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These unusual spiders build vertical silk tubes at the bases of trees in moist woodlands. Sensing vibrations from their insect prey, they burst through the side to grab their meal. Once their prey is incapacitated and secured underground, they ascend and repair the hole in the tube. Wakulla Co, FL.

These unusual spiders build vertical silk tubes at the bases of trees in moist woodlands. Sensing vibrations from their insect prey, they burst through the side to grab their meal. Once their prey is incapacitated and secured underground, they ascend and repair the hole in the tube. Wakulla Co, FL.

These unusual spiders build vertical silk tubes at the bases of trees in moist woodlands. Sensing vibrations from their insect prey, they burst through the side to grab their meal. Once their prey is incapacitated and secured underground, they ascend and repair the hole in the tube. Wakulla Co, FL.

This crayfish is among the first individuals collected from a newly discovered population that lies 10 miles east of the known range for this species in the Florida Panhandle and lies across a major ecological boundary from the nearest populations. They were found burrowing in the muddy floodplain of a small spring run. Although traditional taxonomy for this group has relied on the gonopod morphology of Form I males, this population will be analyzed for genetic differentiation from its nearest neighbors to determine if this is indeed a new form.

All crayfish molt their exoskeleton periodically, ranging from once to several times per year. Although the act leaves them soft-shelled and vulnerable for a short time, molting allows crayfish to shed external parasites, regenerate limbs, heal injuries, and expand their new exoskeleton for future growth. This female Ditch Fencing Crayfish molted shortly after her capture in Gadsden Co, FL.