Focus on nature[R]: insight into the lives of animals.

There's no reason to have eyes when you live in total darkness. Instead, air movement from prey is felt by the sensitive hairs on your eight legs. Hidden deep within the moist darkness a KAUA'I CAVE WOLF SPIDER, or Pe'e pe'e maka 'ole, (Adelocosa anops) waits for her next meal. Along meanders another native cave species, the Kaua'i Cave amphipod. The chase is on and the long legs of the spider help win the race and the meal. The female senses a male wolf spider trying to seduce her. Once mated, she'll spin and carry an egg sac containing 1530 mini versions of herself. The newborn hatchlings ride atop her back for several days while gaining independence. Survival is difficult here in the lava caves of southeastern Kaua'i as development continues above as does the seepage of toxins and pesticides. Artwork and text by Rochelle Mason [c] 2002-2006 www.Rmasonfinearts.com [phone]

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