Page 55 - The Miracle in the Spider
P. 55
VICE-LIKE
JAWS
This jumping spider,
Mopsus mormon, can
comfortably catch prey up
to five times its own size,
(Left), because it has large
and powerful jaws. When
the spider is not using its
large, black jaws for
hunting, it folds them up
inside its mouth, enabling
it to move around with
ease. Thanks to its
powerful jaws, Mopsus is
able to deal with mice,
and even snakes.
Thanks to its flat body, this New
Zealand spider can easily
camouflage itself between
leaves. (Bottom)
The
Portia
spider has
two features which
distinguish it from other jumping
spiders. The first is its web-spinning,
the second its ogre-face. This
55
appearance gives the spider an
advantage over its enemies. (Right)