Mini-monsters...

[Trehopr1]

Thru the years of my inordinate fondness for
all things multi-legged I have occasionally gone
off "on a tangent" or diverted from primary focus
to dabble a bit in things that MOST would find
un-nerving or frightful.

So, my next photograph is an example of one of
my "momentary lapses of reason" or focus.



Giant centipedes or scolopenders are ferocious
predators in their realm. They are quite able-bodied
and fast enough to overpower anything that comes
close. The largest ones have no fear of tarantulas,
small rodents, snakes, or other underground dwellers.

It is well known that they are capable of delivering
a painful venomous bite that you won't forget; and,
their (general) un-nerving appearance and speed
capabilities means you don't want one getting inside
the dwelling you sleep in.

For those curious about that BIG one well, I personally
caught that superb beastie in early August 1990. It
was seen crossing a desert road in early morning in
Pedernales province/Dominican Republic. A nearby cave located amongst
a rocky "outcropping" told of the most likely abode
of this mini-monster....

[Trehopr1]

In the dark, dank, spaces of caves, hollowed out trees,
and deep crevices of rocky outcroppings danger lurks
everywhere and hapless insects fall prey to apparitions
evolved for an existence of surprise and concealment.

Another of natures "mini-monsters" of the underworld
are the Amblypygi: an ancient order of arachnid chelicerate
arthropods (also known as whip spiders or tailless whip
scorpiones). There are presently some 17 named genera
with approximately 155 species.

Most are seldom if ever encountered by most people.
Though, harmless to humans they are intimidating-looking
creatures to encounter and most of us would likely shy
away from any chance encounter.

Members of the family Phrynidae contain some of the
real heavyweights amongst these and the genus: Phryna
in particular has several.

Here is a fairly colossal example taken in a Peruvian
cave in 1972.

[kevinkk]

Until you see one, those giant centipedes don't give a person a sense of the amazing size. I saw one a a reptile show, it looked like a snake.
The 1K price tag was a bit out of my budget.

[Trehopr1]

What conversation about "mini-monsters" of the
underworld would be complete without some mention
of those hairy, imposing, or even frightening eight
legged terrors --- the tarantulas of the family
Theraphosidae.

Who could ever imagine that we now have over 900
identified species of "hairy mygalomorphs" known
thus far from the world over ? Just this one family !
Everyone is familiar with these brutes of the spider
world and there is certainly a strong following of
enthusiasts who breed, nuture, and seek new knowledge
of this wonderful -- albeit scary-looking family.

Of coarse, I brought up this topic to highlight some of
the little known, seldom discussed, and often over-
looked creatures that (may) go "bump in the night" if
they happen to find themselves in your occupied
dwelling.

Of all the tarantula species known the largest from
South America always garner great attention. These
imposing giants belong to such genera as Theraphosa,
Pseudotheraphosa, Lasiodora, and Pamphobeteus.
Their fangs are usually between 3/4 and 1 inch in length
and their disposition is usually disagreeable.

These really don't make for great "pets" and tarantulas
(in general) are known to be notorius escape artists. So,
these big ones are either best left alone or left to only
the MOST experienced enthusiast.

Below, I present to you representatives of the 2 largest
species. The two at the top are a (pair) of Pseudotheraphosa
apophysis -- Male (left/w. pedipalps) and Female (right).
Below/centered: Theraphosa leblondi (female)









My take between the two species is that T. leblondi is
slightly more "stocky" in build and a heftier beast
(weight-wise) than P. apophysis. The two species are
readily differentiated when spiderlings however, in time
both become chestnut-brown in color and equal in size.
Males of both species have longer/thinner legs than the
females and evident pedipalps (for reproduction).

These are wild collected examples procured by a tarantula
enthusiast/breeder whom I had chance to know. The bottom
example (reddish abdomen) is missing its thick coat of guard
hairs as she was kept for a time as a "pet" and was an active
"hair flicker" at every instance.

[livingplanet3]

Thru the years of my inordinate fondness for
all things multi-legged I have occasionally gone
off "on a tangent" or diverted from primary focus
to dabble a bit in things that MOST would find
un-nerving or frightful.

So, my next photograph is an example of one of
my "momentary lapses of reason" or focus...

The big one is Scolopendra gigantea, I assume? Long ago, I knew someone who was bitten on the hand by this species, and he said that the nerves in his thumb were "not quite right" for years afterward! I really can't imagine handling our larger North American centipedes such as S. heros, let alone an Amazonian monster like S. gigantea! Yet, I've seen videos of people doing exactly that.

