This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

SPANISH MOSS JUMPING SPIDERS!

While traveling over the holidays, we were near the coast where Spanish moss is often seen hanging from the trees.  Seeing a large oak covered in Spanish moss just screams Southern beauty to me.  After seeing some in a parking lot one day, my son informed me that there was a type of insect that only lives in Spanish moss.  Interesting, I thought.  So, of course, the research began to see if he was right.

Spanish moss is not really moss.  It is a epiphytic herb.  This means it grows on other plants for structural support, but it does not rely on them for nutrients.  Spanish moss grows on several types of trees, but prefers live oaks and cypress.  It prefers moist environments and can be found in the Southern United States.

So, what lives in Spanish moss?  Well, several types of spiders and insects make their home in Spanish moss.  Some birds, like the warbler, as well as several bat species also like to nest in the thick, fibrous masses.  There are some differing opinions about red bugs, or chiggers, living in Spanish moss.  It is more likely that they are found in moss that has fallen to the ground rather than what is up in the trees.  However, there is one creature that not only lives in Spanish moss, but that is the only place it is found.  It is called Pelegrina tillandsiae, a species of jumping spider.  It is named after Spanish moss, or Tillandsia usneoides.  Unfortunately, I was not able to find pictures of this species, and it does not seem to have been studied extensively.

Find out what's happening in Oconeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In looking into this topic, I came across several folklore tales about how Spanish moss got it’s name.  They mostly have to do with a man’s beard getting caught in the tree.  However, look it up for some fun reading sometime!  There are also some interesting facts surrounding Spanish moss.  It has been used for many reasons throughout history, including to stuff the seats of early Model T Fords and mattresses.  Since bugs can be found in Spanish moss, this is supposedly where the phrase, “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” came from.

If you are ever around Spanish moss, take a look inside and see what you find.  You might just get one of the few pictures of the jumping spider.  If so, send us a copy.  We’d love to see it!

Find out what's happening in Oconeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Content Distribution Provided By Freskos Media an Atlanta Internet Marketing Company




We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Oconee