Lynx Spider with Prey

Description:

Oxyopidae; Oxyopes javanus Thorell, 1887. I was looking for moths, this morning, when I noticed this Lynx Spider in the grass. Since I had not seen one for a while, I decided to take 3 or 4 photos and then I got on with the task in hand, the moths. It was only when I sat at my computer, to have a look at the morning's pictures, that I noticed that the Lynx had what appears to be another, much smaller spider in its mouth. I did not mean to interrupt his morning snack, but I am glad that I did. I always find it more interesting when a spider (or an insect) is doing something which can actually be seen rather than having to guess "It's basking in the sun" or "It's looking for a place make a web". This one was undeniably eating one of it's near relatives - nice!

Habitat:

This Lynx Spider, with its prey, was spotted in a rice field which was left uncultivated this season to allow the land to rest. When we do this, an amazing variety of grasses and foliage springs up very quickly and creates what I like to call a tropical meadow.