Bug Identifier
Bird Dropping Spider (Mimic)
Community identification

Bird Dropping Spider (Mimic)

Celaenia excavata

Order & Family
Araneae, Araneidae
Size
Females reach 12-15 mm; males are much smaller at approximately 2-3 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, orchards, and urban areas, often resting on the upper surfaces of leaves.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; they primarily prey on male moths which they lure by mimicking the scent of female moth pheromones.

Behavior Patterns

This spider uses aggressive mimicry for defense (resembling bird feces to avoid birds) and for hunting. They are nocturnal hunters that do not spin a traditional web.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans; their bite may cause mild local swelling but is not considered medically significant. They benefit the ecosystem by controlling moth populations.