Can you visualize an orange spider that resembles a tortoise in some way? When I learned about it, I was just as shocked as you were. But to our surprise, such an orb-weaver spider does exist. If you’re curious about learning more about this amazing species we’re going to discuss, keep reading.
Tiny Marvel – An Orange Tortoise Spider
Recently, my friend—who loves to take pictures of animals—returned from a trip to Brazil. I noticed something that looked like a gummy bear candy when I was scrolling through his photo roll. I swear, among the odds of more than fifty images of insects and wild animals, I had to look again and consider what I had just seen.
That picture turned out not to be all that strange in the sequence. In fact, my friend was fortunate enough to capture a photo of a real orb-weaver spider that looked so stunning. Yes, we are talking about Encyosaccus sexmaculatus, the orange tortoise-spider.
Without further ado, let’s satisfy the curiosity of both seasoned spider fans and those just eager to discover the wonders existing in the natural world. We will be delving into every aspect of this amazing species’ appearance, habitat, and other details in this post.
Orange Tortoise Spider: Wiki
- Size- around 8mm
- Scientific name- Encyosaccus sexmaculatus
- Location- Amazon rainforests, primarily regions of Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, and Colombia
The genus Encyosaccus comprises only one species of orb-weaver spider, which is Ectosaccus sexmaculatus. It is endemic to South America and only exists in the upper Amazonian basin of Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
Although there isn’t any proof of this small, peculiar spider biting humans or anything, its vivid orange color raises the possibility that it is poisonous. We refer to this phenomenon as “aposematism.”
An animal may be protecting itself if it exhibits any traits that make it unprofitable for potential predators, such as toxicity, venom, an unpleasant taste or smell, sharp spines, or an aggressive attitude. And a fairly recognizable pattern of colors (aposematic coloration) supports it. Predators are therefore unlikely to harm or attack these animals.
However, we are unsure about this uncommon spider because there aren’t many images or facts available about this one.
How Do They Look?
It looks almost like a toy. This small one is adorable, with an orange tone that is as bright, glossy, and smooth as plastic. But we must exercise caution when approaching this species and not let its cuteness overcome us. Because it is likely to be venomous, as was said in the previous paragraph.
Encyosaccus sexmaculatus has a dark orange tone, with a black tarsus (the last leg segment). What gives it its name is its abdomen, which is shaped and patterned like a tortoise shell. This is its most distinctive characteristic obviously!
Their abdomen’s dorsal side has black spots on an even orange background. The orange region is divided into six portions by a white border, two lines that run on the left and right axes, and a white line that runs along the anterior-posterior axis.
Its pictures make the description clearer. Aren’t they similar to cartoon characters? Or maybe straight out of the game Mario!
Where Can We Spot An Orange Tortoise Spider?
This is a very rare species that is indigenous to the Amazon. They are restless and don’t appear to stay still unless they are hanging upside-down, just like other orb-weaver spiders.
These are the classic garden spiders, with webs made in a way that first builds a non-sticky structure, then the spider adds a final spiral of silk coated in sticky droplets.
Here’s An Interesting Fact!
Some refer to this species as the ladybug-mimic orb weaver, while others refer to it as the tortoise-shell orb weaver. Because ladybugs (or ladybirds) have alkaloids that make them unpalatable and distasteful, potential predators may choose to ignore these spiders as well due to the distinctive markings that may serve as a reminder of their most recent unpleasant meal.
However, since this is a poorly studied species, we are unaware of its toxicity or other traits.
Is it Poisonous?
It’s a well-established fact that bright coloration among many wild, vulnerable animals indicates their toxicity, and it warns off predators. Although there’s not enough study on this rare species suggesting its toxicity and the reason behind its striking color, we are unable to actually comment on whether or not it’s poisonous.
However, going with the usual clues, and as most spiders have either weak, mild or sometimes potent venom, we can suggest the same for this cute little species.
In fact, Reddit says the same thing. You can check it out!
Encyosaccus sexmaculatus is the only known species of the genus Encyosaccus. It is found in found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil and it’s also known as orange tortoise spider. Its bright orange coloration suggests that it might be poisonous
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Conclusion
Here, we’ve included as much information as we could find to wrap up this article. It is a cute little spider but also has a dubious personality because we never know how harmful it might be. This scarcity of information regarding orange tortoise spiders can be due to the rarity of spotting one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Are orange tortoise spiders venomous?
Ans. Due to a lack of information, we cannot comment on their toxicity. But we can be sure of it that they are not dangerous to humans. However, they can be deadly to insects, small fish, and other spiders.
Q2. What kind of spider has orange?
Ans. There are many species with a dominant orange pigment like a marbled orb weaver, or the triangular spider, etc.
Q3. Which spider is most toxic to humans?
Ans. Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus), according to the Guinness World Records, is the most dangerous spider to humans in the world.
Q4. What is the world’s largest spider?
Ans. The Goliath Birdeater, Theraphosa blondi, is widely recognized as the world’s largest spider with a size reaching up to 13cm.
Featured Image Credit: u/supremegalacticgod (@Reddit)
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Anjali Prasad, a B. Pharm. graduate who works as a content writer for HowItSee, is based in Delhi. Except for her, not many people take the typical road from healthcare to writing. Her love of writing stemmed from her involvement in the college literature society and her early journaling at the age of 7. Hence, the love of learning and the spirit of exploration are what drew her to this career. You can find her on common social media like Instagram.