An eerie photo of millions of spiders fleeing flooded farmland in Hikurangi last week has gone viral, after it was posted by a popular science Facebook page.
The photograph, by Northern Advocate photographer John Stone, shows a blanket of spiderwebs draped over bushes and grass as the spiders took to higher ground to escape floodwater in Northland following last week's storm.
It is believed baby money spiders are the likely spinners of the webs.
Photos: Spiders spin wicked web
Image 1 of 14: Millions of spiders on the move across the Hikurangi Swamp on Jordan Valley road create a series of spectacular webs over road markers, road verges, trees and fences. PHOTO/JOHN STONE NAG 13Jun1