Bird Poop Frog (or Bird Dung Spider mimic)
Scientific Name: Thelleticopis sp. / Mastophora hutchinsoni / Various
Order & Family: Araneae / Araneoidae; family varies by specific genus mimicry
Size: 2mm to 15mm depending on species and sex.
Natural Habitat
Found on the surfaces of leaves, twigs, or artificial surfaces like leather/plastic in gardens and forests.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; typical diet consists of small flying insects like moths and flies that are lured or trapped.
Behavior Patterns
Utilizes aggressive camouflage (masquerade) to resemble bird droppings to avoid predation by birds. Most are nocturnal hunters that sit motionless during the day.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans; provides ecosystem benefits through natural pest control of small insects.
Identified on: 3/25/2026