Australia’s wildlife is nothing short of spectacular, and when you start talking about our spiders, well, you’re in for a real treat – or fright, depending on how you look at it! Purple spiders are the talk of the town with their striking colours that could easily make them contenders for “Australia’s Next Top Model” in the spider world.
But hold your horses; despite all the yarns spun around these critters, there’s plenty of hogwash out there.
So we took a fair dinkum crack at setting the record straight. Because let’s face it: who hasn’t been snagged by curiosity about these vibrant arachnids? Yet before we get too ahead of ourselves thinking purple spiders are as Aussie as Vegemite on toast, turns out the Avicularia purpurea actually calls Ecuador home.
Blimey, right? But that doesn’t dim our enthusiasm one bit; if anything, it shows just how wide-reaching our fascination with unique creepy crawlies can be.
Our blog’s set to sort fact from fiction and give you a squiz at what makes these lil’ beauties tick – from their life cycle and where they prefer to hang their hats (or webs), to what gets their tummies rumbling and how we can lend a hand in keeping them around for generations to come.
Buckle up for an enlightening dive into the colourful world of purple spiders. You’re sure to find some ripper stories waiting for you!
Purple is an unexpected and unusual color to find on a spider. However, there are a number of vibrant purple spider species scattered around the world. While not commonly encountered, these vivid purple arachnids are a testament to the diversity and beauty of nature. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most stunning purple spiders and what makes them display this exotic hue.
Overview of Purple Spiders
Spiders belong to the class Arachnida and owe their purplish colors to a combination of structural coloration and pigmentation Iridescent hair, specialized scales, and pigment cells in the exoskeleton can reflect light to produce purple, blue, and violet tones Some species only exhibit purplish shades at certain life stages or selectively on parts of the body.
Purple spiders span orb weavers, jumping spiders, crab spiders, tarantulas, and more Most inhabit tropical regions like rainforests and are strikingly colored to attract mates Some change color to camouflage against flowers during hunting. While all spiders possess venom, purple species pose no major threat to humans.
Here are some quick facts about these colorful arachnids:
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There are around 17 known species of purple spiders globally. Most occur in South America, Asia, and Australia.
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Purple tarantulas like the Brazilian Pinktoe have velvety, deep purple bodies. The Martinique Pinktoe shifts from blue to red as it grows.
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Jumping spiders such as the Purple Jumping Spider and the Elegant Golden Jumping Spider have vivid purple markings on their bodies and legs.
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In Australia, vibrant Peacock Spiders and Mirror Spiders dazzle with their mix of purple, blue, yellow, red, and green.
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Only male spiders exhibit the bright purple hues in many species. Females are more cryptically colored.
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Crab spiders can change from yellow to purple to match their flower habitat, aiding hunting.
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While all possess venom, purple spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. Bites may cause mild irritation or pain.
Now let’s look closely at some of the amazing purple arachnids found around the world.
Purple Tree Tarantula
The Brazilian Purple Pinktoe Tarantula is a large, arboreal spider found in the tropical forests of South America. As adults, females have deep purple bodies measuring 5-6 inches across while males reach 4 inches. The species gets its name from the pink bands circling the ends of its feet.
During the day, these spiders reveal an intense bluish-purple iridescence. The velvet black abdomen is covered in urticating hairs that irritate skin. Purple Tree Tarantulas build funnel-shaped nests in hollows up in rainforest trees, lined with silk. Though mildly venomous, they move quickly and can flick irritating hairs in defense.
Martinique Pinktoe Tarantula
Widespread on the Caribbean island of Martinique, the Martinique Pinktoe is a docile, colorful tree dweller. As young spiders, they display a stunning metallic blue shade. At maturity, the legs turn green with pink toes, the abdomen shifts to a mix of red, purple, and brown, all covered in dramatic purple hairs.
Reaching 15 cm across, Martinique Pinktoes construct silk retreats inside holes in tree trunks and leaves. More active at night, these harmless spiders hunt small prey like insects and frogs. Their leg span, unique purple hues, and gentle nature make them popular exotic pets.
