Tooth Cave Spider

The tooth cave spider (Tayshaneta myopica, formerly Neoleptoneta myopica) is a 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) long arachnid. It is endemic to Texas (USA) and is considered an endangered species.

This spider has a pale-cream color and very long legs. The spider has six "Obsolescent" eyes; they are nearly absent and have no dark pigment. The Tooth cave spider is a sedentary aerial spider that hangs from a small tangle or sheet web on long, thin legs. It preys on tiny microarthropods. The tooth cave spider lives under and between rocks in caves of the Edwards Plateau in Travis County, Texas and near Austin. Destruction of these cave habitats in urban areas is the primary cause of its endangered status.

Its reproductive habits, description of nurturing by parents and population are as yet undescribed.

Famous quotes containing the words tooth, cave and/or spider:

    Before me you are a slug in the sun. You are privy to a great becoming and you recognize nothing. You are an ant in the afterbirth. It is in your nature to do one thing correctly: tremble.
    Michael Mann, U.S. screenwriter. Frances Dollarhyde, aka “The Tooth Fairy” (Tom Noonan)

    Nothing is uglier than the sinner, nothing so leprous or fetid; the scar of his crimes is still raw, and he stinks like the cave of Hell.
    Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (c. 348–405)

    “Will you walk into my parlor?” said the spider to the fly;
    “‘Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy.
    The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,
    And I have many pretty things to show when you are there.”
    Mary Howitt (1799–1888)