Home Other Arthropods Spiders (Araneae) Orb-weaving spiders (several families)

Celaenia calotoides

Bird-dropping spider at Cook, ACT

Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
Celaenia calotoides at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2021
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Identification history

Celaenia calotoides 27 Dec 2021 MichaelMulvaney
Celaenia calotoides 20 Dec 2021 CathB

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User's notes

Since it was first noticed in mid-November, this spider has caught at least 18 moths and produced two new spiky egg sacs. Fourteen moths have been examined by Glenn Cocking and identified as male Philobota productella. The last picture shows 3 of these, still wrapped in web, after the spider had finished with them. Another 4 collected since appear to be the same. These spiders are known to attract their prey by mimicking the pheromones produced by female moths to attract a mate.

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Nearby sightings

Page 1 of 4 - image sightings only

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Thallis janthina (Fungus beetle) at Cook, ACT - 2 Jun 2023 by CathB Stenolemus sp. (genus) (Thread-legged assassin bug) at Cook, ACT - 12 May 2023 by CathB Euryopis sp. (genus) (An ant eating spider) at Cook, ACT - 3 Apr 2023 by CathB Aquila audax (Wedge-tailed Eagle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Mar 2023 by dwise Chara sp. (genus) (A charophyte green algae) at Cook, ACT - 4 Mar 2023 by CathB Lophyrotoma interrupta (Cattle Poisoning Sawfly) at Cook, ACT - 29 Dec 2022 by CathB Glyphipterix chrysoplanetis (A Sedge Moth) at Cook, ACT - 27 Dec 2022 by CathB Aaaaba fossicollis (Raspberry jewel beetle) at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2022 by CathB Tachyglossus aculeatus (Short-beaked Echidna) at Cook, ACT - 8 Dec 2022 by SarahHnatiuk Rhinotia phoenicoptera (Belid weevil) at Cook, ACT - 8 Dec 2022 by CathB Monolepta minima (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Amblyopone sp. (genus) (Slow ant) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Parakontikia ventrolineata (Stripe-bellied flatworm) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Trichoderma 'green fluffy' at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Phlebiopsis crassa (A corticioid or paint fungi) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Ericrypsina chorodoxa (A Chezela group moth) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Milax gagates (Black-keeled Slug) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Caenoplana bicolor (Two-tone Planarian) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Conicochernes sp. (genus) (Chernetid Pseudoscorpion) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Monolepta minima (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Clematis leptophylla (Small-leaf Clematis, Old Man's Beard) at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Aulacocyclus edentulus (Passalid beetle) at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Corticioid fungi at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Cladonia sp. (Cup Lichen) at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Hypoxylon howeianum at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston Gymnopilus junonius (Gymnopilus junonius) at Cook, ACT - 26 Apr 2022 by drakes zz agaric (stem; gills not white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 26 Apr 2022 by drakes Epiphyas postvittana (Light Brown Apple Moth) at Cook, ACT - 12 Apr 2022 by CathB Chalcidoidea (superfamily) (A gall wasp or Chalcid wasp) at Cook, ACT - 27 Mar 2022 by CathB Cytaea severa (Severe Cytaea) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Thynninae (subfamily) (Smooth flower wasp) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Ottelia ovalifolia subsp. ovalifolia (Swamp Lily) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Agriopocoris sp. (genus) (Coreid bug) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Rayieria basifer (Braconid-mimic plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Balta spuria (A Balta Cockroach) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB Elatine gratioloides (Waterwort) at Cook, ACT - 25 Mar 2022 by CathB Simaethula sp. (genus) (A jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 24 Feb 2022 by CathB Carabidae sp. (family) (A ground beetle) at Cook, ACT - 14 Feb 2022 by CathB Phrissogonus laticostata (Apple looper moth) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jan 2022 by CathB Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jan 2022 by CathB Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jan 