The fate of Arachnea parapluviosis aquaphosphorescensis, the light-bearing water umbrella spider, is equally dramatic. They were first—and last—observed near a small bridge over the Nete Canal in Ranst. There, they feasted on all the pollution flowing through the canal and based on the quantity they captured with their ribbing, one might conclude they thrived in abundance.
However, nothing could be further from the truth—the threat to them does not come from the water. What endangers their survival is light pollution. Like fireflies the light-bearing water umbrella spider depends on nocturnal bioluminescence for reproduction. A small, darkened bridge where unsuspecting passers-by are lured with flickering lights, for years this reproductive strategy had proven to be effective. Unfortunately, like many towns and cities, Ranst undertook a civic improvement initiative. Without consideration for the specific needs of local life forms, they decided to relight that exact streetlamp by that exact bridge.
As a tragic side effect of this decision the phosphorescent achterlijven van Arachnea parapluviosis aquaphosphorescensis are no longer visible, meaning they can no longer attract brood host species. What was once a thriving spider colony appears to have completely disappeared in a very short period.
For more information on the taxonomic issues surrounding the light-bearingwater umbrella spider, please visit the sister page dedicated to parasolid species.
