Spider
Hunting
The
Magnificent Spider attracts male moths by emitting a scent that
mimics the sex attracting scent put out by female moths. The
spider senses the vibrations of the approaching moth’s
wing beat and starts swinging the sticky bolas in a circle below
it. This eventually hits the fluttering moth, and the spider
hauls in its meal.
The
Water Spider sits with its legs on the water. If an insect falls
in, the spider senses the vibrations and dashes across the water
surface film to grab it. It can also capture tadpoles and fish.
Many
hunters use ‘sit-in-wait’ strategies to catch a meal.
Trapdoor spiders can hide under their doors but other ambushers
depend on their colours and shapes to deceive their insect prey.
Arid
zone trapdoor spiders increase their food gathering area by
attaching ‘triplines’ of twigs and leaves around the
burrow rim. The spider runs out to attack any insects that walk
across the triplines.
During
the day, Bird Dropping Spiders sit
on leaves looking like bird poo. This hides them from predators
and helps them to catch insects. When an insect comes too close,
an innocent looking lump of poo may turn into a spider, with
strong, spiny front legs.
Jumping
Spiders use their excellent eyesight to hunt prey and recognise
their enemies. Jumping Spiders can make leaps of up to 60 times
their own body length. When pouncing on their prey they make
short accurate leaps propelled by the rapid extension of their
back legs.
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