Bird Dropping Spider
Scientific Name: Celaenia excavata
Order & Family: Araneae (Order); Araneidae (Family)
Size: Females are typically larger, around 12-20mm in body length, while males are much smaller, usually only 2.5mm.
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, orchards, and wooded areas, commonly seen resting on leaves or twigs where they blend in perfectly.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds almost exclusively on male moths. The spider releases a chemical scent (pheromone) mimicking female moths to lure prey directly to it at night.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal hunters but stay stationary during the day, curled up with legs drawn in to mimic a bird dropping to avoid predators like birds and wasps. They do not build traditional webs but hang from a single silk thread at night to catch moths.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Natural pest controller, particularly for moths. Risks: Harmless to humans; while they possess venom, they are generally reluctant to bite and their venom is not considered dangerous to people.
Identified on: 2/9/2026