Ant-Mimic Jumping Spider (Male)

Myrmarachne plataleoides (O. P.-Cambridge, 1869), of family Salticidae,
subfamily Myrmarachninae, also called the Kerengga Ant-like Jumper, is a jumping spider that mimics the Kerengga or Weaver Ant (Oecophylla smaragdina) in morphology and behavior. Its scientific name literally translates as "ant spider". This species is found in India, Sri Lanka, China and many parts of Southeast Asia. Unlike the weaver ants, M. plataleoides does not bite people, and indeed seems rather timid.

M. plataleoides, especially the females, mimic the Weaver Ants in size, shape and color. The body of the M. plataleoides appears like an ant, which has three body segments and six legs, by having constrictions on the cephalothorax and abdomen. This creates the illusion of having a distinct head, thorax and gaster of the weaver ant, complete with a long and slender waist. The large compound eyes of the weaver ant are mimicked by two black patches on the head.

The males which usually measure about 9–12 mm in length give the appearance of a weaver ant carrying a minor worker due to their elongated chelicerae which may be as long as one-third to half their body length. These elongated chelicerae are a secondary sexual characteristic of the males. The males use their long fangs like swords to fight off rivals. They can split their jaws, normally held closed, to unfold their fangs when required.

I have spotted this spider on a plant below the Atis (Sugar-apple) tree where a colony of weaver ants lives. By mimicking the ants, it is able to stay close to them and gain protection from predators.