Why this spider feeds its babies ‘milk’
Indian Express·3h ago·Neutral
What Happened
Toxeus magnus, a jumping spider species, produces nutrient-rich milk-like fluid to feed its spiderlings, a behavior extremely rare among spiders. The mother provides extended parental care for 38-40 days, with young consuming protein, fat, and sugar-rich fluid from her reproductive system. Female offspring may continue nursing until sexual maturity.
Key Entities
Toxeus magnusjumping spiderspiderlingsparental carenutrient-rich fluid