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Ant-mimicking spider

Fact Box
Species:
Rhombonotus gracilis (QM, JS)
(or a closely related species; note that Rhombonotus species were once considered to be Ligonipes species and bear a close similarity with the members of this genus)
Family:
Salticidae
Body length:
female: about 3 mm
male: about 2.5 mm
Habitat:
Mostly in a rolled leaf retreat
Toxicity:
Too small to be hazardous to humans
Rhombonotus gracilis
Click to enlarge
Another view

Among the distinguishing features of this species are that it has the general shape of an ant but with an additional pair of legs instead of a pair of antennae. The moderately dark body colour with two lateral white spots in the middle of a partly divided abdomen that resembles two joined spheres is also important.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Ligonipes semitectus, Myrmarachne species and Damoetas nitidus.


Email Ron Atkinson for more information.    Last updated 17 June 2009.