Ant Mimic Spiders

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Scientific name:  Synageles venator

Size:  Up to 4mm

Distribution:  Found mostly in coastal areas of England and Wales

Months seen:  May to September

Habitat:  Mainly found around coastal sand dunes, fenland and sometimes amongst low growing vegetation

Food:  Small invertebrates

Special features:  Ant Mimics are very small jumping spiders which have the appearance of ants.  Due to their ant-like appearance they are able to get closer to their prey without causing alarm.

The abdomen has an indentation about half way along its length, giving it an appearance of a third body segment - something which insects have and spiders don't.  The white markings on their dark coloured bodies add to the effect.  Males and females look similar.

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