
Meet the Feather-Legged Lace Weaver: A Spider with a Deadly Twist!
2025-06-15
Author: Li
Imagine a spider that doesn't bite to kill its prey, but rather wraps it in a deadly silk blanket! The feather-legged lace weaver spider has just shown us that nature is full of surprises.
In groundbreaking research published in BMC Biology, scientists have uncovered the unconventional hunting strategy of this common spider. Instead of injecting venom like most spiders, this elegant arachnid ensnares its victims with silk and douses them with toxic substances it regurgitates.
A Stunning Discovery!
The journey to reveal these lethal secrets began when researchers stumbled upon a 94-year-old illustration hinting that the feather-legged lace weaver spider utilized its silk in combination with toxins to immobilize its prey. Curious to learn more, the research team ventured into plant shops and greenhouses, capturing samples for closer examination.
Under the microscope, the researchers made a startling observation: these spiders were devoid of the venom glands common to their species. Instead, they discovered unique muscle structures in the spiders' heads that seemed to play a role in their unusual feeding technique.