Sequined Spider

I should never say never. Because yesterday, I would have sworn up and down that I'd never call a spider a "beautiful creature." But today is a new day, and this beautiful creature is called the sequin (or mirror) spider. This arachnid is a member of the Thwaitesia genus, which is known to have reflective patches that are beautifully iridescent, as seen here in these macro photographs by Nicky Bay. 

Each tiny piece of the mirrored mosaic that is this spider's abdomen changes shape according to the spider's perceived level of threat, which is evident in these photos. The substance that makes for such a shiny surface is crystalline guanine, which is used as an ingredient in shampoo and cosmetics to achieve a look of pearlescent shimmer. Via Bored Panda.

Images Credit: Nicky Bay


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