GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
S	1
SENATE BILL 835
     

 
Short Title:	Adopt State Spider.	()	
Sponsors:	Senator Wellons.	
Referred to:	Rules and Operations of the Senate.	
April 3, 2001

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO ADOPT THE SPRUCE-FIR MOSS SPIDER AS THE OFFICIAL SPIDER OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the spruce‑fir moss spider (Microhexura montivaga) is a member of the dipluridae family, which are often referred to as "tarantulas;" and
Whereas, the spruce‑fir moss spider is known only to conifer forests in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee; and
Whereas, spruce‑fir moss spiders are restricted to the moss mats of certain rock outcrops and boulders in mature high‑elevation forests dominated by Fraser firs; and
Whereas, the spruce‑fir moss spider measures .10 to .15 of an inch in length and ranges in color from a light brown to a darker reddish brown; and
Whereas, because of the spruce‑fir moss spider's ability to shed its skin, the spider can grow and live for several years; and
Whereas, in 1995, the spruce‑fir moss spider was declared an endangered species; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 145-18. State spider.
The spruce-fir moss spider (Microhexura montivaga) is adopted as the official spider of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  The title of Chapter 145 of the General Statutes reads as rewritten:
"Chapter 145.
State Flower, Bird, Tree, Shell, Mammal, Fish, Insect, Stone, Reptile, Rock, Beverage, Historical Boat, Language, Dog, Military Academy, Tartan, Watermelon Festivals, Vegetable, and Spider."
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.