Bird-dropping Spider

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Bird-dropping Spider

Bird-dropping Spider

Celaenia excavata

Feeds at night, using mimicry to capture its prey. It hangs from the edge of a leaf or twig on a short silk thread, with its forelegs stretched out. It releases a chemical scent (pheromone) that mimics the scent released by female moths to attract their mates. If male moths attracted by the spider's mimicking scent flutter close enough they are grabbed by the spider's strong front legs. The egg sacs are marbled brown coloured balls, about 12-14 mm wide, each holding more than 200 eggs. Up to 13 sacs are joined together in a group. 

Details Description
Type
Invertebrate
Group
Arachnid - Spider
Other Common Names
Death's Head Spider, Orchard Spider
Identifying Characteristics

A squat black, brown and cream coloured spider, 12 mm (female) or 2.5 mm (male). The abdomen is broad and triangular in shape, with a pair of rough humps towards the rear.
Distinctive Markings

Shape, colour pattern and resting position help this spider look like a bird dropping. It usually holds its legs folded in against its body.
Diet

Carnivore. Mainly eats male moths.
Habitat

Found in open woodlands and urban gardens.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Taxonomy
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Ardeidae
Genus
Celaenia
Species
excavata
Bird-dropping Spider
Found in Victoria, New Soth Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.