Instead of waiting for prey to stumble into its web, it uses a spring-loaded trap to launch ants into it. The spider was ...

A recently discovered spider species in Australia’s tropical rainforests has stunned researchers with a hunting technique that launches prey through the air using a spring-loaded silk trap.

Researchers say their hunting method - which allows them to prey on dangerous ants - is unprecedented.

The Australian ballista spider builds a spring-loaded snare that is set off by ants of one species only. The power is in the ...

The ballista spider builds sophisticated spring-loaded snares to catapult its prey. Newly discovered, the ballista spider ...

Scientists discovered that the Australian “ballista spider” uses a silk cone trap to catapult prey into its web, a feat of spider engineering never before observed.

Lead researcher Professor Ajay Narendra said the trap may even be chemically baited.

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” For a moment I didn’t pay much attention to the large insect buzzing around me. It was one of those gentle spring days and ...