Ant mimicking spider - Poecilipta kohouti

Appears to be mimicking ant species Rhytidoponera metallica.
Found this Spider by accident in sand dunes under some dried up seagrass. There were several under the grass . They moved very fast and I only got two of them which I took home to photograph. Body size approximately 4 mm and jet black to the naked eye.
Only after photographing them did. I recognise them as spiders. At first I was thinking of ants.

comments (8)

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

The mimicry for Rhytidoponera metallica is great! I love the colours showing up here with the flash. What features make you think specifically kohouti? Posted 4 years ago

Ernst

Lion

Image comparison with INaturalist and find a spider Guide.
There are approximately 27 species listed in the World spider catalog but only 4 of them have a distribution listed as South Australia.

Distinguishing features of this spider, in addition to its overall body and shape and colour, are three pale bands on its abdomen and the pattern of small iridescent green spots on the front parts of its body and inner leg segments.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Some other corinnids (especially Poecilipta species) as well as several members of the Family Zodariidae.
I could not find images in Family - Zodariidae which would come close with the distinctive markings on Poecilipta kohouti.
Email Ron Atkinson for more information. Last updated 21 September 2017.

http://www.findaspider.org.au/find/spiders/237.htm

http://www.findaspider.org.au/index.htm

Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, I wasn’t questioning family or genus at all, but species. Given that the similarity to other Poecilipta is also mentioned above, my thought was how does one pin it down to the kohouti species. Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Ernst
    
    Lion
    
    Ruth I am aware of the complexity but convinced that Poecilipta kohouti is correct. I don’t however mind being proven wrong. I see it as well a great learning exercise and really appreciate your contribution . Posted 4 years ago