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Description
Deserts are one of those ecosystems that people don't really see as a "habitat." An endless sea of sand that either faces burning sunlight or freezing darkness, not exactly a place one would call home. Many folk believe it to be a barren and lifeless place, one where life goes to end rather than begin. This belief probably comes from the fact that very few species that live outside these lands ever want to visit them. Extreme temperatures, no water and all around misery isn't exactly a selling point, certainly not something you would see on a travel brochure. However, if one is brave and well prepared, then they may enter this sandy domain and find the wonders that lie within! Dare to go to the extremes, and you will see the life that not only lives in this "wasteland," but thrives in it! It is a sight that so many miss! Herds of Oryx roaming across the great dunes. Silent Cactavoirs standing still amongst the cacti, like living statues! The thunderous echoes of dueling Hammerbirds ringing through the dry air! The plumes of sand whipping into the sky, as Dune Wheel Spiders tear across the landscape on feverish hunts! Actually, I think a lot of people would be happy not to see that last part...

For those who do not know, the Dune Wheel Spider is a denizen of these desert lands. As their name suggests, they are an arachnid. Though they are quite bigger than the spiders you find in your home, they bear the same structure of their smaller brethren. Eight legs, two pedipalps and two body segments. These long ridged legs are perfect for them to scuttle across the dunes and cracked earth, and they possess fanning feet to keep them atop the sand. A hefty exoskeleton is essential for surviving the scorching heat and grating sandstorms, not to mention the beasts that would have them for lunch! Large rows of eyes are used to scout out their surroundings and pinpoint prey, and each have special lenses to dampen the blinding light. Such an array of tools they have at their disposal, yet they are not used to their full potential when the spider is just scampering about. If you ever see a pack of Dune Wheel Spiders strolling across the dunes, keep your eye on them! I do not say this out of warning, instead I say this with encouragement! You absolutely must see them in action to truly appreciate the species as a whole!

The Dune Wheel Spider truly lives up to its name when it comes time to hunt. These predators of the wasteland do not settle for spinning webs or hiding in hidden holes! Instead, they prefer a far more exciting form of hunting! Using their powerful eyes, the pack will scour the landscape for prey, preferably those of larger size. The ungulates that roam the desert are their primary target, those that are large in numbers and fleet of foot. When an unwary herd is spotted, the pack of Dune Wheels will stealthily move about, looking to position themselves on higher ground. Behind a dune's crest, or atop a rocky hill, the spiders move into position so that their prey stands beneath them. When the whole team is ready, they will all snap their limbs into place and take on a more fitting shape! Their eight legs will turn to spokes, and their feet will come together to form a giant wheel! Their bodies will fold up into a more compact shape, and the spiders will be ready to roll! With a hearty charge forth, the Dune Wheels will begin to spin and the hunt shall begin. Powered by the downhill slope, they shall gain a good amount of speed and they will aim themselves right into the heart of the herd. Of course any beast would panic at the sight of spiders rolling at them at top speed, so the prey is quick to flee. However, the spiders are not so easily escaped. Using special muscles and organic counterweights in their bodies, the Dune Wheels can maintain their spinning even after they reach level ground. In fact, they can even gain speed! Whipping their bodies round and round, they chase after the fleeing prey, each member of the pack moving in coordination to single out a target. When a victim is separated from the herd, the pack will descend on them and chase them down. Often an attack from the side will bring their hunt to an end, as one of the members blindsides the beast and sends it tumbling. When they are on a collision course, they will unfurl their legs slightly so that their hidden claws can hook into the prey's flesh. When prey falls, they very rarely get back up, as the Dune Wheels are quick to swarm. Powerful mandibles will saw through flesh, and the entire pack will feast. Always great to have dinner after a long ride!

The hunting method of the Dune Wheel is quite unique, and it is incredible to see how their anatomy has adapted to allow such movement. Their legs have ridges and grooves on them to give them grip on rocky and sandy ground. The internal structure of these limbs have special notches that allow them to "lock" in place when they take wheel form, giving them extra strength and stability. Even with that, muscles and membranes are arranged to absorb shock whenever they take a bounce or collide. Their eyes run in columns up their body, giving them a better view as they spin wildly around. The folding body keeps everything nice and central, that way nothing throws off their spin. Their pedipalps have hairs and ridges that allow them to stridulate, which is how they communicate to the pack as they pursue prey. It is an incredible system, and it makes for quite a show! I don't know how they do it without getting dizzy! It honestly hurts my head a little just watching them!

