Many paper umbrella spiders are known for their ability to blend into their surroundings, but none discovered to date elevate the art of camouflage to the level of perfection achieved by Arachnea parapluviosis saxifraga. Known in English as the stonebreaker, this species hides on the old fortress walls of Ypres among nailwort, spreading pellitory and ivy-leaved toadflax. Like these calciphilic plants, it feeds on the lime-rich mortar that binds the stones of the fortress walls together. Its diet is unique among umbrella spiders, and how it manages to convert lime into wood and cardboard remains a subject of future study. Since the lime-loving plants are protected and cannot be removed from the fortress walls, the stonebreaker benefits from their status and thrives despite the disapproving looks from the guardians of monumental heritage.
