A spider with an ALIEN face on its back looks like a creature from another planet.
The vivid arachnid, also known as an Alien Butt Spider, is a kind of orb-weaver.
The eyes on the back of the spider are utilized to deceive predators, who would believe them to be at the front.
The spider’s scientific name is Araneus praesignis – with praseginis being Latin for ‘outstanding.’
These creatures may be found in the Australian bush, from open woodlands to rainforests, and are typically observed in shrubs and trees.
It was snapped by wildlife photographer Robert Whyte – an honorary researcher at Queensland Museum.
“The large black patches on the back of Araneus praesignis are a defense adaptation,” says Robert, 59, who resides in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
“By seeming to be the eyes of a much bigger and perhaps even hazardous animal, they appear to perplex predators.”
Not only by their size but also by their position – predators would anticipate them to be at the front of the animal.
“This would assist the spider in escaping by fleeing in an unexpected direction.
“The ‘eyes’ of these spiders are not likely to play a significant part in mate recognition and sexual selection.”
“Because orb-weavers have such poor eyesight, they are only active at night.”
