Bizarre Extinct Spider Found Entombed In Amber

A previously unheard of type of spider has been found in encased in amber in Myanmar. This spider represents an entirely new species and belongs to the tetrablemmidae family. Although this spider is an early relative of spiders that exist today, this particular spider has some bizarre features.

Spiders from this particular lineage are known for their hard exoskeletons known as a carapaces. The extinct species has a particularly hard exoskeleton as well as extra large fangs that are horn shaped. This unpleasant feature likely evolved so that male and female spiders of this species could recognize spiders.

This species of spider not only says a lot about how these types of spiders evolved, but it also sheds a lot of light on the ecosystem at the time of its existence. For example, the extra hard shell belonging to this species of spider is likely the result of an adaptation to wasp attacks. The harder shell would protect these spiders from wasp attacks in an environment that favored the rapid proliferation of wasps as opposed to eight legged creatures.

What other reasons could there be that could explain why this spiders horn shaped fangs were an evolutionary advantage?

Providing Dallas Pest Control, Houston Pest Control, Austin Pest Control, San Antonio Pest Control Since 1974!