Recently Acquired for collection.

Feb 18, 2012 08:26



This is a cave dwelling spider from Peru, the large prickly mandibles at the front are used for grabbing prey, while the long whiplike legs are used as sensory organs to navigate and find food in the dark.  This particular spider does not have silk glands so it doesn't spin webs.  They are one of the few types of spiders thought to show an inclination towards socializing and will group together if given the chance,  the mother even communicates with her young by caressing them with her antennae like sensory legs, and the offspring reciprocate with her and their siblings.



This is a Chilean stag beetle, also known as Darwin's beetle.  The large ferocious looking mandibles of the male are not strong enough to pinch you, but are used for locking with other males in combat during mating.   The fight usually takes place 20 meters above in the trees, the beetle hooks their jaws under the opponents wings, pull up and throw their opponent far to the ground, making it easy for the victor to claim the female.  Charles Darwin in his youth had a great fondness for beetles and had a substantial collection of his own specimens, his collection is on display at the University of Cambridge Zoological Museum.

insects, entomology, collection

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