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UPDATED : New photos for the Decoy Spider at Tambopata Research Center
Embark on a journey of discovery in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, where nature unveils its most intriguing secrets. We share the Decoy Spider new photos at the Tambopata Research Center, in the Peruvian Amazon in Tambopata.
Picture this: as you traverse the lush trails, a seemingly lifeless spider catches your eye, suspended in its intricate web. But hold on—this spider has a trick up its eight-legged sleeve.
Decoy Spider new photos
The Tambopata National Reserve always surprises us with its wonderful natural world; it is not for nothing that it is considered one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Located in the southeast of Peru, just 30 minutes by plane from Cusco or 1 hour 30 minutes from Lima, this national reserve is easily accessible, however only a few adventurers can find exciting encounters with the help of researchers or expert field guides.
Meet the elusive Decoy Spider, a groundbreaking find that challenges the very fabric of arachnid intrigue. From a distance, it masquerades as an ordinary inch-wide spider, but as you draw near, it astounds by swaying back and forth, revealing its vibrant vitality.
Now, prepare to delve into the extraordinary. Closer inspection unravels a mystifying spectacle—what appeared to be a spider is, in fact, an ingenious concoction of minuscule leaf fragments, debris, and deceased insects meticulously assembled by a petite spider, measuring a mere 5mm in body length. Behold, a potential new species in the enigmatic genus Cyclosa.
Imagine the artistry of deception at play—Cyclosa, renowned for incorporating debris into their webs for various purposes, has outdone itself in Tambopata. The intricate silk strands, known as stabilimenta, showcase a symphony of mimicry, crafting a faux spider that confounds the senses. This deceptive masterpiece not only captivates taxonomists naming new species but beckons those enamored with the intricacies of animal behavior.
In a world-first revelation, witness the Decoy Spider’s uncanny ability to fend off predators. Research suggests that these arachnids boast a higher survival rate against potential threats, as unsuspecting assailants—such as paper wasps—are lured into attacking the decoy, leaving the true architect unscathed.
Photos by Gabriel Serrano – Wired Amazon Field Director
Decoy spider sculpture web – Photo by Gabriel Serrano
Decoy spider web design 2 – Photo by Gabriel Serrano
Decoy spider designing its new sculpture – Photo by Gabriel Serrano
Your journey at Tambopata unfolds further as you encounter around 25 of these astonishing spiders in a specific floodplain area. Yet, their restricted local range adds an air of exclusivity to this extraordinary find, making your experience at the Tambopata Research Center all the more extraordinary.
As you share this marvel with fellow explorers from across the globe, consider the path ahead. Unraveling the mystery of a new species demands time and dedication. Collecting specimens, meticulous dissections, and detailed descriptions—all essential steps towards the official christening of this newfound wonder in the scientific realm.
For now, relish in the company of fellow wildlife researchers from Tambopata, where every discovery is a testament to the boundless wonders of the Peruvian Amazon, but get ready to make this adventure yours soon.
By Rocio Guzman
NOW READ: All you need to know to travel to Tambopata
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What our guest say
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- Valuation Excellent
- 5/5
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The lodge is located in the middle of the forest accessible only by boat. The experience was very unique and exciting. Service is great, and the fun part are the nature activities and tours the hotel offers for free. We had an amazing tour guide that had a lot of knowledge and was fun to spend time with. The rooms are totally open to the forest which is really cool the struggle is the there is no privacy at all in between the rooms, also food was pretty basic. All together a very unique experience. Read all
This hotel is the perfect blend of comfort and hospitality, with the natural experience. The hotel is reached by a hours boat ride from Puerto Maldonado, expertly organized and accomplished. Most staff are members of the local Esa Ejja community. The food is good and plentiful. Hot water is always available and lovely bedding features mosquito nets. There is of course no air conditioning (one side wall is open in rach room) and the electricity is off for a few hours at night affecting overhead fans, so I was glad to have brought a small battery powered fan for sleeping. But the best of the experience is the wildlife. Our expert guide Oscar Mishaja introduced us to nearly 100 bird species, along with caimans, river otters, poison dart frogs and capybara. A trip of a lifetime. Read all
Excellent experience overall— really kind and welcoming staff at every point of the journey. All transfers were well organized and smooth. Excellent and educational excursions all around the rainforest. Delicious food for every meal. We had wonderful guides- Freet and Alvaro. Enjoyed our time here! Read all
We had a surreal experience at Refugio Amazonas. From the well organized transportation to the warm welcome, hospitality and the experience of living in nature - we loved it all. Huge shout out to our guide Boris who went out of his way to ensure we had a good experience and got to watch all kinds of wild life. The meals and cocktails were delicious. And even though this place is smack in the middle of the jungle there was super fast WiFi available. We made unforgettable memories. Read all
We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. Read all
We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. This is the only lounge available in Tambopata national park, and this eco lounge takes environment seriously. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. If you are a natural lover, you can’t miss this place Read all
Excellent and luxurious place, wonderful experience and our guide Boris was first class, he had a unique patience with my 8 year old son. An experience in the tropical rainforest that marks the life of its visitors. In addition to the scientific research that takes place in the place: a whole research center. Rooms: Very comfortable and luxuriou Read all
El mejor hotel para visitar la Amazonia peruana. Hotel eco turístico metido en medio de la selva, equipado para visitar y vivir la selva, su flora y fauna, en todas sus facetas. Todo incluido, con guías preparados y amables, resultó una experiencia increíble para mi familia. Dentro de las opciones no se debe perder el Canopy de 45 metros de altura para observar y escuchar la selva, así como el lago de las tres Chimbadas, lugar único para ver caimanes, nutrias gigantes, monos y aves exóticas. Recomiendo mínimo dos noches!!! Read all
Wunderbare lodge mit freundlichen Menschen. sehr persönliche guides, tolle Tourangebote und super kulinarische Verpflegung ! Wir wurden herzlichst von Caesar empfangen und unser guide JuanJo hat uns phantastische Dinge gezeigt. Wir können die lodge nur wärmstens empfehlen! Read all
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