A thick stemmed tree growing only 5-12 meters in height. The bark peels and flakes to reveal a beautiful pastel-colored underbark.
The seeds resemble fat, engorged ticks, hence its other name and the hair around the pod can be an irritant to the skin.
It has the pretties flowers which are extremely small (maximum ¾” in diameter).
Taking a closer shot of it, I discovered the tiniest, most unusual little spider. The widest part of it, across the legs, could not have been more than 4mm. This is one I almost missed but then saw the difference in color to the petal which alerted me to it’s presence.
I have checked all over and cannot even begin to classify it. I would guess at it being some kind of crab spider judging from the legs but I have never seen one this shape or this hairy.If there anyone who can give me more info on it, please do, it would be highly appreciated.
That tiny spider sure has adapted well to live on the hairy flower of the tick bush, which at first looked rather dull and drab. But from you, I should know better.
ReplyDeleteI am almost sure the name is Thomisus.
ReplyDeleteThey are crab spiders living on the flowers.
The problem is there are tens of species all over the world.
A correct classification seems "slightly" difficult...
That was an interesting find Gaelyn. I love the colors in the bark of this tree ad the way the top layer peeled off.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea. You are right it is a crab spider of some sort but they are normally smooth skinned and not hairy like this. Thanks for the links you sent me. It is greatly appreciated my friend.
ReplyDeleteGlad you made it home OK. I didn't know this was also called a tick-tree. The flowers are so weird close-up (just shows I never look). Well done on spotting the micro spider!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynda. Yes, safe and sound thanks. It always amazes me what the macro picks up and the eye sometimes misses.
ReplyDeleteOh well spotted. Another one that most of us would have missed.
ReplyDeleteWow, maybe you have discovered a new species Joan!
ReplyDeleteHe's a cute little bugger.
B.
I like the seed pod. What an interesting little spider....so fuzzy looking and cute.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jonker. If you did this kind of photography long enough, you would spot it too. :)
ReplyDeleteYou could be right at that Becky. So many of our species have not yet been discovered and named. I am in the process of seeing if someone can tell me what it is and have sent it off to a couple of people.
ReplyDeleteThose "ticks" can give you quite a fright Mary. When I am in the bush I dont not mind anything, spiders, snakes etc but I do HATE ticks!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange spider! Great find, Joan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jose. It was. :)
ReplyDelete