What’s it called?The Hilton Pasilobus, or The Hilton moth-deceiver. The scientific name is Pasilobus dippenaarae. Sorry, it was not named after Jaco Dippenaar, but was named to honour one of South Africa’s foremost arachnologists, Dr. Ansie Dippenaar-Schoeman.
Is it rare?
Very. About 7 specimens have been seen since the first known sighting, which was in 2001. All were found within a 20km radius of Pietermaritzburg.
Very. About 7 specimens have been seen since the first known sighting, which was in 2001. All were found within a 20km radius of Pietermaritzburg.
Is it poisonous?
(Which I take to mean ‘Is it dangerously venomous to people?) No.
(Which I take to mean ‘Is it dangerously venomous to people?) No.
Where is it?
Most spiders, including this kind, only live for a few months as adults. They then lay eggs and die. The spiders used to describe the species were found along the Gwen’s stream, first in 2006, and then again in 2014. We may find them there again between February and June.
Most spiders, including this kind, only live for a few months as adults. They then lay eggs and die. The spiders used to describe the species were found along the Gwen’s stream, first in 2006, and then again in 2014. We may find them there again between February and June.
What do they eat?
As adults, almost certainly only male moths.
As adults, almost certainly only male moths.
How do you know that?
This spider is part of a bigger group of spiders that specialize in capturing male moths by using deceptive chemical mimicry. They release a scent that resembles a female moth, and male moths are attracted, caught in a specialized web, and eaten.
This spider is part of a bigger group of spiders that specialize in capturing male moths by using deceptive chemical mimicry. They release a scent that resembles a female moth, and male moths are attracted, caught in a specialized web, and eaten.
How much money do you get for finding a new species? (The boys ask this one a lot)
None
None
Have you ever found a new species before?
Yes
Yes
Are there other new species at Hilton?
There is definitely one more new species, which was discovered by Paul MacFarlane (Pearce house 2008 – 2012) in 2011. Only one specimen was seen, and it has never been seen again. If we find one, it will be named after him.
There is definitely one more new species, which was discovered by Paul MacFarlane (Pearce house 2008 – 2012) in 2011. Only one specimen was seen, and it has never been seen again. If we find one, it will be named after him.
These pictures show one of these spiders in a typical daytime posture. They avoid predation by resembling a bird dropping.
News supplied by Hilton College.