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melvynyeo — Ant-Like Crab Spider

Published: 2011-12-05 18:20:59 +0000 UTC; Views: 4097; Favourites: 77; Downloads: 321
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Description The abdomen imitates the head of the familiar "Kerengga" ant (Oecophylla smaragdina) with the two dark dots simulating the ant's eyes.

The cephalothorax is exaggeratedly arched, giving the impression that it is the abdomen of the ant.

The first two pairs of legs are often jerkily held up and down while the spider moves about in an advance-and-halt fashion.
It feeds on Kerengga ants at night. On seeing an ant, it pounces on the ant. While holding the ant in its jaws and anchoring itself with a safety line of silk, it falls with the ant. The silken safety line allows the spider to remain suspended in mid-air where the ant has no chance to mount a counter-attack. The ant soon ceases its futile struggle when the venom takes effect.

Crab spiders move sideways, like crabs. The body is not as hairy as in most spiders. They are slow-moving spiders which do not actively hunt like Wolf Spiders. Instead, they remain stationary and await in ambush for some unsuspecting insects to land in front of them. The first two pairs of legs in most Crab Spiders are longer and heavier than the third and fourth pairs, and are armed with spines for holding and grasping prey.

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Comments: 27

BlowMyJunk [2014-03-30 02:10:11 +0000 UTC]

who's a good little ant

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BlowMyJunk In reply to BlowMyJunk [2014-03-30 02:10:36 +0000 UTC]

Oh wait, that's a spider disguised as an ant

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excalibastardd [2013-01-08 23:06:59 +0000 UTC]

The perfect disguise

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melvynyeo In reply to excalibastardd [2013-01-12 10:16:08 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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exo-bio [2012-01-21 05:46:27 +0000 UTC]

He's soooo cute. Great shot!

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melvynyeo In reply to exo-bio [2012-02-01 09:23:20 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!!

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exo-bio In reply to melvynyeo [2012-02-01 16:08:49 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome!

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MaddLouise [2011-12-18 18:19:37 +0000 UTC]

Great macro, so cute

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melvynyeo In reply to MaddLouise [2011-12-21 09:27:55 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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MaddLouise In reply to melvynyeo [2011-12-21 17:45:51 +0000 UTC]

you're welcome

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KIARAsART [2011-12-09 17:56:50 +0000 UTC]

What kind of lens did you use for this one? I want to buy me a macro but can't decide.
Perfect shot and great motive again!

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melvynyeo In reply to KIARAsART [2011-12-10 07:44:30 +0000 UTC]

I'm using Tamron 90mm macro lens for all my macros. Thanks!!

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SuperMetroid2 [2011-12-06 03:37:34 +0000 UTC]

Amazing

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melvynyeo In reply to SuperMetroid2 [2011-12-06 13:03:25 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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Drakavai [2011-12-06 00:21:46 +0000 UTC]

Awesome shot

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melvynyeo In reply to Drakavai [2011-12-06 13:03:27 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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Zippo4k [2011-12-05 20:52:33 +0000 UTC]

WOOOAH! I have NEVER seen ANYTHING like that! I normally associate ant mimicry with Salticids and Castianeira spiders.

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melvynyeo In reply to Zippo4k [2011-12-06 06:02:35 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! Here's the side view if you are interested
[link]

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Zippo4k In reply to melvynyeo [2011-12-06 15:10:45 +0000 UTC]

That just makes it even weirder!

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Zanture-Angel [2011-12-05 20:47:54 +0000 UTC]

xD I think it's beautiful, I love the eyes

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melvynyeo In reply to Zanture-Angel [2011-12-06 13:03:33 +0000 UTC]

Me too

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Metkan [2011-12-05 19:06:38 +0000 UTC]

Awesome shot Melvyn

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melvynyeo In reply to Metkan [2011-12-06 13:03:36 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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herofan135 [2011-12-05 19:00:53 +0000 UTC]

Gorgeous!

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melvynyeo In reply to herofan135 [2011-12-06 13:03:38 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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Z-aiix [2011-12-05 18:32:55 +0000 UTC]

Beautiful , i love your photos !

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melvynyeo In reply to Z-aiix [2011-12-06 13:04:00 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! Glad you like them!

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