In Peru, the Cyclosa spider constructs fake replicas of its own body in the web using silk, debris, and prey remains. These decoys distract birds and wasps, causing attacks to hit the dummy while the real spider escapes. The behavior is a rare example of extended phenotype—where an animal’s survival strategy includes structures built outside its body. Important Details: • Builds spider-shaped decoys in the web • Decoys attract predator attacks • Real spider avoids detection • Made from silk and

Cyclosa - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia