NET CASTING SPIDER (Deinopsis subrufa) ©pbertner
Net casting spider/ogre faced spider/ gladiator spider (Deinopsis sp.). This spider goes by many names and the genus can be found throughout the tropics. Deinopsis are unique amongst arachnids in their predatory methods. They remain suspended above branches or tree trunks with their trapezoidal webs stretched between their four front legs. And like this they wait. They wait until an insect passes below them, and then they spring into action. Lightning fast they drop their sticky net on their prey like a booby trap and entangle them before they deliver a quick paralyzing bite which subdues them. Their large eyes help them to detect and discriminate amongst insects. When disturbed, they stretch out and allow their cryptic colouration to help them blend in with the tree branches that they usually call home.
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