The trap is set: Webs, hypnosis, and mucus tubes

We'll all go to trouble to get a good meal, but some animals take it to the extreme.

Some build architectural masterpieces to entrap their prey, or use body parts as lures.

But what is your cat doing when it makes the 'ek ek ek ek?' Is it trying to bewitch the birds?

Featuring:

• Professor Kris Helgen, Australian Museum.
• Julia Henning, PhD candidate, University of Adelaide.
• Associate Professor Inon Scharf, Tel Aviv University.
• Dr David Merritt, Entomologist.
• Associate Professor Ajay Narendra, Macquarie University.

Extra audio: Cat Ek ek ek by @thiscatisdumpling.

Production:

• Ann Jones, Presenter/Producer.
• Petria Ladgrove, Producer.
• Belinda Smith, Producer.
• Additional mastering: Hamish Camilleri. 

This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in 2024 and produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people.

Find more episodes of the ABC podcast, What the Duck?! with the always curious Dr Ann Jones exploring the mysteries of nature on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. You'll learn more about the weird and unusual aspects of our natural world in a quirky, fun way with easy to understand science.