Peacock Spiders
Among the most vibrantly colored spiders, Peacock Spiders are tiny jumpers exclusively found in Australia. Males of many species have patterns of brilliant purple, blue, green, yellow, black, and red covering their abdomens. Two such examples are the Coastal Peacock and Robinson’s Peacock Spiders.
To attract mates, male Peacock Spiders will lift their abdomens and shake or flip them, displaying the vivid colors. This also serves to intimidate competing males. The vibrant hues help them stand out in the dim light of the forest floor. Though small in size, Peacock Spiders captivate with their stunning rainbow palettes.
Mirror Spiders
Another Australian native, the Mirror Spider impresses with its shimmering, sequined look. Its abdomen flashes with shades of purple, blue, yellow, green, white, and red. Controllable scales allow it to expand or contract the reflective patches across its body.
When the Mirror Spider feels threatened or excited, it can adjust these iridescent scales to appear more or less visible. This helps the spider communicate among its kind and possibly startle predators. Though small, around 5mm, their color-shifting abilities make them a standout in Australia’s diverse spider population.
Purple-Backed Jumping Spider
Jumping spiders actively hunt prey instead of building webs. The Purple-Backed Jumping Spider inhabits Australia and gets its common name from the bright violet coloring on the male’s abdomen. Females reach around 5 mm in length compared to the larger 7 mm males.
During breeding season, the male engages in an intricate, vibratory dance to attract a mate, showing off its metallic body. Its jumping and hunting abilities are aided by a row of four large eyes on its front that give it excellent vision. Though colorful, this agile spider poses no threat to people.
Crab Spiders
Crab spiders display an amazing ability – they can change their color from yellow to purple to better camouflage against flowers! It takes around 2-20 days for them to achieve complete color change. This helps them ambush pollinating insects that land on the blooms.
Though they possess venom, their mouthparts are too small to bite humans. As sit-and-wait predators, crab spiders remain in the same flower, slowly shifting their hue to be less visible. Their color adaptations allow them to perfectly blend into blossoms of many colors.
In Summary
While purple is an unexpected spider color, numerous species around the globe display exotic violet, purple, and blue tones. Advanced coloration mechanisms like structural purples, pigmentation, and controlled color-shifting allow these spiders to communicate, attract mates, evade predators, and hunt prey.
So if you come across a vibrant purple spider in your travels, take a moment to admire its beauty before gently sending it on its way. These colorful creatures are an amazing example of nature’s boundless creativity. With many species still yet to be discovered, there may be even more stunning purple arachnids awaiting revelation in forests worldwide.
Conservation Status and Threats
We’re diving deep into the world of the purple tarantula, uncovering its struggle against predators and environmental challenges. Its conservation status raises alarms about the urgent need for protective measures to ensure these unique spiders continue to thrive in Australia’s diverse ecosystem.
Australia hosts a remarkable array of wildlife, including the stunning purple tarantula. Its vibrant colour doesn’t just attract the eye of humans; it also draws in various predators that pose a threat to its survival.
We face a significant challenge in understanding the conservation status of the purple spider species here. This creature, primarily found in the vast Amazon region of Ecuador, remains shrouded in mystery within Australia’s borders due to scant research and documentation efforts.
Our knowledge gaps make it difficult to grasp fully or address any threats that this exotic tarantula faces on our soil.
Conservation efforts specifically targeting this spider are virtually non-existent locally, posing a risk not only to its survival but potentially affecting native ecosystems as well.
It’s crucial for us enthusiasts who cherish our natural world to advocate for more extensive studies and protection measures for these elusive creatures. Perhaps through increased awareness and scientific inquiry, we can better understand how they fit into our ecological tapestry.
Let’s turn our attention now towards their diet and reproduction habits, another fascinating aspect of their existence that sheds light on their role in nature’s complex web.
