Camponotus-nearcticus
Guides
Peckhamia picata
antmimic jumper
Peckhamia picata is a North American jumping spider notable for its specialized mimicry of the ant Camponotus nearcticus. Unlike many ant-mimicking spiders that simply resemble ants in appearance, this species has been observed to specifically avoid eliciting aggressive responses from its ant model. The species belongs to a genus distinguished from related ant-mimic genera by convex carapace shape and sharply declivous posterior region behind the third row of eyes. Individuals are active runners that hold their second pair of legs aloft to simulate ant antennae, making them challenging photographic subjects.