Joro spider males are smaller than females

Small male

Q: Why do Joro Spider webs have a smaller second spider that is not as colorful as the larger spider?

A: That is the dude spider. He is keeping slightly out of reach, waiting for a chance to have sex. Interestingly, there is a scientific reason he is smaller. Scientists have shown that his small size allows him to travel further by ballooning, using a thread of silk to catch a breeze and move between webs and potential mates. On the other hand, the female spider’s larger size allows her to produce more eggs and offspring. Nature is fascinating!

Spider sexual habits are …..interesting. More details at bit.ly/Gaspidersex

Small male

Joro spider male is smaller than female
(photo courtesy of Pat Smith)

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