User:Kevin Durant/Sandbox

Clock spider

Clock Spider refers to images of spiders (typically Huntsman spiders) photographed standing or crawling near a wall clock. In these photos, the spider's long legs are often seen peeking out from behind the clock face, or the specimen is large enough to completely obscure the timepiece underneath.

The first photograph of the Clock Spider was captured in April 2003 by kenratboy while visiting a rented home in Darwin, Australia. On the message board, the photo's owner insists the depicted spider is a wolf spider instead of a huntsman kind, as they belong to entirely different arachnids.

The idea of Clock spider was picked up by numerous English publications, often calling it an "urban legend". Despite being passed around in certain forums from time to time, websites such as Urban Dictionary suggest they tend to be worshipped religiously. Legend has it that Clock spiders once possessed a ninth leg, which fell off in a battle with Limecat, their ultimate arch-nemesis. Many users add to the lore; for instance, some claim that those who "worship" limecat will be fed to the spider after judgment day. Clock Spiders have set their eyes off to another spider, the rumored Cheesy Hotel Spider, was allegedly captured and released in Cabo San Lucas and possesses the ability to move so fast it can alter the space-time continuum. Although it is unclear which party the Cheesy Hotel Spider will team up with. Both memes actually date as far back as 2003 across multiple internet forums.

In a scientific context, the reason huntsman spiders often hide behind clocks because these spots offer dark, undisturbed shelter, safety from predators, and a steady supply of prey. Interestingly, Huntsman spiders can also produce a rhythmic, vibrational drumming with their abdomens that resembles the sound of a ticking quartz clock to attract household preys.