Making ideal spider observations
There have been some great spider finds in Utah so far this week, and we're excited to see what else you come across! The bioblitz runs through Sunday 8/8, so there are three more days to find spiders!
If you haven't read NHMU's tips for making ideal spider observations on iNaturalist (submitting images that can be ID'd as much as possible), take a quick read here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/2020-spider-fest-bioblitz/journal/39091-making-ideal-spider-observations-on-inaturalist
Know anyone in central or southern Utah? If so, spread the word! We'd love to see more observations come in from across the state. You can see the map of current observations here.
@tigerbb, what observations have you been excited to see come through so far?
Comments
SO many awesome observations so far!
Tobi Hays (@tobiashays) has found several amazing spiders, including this Sergiolus stella: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/90083592
Mads (@madsess) found a tiny feather-legged orbweaver in Ivins: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/89978985
But you don't have to search out uncommon spiders to find something cool! Laura Cahoon Seavers (@onthelookout365) and @ljtews both found mama wolf spiders carrying backs full of baby spiders:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/89988994
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/89925938
And there have been two observations, by Becky Menlove (@bmenlove) and BJ Nicholls (@bjnicholls) of spitting spiders, which can commonly inhabit homes or dark outside places but often get overlooked. These crazy looking spiders only have 6 eyes (instead of the usual 8) and no fangs! They're slow hunters and immobilize their prey by spitting venomous silk over it in a zig-zag pattern. So cool!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/89857666
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/90091949
Keep up the great observing. I'm loving the arachnid extravaganza!!
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