lynx spider

Description:

This lynx spider has captured another spider, possibly a jumping spider. Most Oxyopes species are small to medium in size and they tend to be drab in color. Some occupy flowers and wait for pollinating insects, whereas others lie in wait on plant stalks or bark (like this one). Oxyopidae in general rely on keen eyesight in stalking, chasing, or ambushing prey, and also in avoiding enemies. Six of their eight eyes are arranged in a hexagon-like pattern, a characteristic that identifies them as members of the family Oxyopidae. The other two eyes are smaller and generally situated in front and below the other six. The Oxyopidae also have spiny legs, and in many species those legs, augmented by the spines, seem to be used as a sort of catching-basket in trapping flying insects. Some members of the genus Oxyopes are abundant enough to be important in agricultural systems as biological control agents. (Wikipedia)

Habitat:

Observed on Pandanus amaryllifolius in a large semi-urban yard & garden next to a disturbed patch of remnant lowland forest.

Notes:

Lynx spider with prey spider photographed Aug 11, 2011 on same part of same plant as the lynx spider photographed on Aug 10.