A Flesh Eating Predator (Less than 3 mm long)

In my previous blog post I showed images of Lantana montevidensis.  When I brought the first sprig of Lantana back to the lab a small spider came along for the ride. Because so many different kinds of insects live on and in the Lantana, it makes sense that it would be a good a niche for a tiny predator.

This spider is less than 3mm from the most anterior part of its cephalothorax to the posterior end of its abdomen.

This is not a very detailed study because this is the first spider I have tried to image with the scanning electron microscope.  I had a problem with the build up of charge on the spider (which distorts the image). I will have to do some research and experimentation to figure out how to keep this from happening. 

Never the less, the following images should give you a feel for the marvelous strangeness of spiders - some of my most favorite creatures on the planet. 

Spiders this size can be frustrating to study - I have tended to avoid them. 

Now, thanks to my access to an SEM that will change. [22x]

A closer look at the abdomen [50x]

You may notice the absence of spinnerets on the posterior end.  On this species they are on the ventral surface of the abdomen.

 At 177x ridges on the abdomen become visible.

Dorsal Abdomen [384x]



 A look at the pedicel that connects the cephalothorax (right) to the abdomen (left) [255x]

 Cephalothorax and eyes [90x]

 Cephalothorax and eyes [160x]

Ridges become apparent

Talk about a head shot!  [471x]
I wonder where they got the ideas for Spider Man's costume?

 Femur of the hind most leg on the right side of spider [350x]

Patella at top, Tibia below [200x]

Look carefully and you can see three distinct type of hairs. 

Close up of hair types on tibia [903x]

Affect of charging is obvious - I am going to work on this.

Many years ago I had the opportunity to develop and teach an arachnology course to high school students.  I will be honest, studying spiders is difficult, but we made some progress and my students and I really enjoyed it.  When I changed schools, unfortunately, there was no interest in the class, so I haven't done a lot of spider work for some time.  Chancing upon this little spider has definitely rekindled my interest.

If you would like a chance to see and use a scanning electron microscope to image spiders or anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me.  Eastfield college is dedicated to supporting work in the STEM fields at all levels - for both faculty and students.  If you are not located near Eastfield College, we can still collaborate online.  I Skype.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Murry Gans

Scanning Electron Microscope Lab Coordinator

Eastfield College

mgans@dcccd.edu

972-860-7267

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