Bird Poop Spider
Scientific Name: Celaenia excavata
Order & Family: Araneae, Araneidae
Size: Females up to 15 mm, males much smaller at 2.5 mm
Natural Habitat
Gardens and woodlands, often seen on the upper surfaces of leaves during the day
Diet & Feeding
Mostly male moths, which they lure by mimicking the scent of female moth pheromones
Behavior Patterns
Master of mimicry that remains motionless during the day to look like bird droppings to avoid predators
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans; provides natural pest control for gardens by consuming moths
Identified on: 5/15/2026