Ant versus jumping spider

[The Black Rabbit]

The other day, I watched a female Fencepost Jumping spider (Marpissa muscosa) hunt for prey on her fence.
A Black ant wandered by - and a faceoff occurred - the ant and the spider, motionless, staring at each other form about 30 seconds.
This was the only photo I got, as my battery ran out after this.

(Please click on thumbnail and then image to sharpen and enlargen).


So what happened next?
Did the spider jump on the ant?
Nope.
The ant squirted a jet of formic acid into the spider's face, a few of the cavalry arrived (other ants), and the spider quite literally legged it.

I wish I could have taken some more shots, but I do hope the picture above gives you an idea of the size of these wee jumping spiders maybe.


TBR

[m1.carson]

Hi blackrabbit,

That was a good camera you bought, but fancy letting the flattery go bat, same old problem with rechargables, I don't bother with them any more unless I have to, it's just as likely that the spare in your pocket will go flat in ten minutes, even though it was fully charged when you put it in.

Max.

P.S. never mind the fully charge/discharge cycles you should give them when new, still doesn't work very well.
I suppose I shouldn't have changed the subject from your jumping aunt.

[Bub-les]

I only use rechargeables and never had a problem.
Back to the thread ... incredible photo shame you didn't get the rest in photos but loved the tale. I like watching jumping spiders so will watch out for ants as well now.
Barbara

[mh68]

Nice shot Doug, must have been really interesting to watch. Shame about the battery, but they always pack in at the most inopportune moment.

Mark H

[The Black Rabbit]

Thanks for the comments.
Re the batteries - they are rechargeable, and I had some more inside (this spider vs ant was in our garden), but didn't want to run inside and swap batteries - I would have missed the action!
TBR

[mh68]

Originally Posted by The Black Rabbit

Thanks for the comments.
Re the batteries - they are rechargeable, and I had some more inside (this spider vs ant was in our garden), but didn't want to run inside and swap batteries - I would have missed the action!
TBR

I`d have been the same mate, sometimes photography comes second to actually watching fascinating behaviour like you`ve mentioned..

Mark H

[Bruce Williams]

Really excellent shot TBR. For me the (relatively) tiny ant confronting the spider adds greatly to the overall interest and impact of the image.

Bruce