A rare kind of spiders known as “sequined spiders”, “mirror spiders” or “twin peaked Thwaitesia” is found in all states of Australia. Like you must’ve already guessed, this species of spiders literally has silvery sequins on their body.
The reflective scales on their abdomen are composed of reflective guanine, which these spiders use to give themselves color. The colors can be cream, green, yellow, or red. Male spiders are no longer then 3mm while female spiders can grow up to 4mm. There is no specification regarding their eggs or whether they form a web or not. But, they predate on small insects and live on leaves like all other species of animals.
Under microscopic view, it can be observed that these patches pulsate with the spider’s heartbeat which helps them to change the size of them when threatened. A shiny effect is created as the scales reflect light and it works in the spider’s favor as it can camouflage through this.
It is a fact that many species with distinctively attractive body features are venomous to humans. Whether it is the case with this beauty as well or not is yet to find out.
The following photographs were shot in Australia and Singapore.
Mother Nature is indeed a wonderful creator.
Reading, creative writing, poetry writing, and language learning have been my passions since I was young. I have won many Japanese and Chinese language competitions, and many national-level creative writing, art & oratory competitions too. I am still schooling, and passed my O/Levels with distinction passes for English Literature, Japanese, and English. I have also completed my Certificate of Human Resource Management.
