Overview

• The Sun launched a 20-second vision test featuring the camouflaged spider at 09:51 UTC, and Times Now followed with a ten-second challenge hours later, with Hindustan Times echoing the shorter time limit.
• Experts have confirmed the arachnid is a dark fishing spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus) native to wooded areas in the United States and Canada and harmless to humans.
• Reddit user kingakatosh’s original post nearly led to a close encounter with the spider and sparked widespread sharing and adaptation of the puzzle.
• Participants report mixed results—some spot the spider instantly due to arachnophobia while others struggle against the ticking clock.
• The craze highlights the enduring appeal of optical illusions for engagement and boosting cognitive skills like attention to detail and problem-solving.