg


Long-JawedOrb_2075-sm.jpg


Long-JawedOrb_2085-sm.jpg


Found this little freakazoid too. Will try to get better pics of those palps.

Anyone have an ID for this?

Spiderred_2020-sm.jpg


 
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We have tons of those in florida (long-jawed orb weavers) they make quick and easy meals of the tons of mayflies that come out at dusk... It is awesome watching them eat, you'll enjoy it! :)

 
I see the longjaws up here in the Pacific NW too. They look very similar to yours (though my photos always pale in comparison). I never noticed those spikes before either. Maybe I'll get a little closer next time.

 


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