Bug Identifier
Bird Poop Spider
Community identification

Bird Poop Spider

Celaenia excavata

Order & Family
Araneae, Araneidae
Size
Females up to 15 mm, males much smaller at 2.5 mm
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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