Do you have a favorite spider?
That is a difficult question, given that Araneae are so diverse. So determining an absolute favourite is complex.
Concerning venomous spiders, my favourites are of the genus Latrodectus, or widow spiders. Their venom latrotoxin is neurotoxic, it causes a release of presynaptic neurotransmitters, causing muscle cramps, pain, sweating, nausea and difficulty breathing.
The females have much bigger venom glands and more venom, bite more often than males, who get eaten after mating, quite a fitting name, widow.
The most venomous spider in the world, Phoneutria nigriventer or Brazilian wandering spider is also quite fascinating. It's venom is also neurotoxic, called PhTx3, a calcium channel blocker that inhibits glutamate release and reuptake of glumatate and calcium. This induces paralysis and loss of muslce control, difficulty breathing, severe pain, increased blood pressure and heart rate, vomiting and quite funnily enough priapism. Maybe not that funny. A bit.
Another species of spider that I find quite fascinating are peacock spiders Maratus volans. They have a keen eyesight and developed a special visual system that enables them to sense ultraviolet light as well. They do not use webs, but stalk and hunt their prey.
But the most notable characteristic is their fascinating courtship ritual. The males have colourful abdomen flaps, thus the name peacock, which they vibrate, one pair of their legs raised up and clapping, while they dance for the female. Quite endearing. They make vibrating sounds with different patterns, as if to sing as well. Females choose a mate based on the quality of the dance, the visual display, vibrations, as well as eye contact.
However, if the female is not pleased, she might attack, kill and eat the male. That could also happen during mating, cannibalising the male. Seems that is a reoccuring pattern in spiders. It is quite a clever strategy, in species where the male does not contribute anything to the rearing of the offspring, at least giving the female a nice meal to give her more energy for the exhaustive task of producing offspring. Maybe humans could learn something from spiders.
So those are my favourite spiders.
