Elusive ‘Wrap-Around Spiders’ Seamlessly Camouflage Into Their Surroundings

Notice the spiders on these images? Known as wrap-around spiders, Dolophones is a genus of spider found primarily in Western Australia that has perfected the art of camouflage. The 17 species in the genus are known for their ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings by flattening against a tree branch and literally wrap around it.
Most wrap-around spiders have an upper abdomen shaped like an inverted disk, composed of smaller disks with slits in them. This allows the spider to perfectly wrap itself around branches during the day, fooling potential predators. When night falls, the spiders become more active, spinning webs in between trees.

Females typically measure about 9 mm in length with males significantly smaller at around 5-6 mm. They might spook you if you come upon one out the woods, but don't worry—their venom doesn't appear to be harmful to humans. Who needs venom when you can hide so easily? It's incredible to see the patterns and colorations of the different Dolophones species and just how well they blend into whatever type of tree they're hidden against.

Dolophones is a genus of spider found primarily in Australia that is known for its incredible camouflage.