The answer is neither crab nor ant, but spider, of course! XD
This is an ant-mimic crab spider (Amyciaea lineatipes). It preys on red weaver ants and passes itself off as one to do this. When it stands still, it holds up its front legs and waves them restlessly about, to pass them off as ant antennae. Even from the back, the two black dots on its abdomen look like the eyes of a red ant.
The first time I spotted one of these, I was fooled. Only when I looked closer, did I realize that it had 8 legs, not 6. This one was only 5mm (0.2in) and was a little smaller than the red weaver ants that were all over the same plant it was on.
Very cool beast. Great capture. The ant mimicking jumpers floor me with how close their appearance and movements are to the ant models they mimick. Never seen this one before, thanks for sharing.
Back to the green background !! Welcome back to your home turf. Love the capture of this tiny creature. As always you macro shots are perfect and you descriptions encyclopedic.
Wow what a super shot!! I find it quite funny that it is already 1 September where you are and here I´m sitting on 9 September and the sun is still too set. :-))
I have learned so much about spiders from you. In the past, before 365, a spider was a spider and as long as it wasn't poisonous --no problem. I never realized there were so many different species and some actually quite cute! What a sweet face he has....fabulous shot!
Fantastic colours and composition! I found a caterpillar in my garden today that I'm considering putting in my second album. I was trying to summon my inner macro genius (aka Livia) whilst taking photos of it but I don't think I've done your amazing work justice!
Ha - I read the title, and thought - I can't believe that's not a spider! What a great shot - he does truly look like an ant if it were not for the legs!! Great capture and info too!
A great, big, not-antsy, not-crabby, but red and leggy "THANK YOU!" to everyone!
It's fun discovering spiders I'm seeing for the first time. I google for information when I get back. This little spider was very energetic. He was walking up and down the leaf, practically non-stop, the whole time I was trying to get a decent shot of him.
Thank you so much for your comments. I do appreciate your time and support. 79 shots to go! XD
Great explanation, you must know a lot about spiders.
It's fun discovering spiders I'm seeing for the first time. I google for information when I get back. This little spider was very energetic. He was walking up and down the leaf, practically non-stop, the whole time I was trying to get a decent shot of him.
Thank you so much for your comments. I do appreciate your time and support. 79 shots to go! XD