Bird Poop Spider (or Angulate Orbweaver)
Scientific Name: Mastophora spp.
Order & Family: Araneae: Araneidae
Size: 10-15 mm for females; males are significantly smaller (approx. 2 mm).
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.
Identified on: 4/27/2026