''Mastophora phrynosoma'' is a species of orb weaver in the family of spiders known as Araneidae. It is found in the United States.
Similar species: Spiders
By FrannySopranny
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Uploaded Aug 18, 2019. Captured Aug 17, 2019 23:18 in 5050 Sweppenheiser Dr, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, USA.
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Bolas spiders are so fascinating! Rather than making a web to capture prey, they produce a single line of strong silk with a sticky ball at the end, which they fling at their prey. When the sticky ball makes contact with prey, the spider pulls it back in—much like a yo-yo. Hunting with a sticky yo-yo is pretty cool. But, it gets better. Adult, female bolas spiders only catch male moths. Why?! Well, the spiders have the amazing ability to produce a chemical cocktail that mimics the sex pheromones of a female moth. Innocent, sex-starved, male moths are attracted to the pheromones and come close enough for the spider to strike by flinging her sticky yo-yo at him. Each species of bolas spider can blend chemical compounds to successfully mimic the pheromones of MULTIPLE species of moths! In addition to being masters of chemical deception, bolas spiders are also visually cryptic. During the day, they hide in plain sight from predators by mimicking bird poop. If disturbed, they emit a stinky smell to further deter the potential predator. {Mastophora phrynosoma spotted in Pennsylvania, USA by JungleDragon user, FrannySopranny} #JungleDragon Posted 5 years ago