Slingshot spider captured on camera

An Amazonian spider has been filmed using its web as a slingshot to trap unsuspecting prey.

Amazing video shows the spider stretching its web into a cone shape before cutting its anchor line loose, trapping flying insects in the sticky structure.

The slingshot manoeuvre – likened to a frog's retractable tongue – gives the arachnid the element of surprise and increases its chances of catching its dinner, rather than waiting for insects to fly into the web, according to researchers in its native Peru.

The spider, thought to be the species Naatlo splendida, measures 3mm and belongs to Theridiosomatidae family.

Lary Reeves, who works at the Tambopata Research Centre in Madre de Dios, first discovered the creature in May 2013 while wading through a swamp.

Source: Daily Mail
Author: Chloe Ross, Approving editor: Matthew Henry