This species (Uroballus carlei) is sometimes referred to as a caterpillar jumping spider or caterpillar jumper, because it bears such a striking resemblance to a caterpillar. It was discovered in Hong Kong just a few years ago.
Researchers believe that these strange little spiders mimic the caterpillars of local lichen moths, which may help to deter predators. Lichen moth caterpillars ingest toxic substances that make them unpalatable to predators, and they're covered in urticating hairs that cause pain and irritation when touched, so predators tend to avoid them. They also have aposematic features that advertise those defense mechanisms, making them an excellent model for mimicry.
The spider's resemblance to a caterpillar may serve as a defense mechanism against larger vertebrates, such as birds, and as a predatory ploy against certain invertebrates, like small beetles, thus allowing the spider to avoid being eaten while also enabling it to stalk and capture its own prey more effectively.
This article described the discovery back in 2019:
A new spider has been discovered, hiding in plain sight in one of the most populated places on the planet. And there’s a good chance it went undiscovered for so long because it doesn’t really look like a spider at all, but more like a fuzzy baby caterpillar. Its cute, fuzzy appearance has led the newly discovered spider to be named Uroballus carlei, after Eric Carle – author of the wildly popular children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Living alongside Uroballus carlei in the wooded areas of the Eastern District in Hong Kong are lichen moths. During the caterpillar stage, these moths are covered in bristly brown fur not dissimilar to Uroballus carlei. They live on a diet of lichen, and it’s this diet that gives them their name.
Wait…. So they named a spider after a book about a caterpillar becoming a butterfly… That, honestly doesn’t make a lot of sense when you think about it.
It's like the bigger spider in the pic is explaining to the smaller one that you're a spider but you need to pretend to be a caterpillar but still be a spider 😂
OMG! 🥹 That is probably the cutest little jumping spider I've ever seen, and all jumping spiders are absolutely adorable. It is so absolutely precious! Thank you for sharing.
What a cutie patootie
With a booty
Fuzzbut
Long spider is long.
This species (Uroballus carlei) is sometimes referred to as a caterpillar jumping spider or caterpillar jumper, because it bears such a striking resemblance to a caterpillar. It was discovered in Hong Kong just a few years ago.
Researchers believe that these strange little spiders mimic the caterpillars of local lichen moths, which may help to deter predators. Lichen moth caterpillars ingest toxic substances that make them unpalatable to predators, and they're covered in urticating hairs that cause pain and irritation when touched, so predators tend to avoid them. They also have aposematic features that advertise those defense mechanisms, making them an excellent model for mimicry.
The spider's resemblance to a caterpillar may serve as a defense mechanism against larger vertebrates, such as birds, and as a predatory ploy against certain invertebrates, like small beetles, thus allowing the spider to avoid being eaten while also enabling it to stalk and capture its own prey more effectively.
This article described the discovery back in 2019:
Sources & More Info:
Wait…. So they named a spider after a book about a caterpillar becoming a butterfly… That, honestly doesn’t make a lot of sense when you think about it.
But is still as randomly cute as the spider so it kinda makes sense?!
DUDE!! This is so cool and cute!!
I highly recommend you cross post this to r/jumpingspiders they will go ape shit over him. Sooo cute!!!
I actually posted it there about a month ago! 😀
Good for you! Thx so much for sharing what a super cool and cute little dude!
What a catbus of a spider!
Ha ha longboi
Long spider isn't real. Long spider can't hurt you.
He’s just a funky lil guy who wants to keep the world free of pesky bugs.
It's like the bigger spider in the pic is explaining to the smaller one that you're a spider but you need to pretend to be a caterpillar but still be a spider 😂
I like the headcanon. I wish my noggin offered me fan fiction and spider lore.
OMG! 🥹 That is probably the cutest little jumping spider I've ever seen, and all jumping spiders are absolutely adorable. It is so absolutely precious! Thank you for sharing.
Welp, it deters me
Given that just about every fuzzy caterpillar in existence brings extreme pain to those who touch it, seems like a good disguise.
Never would have thought that was a spider.