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Index of Subjects
Index of Subjects Most spider "knead" their prey as they work on digesting it, even the little ones. Only few "specialists" liquefy and suck the whole thing empty through a relatively small hole. Venom and saliva secreted into and over the prey contain enzymes that break down the tissue. Not sure about the acid that was mentioned, as digestion in arthropods in general happens at a fairly neutral pH (unlike to human). Regurgitating acids may have negative effects on your own tissue if it is not protected with a sacrificial mucus layer. If I remember I will look into that on Monday...... The book "Biology of Spiders" is a good one with lots of spider biology in it. Ulli > Ulli and Phil- > > Thanks for the info! So, do they withdraw the chelicerae and then apply the mouth to the tiny > holes left in the exoskeleton, or are the secretions from the mouth sufficiently strong to dissolve > the exoskeleton and create a weak area (or opening) through which the spider can feed? >
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Index of Subjects