You are walking between the trees and you see a medium sized spider about an inch across. It looks a bit dried out, hangin in the center of a web. Nothing really strange about it, especially for the amazon, but as you take a closer look, the web starts to wobble and the spider moves, and you are surprised to discover that this is fact a living spider. But then you look even closer, and now things start to get really bizarre, that 'spider' is actually made of tiny pieces of dead insect bodies, leaves and other small debris, made together to LOOK like a spider. How did this ever happen? Turns out there is a wizard behind the curtain, and this genius builder is in reality a 5mm tiny spider, hiding above or behind the bigger spider 'scarecrow' it built.
|
This spider was just discovered and may be a completely new species of the genus Cyclosa. This genus is known to put debris in its web to attract or confuse prey, but no one has ever seen anything like this. The spiders arrange debris along specialized silk strands called stabilimenta in a symmetrical form that makes it look almost exactly like a larger spider hanging in the web. |
Studies have found that some Cyclosa species have a higher survival rate against potential predators like paper wasps because the wasps end up attacking the debris in the web rather than the spider itself. As seen here, Cyclosa can make debris look a bit like a spider, but not nearly as detailed as the spiders found at the Tambopata Research Center which have a complex form that actually looks like a bigger version of themselves, complete with legs and all. |
According to experts, this is the only example known at the moment of an animal making a decoy of itself in larger proportions, and so this is zoological history! After 3 days of searching, only 25 of the spiders were found in one floodplain area surrounding the Tambopata Research Center. Extensive searches in other areas did not turn up any of the spiders, showing that they have a rather restricted range, at least locally. |
Submitted by: Dan L.
New From Nature: 11 New Animal Species Discovered in 2022
Today, we will acquaint you with 2022's 11 newly discovered species of animals and delve into the reasoning behind their distinctive names.
This Majestic Wildlife Photography Has an Important Cause
Some of the biggest wildlife photogrpahers used their talent to raise money for Africa's nature reserves, by selling breathtaking prints.
Who Knew Yellowstone Had So Many Gorgeous Animals?
Yellowstone National Park is a wonderful place that has a large number of wild animals.
20 Stunning Photos That'll Bring Happiness to Your Day
without saying anything, here are 20 photos that say a thousand words.
These Adorable Animals Sure Know the Importance of Family!
The concept of family was hardly invented by humans. Animals know just as well as we do the importance of loving and spending time with your family.
7 Gorgeous Dutch Parks We Recommend You Visit!
we have compiled a list of the top 7 national parks in Holland that should not be missed!
9 Incredible Animals You Weren’t Taught about in School...
Lesser known animals from around the world that deserve more recognition
5 HUGE Waves You Wouldn't Believe if it Wasn't On Video
These huge waves are probably not the biggest to ever happen, but they're definitely the 5 biggest waves ever caught on video.
Incredible Undersea Photography: 16 Award-Winning Pics
Check out the breathtaking winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023 contest.
You Have to See These 18 Hybrid Animals to Believe Them
I'd never even heard of a liger, a zonkey or a beefalo. But these pictures go to show that they actually exist - in real life!
Beautiful! This Nimble Bird is a Magical Sight to Watch
Both strong and beautiful the hummingbird is a magical sight to watch. Look through this beautiful tribute to the nimble bird.
Cute Animal of the Week: The Little-Known Cuscus
Today, let us introduce you to a little-known, unusual but adorable animal – the cuscus.
These 20 Animal Facts will Blow Your Mind
Did you know that squirrels plant trees or that oysters can change their gender? These little-known animal facts will blow your mind! I was especially impressed with no.6!
Click to Turn These Little Animal Pups to Adults...
Do you know what these adorable animals looked like when they were younger?
The Best Photos of the Milky Way Taken From Perfect Places
Take a look at the vivid colors of the Milky Way from the most remote and gorgeous locations in the world in this collection of photographs
Spore to Fungi: The Lifecycle of Mushrooms in Fast-Forward
Enjoy this look into one of nature's most incredible shows: the lifecycle of the mushroom in time-lapse over 2 years.
19 Gorgeous Birds You Might Not Have Seen Before
Birds are one of the most varied and beautiful species. These 19 exotic birds are absolutely beautiful!
These Flowers Capture a Starry Night On Their Petals
These wonderful flowers appear to have the night sky captured in their very petals. View some stunning photos of them and learn more about them.
2023 Nature TTL Photographer of the Year: 16 Winning Pics
Check out the stunning winners from the Nature TTL Photographer of the Year contest.
8 Animals That Hibernate During Winter
We have all heard how bears hibernate during the winters. Here are 8 more animals that protect themselves from the cold by hibernating.
Wildlife Is Even More Beautiful In 4K Definition!
The wildlife in Myanmar is beautiful, and we're lucky enough to witness it being captured in 4K definition. Enjoy!
Just How Clever Are Wild Parrots? See For Yourself!
Just how clever a wild cockatoo parrots? This man created a puzzle with seeds in it to see if they could solve it, and here's the footage...
This Incredible Video Takes You Swimming With a Polar Bear
Go on a swim right next to one of the world's biggest apex predators.
You Won't Believe How a Walk in Nature Affects Our Brain
I was absolutely shocked to discover just how beneficial a walk in nature is for the brain. And upon reading #2 and #4, I couldn't wait to put my walking boots on and hit the park.
Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022: 15 Winning Images
Check out some of the most stunning entries from the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Challenge.
Unbelievable Natural Illusions That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop
Nature always has a few tricks up her sleeve and never stops surprising us with her fascinating creations. Here are 14 mind-bending examples...
10 Marvelous Nature Spots That Are Too Beautiful For Words
Here are 10 spectacular natural sights our planet has to offer:
Lovable Baby Animals You Just Want to Cuddle Up With!
A collection of cute and adorable baby animals you will love.
10 Beautiful Horse Breeds Everyone Needs to Know About
We humans owe horses so much thanks to the role they've played in human history. These are probably the 10 most interesting breeds of all.
Mother's Day is Celebrated Among the Animals Too...
Remind yourself of your mother's love this Mother's Day by viewing these heartwarming photos of animal moms with their young.
Humans Aren't the Only Devoted Parents...
Beautiful examples of the kind of parents you'll find in the animal kingdom.
Ever Seen Flowers as Gorgeous as These?
Nature really does create some extraordinary, colorful flowers. Check out a wide selection of them here!
Few Flowers are as Colorful as the Tulip...
Tulips are some of the most stunning flowers imaginable. Take a look at these breathtaking photos to find out why.
These Have Got to Be Some of the World Strangest Plants
In this world there are pretty plants and then there are talented and bizarre plants. These 12 plants definitely fall into the latter category.
Best of BBC: 7 Animal Videos You HAVE to Watch
Feast your eyes on 7 perfect animal moments, from the cute to the colorful, from the beautiful to the menacing - these BBC videos are gorgeous.
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Our Feathered Friends
From your friendly neighborhood crow to some of the rarest bird species in the world, here are 15 fantastic facts about birds.
These Award-Winning Wildlife Photos Are Phenomenal
View some of the best entries from the 2017 edition of GDT's ‘European Wildlife Photographer of the Year' competition. Take a look.
How Well Do You Know Canada's 9 Wildest Animals?
Canada is home to some fascinating animals. Some are cuddly, some of dangerous, but all hold pride of place in the natural wonderland of Canada.
14 Birds that Are Nature's Gemstones
While you may have seen birds native to your area, we're sure you've never seen these before......
Your Ultimate Guide to All Breeds of Cat!
From Balinese to a Scottish Fold - there are many breeds of cats, and you'll find them all here!
These Serpents are Stunning, but Have a Deadly Bite...
In all the fear, there is always beauty, especially for these 20 species of venomous snakes, that add both venom and color to the world.
5 Ancient Forests and What You Can Find There
This list contains 5 of the world’s most ancient forests that stood here far longer than us, their must-see spots and how to get there
These Siberian Cats Are Truly Stunning!
Alla Lebedeva has turned her homestead into a "Catland" and she has now gone viral thanks to some incredible photographs of her glorious Siberian cats.
Capturing Africa's Wild Beauty: 17 Mesmerizing Pics
Enjoy this photographic journey of African wildlife.
The Colorful and Beautiful Birds of Paradise!
This amazing video brings to life the most beautiful and stunning of birds!