The Bird Dung Spider

Bird dung spider

Romans 5:8
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Though it must surely be one of the most disgusting creatures in God's creation, the bird dung spider is yet another beautiful example of God's design.

Not only does the bird dung spider have a body covered with unattractive warts, the spider often produces a white thread and sits on it, looking almost exactly like bird poop that has fallen on a leaf.

Despite its unattractive appearance, the spider's unique camouflage is a masterpiece of well-thought-out design. First off, by looking like bird poop, the spider is of no interest to a wide variety of potential predators. At the same time, its camouflage brings a steady flow of dung-loving insects within reach of the slow-moving spider. On top of that, the spider is able to attract male moths by mimicking the sex pheromone released by female moths. As one website put it, "Once the male moth gets a whiff of the scent, it will fly towards the smell expecting to find a female moth. Imagine the moth's surprise when the motionless bit of bird dropping comes alive! The spider will use its front legs to grab the moth and then it will devour it on the spot."

Just as the bird dung spider is unattractive to us, so, too, are we unattractive to God in our fallen state. Nevertheless, while we were yet sinners and deserving of God's wrath, Christ died for us. God saved us not because of any beauty He saw in us but because He loved us. By shedding His blood for us on the cross, He transforms us into a new and beautiful creation!

Notes: http://spidervista.com/Bird-Dung_Spider.html. http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_orbweavers/BirdDroppingSpider.htm. Photo: Source unknown.
Creation Moments, Inc., P.O. Box 839, Foley, MN 56329 www.creationmoments.com

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