Spider Phalanx

From the Latin language spider phalanx is translated as "running away from the sun." In different countries this terrestrial animal is called differently - camel, bichorka, saltwalk, wind scorpion. This species is most common in hot and warm countries of the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

Spider phalanx is a fairly large arthropod, its length can reach 70 millimeters. The animal has a sandy-yellow, brown, whitish color. His body is divided into three sections - the abdomen, chest and head. This is a distinctive feature of spiders of this species. Head convex and very large. The breast is divided into three segments. The abdomen consists of nine to ten segments. Three pairs of extremities are attached to the head section. They correspond to two pairs of jaws and jaws. The remaining segments are attached to the three thoracic segments. The first pair of extremities facing forward is located at the anterior edge of the head. In its functions, it corresponds to jaws and is called chelicera. These oral appendages are rather large, with powerful claws and swollen basal segments. In shape, the forelegs resemble thick, large claws. Their role is to grasp and grind food. The second and third pair of segments (pedipalpi) resemble tentacles, which, when walking, work like legs. Hind legs much longer than others. Bottom, on their basins, are five pairs of peculiar organs (pendants). Their functions could not be reliably determined. It is believed that these are sensory organs. Pedipalps, legs and chelicera are covered with a powerful head shield. The eye lump with two convex pupils is located on the anterior edge of the head shield.

Representatives of this species of spiders can be found in arid regions (Mongolia, the Gobi desert, Greece, the North Caucasus, Spain, Central Asia, Crimea, the Lower Volga region). These animals are predators by nature, so they go hunting mainly at night. They feed on a variety of insects and small arthropods: beetles, termites, mochrits, and lizards. Attacking their prey, spiders make a sharp squeak to intimidate the enemy. Some individuals are so maneuverable that they can overcome the scorpion. The arthropod can develop a speed of more than 16 km / h. In the afternoon, the phalanx of a spider hides in a shelter - these can be burrows of rodents and other animals. And his arthropod location changes every night. Nevertheless, it is not so difficult to see the phalanx. It is necessary to build a large fire, and the sopulga himself will come running into the bright light.

The phalanx spider is characterized by voracity and indiscriminate eating, especially in the case of fertilized females. Matrimonial games take place at night. During mating, the female is so inert that the male has to carry it with her. Fertilization is performed by the spermatophore method. The phalanx-male releases a gluten-like liquid containing sperm, then, with the help of a chelicer, picks it up and sends it to the genital paw of the spider. After coition, the female becomes very active. After a certain time after the absorption of food, she lays eggs in a shallow pit. An adult can reproduce from 40 to 200 larvae. Two to three weeks later, young spiders appear. At first they are inactive, devoid of hair and articulation and are covered with a transparent thin shell. After three weeks, molting begins, the covers are dismembered and hardened. With the appearance of hairs the spider of the phalanx can move. The female is next to the cubs and brings them food until the babies are strong.

The spider has no poisonous glands. However, his bite can cause severe consequences for a person. Large individuals can easily bite the skin of a person. Since on chelicera remains decaying food remains, with a bite they can get into the wound and cause inflammation. Therefore, when attacking the phalanx, it is necessary to treat the damaged area with an antiseptic solution. In 1992, the animal was listed in the Red Book.