Ladybird Spider Eresus kollari

This spider is named for its resemblance to a ladybird beetle — and for good reason. It's strikingly beautiful with glossy red and black coloring that makes it look more like a beetle than an arachnid. This disguise may help it avoid predators, though the real benefit is that it can move about in daylight without standing out, a rarity among spiders.

Unfortunately, this eye-catching beauty is thought to be endangered, making sightings a genuine treat. When spotted, they're often a highlight for nature enthusiasts who mistake them for something else entirely — just as scientists did when they were first discovered in the early 1800s.