Arachnaconda

Discovery LocationUnexplored Caves of Borneo

Lead ResearcherDr. Hiroshi Nakamura

Field Report Summary

Physical Description

The Arachnaconda is an enormous anaconda, easily reaching lengths of 15 meters or more. It has the thick, muscular body of an anaconda, but possesses eight small, black, spider-like eyes arranged on the top of its head. The scales are a mottled green and brown, providing camouflage in its swampy habitat. It has two spinnerets at the tip of its tail that produce incredibly strong, sticky silk. The silk is used to create tripwires and sticky patches to ensnare prey. It has small fangs that inject a paralytic venom.

Habitat

Amazonian Rainforest swamps.

Dietary Behavior

Ambush predator that consumes small mammals and birds, injecting venom to paralyze its prey.

Evolutionary Origin

Hypothesized to be a result of horizontal gene transfer, in which an ancient species of spider infected an anaconda.

Behavioral Notes

Constructs intricate webs along cave walls and ceilings to trap unsuspecting prey.