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Myrmarachne
Myrmarachne
Myrmarachne
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Myrmarachne
Myrmarachne sp. mimicking an ant
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Salticidae
Subfamily: Salticinae
Genus: Myrmarachne
MacLeay, 1839[1]
Type species
M. melanocephala
MacLeay, 1839
Species

188, see text

Synonyms[1]

Myrmarachne is a genus of ant-mimicking jumping spiders that was first described by W. S. MacLeay in 1839.[5] They are commonly called ant-mimicking spiders, but they are not the only spiders that have this attribute. The name is a combination of Ancient Greek μύρμηξ (myrmex), meaning "ant", and ἀράχνη (arachne), meaning "spider".

This genus has undergone many changes, and is still under review as more information becomes available.[1] In 2016, several genera were split off, including Helicius and the monotypic genus Panachraesta.[6] The genus Emertonius was revalidated in 2018 after being synonymized with Myrmarachne for nearly thirty years.[7]

Description

[edit]

Myrmarachne have an elongated cephalothorax with relatively long chelicerae that projects forward in males. The chelicerae of males can lack venom glands.[8] The cephalothorax has a waist, and the opisthosoma often has one too. The colors can vary from black to yellow, depending on ant species it is mimicking, and can change over the course of its life. For example, one African species was observed to mimic a certain species of ants as a juvenile, and another ant species as an adult.[9]

They tend to wave their front legs in the air to simulate antennae, and many have bodies that also closely resemble ants. It was assumed they didn't use their front legs for locomotion at all, but high-speed cameras have shown that they move around using all eight legs, raising their forelimbs only when stationary.[10]

The genus Bocus is so similar to Myrmarachne that it cannot be distinguished without the help of a microscope.[9]

Species

[edit]

With about 80 described and many undescribed southeast Asian species, Myrmarachne is the most diverse genus of jumping spider in this region.[9] A few species, such as the palearctic M. formicaria, occur in temperate regions.[1]

Myrmarachne are found in the tropics from Africa to Australia, with some species found in the New World.[1]

As of October 2025, this genus includes 188 species and three subspecies.[1]

These species have articles on Wikipedia:

  • Male M. albocincta
    Male M. albocincta
  • Female M. clavigera
    Female M. clavigera
  • Male M. formicaria
    Male M. formicaria
  • Female M. formosana
    Female M. formosana
  • M. ichneumon and ant model
    M. ichneumon and ant model
  • Male M. inermichelis
    Male M. inermichelis
  • Female M. japonica
    Female M. japonica
  • Male M. kochi
    Male M. kochi
  • Male M. melanocephala
    Male M. melanocephala
  • Female M. plataleoides
    Female M. plataleoides
  • M. spissa
    M. spissa
  • M. striatipes with prey
    M. striatipes with prey

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Myrmarachne

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Myrmarachne is a of in the family Salticidae, renowned for their ant-mimicking morphology and behavior, first described by William Sharp MacLeay in 1839 with the Myrmarachne melanocephala. Comprising approximately 190 species worldwide, these spiders exhibit by resembling through slender, segmented bodies with a constricted pedicel that mimics an ant's petiole, and by waving their forelegs to simulate antennae, thereby deterring visually hunting predators such as mantises and other spiders. Taxonomically, Myrmarachne belongs to the subfamily Salticinae and is the feminine gender, serving as the senior synonym for genera such as Ascalus, Iola, and Janigena. Over time, numerous species have been transferred to related genera including Myrmaplata, Sarinda, Toxeus, and Hermosa, reflecting ongoing revisions in salticid classification. The genus is the largest among ant-mimicking jumping spiders, with its diversity highlighting evolutionary adaptations in morphology and locomotion. Physically, Myrmarachne species feature two distinct body regions—a cephalothorax and abdomen—separated by a lengthened pedicel, which closely imitates the head, thorax, petiole, and postpetiole of ants. This ant-like form, however, imposes functional constraints; for instance, slender-bodied species like Myrmarachne cornuta achieve shorter jump distances (approximately 0.68 body lengths) and lower prey-capture success rates (38%) compared to non-mimetic salticids, due to limitations in hydraulic leg extension. Specific species mimic particular ant genera, such as Myrmarachne maxillosa imitating Polyrhachis ants or Myrmarachne plataleoides resembling Oecophylla smaragdina. The has a distribution, with the highest species diversity in southern and southwestern (about 60% of species) and , alongside smaller numbers in the Holarctic, Neotropics, and . In , (introduced from ) occurs and has been recorded in and as of 2025; the native is known historically from the eastern and (e.g., from to and ), with no confirmed sightings since 1929. Ecologically, these spiders inhabit diverse environments from forests to urban areas, primarily in tropical regions, where their enhances survival by exploiting ' unpalatability and aggressive reputation.

