Jumping Spiders that Mimic Ants!

[@d007ization]

I love how they still can't quite shake off their adorable spider-like movements

[@CosmicPersephone]

Jumping spiders are perfect

[@ClevelandOh216]

Found one of these on my counter and realized it wasn’t moving like a normal ant and before I could even think it dropped off the counter using its web and it blew my mind hints why I searched this video lol

[@bacon_sammich2845]

Had no idea about birds selectively going after spiders because of their taurine content helping baby birds develop... fascinating! Great video.

[@KP3droflxp]

This definitely inspired me to take a closer look at ants, maybe I’ll also spot some mimics

[@terser]

double-check ALL the ants :)

[@potatowithdepresso2705]

I found one today lel

[@Sengwon4]

​@@terser idk how to tell if its a ant or spider

[@domgoncalvescezaretti5258]

​@@Sengwon4 spiders should have 4 pairs of legs instead of 3.

[@MiddleClassKamel]

For me it's not just their fuzzy butt and big inquisitive eyes, but their personality.. the way they look up at you and their seemingly never ending fascination with us. Precious and intelligent

[@Zaphod4693]

I happened to see an ant mimic jumper in my northeast Ohio backyard and wondered why they would camouflage that way. This video was the answer I was looking for! Thank you.

[@HappyHubris]

The most wholesome channel on KZbin.

[@phillipknipe5602]

A wonderful and fascinating insight. This is far more engaging and interesting than many of the run of the mill nature programmes on T.V. Defo worthy of a commission!

[@kellyharrison5184]

Fascinating! I had the good luck to observe a species of ant-mimicking jumping spider here in Wells, Maine. I wasn't sure what I was seeing at first, but quickly realized it was an actual spider. I had never heard of this mimickry before.

[@127TROOP]

I’ll be honest, until recently I liked neither ants or spiders of any kind. But now getting into macro photography EVERYTHING is interesting! I certainly never knew about mimicry on this scale. It’s utterly absorbing studying it. Thank you for this video, for someone who has lived on this planet for 56 years it’s a joy to discover something new to study and photograph….

[@rochellewant5418]

I love your photos of jumping spiders. I continually find them on my kitchen window, most likely because that’s the sunniest spot in my house. I have kept a few of them as my “little friends”, not pets. I have subscribed to your channel because your pictures are phenomenal! 👍💯🙏🏼🫶🏼🦋🕷💜🇨🇦

[@cathytice6370]

Your videos are a pleasure to watch and your voice is so soothing! I too adore jumping spiders, having grown up with them in a country home in Illinois. I'm certain I've seen ant mimics... I don't think I knew what I was looking at! I garden and vow to pay more attention in future. Thank you for posting these!

[@cdanielh128]

I never knew this existed. I love jumping spiders though I have arachnophobia so have a strange relationship with spiders overall. This video blew my mind. Thank you sooo much! I cannot wait to find some!

[@RAMXC]

I have shot a bunch of spiders but never even thought that they can be mimicking some other insect... this is mind blowing.

[@gibbogle]

Excellent commentary and fantastic photography. Thanks!

[@Walkinginthewoods]

Great film. I love the way you show that there is so much to discover in the natural world.

[@ilickcatnip]

Tomorrow is my exam and what a stress breaker I received right now! You've always been my inspiration :)

[@chrispy104k]

Always super informative and brilliant photography and video to boot.

[@froston020]

Amazing video. I always get stoked when i see you post a new video. Very informative

[@Archontasil]

1st time i saw an ant mimic it blew my mind. I saw it glides from leaf to leaf slowly.. I thought how? Then i took a closer look, this guy has 6 eyes!

[@peterviragphoto]

Haha same experience for me!:))

[@EleanorPeterson]

All the time that we're enjoying the natural history details, the calm narration, and the excellent production values, it's far too easy to take for granted the amazing macro images Thomas keeps presenting to us. It's so pleasing when the subject that we love - macro photography - is combined with a purpose, telling a story, rather than becoming overly concerned with equipment specs and technicalities. Great video. "Yay!" ---- 🐜

[@GrymmsPlace]

An amazing format of video. Love it, especially bringing in specialists to talk about the star of the show. Always looking forward to your postings. Time to go back out and see how many Jumpers the UK have hidden away. Funny how humans anthropomorphise 'small eyes' into 'cute' though - instead of into 'amazingly adapted stalkers and stealth-predators'

[@jcims]

This is mindblowing.

