Jumping Spider & Golden-tailed Spiny Ants

Thank you Smith Zoo and Harsha. Much appreciated!

I am also learning a lot, just being in Project Noah for a week. I am in awe of the wonderful creatures of this amazing planet. I'm excited!!

Hi Chief, I have some more information. Refer to the scientific paper "Extrafloral nectaries in an Australian rainforest: structure and distribution".http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=BT02108 and here is an excerpt from it. "Flagellaria indica: Nectar is secreted inside the leaf sheaths that are tightly pressed against the stem. No specialised tissues were found (formless nectaries). As in many formless nectaries, nectar is secreted through stomata that are found in a relatively high density inside the leaf sheaths of this plant. Nectaries are highly active on most plants on the uppermost 2-4 leaf sheaths." Cheers Andrea :-)

Hi Chief, these are only guesses as I'm not an entomologist. 1. From Wikipedia:"Polyrhachis do not have a sting but with an acidipore can spray formic acid. When attacking, this is often sprayed in combination with biting thus making the acid more effective against the subject of the attack." 2. Definition of a nectary: "A glandlike organ, located outside or within a flower, that secretes nectar." doesn't have to be within a flower. I don't really know whether it was a nectary, but it was the only thing I could deduce. The ants came back so many times to exactly the same spot. 3. The ant looks very similar to Polyrhachis. Does yours have 4 spines, 2 at the front and 2 at the rear of the thorax? Don't have any answers about the fly. Cheers Andrea

Hi Chief, yes they are taking turns at the nectary. The ants are around the nectary in this photo and when they move away the jumping spider moves in quickly for its turn. As soon as the ants are on their way back the spider retreats and lays in wait (under the curled leaf at the bottoom) for the next opportunity to go to the nectary. Cheers Andrea