News Animals

These spiders may sew leaves into fake shelters to lure frogs to their doom

Madagascar’s huntsman spiders use silk to attach two leaves, forming a temptingly cool hollow

huntsman spider on a branch

A huntsman spider (Damastes sp.) sits on a branch in Andasibe, Madagascar, finishing up a winged meal. At least one of these spiders has been spotted eating vertebrate prey.

BIOSPHOTO/Alamy Stock Photo

By Jake Buehler

- More than 2 years ago

On a sweltering afternoon in northeastern Madagascar, the coolness of a leaf’s shade is an attractive respite for a frog.