Scientific Spider study

CrimsonWhite

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Mar 13, 2006
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Guntucky
Very interesting findings on spiders.

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Ugly, ain't it?...
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New spider species resembles Harry Potter 'Sorting Hat'
Thu, 15 Dec 2016 - A newly discovered spider bears an "uncanny" resemblance to a magical hat in the Harry Potter books.
The Eriovixia gryffindori, measuring just 7mm in length, closely resembles the magical artefact in the series. The spider takes its name from Godric Gryffindor, the fictional owner of the hat. It was discovered in the mountainous Western Ghats region of south-western India. "We were searching the area (when) we bumped into the spider," Javed Ahmed, one of three researchers who made the discovery, told the BBC's Five Live. "When we found it we decided that we were going to name it after the sorting hat," the self-professed fan said.

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The Eriovixia Gryffindori (R) pictured next to the Sorting Hat (L)​

The spider is an "ode to draw attention to the fascinating, but oft overlooked world of invertebrates,", said the scientists in a paper published by the Indian Journal of Arachnology. The spider mimics dried foliage in order to hide from its predators.

The find did not go unnoticed by JK Rowling, the author of the wizarding books. "(Ms Rowling) is absolutely thrilled. She said she was honoured and congratulated us," said Mr Ahmed. "How many science geeks and nerds get to name a species after their favourite character and actually get congratulated by the author?", he said. The discovery coincides with the recent release of Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which tells the tale of an animal-loving magic zoologist.

New spider species resembles Harry Potter 'Sorting Hat' - BBC News
 
I take my cat for walks, and he prefers the night.

Just after dusk is when the spiders come out of their lairs.

With a bright enough LED flashlight you can spot the spiders by their glowing eyes -- all 8 of them.

My cat spots them with listening however.

When he finds one, he plays with it, pawing it, and bats it around like any prey.

Spiders are the most intelligent of the creeping things.

They show various defense mechanisms, such as curling up or hiding, when they are faced with a giant such as a cat.

When they get the chance the spiders will scurry away and hide, then not move at all, so that the cat cannot hear them any longer. Spiders are the only creeping thing that evidence thinking and fear.

When the cat finally loses interest and wanders off, the spider will climb a tree for safety.

I have grown to respect and empathize with spiders.

Although spiders are fierce predators themselves with potent venom and fangs, they are also smart enough not to even put up a fight against a giant uber-predator like a cat, unlike stupider insects like bees and wasps which do.

And if you shine a bright LED flashlight at the trunk of any tree at night, anything bright that reflects back is probably the eyes of a spider watching you.
 

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