[@RobynHanson]

Fantastic, thoughtful video. Thanks for making this!

[@EpsilonA789]

Man I love spiders. I had no idea jumping spiders like this existed! So cool

[@shahamt]

Brilliant, Thomas. Great work😃

[@suchcruelty207]

Really amazing video, I've been fortunate enough to start finding Synemosyna and Peckhamia sp. around on the side of my house and on my car but I rarely can find them out in the field, and they always manage to get away from me when I do. Really happy to see you made a video discussing them, they definitely deserve it.

[@peterviragphoto]

Hey. Have you got any pics of them on e.g. Insta? Would love to see. Cheers.

[@stephenbarlow2493]

Great video, very informative and thought provoking.

[@ejones0310]

I’m amazed that I have probably looked straight at a spider and mistook it for an ant. Living in Oklahoma I never expected to find anything that amazing here in my own back yard.

[@otomihsot4231]

Just found your account from a macro lens reddit thread that was made two years ago lol. Love your stuff, keep it up!

[@jamesdecross1035]

This is absolutely fascinating.

[@AverageFolk]

Stunning photography, as always! Will keep an eye out for those curious mimics.

[@stm31415]

Love this format, themed around a concept rather than a single place or expedition, with an expert interview.

[@terser]

Thanks Sam! Was honestly a bit of a struggle to put together so I'm glad to hear you like the format. I had a hard time coalescing all my thoughts until doing the interview. Might try more videos in this vein - I have too much Phidippus/Paraphidippus footage and thoughts I need to do something with...

[@acouragefann]

Your channel and videos have given me a genuine affection for spiders (growing up they revolted me) and kindled what has become a passion for macro photography. I really, really, appreciate the informative and visually beautiful content you produce and share with us.

[@WalkaboutLad]

INCREDIBLE! Absolutely fascinating. Thanks for the filming, discussion, and production.

[@trewhoffman4517]

So happy to get another video from you! Have been looking forward to it for months :)

[@ilickcatnip]

I've seen 3 or 4 different types of ant mimicing spiders in my area. One of them was of the genus myrmarachne, i couldn't identify others but they are really fun to watch!

[@flinchfu]

They're literally everywhere. God knows how many species of them... Keep your eyes peeled and you might notice some. A little "ant" hopping and repelling from silk is a dead givaway.

[@peterviragphoto]

I have seen only a couple of Myrmarachne species in our area so far. At least got one series of shots I was relatively happy with.😀

[@elams1894]

A great distraction from the craziness of the world right now. A reminder that bugs care not about Covid, nor finance, nor supply chain metrics. Thanks Thomas.

[@Koolee2]

My two favorite invertebrates are jumping spiders and ants so it’s always cool to see jumping spider ant mimics

[@VARIOUShorses]

This is my new favourite among your videos! Your channel has been the main reason I rediscovered my love for spiders and insects and bought myself a macro rig that combined with jumping spiders in particular has been one of the greatest sources of joy and wonder in my life. I love all your videos, but this one is especially good, I'd love to see more like it! It's great to hear such specific expertise from Dodson alongside your usual excellent photos, videos and general discussion! After the pandemic is no longer a concern it'd be amazing to see your shots and / or videos looking at 'Peacock' Spiders here in Australia! The season in generally September to October and there are many photographers and amateur arachnologists who I'm sure would be more than willing to point you in the direction of some good spots and times to find them. Just a thought - if you're ever planning to travel to or near Australia in the season I think you'd get a real kick out of the wonders of the genus Maratus :) We do have a few nice Ant Mimics I'm aware of too, but I think they can be found year long. On a different note I haven't noticed that 'crinkly' look in the eyes of any Ant Mimics I've seen, but I have seen it in a lot of 'Peacock' Spiders like this Maratus plumosus www.flickr.com/photos/184691120@N08/50520455222/in/dateposted-public/ and this Maratus velutinus www.flickr.com/photos/184691120@N08/50445651402/in/dateposted-public/ . I'm not sure what it is or why it appears that way, but I'd love to know if you ever find out any more on that topic!

