Abstract
Crab spider of the genus Thomisus Walckenaer (Araneae: Thomisidae), the T. onustus is a potent predator able to hunt prey larger than its own size. This study reports on a predatory event involving this spider, mimicking the Cajanus cajan flower for effective predation of pollinator bee Apis dorsata. The study focuses on the predation mechanism utilized by the spider making use of the plant architecture. The observations reveal that in a papilionaceous yellow coloured corolla of C. cajan, the same-coloured T. onustus is able to colour camouflage and can accommodate itself in a concealed position beneath the standard petal thus predating the prey by deceiving.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.