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Project Noah Nature School
Opisthoncus sp.
Symbiotic relationship between a jumping spider and a fly. The fly is probably a milichiid species.
Adjacent to a small stream. Altitude 1000m.
I have photographed three symbiotic relationships so far involving spiders. The most common being the relationship between the dewdrop spider and the host nephila spider, another between a nephila spider and a wasp, both involving kleptoparasitic stealing of food on the part of the intruder and acceptance of the intrusion by the host.
Symbiotic relationship implies that both parties get something out of the relationship. In the above two examples, the intruder gets an easy free meal, using the hosts web to catch its prey. The host nephila gets his web cleaned of all the small flies that can clog up the web.
The third, and by far the most interesting symbiotic example was between this jumping spider and a fly.
At first sight, I thought the spider was eating the fly, but on closer inspection, the spider was simply standing over the fly. When the spider moved, the fly moved with it. When the spider jumped to another leaf, the fly followed. As the fly re-approached the spider, the arachnid raised up like it was going to attack, it then relaxed and allowed the fly to run underneath once more.
Obviously symbiotic, but at the time, I could not figure out what the spider got out of the relationship. A few weeks after the shoot, I zoomed in and noticed that the fly appeared to be feeding off the spider. Further research revealed that nephila has been known to allow a fly to clean its fangs after feeding, then, it all fell into place. The fly was cleaning the fangs and around the mouth of the spider after a meal, as can be seen from the second and third images.
As far as I know, this particular relationship has not been documented and extensive searches did not bring up any images of such scenes as this, so I do believe these images are unique.
This set is for Karen, Yasser and Jakubko for making me really feel part of this community.
Spotted on Apr 14, 2013
Submitted on Jul 3, 2013
59 Comments (1–25)
How interesting!
Wow!!
Thanks very much Ash :)
Dave
Great discovery... !
Thanks.
Dave
It was about biodiversity of Indonesia Dave and that certainly includes your spotting. But OK, I'll ask that it be removed.
Scott - a well researched and written article, congratulations.
However, I do not see the relevance of my post about symbiosis. Neither the spider nor the fly in my post have positive identifications. I am flattered that you would choose to link my article, but would prefer if you removed it please.
Dave
Congrats Dave! :)
Hi folicallychalled. Your spotting is featured in the new PN blog post via a link! Cheers
http://projectnoah.tumblr.com/post/58511...
Obviously it is a rare sight. The best advice is to find a jumper that is eating and wait. Best take a stool, it could take an hour or two :)
Dave
Congratulations ! amazing information and hence the spot :)
Very special SOTD :)
I am getting curious to see one of those relationships in naked eye :)
So kind Leanne, thanks.
Also thanks to everyone else who has left such wonderful comments :)
Dave
Belated congratulations Dave, on your SOTD & for all you contribute to P.N. :)
Incredible spotting congratulations!
Congrats Dave!
Congratulations wonderful spot and series
Great capture folicallychalled,congrats on the SOTD and thanks for sharing
Amazing. That's a great observation, and great job documenting & researching it too.
The things we discover by observing, taking pictures and then sharing them here for others to see, it is Fantastic, thank you, PN members and folicallychalled.
Wow, that's amazing! Thanks for all the information.
Amazing macro series folically challed, fascinating symbiotic relationship between the two, congratulations on SOTD
Excellent spot! Symbiotic relationships is my favorite part of animal science.
Great spot, Dave! Congrats for this SOTD!
That's amazing. Congratulations Dave. Brilliant job.
Spectacular symbiosis, Dave!