Scorpion-tailed Spiders

Arachnura, also known as drag-tailed spider, scorpion-tailed spider and scorpion spider, is a genus of orb-weaver spiders that was first described by Auguste Vinson in 1863. They are distributed across Australasia, Southern and Eastern Asia with one species from Africa.

Females curl up their tails when disturbed, mimicking scorpions, but they are unable to sting. Bites are rare, and result in minor symptoms such as local pain and swelling. They stay at the middle of their web day and night, with their bodies mimicking plant litter, such as fallen flowers, twigs, or dead leaves.