SPIDERS TAKING OVER A TOWN IN BRAZIL

[Bill USA]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/02/11/meanwhile-in-brazil-spiders-have-taken-over-an-entire-town/


You think you have problems? In the Brazilian town of Santo Antônio da Platina, spiders are constructing giant sheet webs across the sky to capture insects:

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Here’s more info from the Examiner, which explains why it sometimes “rains spiders” in the area:

Brazilian’s news portal G1 consulted with a Brazilian biologist who identified the spiders as Anelosimus eximius. The Brazilian local spider is considered to be a “social spider” species known for its massive colonies. The spider species is also known for forming massive webs. …


The Brazilian spider’s colony is often made up of several thousands of spiders. The massive spider webs created by the Anelosimus eximius can be found from ground level to at least 20 m up. The webs of the Brazilian spider species can range in size from tiny structures with a length of 10-25 cm and containing only one or a few spiders, to large spider webs of 2 to 3 meters or more.

Strong tornado-like winds can pick up the web, along with the thousands of spiders, carry it anywhere, and as the winds die down, it can rain spiders, as in this case.

(The footage was captured by Erick Reis, a 20-year-old web designer who was leaving a friend’s engagement party. The link to the video is via Laughing Squid.)

[MADem]

1. A "web designer" took the footage....ya can't make this stuff up!

Those things are HUGE!!!!