David v Goliath (Ocrisiona jovialis)

I finally discovered what these small (10mm) jumping spiders (with the fancy G string) eat... they pounce onto much bigger spiders. The move was so fast. If it wasn't accidental then it looks a very sensible choice of bite site as the prey is probably 20 times the mass of the jumper. Once committed I guess they just hang on and hope for the best. The larger spider could not shake it off and finally went still.
( Reminiscent of the weasel on the woodpecker )
Under a pavilion in a local sports/nature reserve.
Old name 'Breda jovialis'. but Breda are found in South America.
Yet to ID the prey.
Video next time.
http://bie.ala.org.au/species/Breda+jovialis#

comments (2)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

That is fantastic. By chance I saw a nature documentary yesterday of a jumping spider taking on a much larger spider. It would plan a way to lower itself via a silk thread on top of the orb weaving spider. Posted 9 years ago

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

Having just posted A. jovialis Mark, your finding and image came up in the group collection already posted - and it's awesome. Both seeing this prey capture and documenting with great detail. Tenacious wee characters, taking on much bigger prey such as this, amazing. Posted 4 years ago

The Apritcia jovialis

''Apricia jovialis'' , known as the jovial jumper is a small species of jumping spider found in Australia. This dark spider with yellow bands is often seen sheltering on tree bark.

Info 5 0

Similar species: Spiders

Species identified by Ferdy Christant