Description
SPIDER HUNTING SCORPION. A sensational addition to one of the hottest programs in global numismatics, the latest issue honours the fearsome Spider-Hunting Scorpion. Evolving over 430 million years, and distinguished by large pincers and twisting tail topped with a stinger, the instantly recognisable physique of the scorpion inevitably evokes fear in the observer. Scorpion Scorpions are opportunistic predators that eat any small animal they can capture. Common prey includes insects as well as spiders and other arachnids, including other scorpions. Less-common but regular prey includes pill bugs, snails, and small vertebrates such as lizards, snakes, and rodents. The only known specialist scorpion is the Australian spiral burrow, or spider-hunting, scorpion (Isometroides vescus), which feeds solely on burrowing spiders.
Most scorpions are sit-and-wait predators that remain motionless until a suitable victim has moved into an ambush zone. Scorpions can sense tiny ground vibrations, and some can detect airborne vibrations of flying insects. These behaviours are sophisticated to the extent that scorpions can determine the precise distance and direction of their prey. Once the prey has been detected, the scorpion turns, runs to the prey, and seizes it. The prey is stung if it is relatively large, aggressive, or active. Otherwise it is simply held by the pedipalps as it is eaten. Many of the thick-tailed scorpions (family Buthidae), however, actively search for prey.
These species usually have long, slender bodies and pincers (chelae). Many have powerful venoms to compensate for their small pincers. Scorpions lack conventional jaws, and their feeding habits are unusual. An additional pair of pincerlike appendages (chelicerae) are toothed, and, with these tools as well as the sharp edges of adjacent jawlike structures (maxillae and coxae), the scorpion chews the prey as quantities of digestive fluids secreted from the midgut pour over it. The victim’s soft parts are broken down, liquefied, and sucked into the scorpion’s stomach by a pumping action. The victim is gradually reduced to a ball of indigestible material, which is cast aside. Eating is a slow process, often taking many hours.
The stuff of nightmares, the fact that the Spider-Hunting Scorpion viciously pursues another of humankind’s most dreaded creatures only intensifies that fear! A typically vivid illustration of the Perth Mint’s fullcolour minting techniques, the unnerving appearance of the Spider-Hunting Scorpion has been captured perfectly upon the crown-sized 40.60mm flan of this dramatic legal tender release. Issued as legal tender of Tuvalu, the coin depicts the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the monetary denomination. Each coin is housed in a high-gloss timber presentation case and shipper.
Country – Tuvalu
Year – 2014
Face Value – 1 Dollar
Metal – Silver Fineness (purity) – 999/1000
Weight (g) – 31.1 (1 oz)
Diameter (mm) – 40.6
Quality – Proof
Mintage (pcs) – 5,000
Certificate (COA) – Yes
Presentation case (box) – Yes
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