[@terser]

Thank you so much - glad you enjoyed it! And yes, a long-standing dream of going to Australia to look for salticids (yes, Maratus of course!) exists in me, but... covid, money, time, etc... :/ Thanks for links - beautiful photos - beautiful jumpers!

[@eyeballpapercut4400]

my favourite non-jumper ant-mimic would be the Southeast Asian members of the Castianeirinae sub-family, under the Corinnidae family (yes I know they're yet to be properly described but I'm gonna use it), especially the Corinnomma genus. They really look like the Myrmarachne too.

[@terser]

Wow! Just looked up Corinnomma - beautiful! Love Corinnids! Had to sneak a local Castianeira in there (bottom center @19:02 )

[@eyeballpapercut4400]

@@terser a handful of Castianeira here in Southeast Asia got moved to Corinnomma BTW, eg Castianeira tiranglupa to Corinnomma severum. You can read more in the book Forest Spiders of Southeast Asia by Christa L. Deeleman-Reinhold, published 2001. I haven't read if any Castianeira outside of SEA has also been moved.

[@eyeballpapercut4400]

@@terser what's that at bottom right tho

[@terser]

@@eyeballpapercut4400 A gnaphosid I think - maybe Micaria? www.inaturalist.org/observations/61181457

[@stanlibuda96]

What an incredible video! Better than almost anything I've seen on tv ... thank you so much! Greetings from Germany.

[@alexbuess]

I just love your videos. The stories you tell but especially the love for the animals you take photos of. And I have to admit I was very excited when you suggested an ID for a jumping spider I posted a photo of on inaturalist, thank you and the best regards from Mexico!

[@auto85454]

Interesting! Thank you, Thomas.

[@AndyBetterBugs]

This video is epic. Amazing work Thomas 🙌💚

[@abrahamunderhill6187]

Thanks for sharing this incredible explanation of ant mimicry in jumping ants. I love spotting these spiders with my preschool students. While observing with a child, I witnessed a jumping spider pounce in its prey. I’ll be in the lookout now for any ant-mimics in my neighborhood…when the weather gets warmer!

[@ChaitanyaShukla2503]

I have found bugs that mimic ants along with spiders in my garden. I also have seen beetle(lady bug) mimicking spider and made mistake of not photographing it

[@peterviragphoto]

That’s amazing! Have you got some pictures mate? Would love to see some of a lady bug mimic. Cheers

[@ChaitanyaShukla2503]

​@@peterviragphoto I didnt take any photos of Ladybug mimic spider(Paraplectana sp.) which I regret to this day. I also have photographic records of Jumping spider genus from Deccan plateau which is definitely an undescribed species with closest relatives found 1500km Northwards.

[@peterviragphoto]

@@ChaitanyaShukla2503 that is awesome! Shoot me your insta if you have one & would like to connect. Cheers:)

[@franzanth]

I also started paying closer attention to ants in 2019 when I noticed my first ant-mimic. It's impressive how closely the impostors mimic their local ants, here we have Myrmarachne and Myrmaplata that are perfect copies of Oecophylla; Toxeus that mimics Camponotus, etc. Sometimes I only realized they weren't ants after I took some photos because they move just like the ants they mimic.

[@terser]

Same! Last summer I was sure I had found *the* model ant for Synemosyna only to realize it was just Synemosyna again after taking photos...

[@droueche58]

Ahhhhhh this video makes me happy. Excellent shots, and commentary from you and Alexis. I shoot ant mimics as often as I can and I'm always looking for them. ❤️

[@peterviragphoto]

The first time I saw one I almost just walked by then had a closer look and was mesmerised instantly. Unfortunately have only seen & captured images of another species once since but hoping to discover more as soon as the warmer season starts here Downunder. Amazing video mate, super enjoyable & so much background info. Cheers:)

[@sharanm5622]

Hats off Sir , Mimics are just beautiful and cute for me just as a regular jumping spider. I will show this video to everyone who asks me, 'what's there in macro photography?'. Loved every bit of it. thanks for this, one of the best macrophotography videos I have come across so far.

