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The Conversation·3 min read·medium

This tiny Australian spider uses a high-powered web catapult to trap and eat aggressive ants

This tiny Australian spider uses a high-powered web catapult to trap and eat aggressive ants
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Researchers have discovered a new species of spider in Australia that uses a unique spring-loaded web to trap aggressive green tree ants. This 'ballista spider' constructs a conical scaffold that acts as a catapult to ensnare its prey.

Why it matters

This discovery provides new insights into evolutionary hunting strategies and the complex behaviors of arachnids in tropical ecosystems.

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GIF Ajay Narendra, Pranav Joshi, Daniele Liprandi, Gregory J Anderson, Jonas Wolff , CC BY https://theconversation.com/this-tiny-australian-spider-uses-a-high-powered-web-catapult-to-trap-and-eat-aggressive-ants-285700 https://theconversation.com/this-tiny-australian-spider-uses-a-high-powered-web-catapult-to-trap-and-eat-aggressive-ants-285700 Link copied Share article Share article

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The article is a purely scientific report on biological research.

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