



Leitz Ortholux microscope
4X Leitz projection eyepiece plus 1/3x relay lens
Image No.1, Face on view. Prominence clearly displayed.
85 images at 5 micron increments
Nikon 10x Achromat objective
Leitz dry darkfield condenser D 0.80
Image No.2. View 45 degrees above front view.
99 images at 5 micron increments
Nikon 10x Achromat objective
Leitz dry darkfield condenser D 0.80
Image No.3, Top view.
137 images at 5 micron increments
Nikon 10x Achromat objective
Leitz dry darkfield condenser D 0.80
Image No.4, Top view showing more of the carapace.
41 images at .001 inch increments
Leitz UO 6.5 X Achromat ULTROPAK objective
Leitz dry darkfield condenser D 0.80
Canon 50D
Zerene and Photoshop processing.
This spider is not the only one with six eyes arranged in two triads, but their placement on a prominence is unusual. The lenses are very transparent and views from several different angles were needed to see if they existed at all.
It is very interesting to note that no retinas seem to be visible in any eye. When you look through the lens, what appears underneath is the same material that makes up the rest of the carapace. These spiders rarely venture out into the sunlight, being found in dark places like cellars. I wonder if the apparent lack of a retina is due to were they live?
Take note of the two small anterior median eyes. They have a concentric ring like element in the lens, best seen in the top view and somewhat in the face on left eye.
Walt