21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A net-casting spider hunting at night

This net-casting spider, Deinopis spinosa, is found across the southeastern U.S. though most people would have no idea. These spiders are strictly nocturnal, only coming out of hiding at night to spin a net to catch prey. These nets are held between the front four legs of the spider and is used to actively ensnare prey items walking beneath or flying above it's web. This photo depicts a spider using a "backward strike" used to capture flying prey.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: None, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
Copyright: © Jay Stafstrom