Bird Dropping Spider
Scientific Name: Celaenia excavata
Order & Family: Araneae: Araneidae
Size: Females can grow up to 12 mm; males are much smaller, around 2.5 mm.

Natural Habitat
Commonly found in gardens, orchards, and urban areas throughout Australia, often resting on the upper surfaces of leaves during the day.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly feeds on male moths. The spider mimics the scent (pheromones) of female moths to lure male moths close enough to capture.
Behavior Patterns
It is a master of mimicry, evolving to look exactly like a bird dropping to avoid predation by birds. It does not spin traditional webs; instead, it waits and grabs prey with its front legs.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans; its bite may cause local pain but is not considered medically significant. They benefit the ecosystem and farmers by controlling certain moth populations without the need for pesticides.
Identified on: 3/20/2026