Celaenia excavata (Bird-dropping spider)

Although classified in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae, this spider does not make an orb web. Instead it simply hangs by a short thread of silk from a leaf at night, with its legs outstretched, waiting for prey. This would not be a productive feeding strategy, except that the spider emits a chemical that mimics the pheromone of certain female moths; the male moths are fooled and, following the scent trail, are seized by the spider. During the day it sits exposed on a leaf surface, motionless and with legs tightly drawn against its body. With its mottled brown and white colour pattern it looks like a bird dropping and is ignored by predators such as birds.

Regional distribution

Celaenia excavata is listed in the following regions: