Dinopis
Dinopis | |
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Dinopis subrufa | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Arachnida |
Order: | Araneae |
Family: | Dinopidae |
Genus: | Dinopis Macleay, 1839 |
Dinopis is the genus name for the more commonly named Gladiator Spider, Ogre faced spider, or Net casting spider. It is found in eastern Australian forests. It has a relatively long and thin abdomen for a spider, with a small cephalothorax (the fused head and thorax of a spider.) It possesses an unorthodox and remarkable hunting technique. First the spider creates a frame between branches of a bush using a dry silk. Holding onto this, a small square net is constructed by it, using a sticky and very elastic silk. This is done in a place where the capture of insects is unlikely. Dinopis then removes it and holds it between the two pairs of forelegs, then hanging down from a silk thread, it hovers a few inches above the ground. When an insect walks by, Dinopis springs, ensnaring the unfortunate insect in the net. After consuming its meal, it will find a dark hiding spot for the day, as their eyes are extremely sensitive.