A Ricinulei showing off their lack of eyes. Antennae like second pair of limbs, and their bio-fluorescence. These small soil sultans are an enigmatic group, with their evolutionary connections somewhat unknown, with some theories ranging from them being close relatives to mites all the way to late surviving trigonotarbids. Just as mysterious is their habits, with them being found in strange non-mating congregations, and just generally being little weirdos. Hope they get more coverage in main stream media someday, or atleast more research.

My precious baby bouncing boy, the nefarious Ricinulei, or hooded tick spiders, or dinospiders, the only arachnid order polite enough to cover up those fangs of theirs, alt text has more info if these blind little strangers catch your fancy.

04.02.2025 16:23 — 👍 108    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 1