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desert funnelweb spider Agelenidae This medium sized spider lives at the bottom of its funnel shaped web and runs out to subdue the prey which falls onto the web. After the prey is subdued and wrapped in silk, it is dragged to the retreat at the bottom of the web to be consumed. You don't see the spider? Of course not -- it's hiding at the bottom.Here's one that came out.. |
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solpugid Eremobates sp. Also known as "Sun Spiders" these voracious nocturnal predators live in warm, arid regions of the world. Solpugids feed upon a variety of small animals including vertebrates. Solpugids eat much more than other arachnids of comparable size and are thus quite beneficial as a limiting factor for potentially destructive organisms. |
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wolf spider Lycosa sp. Wolf spiders have good vision and swiftly chase down their prey rather than snaring them in a web. The female wolf spider carries her egg sac attached to her spinnerets until the eggs hatch. The young spiders then ride on her back until the first molt of their exoskeleton. |
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velvet mite Dinothrombium sp These quarter inch arachnids emerge following the first heavy summer rains, coinciding with the emergence of winged termites on their nuptial flight. These are the velvet mite's sole food. Termites provide rich nutrients which allow for a brief visit to the surface to feed, mate, lay eggs and return to the soil. |
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desert tarantula Aphonopelma chalcodes Tarantulas live in silk-lined burrows in the ground. To capture its prey, the tarantula lies in wait at the burrow entrance, quickly jumping out to seize a passing insect and and drag it back into its burrow. Tarantulas are docile animals with a mild venom and are not dangerous to people. |
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desert harvestman Liobunum towndsendi Also called Daddy-long-legs, these harmless arachnids feed primarily upon small insects and decaying vegetation. This species is common in the saguaro/paloverde community and can be found in decaying vegetation including saguaro. Like mites and ticks, harvestmen can be distinguished from spiders in that their two body regions are fused. |
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tail-less whip scorpion Paraphrynus mexicanus Primarily a tropical group, this species lives in the foothills surrounding Tucson and is most frequently seen on moist summer nights. The very long front legs are referred to as ANTENNIFORM LEGS. The animal uses them to "feel" its way about and to locate its insect prey, which is captured with the spiny pedipalps. Learn more |
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bark scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus The most common scorpion in the saguaro/paloverde community is the bark scorpion, whose sting produces a painful burning and tingling sensation but no swelling. It can be life threatening, particularly to small children. Healthy adults and older children, however, seldom experience more than a few hours of discomfort. |
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pseudoscorpion Dinocheirus arizonensis These minute creatures are especially common among the debris of fallen and decaying saguaros. They feed upon the tiny insects and arachnids that share this microhabitat. Like spiders, pseudoscorpions possess silk glands for the construction of silken egg cases and molting chambers. |