Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: Females are the larger sex, reaching up to 8mm in body length. Males are slightly smaller, around 6mm.
Coloration: The cephalothorax and legs are typically a pale green or yellowish-green, matching the colour of the Green Tree Ant's gaster (abdomen). The spider's abdomen is often a creamy white or pale yellow, sometimes with white spots, and is held upright to mimic the ant's gaster.
Key Features: The primary distinguishing feature is its incredible mimicry of the Green Tree Ant. The combination of its green and white colouration, ant-like body shape, and its behaviour of raising its front legs and abdomen are key identifiers. The large, prominent anterior median eyes are a giveaway that it is a jumping spider relative, not an ant.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: Reproduction rates are unknown, but likely to be low, with one or two egg sacs produced per female in her lifetime.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
Details on the egg stage are not well-documented due to the spider's elusive nature. It is likely the female creates a small, camouflaged egg sac on the leaves or stems of plants inhabited by Green Tree Ants.
Larval Stage
Spiders do not have a larval stage.
Pupal Stage
Spiders do not have a pupal stage.
Adult Stage
Adults live for approximately one year. Once mature, they spend their time hunting and seeking mates among the ant trails.
Reproduction Rate
Reproduction rates are unknown, but likely to be low, with one or two egg sacs produced per female in her lifetime.
Generations Per Year
Likely a single generation per year, aligned with the warm, wet seasons of its tropical and subtropical habitat.
Development Time
The development from spiderling to adult probably takes several months and is dependent on a steady supply of its specialised prey.
Seasonal Cycle
Activity is highest during the wet season (summer) when its prey, the Green Tree Ants, are most active and abundant. It becomes less active during the cooler, drier months.
Environmental Factors
The spider's entire lifecycle is intrinsically linked to the presence and abundance of Green Tree Ant colonies. Without the ants, the spider cannot survive.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Tropical and subtropical gardens, forests, and woodlands.
- Exclusively found on trees and shrubs that host colonies of Green Tree Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina).
- Often found on the leaves of citrus, mango, and other trees where Green Tree Ants build their leafy nests.
- Its habitat is entirely defined by the presence of its prey.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Found in the coastal regions of Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern Western Australia.
Climate Zones
- Tropical
- Subtropical
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Can be found in both urban gardens and rural forests, provided Green Tree Ants are present.
Native Range
Native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and India.
Introduced Range
Not an introduced species.
Introduction History
Not applicable.
Current Spread
Its distribution is stable and limited by the range of its host ant species.
Limiting Factors
The distribution and abundance of the Green Tree Ant is the absolute limiting factor for this spider.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Diurnal, actively hunting during the day, which coincides with the peak activity of Green Tree Ants.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
A specialist predator, feeding almost exclusively on Green Tree Ants.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- None.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
None known.
Contamination Risk
None.
Vulnerable Populations
- None.
Symptoms of Exposure
- A bite is theoretical as there are no recorded cases. It would likely be insignificant and cause no symptoms.
Transmission Methods
- Not applicable.
Risk Severity
Low. This spider is completely harmless to humans. It is non-aggressive and its venom is designed for ants, not mammals.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
Not applicable.
Prevention Costs
Not applicable.
Diy Treatment
Not applicable.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None.
Garden Damage
None.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
None.
Retail Impact
None.
Reputation Damage
None.
Operational Disruption
None.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
While it preys on Green Tree Ants, which can be beneficial predators themselves, the spider's impact on the overall ant population is negligible. Its existence is more of a biological curiosity than a factor of economic or agricultural significance.
Economic Loss
None.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
None.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
None.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- This spider does not 'infest' properties. The only sign of its presence is a direct sighting of an individual among Green Tree Ants.
- Observing an 'ant' that moves slightly differently or seems to be attacking another ant might indicate the spider's presence.
Physical Evidence
- No physical evidence is left. It is extremely cryptic.
Behavioral Signs
- Seeing an individual that looks like a Green Tree Ant stalking and then attacking another ant.
Seasonal Indicators
- Most likely to be observed during the wet season in northern Australia.
Early Warning Signals
- Not applicable.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Not applicable.
Exclusion Methods
- Not applicable. The spider lives on outdoor plants and has no desire to enter homes.
Landscaping Tips
- The spider's presence is tied to Green Tree Ants. Managing the ant population is the only way to manage the spider, but this is generally not required or recommended.
Monitoring Strategies
- No monitoring is needed.
Environmental Modification
- Not applicable.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Completely unnecessary and not recommended. Any treatment would be aimed at the Green Tree Ants, which would also eliminate the spider.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
No physical control is needed.
Integrated Approach
The best approach is to leave this fascinating native spider alone and appreciate its unique role in the ecosystem.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
None needed.
Home Made Traps
None needed.
Deterrent Methods
None needed.
Mechanical Control
None needed.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Not applicable.
Timeframe
Not applicable.
Follow Up Required
Not applicable.
Seasonal Considerations
Not applicable.
Application Techniques
- Not applicable.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
Completely unnecessary and not recommended. Any treatment would be aimed at the Green Tree Ants, which would also eliminate the spider.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
No physical control is needed.
Integrated Approach
The best approach is to leave this fascinating native spider alone and appreciate its unique role in the ecosystem.
Professional Treatment Costs
Not applicable.
Treatment Success Rates
Not applicable.
Treatment Timeframe
Not applicable.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Becomes more active as the wet season approaches.
Summer Activity
Peak activity during the wet season, aligning with the highest activity levels of Green Tree Ant colonies.
Autumn Activity
Activity begins to wane as the dry season commences.
Winter Activity
Largely inactive during the cooler, drier parts of the year.
Breeding Season
Likely during the summer wet season.
Peak Activity Period
Not an infestation species.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Warm, humid weather stimulates activity.
Humidity Effects
High humidity is crucial for both the spider and its ant host.
Photoperiod Effects
Longer daylight hours in summer coincide with peak activity.
Weather Patterns
Its lifecycle is driven by the monsoonal weather patterns of northern Australia.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Not a pest. It is a native species.
Control Regulations
None.
Professional Requirements
None.
Environmental Considerations
Its conservation is linked to the health of the ecosystems that support Green Tree Ants.
Compliance Requirements
- None.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Green Tree Ant Mimicking Spider different from other spiders?
The Green Tree Ant Mimicking Spider is a prime example of 'aggressive mimicry,' a rare and fascinating evolutionary strategy. Unlike spiders that use camouflage to hide, this spider actively impersonates another species—the formidable Green Tree Ant—in order to hunt it. Its body shape, colouration, and even its movements are adapted to this deception. It holds its front legs aloft to simulate antennae and walks with a jerky gait to blend in with the ants. This allows it to get within striking distance of its dangerous prey. This level of specialised mimicry targeted at a single, aggressive prey species is highly unusual and sets it apart from the vast majority of other spiders that rely on webs, ambush from camouflage, or active pursuit.
Is the Green Tree Ant Mimicking Spider dangerous to humans?
No, this spider is completely harmless to humans. It is small, non-aggressive, and its venom is specifically adapted for subduing ants. There has never been a recorded case of a bite to a human, and even if one were to occur, it would be medically insignificant. The spider's entire survival strategy is based on stealth and avoiding detection, both from its ant prey and from larger creatures like humans. It will always flee if discovered. It is a species to be observed and marvelled at, not feared.
How do I get rid of Green Tree Ant Mimicking Spiders?
There is absolutely no reason to get rid of these spiders. They are not pests, they do not enter homes, and they do not cause any harm. They are a native species and a fascinating part of Australia's biodiversity. Their population is naturally limited by the availability of their specific prey, the Green Tree Ant. If you have Green Tree Ants in your garden, you may also have these spiders, but their numbers will be very low. Attempting any form of control is unnecessary and would harm the local ecosystem. The best course of action is to simply leave them be.
Why does this spider pretend to be an ant?
It pretends to be an ant for one primary reason: to eat them. Green Tree Ants are highly aggressive, numerous, and have a painful bite. They work together to defend their colony ferociously. For a predator to hunt them, it's almost impossible to attack the colony head-on. By evolving to look and act just like an ant, the spider can walk among them unnoticed. This disguise allows it to isolate a single ant, quickly strike and kill it, and then retreat to safety before the other ants can retaliate. It's a highly effective hunting strategy that turns the ant's own social structure into a vulnerability for the individual.
Where am I most likely to see a Green Tree Ant Mimicking Spider?
You can only find this spider in the tropical and subtropical regions of northern and eastern Australia, specifically in habitats where Green Tree Ants (*Oecophylla smaragdina*) are found. Look for them on the leaves and branches of trees like citrus, mangoes, or native lilly pillies, where the ants have built their nests by weaving leaves together with silk. Seeing one requires patience and a keen eye. You must carefully observe the ants as they trail along branches. The spider will be the 'ant' that looks slightly out of place or is seen stalking another. Its presence is entirely dependent on the presence of its host.
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