Taxonomy and etymology

Etymology

The genus name Myrmarachne derives from the words myrmēx (μύρμηξ), meaning "", and arachnē (ἀράχνη), meaning "", reflecting the distinctive ant-mimicking morphology of these . This etymology underscores the spiders' slender, elongated bodies and behaviors that closely imitate , a trait observed and highlighted by the British naturalist William Sharp MacLeay upon establishing the in 1839. MacLeay coined Myrmarachne in his seminal paper "On some new forms of Arachnida", where he introduced the type species Myrmarachne melanocephala from Bengal, describing its form as strikingly similar to ants of the genus Myrmecium and suggesting this resemblance enables the spider to deceive ants, facilitating predation. This naming convention emerged during the early 19th-century expansion of arachnological research, as European naturalists, including MacLeay—who had collected specimens during his diplomatic postings in tropical Cuba from 1825 to 1837—systematically documented diverse arachnid faunas from tropical regions like South Asia to advance taxonomic understanding.

Taxonomic history

The genus Myrmarachne was originally described by William Sharp MacLeay in 1839, with Myrmarachne melanocephala designated as the based on specimens from (now ). Subsequent taxonomic revisions significantly altered the scope of Myrmarachne. In 2016, Jerzy Prószyński delimited the by splitting off several taxa, including the reinstatement of genera such as Helicius and the monotypic Panachraesta, based on differences in male palp structure and female morphology. This revision reduced Myrmarachne to a more restricted concept, transferring numerous species to newly erected or revived genera within the Salticidae. Further changes occurred in 2018, when Prószyński revalidated the genus Emertonius—previously synonymized with Myrmarachne since 1978—distinguishing it by unique body shape, coloration, and genitalic features in species like Emertonius exasperans. Myrmarachne is classified within the subfamily of the family Salticidae. Phylogenetic studies, primarily using morphological characters such as leg segmentation, cheliceral dentition, and palpal organ configuration, have supported the of Myrmarachne sensu stricto.

Physical description

Body structure

Myrmarachne spiders are small to medium-sized , typically measuring 3 to 9 in body length, with a highly specialized morphology that emphasizes an ant-like form through elongation and segmentation. The is notably elongated and parallel-sided when viewed from above, often appearing subdivided into an anterior cephalic region and a posterior thoracic region due to a , which mimics the fused head and of . This structure is joined to the by a narrow, elongate pedicel that forms a distinct , enhancing the overall waisted appearance characteristic of hymenopteran mimics. The in Myrmarachne are long and slender, projecting forward especially in males to further accentuate the ant-head profile. Males exhibit pronounced in this feature, with the often horizontal and equipped with spurs or apophyses, while females have shorter, more typical forms bearing 3–8 promarginal and 4–14 retromarginal teeth in a plurident arrangement. The eye configuration follows the standard salticid pattern of eight eyes arranged in two rows: four anterior eyes (two large and two lateral) and four posterior eyes (two and two lateral), with the posterior row equal to or wider than the anterior; however, the posterior lateral eyes are positioned such that they overlap the lateral edges of the , streamlining the head shape for . Leg morphology in Myrmarachne supports both and salticid functionality, with all legs extremely slender and following the formula 4132 (fourth pair longest). The front legs (pair I) are particularly elongated and adapted to be held aloft, simulating antennae, though ventral spination on these legs (e.g., 2-2 on tibiae and metatarsi) aids in prey handling. Despite these constraints, the tarsi across all legs retain jumping adaptations typical of , including dense tufts for and grip during leaps, allowing effective locomotion and predation even within the slender, ant-emulating build.

