Did you know ?
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Phidippus regius, where the mother plays a most admirable role . After an elegant mating dance, she transforms into a devoted guardian, preparing a cocoon to accommodate between 30 and 200 precious little lives. It is there, in this soft silky fortress, that her unwavering maternal mission begins.
Imagine this scene, both tender and intense : for two to three weeks, the mother Phidippus watches tirelessly. Every moment is an act of love, a constant protection against the threats of the outside world. Its reassuring presence is the first shield that its little ones will know, an assurance that life, despite its fragility, has a chance to flourish. .
When the spiderlings finally make their appearance, it is under the watchful eye of their mother . These little creatures, well equipped for life from the start, benefit from maternal support and expertise. She guides them, providing them with a safe sanctuary where they can develop, explore and grow with confidence.
Observe how these young spiders move a little closer to becoming independent. And at every step, the mother is there, a discreet but attentive sentinel . She oversees their transformation from fragile spiderlings to agile hunters, ensuring they have everything they need to succeed in the wild .
In the world of Phidippus regius, the mother is much more than a protector; she is the first teacher, the first home and the first defender of her little ones . It's a story of dedication, adaptation and survival that plays out every day in the wild .
What purpose can these little hooks that frighten us so much be used for?
Come and find out in episode 6 - Chelicerae.