Spider eating a bird caught in its web!

And you thought camel spiders were bad. It's pictures like this - of a spider eating a fricking bird - that inspire horror movies like Arachnophobia. 

Just when you thought it was safe to go into the garden, nature reminds us who is really in charge:

The shock of the year: A bird suspended in the strong web of a Golden Orb Weaver.

The Atherton Incident

The pictures show a Golden Orb Weaver spider with its long black legs wrapped around the body of a dead bird suspended in its web. Presumably, the bird flew into the incredibly strong silk, became tired from struggling, and was eventually set upon by the spider.

These photos were reportedly taken in Atherton, close to Queensland's tropical north in Australia.

Is this normal?
Joel Shakespeare, head spider keeper at the Australian Reptile Park, commented on the rarity of the event:

"Normally they prey on large insects… it's unusual to see one eating a bird."

Mr. Shakespeare noted that while he had seen Golden Orb Weaver spiders as big as a human hand, the northern species in tropical areas like Queensland were known to grow larger than their southern cousins.

The Victim: A Native Finch

The Queensland Museum identified the unfortunate victim as a native finch called the Chestnut-breasted Mannikin (Munia). These small birds are common in the area, but rarely do they meet such a sticky end.

The Victim: A Chestnut-breasted Mannikin

The Predator: Golden Orb Weaver

The spider responsible is a Golden Orb Weaver (genus Nephila). They are famous for weaving some of the largest and strongest webs in the world. The silk actually appears golden in sunlight, which is where they get their name.

A close up of the Golden Orb Weaver. Note the long, spindly legs.

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Golden Orb Weaver FAQ

Q: Is their venom deadly to humans?

A: No. While they look terrifying and are large enough to eat small birds, their venom is not dangerous to humans. A bite might cause mild pain, redness, or swelling (similar to a bee sting), but they are generally docile and reluctant to bite.

Q: Do they hunt birds on purpose?

A: Generally, no. Their primary diet consists of large insects like flies, beetles, and locusts. Birds, bats, or small lizards are usually "accidental" catches. However, the spider will not waste a meal if something gets stuck!

Q: How strong is their web?

A: Incredibly strong. Golden Orb Weaver silk is so tough that it has been studied for use in bulletproof vests and artificial tendons. It is strong enough to trap small birds without breaking.

Fun Facts

• Size Difference: There is extreme sexual dimorphism in this species. The females are the giant ones you see in photos. The males are tiny - often 50 times smaller than the female - and live on the outskirts of the web, trying not to get eaten!
• Golden Silk: The silk is yellow-gold in color. Scientists believe this might attract bees (who are attracted to yellow flowers) or act as camouflage in the dappled sunlight of the forest.
• House Guests: Small silver spiders (Dewdrop spiders) often live in the webs of Golden Orb Weavers as scavengers (kleptoparasites), stealing tiny bits of food that the giant spider ignores.