Weird Peruvian spider

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If you thought we had discovered everything by now, you need to know that Peru’s visionary leader in sustainable tourism, Rainforest Expeditions reports that a new species of spider is believed to have been discovered near the Tambopata Research Center deep in the Peruvian Amazon. The spider is unique in that it constructs a larger, false spider in its web, completely from debris.

‘I've never seen anything like this before,’ claims Phil Torres, a Cornell-educated biologist who found the spider while taking wildlife photos in September, 2012, near the Tambopata Research Center.

‘Because of the spider’s behavior and appearance, I thought that it might be a new species,” Torres states. “After contacting spider experts, we think it is likely in the genus Cyclosa, which is known for piling debris in its web for defense against predators but has never been recorded to do it in such a defined pattern as this particular discovery. The false spiders created by this creature appeared to be made up mostly of dead leaves but also any debris that landed in or near the web - including the remains of its past prey.”

He adds that it is incredibly rare behavior to see an animal create a larger, 'scarier' version of itself from debris for protection.

Rainforest Expeditions offers several programs where guests may come across this spider or other rare species while exploring jungle trails.

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