| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Suborder: | Araneomorphae |
| Superfamily: | Dictynoidea |
| Family: Genus: | Desidae Desis |
Where seen?
This little spider is commonly seen on many of our shores: on rocky shores, coral rubble areas and reefs. It is more active at night.
Features:
Body to about 1cm. The spider has long furry legs. It is greyish sometimes with a pink tinge. At high tide, it hides in air pockets among crevices of submerged rocks. It emerges at low tide to hunt. It can 'walk' on water, scuttling rapidly over the water. Its hairy feet prevent it from breaking the water surface tension.
What does it eat?
These spiders have been seen with tiny crickets and little shrimps in their jaws.
Status and threats:
Status and threats:
The Marine spider is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the Red List of threatened animals of Singapore.
According to the Singapore Red Data Book: "The type specimen was collected at the reefs fringing Sentosa. Loss of the natural intertidal zone in reefs and rocky shores would threaten its survival."
Credit: http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/arachnida/desis.htm
According to the Singapore Red Data Book: "The type specimen was collected at the reefs fringing Sentosa. Loss of the natural intertidal zone in reefs and rocky shores would threaten its survival."
Credit: http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/arachnida/desis.htm
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