Spider Illusionists

These webs appear to host their inhabitants' doppelgängers

- Gennaro Tomma

This spiderweb structure presents the illusion of an intimidating bigger spider.

WHAT’S SCARIER THAN A SPIDER?A really big spider, of course. A newfound defensive tactic takes advantage of this idea: researchers documented spiders building giant spiderlike silhouettes on their webs to ward off predators.

These decoys are an example of “web decorations” that some spiders are known to produce, often to prevent getting eaten, avoid bird strikes or attract prey. Such ornaments come in many shapes and sizes, but this is the first time scientists have documented spider-shaped decor.