[@Namaste..]

What a great video- many thanks for your efforts, Thomas! Ain’t nature simply astonishing!!

[@neilfisher]

This is fantastic! The inclusion of natural history and scientific background provided by Alexis paired with your imagery is gold! Would love to see more content following a similar format :)

[@cygnusbass]

Incredible video Thomas! so much effort and valuable information put in. Absolutely gorgeous shots too. I learned a lot!

[@RichardLaurence]

Fantastic! Welcome back - such an enjoyable video…

[@uprightape100]

A Modest Proposal: a cross-over vid with the "Crime Pays, Botany Doesn't" channel would be super-watchable. Edit.....your beautiful photography is WAY outta Tony's league, but his commentary on plants is, ummmm, unique. Best of both.

[@terser]

Just subscribed to his channel (didn't know about him!)

[@tkermi]

Great info and photos, thanks! 🕷️💯🐜

[@sholinwright6621]

Very nice! I’ve been photographing Peckhamias out at Lake Hefner.

[@breebree1297]

Wow this was an awesome video!! Thank you for taking the time to make and share this. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for these little incognito spies 😂

[@godagaraleviciute2383]

Thanks for such an inspiring and interesting video! It instantly makes me want to go outside and find native ant mimicking organisms.

[@aljo.antony]

Just one alone can show us wonders when we are in nature. Want to see you again out in the field doing macro photography.

[@SpiderdayNightLive]

Thomas, this video was gorgeous!! And super informative

[@graphiccontent98]

Great video Thomas. I've always loved your videos and this one is another great addition. So fascinating thank you for sharing

[@aracnoloco]

Very cool review of those interesting and beautiful spiders. Most amazing to me was the mimicry of Cephalotes ants by the salticid. Thanks.

[@Pat-1000]

Always learn something new from you and on this occasion your guest as well thank you for the education guys

[@quillerszasza]

Wonderful source of information, Thomas, thank you for sharing! Your work is always such an inspiration to me, keep these videos coming! :) Cheers!

[@peterviragphoto]

Couldn’t agree more!😊

[@usernamemykel]

How the heck do you get those scientific, multi-syllabic descriptions, memorizsed and probnounced so easily?

[@Dth091]

Fantastic video! Mimicry is so interesting

[@BlueRGuy]

"Why hello there fellow ants"

[@naneek2]

awesome video. I've been watching this channel since it had guitars on it, but spiders are just as fun.

[@svampsugen]

Just an amazing video Thomas. Love your channel and content. Keep it up man, cheers from sweden!

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Love this buddy, ive seen a few mimics of this kind, the nicest was in Sri Lanka on a green leaf nest building ant colony so cool, great vid !!!

[@terser]

Thank you! Ooh - jealous, Sri Lanka has some amazing spiders!

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

@@terser its amazing for wildlife all round! thanks for sharing this fascinating subject with us bud, keep up your amazing videos i know how much hard work it takes from my little piddly channel lol 😂 .... JP

[@sholinwright2229]

Great video and interview. I love taking pics of them here in OKC in the spring, but I’ve always thought they were all peckhamia. I’ll have to look closer next time.

[@Tapinopa]

Great video, love those ant-mimic jumpers! Ximena Nelson has proposed the hypothesis that those large chelicerae in the male Myrmarachne may be mimicking an ant carrying something in its jaws. She and Robert Jackson published this idea in the Proceedings of the Royal Society v 278, issue 1584, pp 367-372.

[@sidneywoods4492]

I love your videos. Makes me appreciate and respect nature so much more.

[@636STUNA]

Come across these all the time in central Texas. They’re usually by themselves and seem to move much faster than a ant.

