Many spiders weave their webs widely to
capture prey. But this Asian crab spider uses
its web as camouflage, spinning a disguise of silk
that looks sufficiently like a bird dropping to entice
insects into the trap. The disguise goes so far as to
emit some of the same chemicals as bird droppings.
In the photo, the spider has caught a small wasp.
The ruse delivers one further advantage — birds
are not interested in their own droppings, so they
are unlikely to eat the spider.Web of deceit: the spider
that weaves a disguisePhoto // Emanuele Biggi
NPL
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