Bird Poop Mimic Spider (or Ant-mimicking Spider)
Scientific Name: Mastophora cornigera (or similar species in the Araneidae/Salticidae family)
Order & Family: Araneae: Araneidae or Salticidae
Size: 2mm to 15mm (highly variable by species and sex)
Natural Habitat
Typically found on leafy garden plants, shrubs, and trees across various temperate and tropical climates.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; they primarily feed on small flying insects like moths and flies by using mimicry to lure prey.
Behavior Patterns
These spiders use 'aggressive mimicry' or protective camouflage to look like bird droppings to avoid predation from birds while waiting for prey to approach.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pest insect populations; they are generally harmless to humans and not considered medically significant if a bite occurs.
Identified on: 3/18/2026