Micromata: everyone has encountered it, but what is this special green spider (7 photos)

Everyone has seen a little green spider in a village or city. Usually, it is completely ignored and remains somewhere in the background of the general perception of the world. But today we will give it the attention it deserves!





So strong spring that everything instantly turns green. Even spiders.



When you overdo it with energy drinks.

The green micromata is the only representative of the huntsman spider family in some areas. The name "huntsman spider" is not given for nothing - our hero does not weave threads. He does not need a web. He is a true tiger of bushes and lawns. Micromata sits in the greenery and catches insects with furious jumps from an ambush.





Rrrr... Just look! A tiger caught a deer! Wildlife is amazing.

Micromata's camouflage is extremely powerful - the spider loves green so much that it even lays eggs of the same color. The secret lies in the spider's hemolymph, namely, in a special substance - micromatabilin. This bile pigment colors all the tissues of the predator green.



Spider eggs. I don't want to admit it, but it looks somehow... appetizing?

The green pigment camouflages perfectly. Micromata hunts calmly in the middle of the day. Other spiders cannot afford this, since they are easily detected by birds.



It is worth noting that the male micromats are smaller and have a reddish abdomen. They are taking a big risk, because their camouflage is so-so.

Micromats are pronounced loners, who can only be moved to communicate with their relatives by the desire for love. However, males do not waste time on courtship. The female can gobble you up at any moment, so it is easier to attack first! The male lies in wait for the female, just like his prey. As soon as the female is within reach, the male suddenly attacks her from above, fixing her abdomen with his jaws. The male probably injects a small amount of poison, as the female remains motionless during the entire mating process, which can last up to six hours! However, even after a successful date, the guy will still soon die - he has fulfilled his biological duty.



The only purpose of the micromata is to wrap the eggs in a cocoon.

The micromata is a successful species. Spiders are widespread throughout Eurasia and even in North Africa. They are completely harmless to humans, they cannot harm in any way - the strength of their jaws is not enough to bite through the skin. But there are many benefits! Each individual actively mows down annoying bugs throughout its territory. Don't be afraid of this spider, it's cool!



And gummy!