Researchers discover Australian spider that uses web catapult to hunt aggressive green tree ants
By
Ajay Narendra
Summary
Researchers discovered a new hunting strategy in a small Australian spider (genus Ballista) from the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. This nocturnal spider uses a high-powered web catapult mechanism to safely capture aggressive green tree ants, which are its exclusive prey. The spider has evolved sophisticated tools to handle these fierce ants, representing a previously unknown hunting behavior among spiders.
Source
bskyResearchers discover Australian spider that uses web catapult to hunt aggressive green tree antstheconversation.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledIn the tropical rainforests of the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, we discovered a spider with a new hunting strategy.
The ballista spider only feeds on extremely fierce green tree ants – so it has evolved sophisticated tools to safely catch its prey.
There's more than one way a spider can spin its web.
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