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Ligonipes sp.
About 12 to 13 mm long, this spider retreat was a long multi-layered silken tunnel anchored to a blade of grass. The outer edges of the openings of the tunnel were pulled out making a collapsed arch at either end. Pics 2 & 3 shows the spider trying to attack the spear of grass that I introduced into the tunnel opening. The spiders long, thick first pairs of legs can be seen trying to reach the grass. the spiders head is just visible as is one of a pair of yellow palps.
Seen on native grass in a reserve.
The jumping spider had ventured out of its retreat and was walking around on the other side of the grass blade but when i touched the plant, it made a quick retreat back into the shelter. I could see an elongated sooty abdomen and thick long first pair of legs.
the adult looked like this:
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/238...
While on the plant it could have easily been mistaken for an ant. I know where it lives and hope to get a shot of it next time.
Family: Salticidae ( Jumping Spiders)
2 Comments
Thanks Maria.
Nice behavioral series, Leuba!