It's a bit quiet on here at the moment so how about a few spider pics to cheer the mood
This is Marlona Bronson. She is a Ceratogyrus darlingi also known as a horned baboon tarantula. They are from South Africa and like hot and dry conditions.

The more observant of you may have noticed her horn. Most Ceratogyrus spp have the foveal horn, some pointing straight up but other like the darlingi pointing backwards.

It is not fully understood why (ahem) they have the horn. One theory is it aids the speed or strength the spider can eat. A spider's stomach is located under the horn, in the spider's carapace (sort of head area though spiders don't really have a head). The muscles of the stomach are attached to the underside of the carapace and use its strength to draw food into it. The built up horn area may increase strength which could allow a quicker action.
Why they may need to do this is unknown.

She is quite a defensive spider and can be unpredictable and fast, so not recommended to a novice.
This is her in the threat pose

and retreating back to her tunnels, where she spends most of the time.



