bolas spider

noun

: any of a genus (Mastophora) of spiders that are classified as orb weavers but capture prey by using a sticky droplet at the end of a silky thread

Field studies have indicated that bolas spiders attract male moth prey, apparently by mimicking the odor of female moth sex pheromones.

—Mark K. Stowe et al., Science, 22 May 1987

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