Terrestrial locomotor mimicry Locomotor mimicry

ant mimic spider, myrmarachne sp. male (left) worker rattle ant polyrhachis australis the ant species spider mimics. credit:  mark marathon

the common form of locomotor terrestrial mimicry found in ant-mimicking spiders. these mimics capable of antennal illusions , similar gait patterns ant, shown in the jumping spider family (araneae, salticidae). ants appear beneficial models because possess effective protective traits such as, chemical defences, , aggressiveness. spiders, however, lack of these specialized traits , therefore acting ant, may avoid predation because predator has less desire ants. 

mimetic jumping spiders imitate zig-zag trajectories of ants, appears beneficial avoiding predators elevated vantage point. however, may example of imperfect mimicry because spiders will display behaviour in settings ants not. 

it once thought these ant-mimicking spiders walk on 6 legs instead of 8 use set of legs mimic ant antennae. however, further analysis revealed spiders whilst stationary, leads assumption there may limit to the neural circuitry underlying limb movement not allow them move on 6 legs. this antennal mimicry appears beneficial whilst in close proximity predator. 

another example of terrestrial locomotor mimicry seen in salticid-mimicing moths. the moths fan out their hind wings , their forewings raised above bodies. in position, moth’s wings salticid legs. moths that resemble appearance , locomotion of predatory spiders preyed upon less spiders. the spiders display courtship or territorial behaviour towards mimics, indicating spiders misidentify moths conspecifics. even if spiders eat moths, time takes first attack occur longer time taken attack non-mimetic moths.