The September Spider of the Month (SOTM) is this mirror spider (Thwaitesia sp.) in the comb-footed spider family (Theridiidae), photographed by Nicky Bay in Lunda Sul, Angola.
Regarding this find, Nicky said:
“We did a brief hike on the final night at Campsite 3 and found this good-sized Thwaitesia glistening from the rays of our lights. Also known as the mirror spider or stained-glass spider, the abdomen of Thwaitesia spiders is adorned with guanine crystals that appear expanded when the spider is at rest. When disturbed, these reflective patches seem to contract, revealing the brilliant red underneath.
Olympus EM10 Mark IV, Laowa 50mm 2:1, and Godox MF12 twin flashes triggered by Godox X3, handheld. Flashes on custom 3D-printed mounts, with DIY diffuser. UV shots with same setup except a different 3D-printed mount and modified MF12 flashes.
Thank you to the sponsors and organisers from The Wilderness Project for making this expedition possible.”
There are 22 recorded Thwaitesia species in the world. Only three species are recorded from Africa (T. algerica in Algeria, T. argenteoguttata in Kenya and Tanzania, and T. turbinata in Sierra Leone). Two other species are recorded from Madagascar (T. argenteosquamata and T. pulcherrima) and one from Réunion (T. inaurata). No species are officially recorded from Southern Africa or Angola, so this genus clearly needs more study.
The genus was named by Pickard-Cambridge (1881) in honour of George Henry Kendrick Thwaites, who was an English botanist and entomologist.
This is Nicky’s sixth SOTM. Of 207 people who voted, this photo received 163 votes, which is a massive 79% of the votes. With second place receiving 95 (46%) of the votes, this is by far the most convincing win in the history of SOTM. Congratulations, Nicky!