Leaf-like spider spotted in Laguna

A spider that can camouflage to look like a leaf with a stem has been spotted by a content creator in Majayjay, Laguna.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, the spider is called Poltys mouhoti or Mouhot's rolled leaf spider.

Ariston Ibañez, the content creator, said he found the spider when he visited the Taytay Falls.

"During the day, they're inactive. Ganun 'yung pwesto nila, para silang nakabaliktad na dahon," said Daryl Hernandez, an entomologist.

"Kapag palubog na ang araw, ang mga poltys spider na ito orb weavers, gumagawa sila ng web na parang spiral wheel," he added.

Hernandez said this is how the spider gets its food.

"Wala silang ibang mechanism to fight. Wala siyang reported studies na meron siyang venom," he said.

Meanwhile, are spiders insects? Kuya Kim said they are not—insects have six legs, while spiders have eight.

Spiders are actually classified as arachnids, which also include scorpions, mites, and ticks.

Some spiders are dangerous, but others are pretty harmless.

"Hangga't maaari kung kaya nilang iwasan 'yung mga tao, 'yun 'yung ginagawa nila," Hernandez said.

"Kaya karamihan ng spiders meron silang mechanism na camouflage. They feel provoked, threatened especially malalaking organism gaya ng tao."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News