7 Unbelievable Animals That Hunt By Shooting Their Prey
Archerfish: Found in tropical waters of Southeast Asia and Australia, archerfish have the ability to shoot down insects by spitting a powerful jet of water. They aim for insects perched on leaves or branches above the water and use their specialized mouths to create a water missile that hits the target.
Velvet Worms: These unusual creatures, also known as "walking slime cannons," can be found in tropical and subtropical regions. Velvet worms shoot a sticky slime-like substance at their prey, immobilizing them for capture.
Spitting Spider: Certain species of spitting spiders, such as the Scytodes thoracica, employ a unique hunting technique. They spray venomous silk in a zigzag pattern at their prey, which immobilizes and ensnares them.
Net-Casting Spider: Found in tropical and subtropical regions, net-casting spiders have an interesting hunting method. They construct a net-like structure between their front legs and hold it above their heads. When prey comes into close proximity, the spider lunges forward, engulfing the prey in the net.
Velvet Ants: Despite their name, velvet ants are actually wingless wasps. Females of certain species have a potent sting and are known for their distinctive hunting strategy. They search for the nests of other solitary wasps and lay their eggs on the host's larvae, effectively parasitizing them.
Snapping Shrimp: Snapping shrimp, also known as pistol shrimp, have one specialized claw that is disproportionately larger than the other. By quickly closing this claw, they create a high-pressure cavitation bubble that shoots towards prey, stunning or even killing it.
Spitting Cobra: Several species of spitting cobras have the remarkable ability to accurately spit venom at their potential threats or prey. They can project their venom from their fangs, accurately hitting the eyes of their targets, causing pain, blindness, and facilitating their escape or capture.