Portia Jumping Spider (Male)

Description:

Talk about cannibalism , here is a species of Jumping spider called the Protia .This jumper not only feeds on other spiders (ARAENOPHAGIC),they eat their own kind as well. These are remarkable spiders and are known for their hunting behavior which suggests that these spiders are capable of learning and problem solving. They are fast learners. These spiders use a specific technique for hunting which is a form of AGGRESSIVE MIMICRY . They crawl into other spiders webs and mimic vibrations of a struggling prey or a mating partner .Since these web building spiders have a poor eyesight they rely on the vibrations along their webs to catch their prey and move in that direction only to fall victim to the portia. Another interesting piece of information with these spiders is the female can kill the male before or after mating.They mate on or off the ground . During mating the female assumes the superior position, then twists around and lunges at the male , killing him! If the male dies before copulation is over the female removes his sperm before eating him.If he finishes before death ,the female will keep his sperm for fertilization and with her days work done, settles down to dine on the male.A majority of males are killed during the sexual encounters.

Notes:

When not hunting for prey or a mate, Portia species adopt a special posture, called the "cryptic rest posture" as seen in pic no 4.