Scorpider

Discovery LocationCaves of New Zealand

Lead ResearcherDr. Hayley Edwards

Field Report Summary

Physical Description

Body of a large, hairy spider with eight legs. Possesses a segmented scorpion tail that curves over its back, ending in a venomous stinger. Chelicerae are modified into small pincers. Covered in thick, black fur. Has eight beady eyes. The abdomen is bulbous and marked with yellow stripes.

Habitat

Dark caves, rainforest floors, and beneath decaying logs.

Dietary Behavior

Captures insects and small cave invertebrates with its web, immobilizing them with venom.

Evolutionary Origin

Thought to have evolved from convergent evolution between cave-dwelling scorpions and spiders.

Behavioral Notes

Creates a complex venom that causes paralysis, using specialized fangs adapted to piercing exoskeleton.