Coloration and variation

Myrmarachne species display a variety of coloration patterns dominated by black, brown, yellow, and reddish hues, which closely match those of their ant models to enhance . For instance, Myrmaplata plataleoides (formerly Myrmarachne plataleoides) exhibits greenish-orange to red tones on the body, imitating the coloration of the Asian Oecophylla smaragdina. Similarly, Myrmarachne kuwagata features a predominantly dark brown to black exoskeleton, resembling the large Camponotus compressus. In some African taxa, such as a newly described Kenyan species, brownish-red shades are prominent, aligning with local ant models like certain Crematogaster species. Ontogenetic variation in coloration allows Myrmarachne individuals to shift targets across life stages, adapting to size-appropriate models. Juveniles often feature patterns suited to smaller , while adults transition to those of larger species. A clear example occurs in the African Myrmarachne elongata, where early instars (under 3 mm) show red-brown coloration with black markings to mimic Pheidole megacephala, but adults develop a reddish-black appearance to resemble Tetraponera anthracina. This transformational is widespread, with similar shifts observed in species like Myrmarachne foenisex, where juveniles mimic the red-brown Crematogaster castanea and adults the orange Oecophylla longinoda. Sexual dimorphism in coloration further diversifies patterns within species, often with males showing more intense or darker hues that may serve dual roles in display and , while females tend toward lighter, more mottled appearances for enhanced blending with colonies. In Myrmarachne kiboschensis, for example, males have a blackish and , contrasting with the brownish tones in females. Likewise, males display darker, higher-contrast coloration compared to the paler females. These differences, documented across multiple Ethiopian species, reflect adaptations balancing reproductive signaling with predatory avoidance.

Distribution and ecology

Global distribution

Myrmarachne is a genus of ant-mimicking jumping spiders (Salticidae) with a predominantly tropical distribution spanning , , , and the Pacific islands, encompassing approximately 258 described as of 2025. The genus exhibits its origins and primary diversification in the tropics, with records extending from , including , eastward through the and to . Southeast Asia represents the center of highest diversity for Myrmarachne, with nearly 100 species recorded across countries such as , , and the , reflecting extensive in the region's complex archipelagic environments. In contrast, hosts a significant number of species, approximately 70, concentrated in central and southern regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, , and , where groups such as the volatilis species complex are prominent; a new species, Myrmarachne salongensis, was described in 2024 from Salonga National Park in the DRC. and nearby Pacific islands support around 17-20 species, primarily in eastern and northern areas like . The genus shows limited presence in the New World, with one native species, Myrmarachne albocincta, restricted to the eastern and southern United States, alongside occasional introductions, such as Myrmarachne formicaria in parts of the Americas including the United States. Temperate extensions occur via this same species, which is native to the Palearctic region and has established populations in Europe and introduced ones in North America. Biogeographic patterns include notable radiations, such as the 2019 description of the subtribe Levieina in New Guinea, highlighting localized diversification, and overall correlations with the distribution of ant faunas that these spiders mimic.

Habitat and diet

Myrmarachne spiders predominantly occupy lowland tropical forests, grasslands, and urban edges, environments characterized by high abundance that supports their strategy. These habitats include rainforests, shrublands, open fields, and even anthropogenic areas like gardens, allowing the spiders to coexist with diverse ant colonies across tropical and subtropical regions. Observations confirm their presence in such settings in locations like , , , , and . Within these broader habitats, Myrmarachne species favor microhabitats in leaf litter, low vegetation, and sheltered spots under broad leaves of plants such as Ficus, Hibiscus, and Asplenium nidus. Nests are often constructed from silk and debris, including leaf fragments and insect remains, providing camouflage and protection in these ground-level or low-canopy niches. Myrmarachne are generalist predators that primarily hunt small insects like dipterans (e.g., flies and midges) and moths through characteristic salticid jumping attacks, though their ant-like body morphology constrains them to prey of comparable small size. They also consume spider eggs and occasionally scavenge non-prey resources, including nectar and honeydew, which stable isotope analysis indicates as a key supplementary diet component in tropical forests. Ecologically, Myrmarachne's ant mimicry enables them to exploit ant-rich niches while minimizing competition, as they seldom prey on ants and instead focus on alternative insect resources. Certain species, such as M. melanotarsa, kleptoparasitize ant-foraged honeydew from homopterans by mimicking ant-tending behaviors, thereby accessing protected food sources without eliciting aggression.