Plants and Natural Environment Interactions (Link: https://gardenplantjoy. com. au/blogs/plants)
Our gardens and local ecosystems often benefit from understanding the complex relationships between plants and their natural surroundings. This knowledge can significantly impact how we approach gardening, emphasising the importance of creating environments that support both our beloved plants and native wildlife.
The Purple Tree Tarantula, Avicularia purpurea, showcases a fascinating interaction with its environment that garden enthusiasts should appreciate. These spiders use plant leaves to create shelters for protection against predators and harsh weather conditions.
Their presence in gardens can indicate a balanced ecosystem where various species coexist harmoniously.
Incorporating native plants into our gardens attracts beneficial insects which, in turn, provides food for predators like the Purple Tree Tarantula. Such interactions highlight the delicate balance within natural ecosystems and remind us of our role in maintaining this equilibrium.
Choosing plants wisely not only beautifies our spaces but also supports local fauna, including these unique tarantulas. Encouraging such biodiversity ensures healthier gardens by promoting natural pest control methods and contributing to ecological stability.
Understanding these interactions further enriches our gardening practices, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly. We learn to value the interconnectedness between flora and fauna, recognising each plant we select has an impact beyond mere aesthetics or personal satisfaction.
Adopting strategies that enhance these natural relationships fosters a thriving garden ecosystem where diverse life forms flourish together.
We’ve journeyed through the incredible world of Australia’s purple spider species. These astonishing creatures dazzle with their purple-blue iridescence, showcasing nature’s artistry.
Their ability to adapt and thrive in diverse habitats highlights their resilience. Whether nestled in tree hollows or finding refuge in urban spaces, they play a crucial role in our ecosystems.
Let’s cherish and protect these fascinating beings for future generations to marvel at.
Itsy Bitsy Spider Nursery Rhyme | Kids Songs | by Little Angel
FAQ
Is a purple spider poisonous?
Are purple spider bites dangerous to humans? Generally, bites from a purple spider are not considered dangerous to humans. Their venom isn’t potent enough to cause serious harm; however, it’s always wise to exercise caution around any wildlife.
What are purple spiders called?
Avicularia purpurea, also called purple tree tarantula, Ecuadorian purple tarantula or Ecuador purple pinktoe, is a species of spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas).
Why is spider blood purple?
Amazing! Octopi and spiders have blue blood. Instead of hemoglobin with iron, they have what is called hemocyanin which contains the protein copper.
Are zebra spiders safe?
Are They Dangerous? These spiders are not aggressive biters and will not bite unless handled or otherwise threatened. They do produce venom, which is used to subdue their prey, but this spider’s venom is likely only to cause minimal injury to humans since the spiders are so small.
Which Spider has a purple color on its body?
Another species of spider found in the world with a vibrant purple color on its body, here is Chrysilla Volupe, a species of spider commonly found in Asia. The coloration of their body makes them stand out among other species present on Earth. The presence of blue stripes o a red-orange body is mesmerizing, and for females, they show yellow legs.
Is purple a common color for spiders?
Purple is not a common color when it comes to spiders, but the spiders listed above all have beautiful purple coloration. Some are popular in the pet trade for their vibrant colors, while others are easily identified in nature.
Why are spiders purple?
Purple colors in spiders are often caused by iridescence. The coloration is sometimes found in conjunction with other prominent colors, such as pink toes. a) Are Purple Spiders Rare? Purple spiders are only found in limited habitats.
Do purple spiders live on Earth?
The color and habitat vary; here is all you need to know about purple spiders present on Earth.
What is a purple-gold jumping spider?
Irura bidenticulata, commonly known as the purple-gold jumping spider, is a species of salticid. As the name implies, while females tend to take on a more dull coloration, males are characterized by their striking, shiny magenta-gold patterned bodies. Discovered in 2011, the spider had initially been mistaken for a member of the Simaetha genus.
What is an example of a purple Spider?
Some notable examples include the Purple Jumping Spider, the Purple Orb-Weaver Spider, and the Purple Huntsman Spider. These species can be found in diverse habitats, ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Their adaptability and resilience contribute to their survival in various ecosystems across the globe.