While their hunts can be best viewed during the day, these predators also stalk prey at night. The desert is a harsh place, so one cannot skip on a meal just because of the time. The time they sleep is after they have gorged on prey, slipping into shady crevasses and holes to rest. If shelter cannot be found, then burying themselves in the sand will work as well. Hunting at night is a bit more advantageous for them, as their eyes are good at picking up the small traces of light brought by the moon and stars. Prey will have a hard time spotting them, so they may be able to pull off a powerful ambush. Some people say that the Dune Wheels get more aggressive at night, as they seem to take down smaller prey during these times. Often, the pack only goes after larger beasts, as a desert hare or a cactus cat isn't exactly enough to go around. Supposedly, such limiters are taken off during the night, as they will run down anything they can find. I would argue against this belief though. I do not see how nighttime would alter their behavior in such a way, or make it more advantageous to go after smaller prey. The one thing I do know that comes from the night is that a lot of people's vision turns to crap. The Dune Wheels may be able to see just fine, but we really don't. Even with a lantern in hand, the light only goes so far, so you couldn't see a whole lot of the landscape. You may be wandering around ignorant to your surroundings, so much so that you may walk right in front of a rolling Dune Wheel. Yes, I am suggesting that these smaller takedowns are actually just people and critters accidentally blundering right in front of a Dune Wheel on the hunt. I mean, how many people have been trampled by a horse carriage at night? It makes sense to me! And no, before you guys even think it, I have not been run over by a Dune Wheel! Cripes, give me some more credit than that!

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian

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Saw something about a spider that cartwheels itself around the desert and just had to amp it up. I know some folk may run from spiders, but it ain't fast enough from these fellows!

Description
Deserts are one of those ecosystems that people don't really see as a "habitat." An endless sea of sand that either faces burning sunlight or freezing darkness, not exactly a place one would call home. Many folk believe it to be a barren and lifeless place, one where life goes to end rather than begin. This belief probably comes from the fact that very few species that live outside these lands ever want to visit them. Extreme temperatures, no water and all around misery isn't exactly a selling point, certainly not something you would see on a travel brochure. However, if one is brave and well prepared, then they may enter this sandy domain and find the wonders that lie within! Dare to go to the extremes, and you will see the life that not only lives in this "wasteland," but thrives in it! It is a sight that so many miss! Herds of Oryx roaming across the great dunes. Silent Cactavoirs standing still amongst the cacti, like living statues! The thunderous echoes of dueling Hammerbirds ringing through the dry air! The plumes of sand whipping into the sky, as Dune Wheel Spiders tear across the landscape on feverish hunts! Actually, I think a lot of people would be happy not to see that last part...

For those who do not know, the Dune Wheel Spider is a denizen of these desert lands. As their name suggests, they are an arachnid. Though they are quite bigger than the spiders you find in your home, they bear the same structure of their smaller brethren. Eight legs, two pedipalps and two body segments. These long ridged legs are perfect for them to scuttle across the dunes and cracked earth, and they possess fanning feet to keep them atop the sand. A hefty exoskeleton is essential for surviving the scorching heat and grating sandstorms, not to mention the beasts that would have them for lunch! Large rows of eyes are used to scout out their surroundings and pinpoint prey, and each have special lenses to dampen the blinding light. Such an array of tools they have at their disposal, yet they are not used to their full potential when the spider is just scampering about. If you ever see a pack of Dune Wheel Spiders strolling across the dunes, keep your eye on them! I do not say this out of warning, instead I say this with encouragement! You absolutely must see them in action to truly appreciate the species as a whole!

