The bird dung crab spider, Phrynarachne decipiens, also known as the bird dung or bird-dropping crab spider, has been documented for the first time in India from Assam’s Chirang Reserve Forest.
- Previously, this species was known to be found in Malaysia, and Indonesia’s Java and Sumatra.
About Phrynarachne decipiens:
- Appearance: The spider mimics bird droppings, including its color and web structure, which aids in camouflage, avoiding predators.
- Size: Measures approximately 13.14 mm in length.
- Habitat: Typically found 1-2 feet above the ground on broad leaves.
- Behavior: The spider remains motionless, blending in with its surroundings to avoid detection by predators and to ambush prey.
Taxonomy and Comparison
- The genus Phrynarachne includes 35 species,:prior to this, only 3 species (P. ceylonica, P. ceeliana, and P. tuberosa) had been described from India.
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is Phrynarachne decipiens?
Phrynarachne decipiens is a crab spider species that mimics bird droppings for camouflage, recently discovered in India.
Where was Phrynarachne decipiens documented in India?
It was documented for the first time in India from Assam’s Chirang Reserve Forest.
How does Phrynarachne decipiens camouflage itself?
The spider mimics the appearance and color of bird droppings to avoid predators and ambush prey.
What is the size of Phrynarachne decipiens?
The spider measures approximately 13.14 mm in length.
How many Phrynarachne species have been recorded in India?
Prior to this, only three species of Phrynarachne had been recorded in India.