Wolf spider filmed carrying haul of squirming babies on its back
Missouri men caught spider crawling around house on video
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two men in Missouri have captured footage of a female wolf spider with dozens of its young squirming on its back.
Video footage of the creature crawling around a home was taken by Bobby Brown, who said he simply “picked her up and put her outside” after filming it.
Mr Brown zoomed in on the spider to show the tiny spiderlings writhing across her back.
The spiders, which are found across Missouri, are known for carrying their spiderlings on their back until the creatures are independent enough to venture off on their own.
Before the spiderlings have hatched, the female will carry a spherical silk egg sac underneath her abdomen.
The Missouri Department of Conservation says the athletic creatures are also unique because they don’t spin webs to catch their prey – they chase it down instead.
Warning - video contains strong language
Wolf spiders typically grow to an inch long, not including their legs, with males usually being smaller than females.
The species is also known for its additional two tiny pedipalps and excellent night vision, making them fine hunters.
They are found in a variety of habitats and can sometimes enter houses, according to the Department. However, while the spiders can bite if provoked, their venom is not known to be deadly.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments