Comments on: 8 strange but true spider facts

By: Simon

Simon — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:06:00 +0000

Nice article, but I suspect an inaccuracy.
“New-world tarantulas are capable of flinging off tiny irritating hairs, known as urticating hairs, to deter potential predators, similar to a porcupine using its quills as a defense.”

Is this true?
Do they actually propel these hairs toward predators, or, as I believe is the case with porcupines, simply discard them when they make contact?
Perhaps “casting off” would be better than “flinging off” .

By: Dave C

Dave C — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:28:28 +0000

There are very few animals that are cuter than a salticid!

By: spiderabc1

spiderabc1 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:26:18 +0000

Thank you, informative and great pics. Happy Halloween. Might dress as a red widow.

By: Adam

Adam — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:03:52 +0000

If you had to be a spider, which one would you be?

I’d be number 7! Thanks for sharing this interesting article.