Myrmarachne malayana
馬來亞蟻蛛

♂6mm

2016-10-03 MON 15:21 SEMARAK ASIA
 

1- Palp/Palpus
2- Mandible with Claw/Fang
3- Endite/Maxilla
4- Labium

Abdomen of a male Myrmarachne malayana. Known as Malayan Ant Jumper, this is a common black ant mimic, recognised by its short abdomen.

Booklung
Epigastric furrow
Spinnerets

This ant-mimicking spider is covered with reflective hairs to simulate the shiny, bodies of black ants.

About 500 species of spiders are known to mimic the appearance of ants, a phenomenon called myrmecomorphy.

Jumping Spiders (Family of Salticidae) are easily recognized by their eyes pattern. Eight eyes arranged in one row surrounding 3 sides of the head.

They have very good eyesight and very active. Each species in this family have different colourful patterns on their bodies.

Myrmarachne malayana
馬來亞蟻蛛
 

The Family of Salticidae in Borneo is a large family contains colourful species of spiders.

The Genus Myrmarachne mimic ants. These group of spiders mimic ants in
1- body shape
2- colour patterns
3- behaviors as well

Myrmarachne malayana Spiders mimic ants. They mimic in body shape and colour patterns. This Ant-mimic Spider walk like an ant too.

However, when disturbed, this spider run very fast, jump or drop down as a typical Jumping Spider.

Ants are the most abundant group of insects and have powerful defense mechanisms such as acid taste, aggressive biting, painful sting, and group defense. Ants are generally not subject to predation. They are the ideal models in mimicry rings. Many insects and spiders have different ways to resemble ants. This is known as Myrmecomorphy.

Myrmecomorphy highlights an important aspect of mimicry - the behavior. Predators use different aspects of prey appearance when making a decision to attack. Behavior is an important part of multi-modal signals. Constant waving of antennae is a common feature of ants. Ants are also characterized by their jerky and zigzag movements. Those ants behaviour are commonly seen in the ant mimics.