In this TechKnow episode, host Phil Torres travels to Peru to uncover whether a spider or mite could be constructing never-before-seen circular web structures.
Last year, Phil discovered a spider that actually makes a fake spider in its web. Using debris, prey carcasses, and its own molted exoskeleton, this spider builds a figure with what appears to be a body and legs. It’s the only known animal—besides humans—that can construct the figure of another animal from scratch.
The leading hypothesis is that it is done to confuse predators and help it avoid being eaten. Approach this spider too aggressively and it shakes the larger spider form back and forth, making it look like a much larger, more defensive, spider. While we still have much to learn, we did find out a lot about how quickly they can construct these decoys (almost overnight) and how the rainy season affects them (hint: it destroys their work).
Original Air Date: January 19, 2014
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