The world of arachnids, with all its creepy crawlies, has just gotten even more interesting. Meet the super tiny red spider, scientifically known as Patu Digua, which holds the record for being the world’s smallest arachnid. The Patu Digua spider is so small it can fit on a pinhead, making it an extraordinary discovery for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Found in Colombia, South America, the discovery of the Patu Digua spider was first made in 1973 but was not classified until the 21st century. The tiny arachnid was found by researchers who were collecting soil samples from the Amazon jungle.
The Patu Digua spider is so small that it can thrive in the damp soil of the Amazon forest floor without being easily seen. The spider is typically 0.37 millimeters in length for males and only slightly larger for females. It’s so teeny-tiny that it is impossible to see with the naked eye, and researchers have to use a microscope to observe it clearly.
The Patu Digua spider is often called the red spider due to its bright red color. The spider’s body is only about as big as the tip of a pencil and is distinguished by its tiny eyes, long legs, and a small triangle-shaped body. The spider’s size is comparable to the length of the eyelash on some people.
While the spiders themselves are minuscule, their webs are equally impressive. The Patu Digua spider creates its webs using silk that is even thinner than human hair. Their homes are so tiny that the spiderlings sometimes build webs on the tips of vegetation, where they are less likely to be detected.
The spider’s behavior is not well known due to their size, but researchers believe they are not dangerous to humans. Due to their small size, humans are unlikely to notice them or interact with them in any way. Additionally, their venom, if any, is probably not potent enough to cause any harm to humans.
The discovery of the Patu Digua spider is remarkable, given the challenges associated with finding such tiny creatures. It’s an example of how little we still know about the natural world and how challenging it is to find new species. For arachnid enthusiasts, this discovery is an exciting development, and it opens up a whole new avenue of research into the world of arachnids.
In conclusion, the Patu Digua spider is an exceptional creature, fascinating due to its diminutive size and bright red coloration. It’s a great addition to the world of arachnids and an exciting discovery for researchers and enthusiasts alike. While new research may yield more insights into the behavior and characteristics of this arachnid, for now, we can revel in the wonder of a spider that’s so small it can fit on a pinhead.