Behavior and mimicry

Ant mimicry mechanisms

Myrmarachne species exhibit sophisticated morphological adaptations that enhance their resemblance to ants, primarily through modifications to body structure. The is often constricted to mimic the distinct head and of ants, while the is slender and elongated, creating a waisted appearance similar to an ant's petiole and gaster. These features, combined with narrower bodies and longer legs relative to other , contribute to a three-segmented body outline that closely approximates morphology, even at finer scales such as cuticular texture and coloration patterns. For instance, species like Myrmarachne cornuta visually imitate the formicine ant Tetraponera through these traits, allowing for effective visual deception from a distance. Behavioral mimicry in Myrmarachne further reinforces this ant-like appearance, particularly in locomotion and stationary postures. When stationary, individuals raise and wave their forelegs to simulate ant antennae, a motion that is absent during active movement. During walking, they employ all eight legs in a , zig-zag characterized by frequent short pauses of approximately 100 ms, replicating the erratic, stop-start progression of with a typical stride of 5–10 body lengths. This coordinated creates an illusion of six-legged locomotion, as the elevated forelegs mimic sensory appendages rather than ones, enhancing the overall ant-like profile without altering the spider's fundamental . These morphological and behavioral adaptations represent , where harmless Myrmarachne spiders gain protection by imitating the aggressive and often unpalatable nature of their ant models, deterring visually hunting predators such as mantises, wasps, and other spiders. Experimental studies demonstrate the survival benefits of this mimicry, particularly in ant-rich environments; for example, predatory (Phidippus audax) attacked non-mimetic targets 4.5 times more frequently than actual and 3 times more frequently than Myrmarachne formicaria mimics (Wilcoxon each-pair tests: p = 0.0055 for non-mimics vs. ; p = 0.0180 for non-mimics vs. mimics; p = 0.6520 for mimics vs. , no significant difference), indicating significant defensive efficacy. Such advantages likely drive the of these traits, as the prevalence of defended ant species in tropical habitats selects for precise mimetic fidelity to reduce encounter risks with predators.

Hunting and locomotion

Myrmarachne species engage in active hunting, primarily stalking and pouncing on small arthropods such as insects and other spiders, consistent with the predatory strategies of salticids. Unlike typical jumping spiders that rely on long-distance leaps, Myrmarachne often lunge at prey from close range after tapping it with their forelegs to assess reactivity. Their ant-mimicking morphology, however, constrains hunting efficiency; a comparative study of seven Myrmarachne species revealed jumping distances limited to 0.68–1.00 body lengths—far shorter than the 2.81 body lengths achieved by non-myrmecomorphic salticids—due to elongated, constricted bodies that hinder the buildup of hydraulic pressure in the legs. Prey-capture success rates are also reduced, averaging 0.38 for slender-bodied mimics versus 0.74 for non-mimics, as thinner legs compromise secure grasping during attacks. Locomotion in Myrmarachne involves coordinated use of all eight legs for , producing a winding, stop-start that enhances their -like appearance even on uniform surfaces. Forelegs are raised and angled forward primarily during stationary pauses or moments of alertness, mimicking antennae without impeding steady forward movement. When jumping—though infrequently and over short distances—they deploy draglines from their spinnerets to anchor to the substrate, providing stability and a means for controlled descent if the leap misses its target, a safety adaptation shared with other salticids. These spiders' prey-capture adaptations leverage the acute vision of salticids, with principal eyes enabling detailed scanning and targeting of potential prey up to several body lengths away. This supports precise orientation during stalks, allowing detection of subtle movements in small arthropods. Yet, the demands of limit burst speeds and explosive acceleration relative to other , as the slender form prioritizes morphological resemblance over optimized for rapid pursuits.

Reproduction

In Myrmarachne, involves elaborate visual displays by males, who utilize their enlarged and perform leg waving to attract females and deter rivals. These displays form a complex repertoire, including waving of legs, palps, and , which is particularly pronounced in species like M. lupata. Males often engage in intraspecific contests where the size of their provides a significant advantage in fights, allowing winners to secure opportunities at minimal cost to their predatory performance. Females lay eggs in silken retreats constructed within debris-covered nests, often under leaves or in sheltered locations, and remain with the eggs until hatching, providing protection that aligns with their ant-mimicking posture. Upon after about one week, juveniles exhibit ant-like behaviors and morphologies, mimicking smaller species to evade predation. The life cycle of Myrmarachne is relatively short in tropical environments, with a minimum of 11 weeks from egg to adult in M. plataleoides, enabling within months through 4–6 molts. Ontogenetic shifts occur, with juveniles mimicking distinct, often smaller ant models compared to adults, ensuring accuracy across developmental stages.

