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Five spiders that are suprisingly beautiful
1. Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennichi) The bright yellow stripes on this spider's abdomen lure insects towards its web, possibly by mimicking the colours of certain flowers. However, the stripes on its legs are invisible to insects. This may help to camouflage the spider from its would-be victims.
2. Northern Jewelled Spider (Gasteracantha fornicata) These forest-dwellers have an intricately patterned, highly-reflective dorsal "shield". Somehow this attracts insect prey. The spiders point their shields towards the dark forest floor while hunting, so it may be that insects mistake them for bright gaps in the trees, and fly in unawares. 3. Northern Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila pilipes, formerly N. maculata) Found in warm areas of Asia, Africa and Australasia, females of this species are some of the largest spiders on Earth: their leg span can reach 20cm. Their bodies are visual lures. A study published in 2002 showed that the abdomens of Northern golden orb weavers reflect lots of ultraviolet light, which insects are particularly sensitive to. The insects may mistake the spiders for flowers, which also reflect plenty of UV. 4. Brown Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria) Also known as the giant crab spider, this creature has a distinctive hunting tool. It has a white stripe, or "moustache", below its eyes. The stripe is so reflective that even at night it is bright enough to lure moths towards the spider. Moths make up most of its diet, but it has also been seen feasting on bats and scorpions. $IMAGE5$ 5. Orchid Spider (Leucauge magnifica) This ghostly-looking species draws insects to its web from two sides. Its silvery back and yellow-striped belly are both powerful lures, and the latter is especially effective at night. The spider's colouration may mimic a food source that the insects rely on.
