Bug Identifier
Bird Poop Spider (or Angulate Orbweaver)
Community identification

Bird Poop Spider (or Angulate Orbweaver)

Mastophora spp.

Order & Family
Araneae: Araneidae
Size
10-15 mm for females; males are significantly smaller (approx. 2 mm).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Gardens, orchards, and woodland edges, often resting on the upper surface of leaves.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; primarily feeds on specific species of moths, often using chemical mimicry.

Behavior Patterns

Uses aggressive mimicry by emitting scents that imitate moth pheromones. It catches prey using a 'bolas' (a single silk thread with a sticky globule at the end) rather than a traditional web. It remains motionless during the day, relying on its bird-dropping-like appearance for camouflage.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans; provides ecological benefits by controlling moth populations and serving as a fascinating example of specialized evolution.