In yet another volume of "this exists" , today I bring you this crazy ass creature!
Looks a bit like a face hugger doesn't it? 馃槀
So, what is this crazy spider-lizard hybrid?
Well, turns out it is a spider. And not surprisingly, it originates from Australia where most weird monsters animals come from.
Scientifically described Ariamnes colubrinus and commonly known as the whip spider this critter can be found in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Needless to say, their common names is derived from their elongated, worm like body.
Fortunately, they are quite small in size, males have a length of about 1.3 cm while females are almost double, at 2.2 cm
I tried to find mote info about their body and why it is so long but unfortunately I couldn't find anything about this weird adaption.
I even asked chatgbt
Why is Ariamnes colubrinus so long?
Here's what it answered
Ariamnes colubrinus is a species of spider known for its elongated body. The length of its body is likely an adaptation that helps it move through its environment more efficiently. The spider's long, slender body allows it to navigate through narrow crevices and tight spaces, which may be advantageous in its hunting and mating behaviors. Additionally, the spider's elongated body may help it to avoid predators by allowing it to quickly retreat into small hiding places.
Honestly, it sounds to me like made up shit, something really common for when chatgbt is asked something on which it knows little or nothing about.
Feel free to chip in the comments if you happen to know! I will leave some links at the end of this post in case you want to learn more or see more photos of this bizarre creature.
If I was to take a guess I'd say it's for camouflage to look like a twig or something.
Ok, one last photo
Damn, so creepy 馃槀
References and Further Reading