Ant (Aphaenogaster) carrying young crab spider (Thomisidae) as prey back to nest
This ant is bringing a young crab spider back to its nest. Spiders, many of which are soft-bodied and poorly defended, are often easy prey for ants.
Similar Posts
Bee-mimic robber fly (Laphria grossa)
Despite resembling a bumble bee, this is a actually huge fly that preys on other insects. They have strong venom for downing prey or inflicting a painful bite if handled. Notice this specimen turning its head to track potential prey flying by. Many flies mimic bees, and this species is among the largest in the…
Io Moth (Automeris io)
This pretty yellow moth began it’s life as a caterpillar feeding on tree leaves for months. However, this fuzzy adult doesn’t have a mouth, and will quickly starve to death in a week or so. Many moths have camouflaged forewings, and warning coloration on the hind wings. This io moth uses eyespots as its warning…
Asian Lady Beetle
A native of eastern Asia, the multicolored Asian Lady Beetle was introduced into the United States by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a biological control agent. This tree dwelling beetle is an important predator of aphids and scale insects. Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles are slightly larger than native lady beetles, with adults measuring 9/32…
Robber fly (Atomosia puella) eating a non-biting midge (Chironomidae)
There are many robber flies. This one is common on tree trunks, where it perches, watching the skies for other insects to fly by. When it sees one, it flies out, grabs it, injects powerful venom, and then brings it back to its perch to suck the body fluids from the prey. Mini dramas abound…