Adorable Whip Spiders Love to Cuddle

You never touch me anymore. Is it because you think I'm fat? Damon diadema

Scientists have recently witnessed two species of arachnids that caress family members and seem to enjoy snuggling. Two kinds of whip spiders--dime-sized Phrynus marginemaculatus found in Florida and the larger Damon diadema which live in Tanzania and Kenya--spend their days in constant tactile touch with their relatives. In one experiment, siblings were put in a cage among many other unrelated whip spiders and within minutes had gathered back together in their family group. Mothers were routinely witnessed stroking the bodies and feelers of their young.

Whip spiders are aptly named for their long whip-like feelers, which are covered in tiny sensitive hairs and can rotate 360 degrees.

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