Spider, Giant
A fearsome predator feared by caravans in the Senu Desert, the giant Senuan spider is an arachnid the size of a large horse. Its venomous bite induces involuntary muscle contractions throughout its prey's body, preventing it from fleeing.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Like its smaller arachnid cousins, a giant Senuan spiders is an eight-legged invertebrate arthropod that possesses an exoskeleton. Its body is divded into a cephalothorax and a slightly larger abdomen.
Located at the front of the cephalothorax are eight eyes, set in two rows of four eyes each. Below the eyes is the mouth, the outside of which is lined with the two fangs the spider uses to inject venom into prey, as well as other mouth parts used to coat prey in corrosive enzymes. The brain is housed towards the back of the cephalothorax. below the stomach and upper intestines.
The outside of the abdomen is covered in thin, sharp bristles that resemble fur. The bristles are used as a defense mechanism, as they can irriate exposed skin and mucus membranes. The abdomen houses the lungs, heart, lower intestines, and gonads. Located below the anus are spinnerettes are, which the spider uses to excrete the silk used to form the webs that often line its burrows.
Giant Senuan spiders display a high degree of sexual dimorphism, with males being much smaller than females.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Carnivorous and an opportunistic predator, A giant Senuan spider will feed upon any living animals it comes across. Its primary method of hunting is to lie in wait underneath the sand and ambush those unfortunate enough to pass by their burrows. Like other arachnids, it consumes its prey by secreting digestive enzymes onto the flesh of its still paralyzed prey and sucking the liquified nutrients using hollow, straw-like fangs in its mouth.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
As its name implies, this species of spider is native to the Senu Desert of Aerisca Borealis. There have been no recorded instances of it having been encountered outside of this region.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
While a giant Senuan spiders possesses eight eyes, its vision is limited to detecting light and motion. On the other hand, its sense of touch is extremely sensitive, and can perceive vibrations given off by the movement of its prey from miles away. It also possesses a highly developed sense of taste, and can communicate through the secretion of pheremones.
