Myrmaplata plataleoides

Myrmaplata plataleoides (syn.: Myrmarachne plataleoides[1]), also called the Kerengga ant-like jumper, is a jumping spider that mimics the Kerengga or weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina) in morphology and behaviour. This species is found in India, Sri Lanka, China and many parts of Southeast Asia.

Myrmaplata plataleoides
Male
Female
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Salticidae
Genus: Myrmaplata
Species:
M. plataleoides
Binomial name
Myrmaplata plataleoides
Synonyms

Salticus plataleoides
Myrmarachne daitarensis
Myrmarachne formicaria

Unlike the weaver ants, M. plataleoides does not bite people, and indeed seems rather timid.

Description

Myrmaplata plataleoides, especially the females, mimic the Weaver Ants in size, shape and colour. The body of the M. plataleoides appears like an ant, which has three body segments and six legs, by having constrictions on the cephalothorax and abdomen. This creates the illusion of having a distinct head, thorax and gaster of the weaver ant, complete with a long and slender waist. The large compound eyes of the weaver ant are mimicked by two black patches on the head. The female's front legs resemble the feelers of the Weaver Ants, while the males resemble a larger ant carrying a smaller one.

The scientific name of the genus literally translates as "ant spider".

Sexual dimorphism

Kerengga ant-like jumpers are sexually dimorphic. Female jumpers, measuring about 6–7 mm, are the best mimics of the weaver ants while the males which usually measure about 9–12 mm in length give the appearance of a weaver ant carrying a minor worker due to their elongated chelicerae which may be as long as one-third to half their body length. These elongated chelicerae are a secondary sexual characteristic of the males. The males use their long fangs like swords to fight off rivals. They can split their jaws, normally held closed, to unfold their fangs when required.

Male specimens of Myrmarachne plataleoides

Behaviour

The spiders live in trees and bushes where the weaver ants live in colonies. By mimicking the ants, they are able to stay close to them, thus gaining protection from predators since weaver ants taste bad and have a painful bite. Mimicry is also achieved by stealing from the ant brood and absorbing the smell of the colony.[2] This strategy appears to be successful. Though these spiders mimic the weaver ants very well, they are known to stay away from them. They weave a thin web on leaves, hide under their webbing and ambush their prey.

The Kerengga ant-like jumper also mimics ant-like behaviour by the style of locomotion and by waving their front legs like antennae. These jumping-spiders jump only when their safety is threatened.

References
  1. NMBE Myrmaplata plataleoides
  2. Moffett, MaRK (2018). The Human Swarm. New York: Basic Books. p. 71. ISBN 9780465055685.
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