Journal

Return of the Eight-Spotted Crab Spider

on
11 August 2012

The Eight-Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) has been an elusive subject to many macro photographers, appearing in the Singapore macro scene a small handful of times per year, despite being possibly the largest of all Crab Spiders (Thomisidae) in Singapore.

It was thanks to Victor and David who found this rare little spider and alerted a few of us who rushed over to take a few shots. (ok ok.. more than a few shots)

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_2995#1 Probably a juvenile but nearing adulthood. The “panda eyes” were barely visible and slightly faded.

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_2997#2 Many have questioned why this is called the Eight-Spotted Crab Spider but only see 7 spots on the abdomen. Where did the 8th spot go? Did they kind of merge to form a larger spot nearer to the carapace?

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3002#3 Rear view of the spinnerets. Could this be.. the 8th spot? It is said that the 8th spot is hidden underneath. I did not get to shoot the underside of this spider, forgot to bring a piece of glass for this, but come to think of it, it is possible to shoot the spider from behind a normal UV filter!

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3000#4 Lateral (side) view reveals ridged patterns on the side of the abdomen

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3003#5 Defensive stance, raising it’s forelegs up at me

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3011#6 Full dorsal view (top). The last 3 segments of each leg (Tarsus, Metatarsus and Tibia) are slightly transparent, typical of juveniles.

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3012#7 Only seeing this once in 2 years, so I’m taking more shots!!

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3014#8 Fore legs occasionally reach the mouth parts for some cleaning

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3017#9 Another view of the faded “panda eyes”. The full adult would have solid black “panda eyes”

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3027#10 Closer view of the spinnerets

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3032#11 Experimental lighting to highlight the translucent legs

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3047#12 Another view with less fill light

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3050#13 Peekaboo view of the fangs

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3056#14 It couldn’t resist and went on to clean it’s claws again

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3063#15 Just in case, got another lateral shot

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3069#16 This was the original leaf that it was located on.

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3070#17 Face shot. Slightly higher angle to get the chelicerae in focus

Eight Spotted Crab Spider (Platythomisus octomaculatus) - DSC_3074#18 With a full frontal shot, the chelicerae would be out of focus

While waiting to shoot the yellow gem, took some random shots of subjects around the area.

DSC_2974#19 Pill shaped planthopper?

Flightless Tiger Beetle (Tricondyla sp.) - DSC_3080#20 Flightless Tiger Beetle (Tricondyla sp.) I had a full post on a Katydid mimicking this particular Tiger Beetle.

Flightless Tiger Beetle (Tricondyla sp.) - DSC_3083#21 Side view

Flightless Tiger Beetle (Tricondyla sp.) - DSC_3086#22 It was walking around non-stop, so I just took more random angles

Flightless Tiger Beetle (Tricondyla sp.) - DSC_3088#23 Final shot before it got really impatient with me and disappeared into the bushes

The full album can be viewed here.

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NICKY BAY
Singapore

Hi my name is Nicky Bay. I am a macro photographer, instructor and book author, travelling the world to document the vast micro biodiversity that nature has to offer. Follow my updates and discover with me the incredible beauty and science behind our planet's micro creatures!

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