National Geographic
Research by: Matjaz Kuntner
November 16, 2016
This spider found in southwestern China's Yunnan rain forest can disguise itself as a leaf. The spider is brownish green in color, with a long neck-like structure connecting its head and chest to its abdomen. This spider even has markings that resembles the veins on a leaf. The spider uses its silk to attack leaves to a tree, and then hides between the branches. Researches theorize that it's likely that they are hiding form predators or sneaking up on prey. "Its disguise is so good that it might explain why so few of these spiders have been collected. Even trained scientists have a hard time spotting them,” Kuntner said. Kuntner and a few colleagues have only found two of this spiders so far. Preliminary genetic data hinted that these two specimens might be a new species, but more work needs to be done, he said.
This article can change how much I go outside and where I go outside. It's not a very positive influence, but I do think this topic is cool. It might also change my future. This topic is so great, I want to find out more about these spiders and turn to a future science career. It inspires me because I always hear about people finding new things or gadgets, and that makes me want to find a job where I can help to find those things. Finding out more about spiders would also help finding antidotes for the poisonous ones. Knowing whether or not a spider is dangerous and where it is will help because it warns you not to go to that jungle or forest or wherever it lives. Finding out more about all these animals are awesome and makes me want to choose a different future job.
Biology