[Trehopr1]

There are people out there who have a strange sense of daring, showboating, and "devil may care attitude". I like to simplify it by saying they have the "Steve Irwin" complex.

The "crocodile man" from Australia who died some years ago (fooling around with a stingray) was well known for his "showboating" antics and daring whilst working with his crocodilians and assorted venomous snakes. All really showing a lack of professionalism and common sense -- in my humble opinion.

Others who watched his show or perhaps possess the same mentality of exhibiting their "power" over the beasts; are the same ones that post videos dabbling with creatures that should NEVER BE HANDLED (as they are wild creatures of a solitary disposition) !

Yes, these videos often show a complete lack of good sensibilities with creatures that can inflict harm if they are at all bothered or feeling defensive !

I'd really like to see just how "unflinching" some of these knuckleheads would be if they were say, trying to dig up a nest of BULLDOG ANTS or kicking the enclave of a nest of GERMAN YELLOW JACKETS (at peak season) !

[Chuck]

Humans enjoy drama. There are plenty of good things that happen every day, but what sells in the news is blood and guts. The Romans had a term for this, something like "Circus and XXXX", I don't remember it all.

In order to get viewers, even if the ultimate goal is to educate, one has to showboat. And to do so one has to take risk. Remember Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom? Marlin Perkins: "Jim's going to go get his ash kicked by that giant ant eater while I sit safely in the Jeep." That's what got people to know what an anteater is, not a book, nor documentaries- nobody watches documentaries.

And then, some take risk for adventure, some take risk because it's inherent in the activity. I used to grab sharks by the dorsal and ride them; I used to lift big stingrays out of the water.

I believe this is Boyce Drummond, Ecuador 1998

[Trehopr1]

Well again, to each his own as to how or why they wish to tempt fate when dealing with potentially harmful creatures. I certainly have no professional respect for people who "fool around" with KNOWN risk to impress the unknowing....

This picture for example may appear to the unknowing as risky, adventurous, or daring --- O'h my .... but, maybe that anaconda is already dead (freshly killed for some reason) or maybe it's business end is pointed in the other direction (preoccupied). After all, these big snakes don't move like "pit vipers" or any Hollywood film of the same name ! Sure wrap something like this around you (for a photographic moment) like you were wearing a scarf you'd likely be knocking on heaven's door if you left it there.

I'm sure the photographer wouldn't chance such a close encounter with a western diamondback rattlesnake !

So, I don't think this picture is a good example of what I remarked about in my previous post regarding those who flirt with danger as tho' stupidity were a virtue.

Show us a picture of someone standing close to a Bull buffalo or Canadian moose or holding a South American wandering spider of the genus (Phoneutria) in their bare hand; then there you have some glaring examples of what I'm truly talking about.

All I'm suggesting is that when you have wisdom or a knowledge about something it is best spent (not on theatrics) but, in a professional, informed manner that educates others and yet captivates interest and questions.

[Paul K]

Scolopendra subspinipes
https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news- ... ad-sunday/

I found one dead in my apartment in Bangkok and I saw few alive at my door steps. Those you better not fool around with!

One of these mini version bit me while asleep and woke me up with burning pain, this thing was no longer than 1,5 inch. I can’t imagine what pain can deliver one of the 12inch size.

[Trehopr1]

I wholeheartedly agree with you Paul !

[adamcotton]

Scolopendra subspinipes
https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news- ... ad-sunday/

I found one dead in my apartment in Bangkok and I saw few alive at my door steps. Those you better not fool around with!

One of these mini version bit me while asleep and woke me up with burning pain, this thing was no longer than 1,5 inch. I can’t imagine what pain can deliver one of the 12inch size.

I sometimes see large ones around my house at night, and occasionally tiny ones come into the house. Those get the 'shoe' treatment. Luckily large ones don't come inside. By the way, they can move very fast.

Adam.

[Chuck]

Bullet ants hurt, I think they qualify as mini-monsters.

Bald Faced hornets too. I ran into a nest in a field that was at knee height (only one I've seen that low) and got 20+ stings.

As for the anaconda, it was definitely alive. I took the photo from the business end. It was measured at 16.5 feet using the spread palm method.

The moose is a story for a different day.

The giant centipede from Solomon Islands is the only one to have been confirmed with a human fatality. There's some consolation I suppose when dealing with the Asian and New World species.