2022 by CathB Geitoneura klugii (Marbled Xenica) at Cook, ACT - 11 Jan 2022 by Tammy Salsa fuliginata (Sooty Orb-weaver) at Cook, ACT - 2 Jan 2022 by CathB Phycitinae (subfamily) (A snout moth) at Cook, ACT - 19 Dec 2021 by CathB Arrade destituta (Arrade destituta) at Cook, ACT - 19 Dec 2021 by CathB Micromus tasmaniae (Tasmanian Brown Lacewing) at Cook, ACT - 19 Dec 2021 by CathB Caesia calliantha (Blue Grass-lily) at Cook, ACT - 15 Dec 2021 by SarahHnatiuk Perginae sp. (subfamily) (Unidentified pergine sawfly) at Cook, ACT - 6 Dec 2021 by CathB Crypsiphona ocultaria (Red-lined Looper Moth) at Cook, ACT - 25 Nov 2021 by CathB Ephemeroptera (order) (Unidentified Mayfly) at Cook, ACT - 23 Nov 2021 by CathB Melanterius sp. (genus) (Unidentified Melanterius weevil) at Cook, ACT - 23 Nov 2021 by CathB Tetragnatha sp. (genus) (Long-jawed spider) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB Macrobathra desmotoma ( A Cosmet moth) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB Austrolestes leda (Wandering Ringtail) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB Edusella sp. (genus) (A leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB Dictyotus conspicuus (A shield or stink bug) at Cook, ACT - 14 Oct 2021 by CathB Limnodynastes tasmaniensis (Spotted Grass Frog) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston Philobota undescribed species near arabella (A concealer moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston Scopula rubraria (Plantain Moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston Nacoleia rhoeoalis (Spilomelinae) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by trevorpreston Platyptilia celidotus (Plume Moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston Schoenus apogon (Common Bog Sedge) at Cook, ACT - 4 Oct 2021 by drakes Asperula conferta (Common Woodruff) at Cook, ACT - 4 Oct 2021 by drakes Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 27 Sep 2021 by drakes Phaeoceros sp. at Cook, ACT - 16 Sep 2021 by CathB Anthoceros sp. at Cook, ACT - 16 Sep 2021 by CathB Plecoptera sp. (order) (Unidentified Stone fly) at Cook, ACT - 10 Sep 2021 by CathB Acacia pravissima (Wedge-leaved Wattle, Ovens Wattle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Sep 2021 by drakes Acacia rubida (Red-stemmed Wattle, Red-leaved Wattle) at Cook, ACT - 16 Aug 2021 by drakes Coprinellus etc. (An Inkcap) at Cook, ACT - 4 Jul 2021 by drakes zz agaric (stem; gills white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 4 Jul 2021 by drakes Cortinarius sp. (Cortinarius) at Cook, ACT - 20 Jun 2021 by drakes zz agaric (stem; gills white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 27 May 2021 by drakes Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) at Cook, ACT - 9 May 2021 by drakes Orobanche minor (Broomrape) at Cook, ACT - 6 May 2021 by drakes Eucalyptus rubida subsp. rubida (Candlebark) at Cook, ACT - 3 May 2021 by drakes Gymnopilus junonius (Gymnopilus junonius) at Cook, ACT - 8 Apr 2021 by drakes Phylloporus sp. (Phylloporus sp.) at Cook, ACT - 8 Apr 2021 by drakes Amanita sp. (Amanita sp.) at Cook, ACT - 1 Apr 2021 by drakes Tiliqua scincoides scincoides (Eastern Blue-tongue) at Cook, ACT - 1 Apr 2021 by drakes Oenochroa and Artiastis (genera) at Cook, ACT - 9 Mar 2021 by CathB Perga dorsalis (Steel-blue sawfly, spitfire) at Cook, ACT - 26 Feb 2021 by CathB Camponotus nigroaeneus (Sugar ant) at Cook, ACT - 19 Feb 2021 by CathB Opisthoncus sp. (genus) (Unidentified Opisthoncus jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 13 Feb 2021 by CathB Neotartessus flavipes (A leafhopper) at Cook, ACT - 13 Feb 2021 by CathB Rhytidoponera aspera (Greenhead ant) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2021 by CathB Tiphiidae sp. (family) (Unidentified Smooth flower wasp) at Cook, ACT - 9 Feb 2021 by CathB Coccinellidae sp. (family) (Unidentified lady beetle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Feb 2021 by CathB Pluteus 'yellow' at Cook, ACT - 7 Feb 2021 by drakes Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar, Eglantine) at Cook, ACT - 24 Jan 2021 by drakes Miridae (family) (Unidentified plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB Diomus notescens (Little two-spotted ladybird) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB Paropsisterna m-fuscum (Eucalyptus Leaf Beetle) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB Paropsisterna decolorata (A Eucalyptus leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB Cadmus (Cadmus) litigiosus (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB Lactuca serriola f. serriola (Prickly Lettuce) at Cook, ACT - 18 Jan 2021 by drakes Ancita marginicollis (A longhorn beetle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Jan 2021 by CathB Cynosurus echinatus (Rough Dog's Tail Grass) at Cook, ACT - 2 Jan 2021 by CathB Dichelachne crinita (Long-hair Plume Grass) at Cook, ACT - 31 Dec 2020 by CathB