The Dune Wheel Spider truly lives up to its name when it comes time to hunt. These predators of the wasteland do not settle for spinning webs or hiding in hidden holes! Instead, they prefer a far more exciting form of hunting! Using their powerful eyes, the pack will scour the landscape for prey, preferably those of larger size. The ungulates that roam the desert are their primary target, those that are large in numbers and fleet of foot. When an unwary herd is spotted, the pack of Dune Wheels will stealthily move about, looking to position themselves on higher ground. Behind a dune's crest, or atop a rocky hill, the spiders move into position so that their prey stands beneath them. When the whole team is ready, they will all snap their limbs into place and take on a more fitting shape! Their eight legs will turn to spokes, and their feet will come together to form a giant wheel! Their bodies will fold up into a more compact shape, and the spiders will be ready to roll! With a hearty charge forth, the Dune Wheels will begin to spin and the hunt shall begin. Powered by the downhill slope, they shall gain a good amount of speed and they will aim themselves right into the heart of the herd. Of course any beast would panic at the sight of spiders rolling at them at top speed, so the prey is quick to flee. However, the spiders are not so easily escaped. Using special muscles and organic counterweights in their bodies, the Dune Wheels can maintain their spinning even after they reach level ground. In fact, they can even gain speed! Whipping their bodies round and round, they chase after the fleeing prey, each member of the pack moving in coordination to single out a target. When a victim is separated from the herd, the pack will descend on them and chase them down. Often an attack from the side will bring their hunt to an end, as one of the members blindsides the beast and sends it tumbling. When they are on a collision course, they will unfurl their legs slightly so that their hidden claws can hook into the prey's flesh. When prey falls, they very rarely get back up, as the Dune Wheels are quick to swarm. Powerful mandibles will saw through flesh, and the entire pack will feast. Always great to have dinner after a long ride!

The hunting method of the Dune Wheel is quite unique, and it is incredible to see how their anatomy has adapted to allow such movement. Their legs have ridges and grooves on them to give them grip on rocky and sandy ground. The internal structure of these limbs have special notches that allow them to "lock" in place when they take wheel form, giving them extra strength and stability. Even with that, muscles and membranes are arranged to absorb shock whenever they take a bounce or collide. Their eyes run in columns up their body, giving them a better view as they spin wildly around. The folding body keeps everything nice and central, that way nothing throws off their spin. Their pedipalps have hairs and ridges that allow them to stridulate, which is how they communicate to the pack as they pursue prey. It is an incredible system, and it makes for quite a show! I don't know how they do it without getting dizzy! It honestly hurts my head a little just watching them!

While their hunts can be best viewed during the day, these predators also stalk prey at night. The desert is a harsh place, so one cannot skip on a meal just because of the time. The time they sleep is after they have gorged on prey, slipping into shady crevasses and holes to rest. If shelter cannot be found, then burying themselves in the sand will work as well. Hunting at night is a bit more advantageous for them, as their eyes are good at picking up the small traces of light brought by the moon and stars. Prey will have a hard time spotting them, so they may be able to pull off a powerful ambush. Some people say that the Dune Wheels get more aggressive at night, as they seem to take down smaller prey during these times. Often, the pack only goes after larger beasts, as a desert hare or a cactus cat isn't exactly enough to go around. Supposedly, such limiters are taken off during the night, as they will run down anything they can find. I would argue against this belief though. I do not see how nighttime would alter their behavior in such a way, or make it more advantageous to go after smaller prey. The one thing I do know that comes from the night is that a lot of people's vision turns to crap. The Dune Wheels may be able to see just fine, but we really don't. Even with a lantern in hand, the light only goes so far, so you couldn't see a whole lot of the landscape. You may be wandering around ignorant to your surroundings, so much so that you may walk right in front of a rolling Dune Wheel. Yes, I am suggesting that these smaller takedowns are actually just people and critters accidentally blundering right in front of a Dune Wheel on the hunt. I mean, how many people have been trampled by a horse carriage at night? It makes sense to me! And no, before you guys even think it, I have not been run over by a Dune Wheel! Cripes, give me some more credit than that!

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian

---------------------------------------------------

Saw something about a spider that cartwheels itself around the desert and just had to amp it up. I know some folk may run from spiders, but it ain't fast enough from these fellows!