My mate is Sydney just sent a photo of a very venomous brown snake- a big one- he killed in the back yard. In Australia, one doesn't have to go looking for trouble, it's in the house and yard.

[Trehopr1]

A'h yes, Adam --- the "shoe" treatment !

In the annals of the pest industry this is standard practice of quick resolution for all things seen running afoot.

Well done.

[livingplanet3]

...nor documentaries- nobody watches documentaries.

Well, I guess my name is nobody, since documentaries are practically the only thing I watch!

[livingplanet3]

While we're on the topic of large, non-insect arthropods: hanging on my wall, I have this cast resin replica of Mixopterus kiaeri, a large Sea Scorpion (Eurypterid) from the Silurian Period (400 million years ago). It was cast from a specimen found in Norway by Professor Johan Kiaer in 1909. The original is on display in the University of Oslo's Palaeontological Museum. It's quite an exceptional fossil in that it's a complete specimen - usually, all that is found of this species are just isolated pieces of armor. It measures 33" long (83.8 cm) X 12" (30.5 cm) wide -

[Trehopr1]

That's an amazing piece !!

[Trehopr1]

Our fellow member Chuck made a good point that
"Bullet Ants" are a mini-monster in their own right.
While most of us are unlikely to ever encounter one
they still remain an ever present nuisance or even
danger (if allergic to the venom); to anyone visiting
a tropical rainforest.

These Ponerine ants are (generally) about 1 inch in
length, heavily built for strength, and readily sting
on a moments notice. Novice adventurers who go on
"Eco-tours" to tropical regions are especially un-witting
of the pain these ants can/will inflict. Even experianced
travelers need to be very careful when brushing up against
ANY vegetation. They may happen to be on it !



This well written book by a man who has spent his life
"testing" the effects of insect venom and its subsequent
"level of pain" (on himself); is a wonderful read and very
eye opening as to how even the littlest of creatures has
the capabilities to ward off larger imposing predators.



In his book, on his "pain scale" bullet ants rate a solid
4 out of a possible 5. His descriptive notations located
next to his scale leave nothing to one's imagination !



Beware, bullet ants ARE mini-monsters of a kind you
don't wish to run into by accident.

[livingplanet3]

This well written book by a man who has spent his life
"testing" the effects of insect venom and its subsequent
"level of pain" (on himself); is a wonderful read and very
eye opening as to how even the littlest of creatures has
the capabilities to ward off larger imposing predators...

Indeed, Schmidt endured considerable discomfort to produce his insect venom pain scale; a true "Lord of the Stings", one might say!

Probably the worst sting I've ever had was from a large velvet ant (Dasymutilla klugii), which is common in my area. I first saw one of these when I was 10 years old, had no idea what it was at the time, and made the mistake of picking it up. I'd describe the pain as being similar to what it would feel like if you held a blowtorch to your finger. The effect lasted for hours, and the experience was more than enough to make me quite cautious around these insects from then on. Very painful, but I'd still rather have a velvet ant sting any day, than a venomous snake bite!

[Trehopr1]

Another notable "mini-monster" (of a kind) that was also
mentioned by our forum member Chuck was Vespid wasps
(commonly known as hornets or yellowjackets). Both types
are of distinctly diffrent genera with hornets being 4-5 times
the size of yellowjackets but, never quite having the sizeable
sheer numbers which yellowjackets achieve (at peak season).

Hornets nests tend to be arboreal whilst those of yellowjackets
are either located underground (having enlarged an animal burrow
or pocket) or they seek out the "voids" between wall spaces in
homes; where entry is possible.

Here I feature the largest Hornet nest of my "nest collection".
It stands 2 basketballs (in height); one atop the other. It is
complete and un-damaged and was removed by my friend who
ownes a pest control business. (Sept. 1990)



Accidentally, getting within too close a proximity of such a nest
as this is "begging for a bad day". Even nests (half) this size are
bad as easily 80-100 hornets may occupy it.

A total of 528 dead hornets fell out of this nest after application
of an aerosol pyrethroid gas at the entrance hole.

Surprisingly, aerial nests are quite hard to see in summer when
surrounded by leaves/branches or when located in scrubby bushes.
Most occasions they are moderately higher up in trees to be of
no bother however, noisy lawnmowers/tractors or the hot exhaust
they generate has brought about a reckoning for disturbance !

So, again BEWARE and BE WISE of your surroundings whenever or
wherever yardwork or fieldwork is being conducted.

[livingplanet3]

That's an amazing piece !!

Sea Scorpion live capture -