The bolas spider is a type of orb-weaver spider found in warm temperate and tropical climates. It is unusual because where most spiders hunt using their webs (which can also be considered a type of tool), this one creates a little spider lasso.
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The lasso is a long line of silk with a small blob of glue, called a ‘bolas’, on the end. Female bolas spiders first attract a moth by releasing a cocktail of pheromones. Then, when the prey is in striking distance, the lasso is launched to snag it.
When the bolas makes contact with the moth, the glue soaks into its scales and the moth becomes stuck. The spider then reels it in and kills it with a venomous bite.
This is a specialised method of hunting, that combines chemical and physical elements. The lasso itself isn’t deadly, but it might as well be, as very few moths ever escape.
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