What is the primary chemical defense mechanism flicked by the *A. seemanni* when threatened by a non-venomous attacker?
Answer
Barbed urticating hairs flicked from the abdomen
The most crucial chemical defense utilized by the *Aphonopelma seemanni* involves its abdominal covering. The abdomen is densely covered in short hairs that are barbed, known as urticating hairs. When the spider perceives a threat, particularly from non-venomous predators, it uses its hind legs to rapidly brush or flick these irritating hairs off its body toward the aggressor. These barbed hairs can cause significant discomfort and irritation upon contact with skin, and are particularly dangerous if they enter the eyes or mucous membranes, serving as a highly effective deterrent.
Related Questions
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