Photo 1 of 6
(c) Simon Grove, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Photo 2 of 6
(c) lync, all rights reserved
Photo 3 of 6
(c) Shaun Lee, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 4 of 6
(c) Simon Grove, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
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(c) Lek Khauv, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 6 of 6
(c) Laurence Sanders, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)

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Common Bird-dropping Spider

Celaenia excavata

Worldwide: 1,534 observations
Group: Arachnids

About

The bird dropping spider (Celaenia excavata) derives its name from mimicking bird droppings to avoid predators, mainly birds. However, there are other species of spider that resemble bird droppings, for example species of Mastophora (a bolas spider).

Summary from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Recent sightings near Cairns

Research-grade observations within 25 km, newest first.

Aug 15, 2026McManus St at Park Street, Whitfield QLD 4870, AustraliaObserver: Dr Spood dudeView observation from Aug 15, 2026 on iNaturalist
Jul 29, 2026McManus St at Park Street, Whitfield QLD 4870, AustraliaObserver: Dr Spood dudeView observation from Jul 29, 2026 on iNaturalist
Feb 14, 2026Poolwood Rd near Mahab St hail 'n' ride, Kewarra Beach QLD 4879, AustraliaObserver: Peter LattaView observation from Feb 14, 2026 on iNaturalist
Jan 28, 2026Mill Rd at Hartill Street, Edmonton QLD 4869, AustraliaObserver: cesdamessView observation from Jan 28, 2026 on iNaturalist
Nov 15, 2025McManus St at Park Street, Whitfield QLD 4870, AustraliaObserver: Dr Spood dudeView observation from Nov 15, 2025 on iNaturalist
Feb 22, 2023Reed Rd at Centaur Street, Trinity Park QLD 4879, AustraliaObserver: Joey KangarooView observation from Feb 22, 2023 on iNaturalist