New Spider Weaves Decoy

The previously unknown behavior of a spider weaving a decoy spider-shaped structure many times larger than itself into their web has been documented in the Peruvian rain forest, most likely from an undocumented new species of the genus Cyclosa.

Spider Attack Caught in Amber

A newly discovered fossilized piece of amber from the Hukawng Valley in Myanmar dated between 97-110 million years old displays a spider attack on a parasitic wasp caught in its web, the first and only evidence of such an interaction between these types of species.

Spider Brains Overflow into Legs

Researchers have found the brains of smaller spider species are proportionally larger compared to total body volume, so much so that some can fill up to 80% of the body cavity including about 25% of their legs.

Spiders Have Too Many Legs

A new study examining the web-building habits and predatory behavior of spiders that have lost one or two legs has shown they suffer no loss of function or ability to catch food, leading to the theory that the animals evolved more legs than necessary to survive the loss of one or more.

Tarantulas Shoot Silk from Feet

A new study of various tarantula species reveals the spiders shoot silk from their feet using tiny spigots to stay attached to surfaces instead of drawing it from a single silk-producing spinneret organ.

Vegetarian Spider Found

A spider with a nearly completely herbivorous diet, the Bagheera kiplingi, has been discovered in the jungles of Central America and Mexico, making it unique among the known 40,000 carnivorous spider species.