Dryadslipper spider

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The Bug Collection
Dryadslipper Spider Habitat: Temperate. Description: Striped or mottled in floral assymmetry, the dryadslipper spider possesses an ability to camouflage itself well. Named for the flower which it inevitably inhabits, there seems no limit to its coloration range, which changes during the lifespan of the flower, and can include bespeckling with yellow 'pollen' motes. Thin-legged and agile, the females of this specie are atypically not much larger than the males, although they are more brightly colored. Notes: Prized for the variety in their coloration, these solo hunters are overwhelmingly benign, historically speaking, lacking both the temperament and toxin to be any threat to most humanoids. Their entire life is lived within a very small range, often a single plant specimen. Their sole prey seems to be mauve nectarbees, and their coloration appears to be their main offensive weapon, as they are not true web builders. They have been observed creating webs for their perennial egg clutches, but to date, no one has seen any other weaving manifestations.

An ancient children's nursery rhyme, a cautionary tale about the unique relationship between flower, spider and bee, is excerpted here:

"Jornie on the noon-hour,

Crawling on his knees,

Trampled on a dryad flow'r,

And ired the nectarbees.

Slipper-spider leapt out,

Before the little elf,

And scattered bees with one shout,

'I'll eat the lad meself!'"

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