Thallis janthina (Fungus beetle) at Cook, ACT - 2 Jun 2023 by CathB
Stenolemus sp. (genus) (Thread-legged assassin bug) at Cook, ACT - 12 May 2023 by CathB
Euryopis sp. (genus) (An ant eating spider) at Cook, ACT - 3 Apr 2023 by CathB
Aquila audax (Wedge-tailed Eagle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Mar 2023 by dwise
Chara sp. (genus) (A charophyte green algae) at Cook, ACT - 4 Mar 2023 by CathB
Lophyrotoma interrupta (Cattle Poisoning Sawfly) at Cook, ACT - 29 Dec 2022 by CathB
Glyphipterix chrysoplanetis (A Sedge Moth) at Cook, ACT - 27 Dec 2022 by CathB
Aaaaba fossicollis (Raspberry jewel beetle) at Cook, ACT - 17 Dec 2022 by CathB
Tachyglossus aculeatus (Short-beaked Echidna) at Cook, ACT - 8 Dec 2022 by SarahHnatiuk
Rhinotia phoenicoptera (Belid weevil) at Cook, ACT - 8 Dec 2022 by CathB
Monolepta minima (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Amblyopone sp. (genus) (Slow ant) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Parakontikia ventrolineata (Stripe-bellied flatworm) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Trichoderma 'green fluffy' at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Phlebiopsis crassa (A corticioid or paint fungi) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Ericrypsina chorodoxa (A Chezela group moth) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Milax gagates (Black-keeled Slug) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Caenoplana bicolor (Two-tone Planarian) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Conicochernes sp. (genus) (Chernetid Pseudoscorpion) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Monolepta minima (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Clematis leptophylla (Small-leaf Clematis, Old Man's Beard) at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Aulacocyclus edentulus (Passalid beetle) at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Corticioid fungi at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Cladonia sp. (Cup Lichen) at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Hypoxylon howeianum at Cook, ACT - 7 Jul 2022 by trevorpreston
Gymnopilus junonius (Gymnopilus junonius) at Cook, ACT - 26 Apr 2022 by drakes
zz agaric (stem; gills not white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 26 Apr 2022 by drakes
Epiphyas postvittana (Light Brown Apple Moth) at Cook, ACT - 12 Apr 2022 by CathB
Chalcidoidea (superfamily) (A gall wasp or Chalcid wasp) at Cook, ACT - 27 Mar 2022 by CathB
Cytaea severa (Severe Cytaea) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Thynninae (subfamily) (Smooth flower wasp) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Ottelia ovalifolia subsp. ovalifolia (Swamp Lily) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Agriopocoris sp. (genus) (Coreid bug) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Rayieria basifer (Braconid-mimic plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Balta spuria (A Balta Cockroach) at Cook, ACT - 26 Mar 2022 by CathB
Elatine gratioloides (Waterwort) at Cook, ACT - 25 Mar 2022 by CathB
Simaethula sp. (genus) (A jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 24 Feb 2022 by CathB
Carabidae sp. (family) (A ground beetle) at Cook, ACT - 14 Feb 2022 by CathB
Phrissogonus laticostata (Apple looper moth) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jan 2022 by CathB
Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 15 Jan 2022 by CathB
Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Cook, ACT - 13 Jan 2022 by CathB
Geitoneura klugii (Marbled Xenica) at Cook, ACT - 11 Jan 2022 by Tammy
Salsa fuliginata (Sooty Orb-weaver) at Cook, ACT - 2 Jan 2022 by CathB
Phycitinae (subfamily) (A snout moth) at Cook, ACT - 19 Dec 2021 by CathB
Arrade destituta (Arrade destituta) at Cook, ACT - 19 Dec 2021 by CathB
Micromus tasmaniae (Tasmanian Brown Lacewing) at Cook, ACT - 19 Dec 2021 by CathB
Caesia calliantha (Blue Grass-lily) at Cook, ACT - 15 Dec 2021 by SarahHnatiuk
Perginae sp. (subfamily) (Unidentified pergine sawfly) at Cook, ACT - 6 Dec 2021 by CathB
Crypsiphona ocultaria (Red-lined Looper Moth) at Cook, ACT - 25 Nov 2021 by CathB
Ephemeroptera (order) (Unidentified Mayfly) at Cook, ACT - 23 Nov 2021 by CathB
Melanterius sp. (genus) (Unidentified Melanterius weevil) at Cook, ACT - 23 Nov 2021 by CathB
Tetragnatha sp. (genus) (Long-jawed spider) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB
