this post was submitted on 23 Jun 2026
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Scientists discover ‘ballista spider’ that launches prey at 140x the force of gravity (www.dexerto.com)
submitted 1 day ago by yogthos@lemmy.ml to c/science@lemmy.ml
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[–] unwarlikeExtortion@lemmy.ml 4 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

Why am I not surprised such a creature was found in Australia of all places?

[–] yogthos@lemmy.ml 2 points 12 hours ago

was my first thought as well

[–] KnightOfOldEmpire@lemmy.ml 6 points 20 hours ago

"Parry this you filthy casual!"

[–] Dyskolos@lemmy.zip 5 points 1 day ago

To quote a famous Vulcan: Fascinating!

[–] justaman123@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

So wait why does the ant bite the spider web? Are the like ah fuck spider webs better get rid of this junk.

[–] yogthos@lemmy.ml 4 points 23 hours ago

it must be triggering some reflex

[–] Vanth@reddthat.com 7 points 1 day ago

A catapult, a ballista, a trebuchet, they're real sloppy with their siege weaponry.

[–] myfavouritename@beehaw.org 5 points 1 day ago

The paper itself has a really well put together video explaining the situation. It also has a real-time shot of the ant being slung upwards very fast.

Thanks for the link.

[–] vivalapivo@lemmy.today 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

It's trebuchet

[–] Revered_Beard@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago (1 children)

A webuchet, perhaps?