"For several years, I have been observing the odd behavior of the Mirror Spider (Thwaitesia sp.) where the "silver-plates" on the abdomen seem to shrink when the spider is agitated (or perhaps threatened), revealing the actual abdomen. At rest, the silver plates expand and the spaces between the plates close up to become an almost uniform reflective surface. That is why I called it the Mirror Spider. Note that what I am posting are just field observations and not based on scientific literature."
Nicky Bay
Mirror comb-footed spider (Thwaitesia sp.)
A female Mirror Spider (Thwaitesia sp.) when on the move. Note that the silver plates on the abdomen are relatively small and spotty. Although I'm using the term "silver plates", they could actually be guanine crystals.
Mirror spider (Thwaitesia sp.)
When it stops to rest, the silver plates appear to expand, filling up the abdominal surface slowly.
Mirror comb-footed spider (Thwaitesia sp.)
After an hour, the silver plates expanded to fill almost the entire abdomen!
Mirror comb-footed spider. (Thwaitesia sp.)
From above, the spider looks like an art work of stained glass!
