Pirate spider

Fact Box Species: Australomimetus species (QM) Note: This is a North Queensland species found near Airlie Beach Family: Mimetidae Body length: female: about 5 mm male: about 4 mm Habitat: Usually on green leaves, under fallen logs, or on the edge of the webs of other spiders on which this species feeds Toxicity: Unknown; this species is small and bitings are rare because the spider is timid and secretive

Side view View from above Front view Its underside

These spiders are called pirate spiders because they feed on other spiders rather than on insects. Australomimetus species do not use webbing to catch their prey but may use a small amount as protection for their eggs and subsequent spiderlings.

Mimetids are characterised by large curved spines separated by sets of small spines on the tibia and the next segment (the metatarsus) of the first pair of legs.

The first two pairs of legs are much longer than the other two pairs and sometimes fold back over the spider's body. All legs are obviously spiny but the spines are not as erect as on oxyopid spiders.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Australomimetus spinosus and other Australomimetus species.