Newly discovered spider uses 'ballista' web to capture prey (opens original article in a new tab)

A newly discovered spider in Far North Queensland uses a unique 'ballista' web to launch prey into the air, targeting green tree ants with a pheromone-induced trap. Researchers observed its hunting behavior using high-speed cameras, noting its unusual method of capturing a single species.

• Newly discovered spider uses 'ballista' web to launch prey into air
• Spider belongs to genus Propostira and targets green tree ants
• Researchers observed hunting behavior using high-speed cameras
• Spider's web is the only known example designed to catch a single species
• Spider lures prey with pheromone and triggers mechanism via prey's reaction