The spider, which measures just a few millimetres across, has developed bizarre markings giving the appearance of a smiling face.
Scientists think the spider, which has the scientific name Theridion grallator and is harmless to humans, has evolved the patterns to confuse predators.
It is under-threat of extinction in the rainforests of the Hawaiian island chain in the Pacific.
Dr Geoff Oxford, a spider expert from the University of York, said: "I must admit when I turned over the first leaf and saw one it certainly brought a smile to my face.
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