Ant-mimicking spider

Fact Box Species: Myrmarachne species (RM, QM) Family: Salticidae Body length: female: 7 mm male: 5 mm Habitat: Any surface where ants can be found; brown surfaces are preferred for camouflage reasons but the spiders also run along established ant pathways Toxicity: Unknown; may be too small to cause human illness and rarely enter houses; stealth is preferred to aggression

Preserved male Side, rear view

The distinguishing feature of this species is the partial subdivision of the cephalothorax into two segments to produce an ant-like body shape. The very large porrect (forward pointing) chelicerae on the male are another striking feature. The female's palps are paddle-shaped.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: None.