Octopuses aren’t the only intelligent invertebrates out there. Portia is a spider that specialises in hunting other spiders.
It locates its prey by sight from afar, thanks to a pair of enormous forward-facing eyes. The real challenge, though, is to creep up on it without being seen.
Portia is capable of planning a route through the 3-dimensional vegetation that allows it to approach its chosen victim from the rear. This route may involve significant detours in the opposite direction and long periods during which the prey is out of sight.
Some hunts end with a spectacular Mission Impossible-style abseil from above. In others, Portia will pluck the strands of its prey’s web to mimic a trapped insect and then attack when the victim approaches.
Portia is living proof
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