Hersiliidae

Common Name

Tree Trunk Spiders

Overview

Hersiliidae, commonly known as tree trunk spiders, are a family of spiders known for their unique adaptation of living on tree trunks. Members of this family are easily identifiable by their elongated bodies and legs, which help them blend into tree bark and prey upon insects.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Body Orientation: Elongated, with a cylindrical shape
  • Legs: Long and slender, particularly the first two pairs
  • Eyes: Clustered in two rows
  • Spinnerets: Extremely long and whip-like, used to ensnare prey
  • Coloration: Typically brown or gray to camouflage with tree bark

Life Cycle

Hersiliidae spiders undergo several life stages:

  1. Egg: Laid in a silk egg sac attached to tree bark.
  2. Juvenile (Spiderling): Hatch and undergo various molting stages.
  3. Adult: Reach sexual maturity and continue the reproductive cycle.

Behavior and Ecology

Tree trunk spiders are known for their behavior of remaining motionless on tree trunks, blending seamlessly with the bark to avoid predators and ambush prey. They use their long spinnerets to fling silk onto insects that come too close, immobilizing them before feeding.

Notable Species

  • Hersilia savignyi: Found across Africa and Asia; known for its effective use of camouflage.
  • Tama edwardsi: Native to parts of Asia, distinguished by its banded legs.

Conservation

There are no significant conservation concerns for the family Hersiliidae as a whole. Local populations may be affected by deforestation and habitat loss, but many species show resilience to a variety of environmental conditions.

Significance to Humans

Hersiliidae spiders are beneficial in controlling insect populations. Due to their reclusive nature and tendency to remain hidden on tree trunks, they rarely come into direct contact with humans.

Fun Fact Section

  • Ancient Hunters: Hersiliidae spiders have been around for at least 140 million years, dating back to the early Cretaceous period.
  • No Web Architects: Unlike many other spiders, tree trunk spiders do not build traditional webs.
  • Stealth Predators: Their coloration and body shape make them nearly invisible against tree bark, a perfect adaptation for ambushing prey.