Macrobathra desmotoma ( A Cosmet moth) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB
Austrolestes leda (Wandering Ringtail) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB
Edusella sp. (genus) (A leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 22 Nov 2021 by CathB
Dictyotus conspicuus (A shield or stink bug) at Cook, ACT - 14 Oct 2021 by CathB
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis (Spotted Grass Frog) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston
Philobota undescribed species near arabella (A concealer moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston
Scopula rubraria (Plantain Moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston
Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston
Nacoleia rhoeoalis (Spilomelinae) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by trevorpreston
Platyptilia celidotus (Plume Moth) at Cook, ACT - 11 Oct 2021 by tpreston
Schoenus apogon (Common Bog Sedge) at Cook, ACT - 4 Oct 2021 by drakes
Asperula conferta (Common Woodruff) at Cook, ACT - 4 Oct 2021 by drakes
Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles) at Cook, ACT - 27 Sep 2021 by drakes
Phaeoceros sp. at Cook, ACT - 16 Sep 2021 by CathB
Anthoceros sp. at Cook, ACT - 16 Sep 2021 by CathB
Plecoptera sp. (order) (Unidentified Stone fly) at Cook, ACT - 10 Sep 2021 by CathB
Acacia pravissima (Wedge-leaved Wattle, Ovens Wattle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Sep 2021 by drakes
Acacia rubida (Red-stemmed Wattle, Red-leaved Wattle) at Cook, ACT - 16 Aug 2021 by drakes
Coprinellus etc. (An Inkcap) at Cook, ACT - 4 Jul 2021 by drakes
zz agaric (stem; gills white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 4 Jul 2021 by drakes
Cortinarius sp. (Cortinarius) at Cook, ACT - 20 Jun 2021 by drakes
zz agaric (stem; gills white/cream) at Cook, ACT - 27 May 2021 by drakes
Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) at Cook, ACT - 9 May 2021 by drakes
Orobanche minor (Broomrape) at Cook, ACT - 6 May 2021 by drakes
Eucalyptus rubida subsp. rubida (Candlebark) at Cook, ACT - 3 May 2021 by drakes
Gymnopilus junonius (Gymnopilus junonius) at Cook, ACT - 8 Apr 2021 by drakes
Phylloporus sp. (Phylloporus sp.) at Cook, ACT - 8 Apr 2021 by drakes
Amanita sp. (Amanita sp.) at Cook, ACT - 1 Apr 2021 by drakes
Tiliqua scincoides scincoides (Eastern Blue-tongue) at Cook, ACT - 1 Apr 2021 by drakes
Oenochroa and Artiastis (genera) at Cook, ACT - 9 Mar 2021 by CathB
Perga dorsalis (Steel-blue sawfly, spitfire) at Cook, ACT - 26 Feb 2021 by CathB
Camponotus nigroaeneus (Sugar ant) at Cook, ACT - 19 Feb 2021 by CathB
Opisthoncus sp. (genus) (Unidentified Opisthoncus jumping spider) at Cook, ACT - 13 Feb 2021 by CathB
Neotartessus flavipes (A leafhopper) at Cook, ACT - 13 Feb 2021 by CathB
Rhytidoponera aspera (Greenhead ant) at Cook, ACT - 10 Feb 2021 by CathB
Tiphiidae sp. (family) (Unidentified Smooth flower wasp) at Cook, ACT - 9 Feb 2021 by CathB
Coccinellidae sp. (family) (Unidentified lady beetle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Feb 2021 by CathB
Pluteus 'yellow' at Cook, ACT - 7 Feb 2021 by drakes
Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar, Eglantine) at Cook, ACT - 24 Jan 2021 by drakes
Miridae (family) (Unidentified plant bug) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB
Diomus notescens (Little two-spotted ladybird) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB
Paropsisterna m-fuscum (Eucalyptus Leaf Beetle) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB
Paropsisterna decolorata (A Eucalyptus leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 23 Jan 2021 by CathB
Cadmus (Cadmus) litigiosus (Leaf beetle) at Cook, ACT - 21 Jan 2021 by CathB
Lactuca serriola f. serriola (Prickly Lettuce) at Cook, ACT - 18 Jan 2021 by drakes
Ancita marginicollis (A longhorn beetle) at Cook, ACT - 9 Jan 2021 by CathB
Cynosurus echinatus (Rough Dog's Tail Grass) at Cook, ACT - 2 Jan 2021 by CathB
Dichelachne crinita (Long-hair Plume Grass) at Cook, ACT - 31 Dec 2020 by CathB

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Location information

Species information

  • Celaenia calotoides Scientific name
  • Bird-dropping spider Common name
  • Not Sensitive
  • Local Native
  • Non-Invasive

Sighting information

  • 1 - 3 Abundance
  • 17 Dec 2021 06:08 AM Recorded on
  • CathB Recorded by

Additional information

  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size

Record quality

  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
2,098,032 sightings of 19,080 species in 5,626 locations from 10,145 contributors
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