[@flowermaze___]

What a magic planet

[@ktjankabar]

That was soooo interesting!! Going to start looking closer at everything - never know what you might find!

[@T-Barbin]

Fantastic work! I was fully engaged from start to finish. We've got one (or maybe more?) Synageles sp. where I live. Still have not managed to track it down yet.

[@T-Barbin]

I also like your custom Laowa hotshoe mount. Do they sell those?!

[@ktomsen8528]

"You can kind of fall into a trance while bug hunting" ... "I've taken ants for granted in my past..." So much to see and learn from the peaceful observations of Thomas Shahan!

[@rjung_ch]

Just dazzling photography, loved the talks on why this has evolved the way they have. Question: how do these spiders know on what to pick up on, how do these traits evolve? Thanks Thomas and Alexis

[@StupidLittleYTName]

I think it’s less what they “know”, and more so how they’ve evolved due to natural selection. The ones who had more ant-like traits are the ones who survived and were able to breed future generations.

[@bashrath1]

10:02 "im not expecting an ID on this dark male i found in a new Mexico parking lot"

[@gunterschrader7623]

Sorry, but I wouldn't describe mimicry as a (conscious) strategy... it's rather the whims and variations of evolution that have led to these excellently camouflaged forms of appearance - which have survived and prevailed over others. By the way: fantastic job! I'm just starting out with macro photography and wish we had so many interesting shapes here and I had your knowledge. Always super interesting, your videos, that amaze me every time! Thanks for that!

[@theworthysoul]

I’m curious whether people with arachnophobia could feel anything looking at a spider that looks extremely similar to an ant

[@nevid4694]

Wonderful! Thank you for your wonderful presentation

[@Benoitlegare]

Amazing work! I enjoyed watching your video with your calming voice. :)

[@asasinofull]

A great video! 👍

[@avishani7488]

Thank you so much Thomas! You made my day

[@guykurtz422]

Jumper, I've loved watching them for decades of paintig ...now I'm on the look out for these mimics .. drawing them iz fun I like wasps bees ,ants, et. all

[@kirkmason5027]

Ooooh can't wait to watch this later! *Edit - that was great, really enjoyed it Thomas!

[@elijahmonkau2268]

Great video!! Just discovered their existence and had to look up info, perfect video

[@bjnslc]

Wow, what a cool jumper!

[@sjl197]

Only a comment. Very beautiful overview. I often get lost in the taxonomy and comparison amongst related species of creatures, i.e. within a genus, family etc, but the world works in relation to the environment and other diverse creatures which co-exist in a zone, this overview really highlighted to me how those others can be vitally important, so thankyou. We perhaps need to think how new species introduced by humans to those zones of such creatures then affects such dynamics.

[@AkashVermaIFS]

Wonderful documentation!

[@KyleScholz]

Really excellent video. Thank you!

[@kyleman1313]

What a great video! Thank you for this.

[@President_Starscream]

🎵The ant mimics, more than meets the eye. Spiders that hide in plain sight to avoid the evil forces of their predators. The ant mimics, spiders in disguise. The ant mimics, more than meets the eye. The ant mimics!🎵

[@angelad3170]

This is super interesting. I had a little jumper, non-ant mimic, who lived on my computer desk because he'd hunt down the rare little sugar ants (not sure actual species, but they would only show up one or two at a time) that always seemed to show up. I'm curious if it was just a case of having the opportunity.

[@kinglyzard]

A whole new dimension on the world's cutest spider family!

[@larondalawvere2646]

This was truly awesome Thomas, my two all-time favorite insects , ants are just amazing I have watched every ant video on KZbin I have never seen one with ridges like the first one you showed , is that a new species? Thanks for going places that most of us can never go and showing us these amazing little guys , just fabulous..

[@ash1eyrose]

I’m assuming you probably watch Ants Canada? What are some other good ant channels you recommend, if you don’t mind sharing? Thanks

[@danscott5776]

Absolutely incredible!! Would you know if any ant mimic spiders are present in Europe??

[@terser]

Thanks Dan! As for ant-mimicking salticids in Europe... Leptorchestes! Myrmarachne is present but maybe uncommon