Diversity

Number of species

The genus Myrmarachne currently includes 233 species and 3 subspecies, as documented in the as of November 2025. Recent taxonomic revisions have transferred numerous species to related genera such as Myrmatheca and Hermosa, refining the genus boundaries. serves as a primary diversity hotspot for the genus, harboring approximately 78 species. A notable recent contribution to understanding this diversity came in 2019 with the description of the subtribe Levieina from , comprising seven new species across three new genera and underscoring the region's untapped taxonomic potential. The actual of Myrmarachne is believed to exceed current counts, especially in understudied tropical areas, where numerous undescribed taxa have been noted in surveys, and taxonomic revisions continue to refine boundaries.

Notable species

(De Geer, 1778) is one of the few in the found outside tropical regions, with a distribution across the Palearctic, including much of up to 800 m elevation, and introduced populations in the and . This exhibits a slender, ant-like body measuring 5–6.5 mm, with an orange-brown , yellow-orange marked black posteriorly, and the first pair of legs raised to mimic antennae during locomotion. Its mimicry targets aggressive species for protective Batesian benefits, though it preys on small like flies and rather than themselves. Myrmarachne melanocephala MacLeay, 1839 serves as the for the , originally described from Asian specimens and rediscovered after over a century of obscurity, with a neotype designated in 2009. It features a black anterior prosoma and reddish-brown posterior, flattened , and an elongated, constricted body that enhances its resemblance to the Tetraponera rufonigra. This species is widespread across southern , including and , where its morphological adaptations underscore the genus's ant-mimicking specialization. In Southeast Asian biodiversity hotspots, several Myrmarachne endemics exemplify localized radiations, such as Myrmarachne plataleoides (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1876), which closely imitates the Oecophylla smaragdina through red-brown or black body forms and behaviors like elongated mimicking head markings. Distributed from to , this inhabits vegetation dominated by its model , relying on the for predator deterrence despite occasional attacks. Such adaptations highlight the genus's evolutionary success in tropical hotspots, where diverse Myrmarachne parallel regional faunas.

References

  1. https://wsc.nmbe.ch/genus/2803/Myrmarachne
  2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-75010-y
  3. https://bugguide.net/node/view/54885
  4. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933809496646
  5. https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/macleay-william-sharp-2415
  6. https://www.biotaxa.org/em/article/view/em.2016.7.1
  7. https://peckhamia.com/hosted/Proszynski_2018b_Evarcha.pdf
  8. https://www.biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.2309.1.1
  9. https://apps.lucidcentral.org/salticidae/key/salticidae/Media/Html/entities/myrmarachne_macleay_1839.pdf
  10. https://peckhamia.com/library/Wanless%201978%20A%20revision%20of%20the%20spider%20genera%20Belippo%20and%20Myrmarachne.pdf
  11. https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/32970/
  12. https://peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_297.1.pdf
  13. https://www.cassidae.uni.wroc.pl/Myrmarachne.pdf
  14. https://britishspiders.org.uk/system/files/library/040402.pdf
  15. https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2005/8195
  16. https://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03710p556f.pdf
  17. https://africa.panda.org/?51684/Discovery-of-an-orange-striped-ant-like-jumping-spider
  18. https://apps.lucidcentral.org/salticidae/key/salticidae/Media/Html/entities/myrmarachne_macleay_1839.htm
  19. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232664697_The_first_records_of_Myrmarachne_formicaria_Araneae_Salticidae_in_the_Americas
  20. https://wsc.nmbe.ch/speciesLsid/34782
  21. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9694002/
  22. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229993899_The_biology_of_ant-like_jumping_spiders_Araneae_Salticidae_prey_and_predatory_behaviour_of_Myrmarachne_with_particular_attention_to_M_lupata_from_Queensland
  23. https://peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_176.2.pdf
  24. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ens.12331
  25. https://www.ximenanelson.com/uploads/4/5/4/9/4549707/jackson_et_al_2008.pdf
  26. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7589502/
  27. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2013/839181
  28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5524487/
  29. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3758018/
  30. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev.en.41.010196.001443
  31. https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article-abstract/76/4/293/2661625
  32. https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/135640/
  33. https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6174/
  34. https://arages.de/en/arachnology/european-spider-of-the-year/2019-ant-mimic-jumping-spider
  35. https://www.mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.2309.1.1
  36. https://wsc.nmbe.ch/species/31073
  37. https://peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_174.1.pdf
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