Locomotor-mimicry

Guides

• Myrmarachne

  ant-mimic spiders, ant-mimicking jumping spiders

  Myrmarachne is a large genus of ant-mimicking jumping spiders (Salticidae) first described by MacLeay in 1839. With approximately 188 described species, it is the most diverse genus of jumping spider in Southeast Asia. These spiders exhibit remarkable morphological and behavioral convergence with ants, including elongated cephalothoraxes with constricted waists, coloration matching local ant species, and foreleg waving to simulate antennae. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with several genera split off in recent years including Helicius (2016) and the revalidation of Emertonius (2018).

  ant-mimicrymyrmecomorphyaggressive-mimicrylocomotor-mimicrytaxonomic-revisioninvasive-speciesSoutheast-AsiaSalticidaejumping-spiderbehavioral-ecology

• Myrmarachne formicaria

  Ant-mimicking jumping spider

  Myrmarachne formicaria is an ant-mimicking jumping spider (Salticidae) native to the Palearctic region and introduced to North America. It is one of few Myrmarachne species found outside the tropics. The species exhibits sophisticated locomotor mimicry, walking with all eight legs while adopting ant-like postures and movement patterns. It was first recorded in the United States in Ohio in 2001 and has since spread to multiple states.

  ant-mimicrylocomotor-mimicryBatesian-mimicryinvasive-speciesjumping-spiderprotective-mimicrysexual-dimorphismgynandromorphismvisual-predator-avoidancetemperate-Myrmarachne