As Mars’ polar ice caps warm up, sublimated CO2 gas explodes out in tall geysers, forming spider-like formations in their wake.The European Space Agency’s Trace Gas Orbiter captured these “spiders” with stunning clarity near a south polar region called Angustus Labyrinthus,

Dark formations with leg-like tendrils pop out in European Space Agency images of Mars. These eye-catching seasonal spiders aren't alive, though.

These spider-like patterns spotted on the Martian surface are not actual spiders. They are formed when carbon dioxide gas warms up in sunlight and erupts through the ice's surface. As a result, intricate and branched channels are carved in the Martian soil. The exposed darker material creates noticeable blotches against the lighter terrain.

When you think of life on Mars, what do you imagine? Most people think of little green men or gray Martians. Well, a photo from ESA's Mars Express shows something far different.