Mastophora extraordinaria

Mastophora extraordinaria is a species of spider in the orb-weaver spider family Araneidae. It is found in South America (Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina). Like some other species of the genus Mastophora, adult females resemble bird droppings. Mastophora species, including M. extraordinaria, are "bolas spiders" – adult females capture their prey by using a sticky drop on the end of a single line which they swing at the target, usually a male moth attracted by the release of an analogue of the attractant sex pheromone produced by the female moth. Juveniles and adult males do not use a bolas, catching prey with their legs alone.

Mastophora extraordinaria

Mastophora extraordinaria is a species of spider in the orb-weaver spider family Araneidae. It is found in South America (Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina). Like some other species of the genus Mastophora, adult females resemble bird droppings. Mastophora species, including M. extraordinaria, are "bolas spiders" – adult females capture their prey by using a sticky drop on the end of a single line which they swing at the target, usually a male moth attracted by the release of an analogue of the attractant sex pheromone produced by the female moth. Juveniles and adult males do not use a bolas, catching prey with their legs alone.