Sonoran Tailless Whipspider
Paraphrynus mexicanus
A nocturnal arachnid of rocky desert canyons, caves, and crevices in the Sonoran region, where it rests flattened against stone by day. It hunts insects and other small arthropods at night, sensing vibrations with extremely long antenniform front legs before snapping prey in spined pedipalps. Despite its alarming appearance, it has no venomous stinger and relies on grip, speed, and hiding rather than poison. Its broad, flat body lets it squeeze into narrow cracks that many predators cannot reach.
- Type
- Fang / Stealth
- Conservation status
- NE