Texella cokendolpheri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Texella cokendolpheri |
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The Cokendolpher Cave harvestman (Texella cokendolpheri) is a very rare creature. It's also called the Robber Baron cave harvestman. This tiny animal is a type of arachnid, like a spider. It lives only in Texas, United States. Specifically, it's found in just one cave in Bexar County. Because it's so rare, it's listed as an endangered species by the United States government. This means it needs special protection to survive.
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Meet the Cokendolpher Cave Harvestman
This harvestman is quite small. It's pale orange in color. It has little to no eyes, so it lives in complete darkness. It is a special kind of animal called a troglobite. This means it spends its entire life inside a cave. It never comes out into the sunlight.
What is a Harvestman?
A harvestman is an arachnid. This group includes spiders and scorpions. But harvestmen are not spiders. They are often called "daddy longlegs." Unlike spiders, harvestmen do not spin webs. They also do not have fangs or venom. They are usually harmless to humans.
Where Does It Live?
The Cokendolpher Cave harvestman lives only in one place. That place is the Robber Baron Cave. This cave is located in Bexar County, Texas. The cave runs beneath a very busy city area. It is a karst cave. Karst caves form when water dissolves rock over a long time.
Robber Baron Cave: A Special Home
Robber Baron Cave is a unique place. It is owned by the Texas Cave Management Association. This group works to protect caves. The Cokendolpher Cave harvestman is not the only special animal living there. The Robber Baron cave meshweaver is another rare creature. This spider also lives only in this one cave.
Why Is It Endangered?
The Cokendolpher Cave harvestman faces big threats. Its biggest problem is losing its home. Caves can be destroyed when cities grow. Land is used for buildings and roads. This is called urban development. Caves can also be harmed by quarrying. This is when rocks are dug out of the ground.
Protecting Cave Homes
Caves can also get changed or polluted. This makes them unsafe for animals like the harvestman. Pollution can come from trash or chemicals. When caves are damaged, these special animals cannot survive. Protecting caves helps save these unique creatures.
