Spotted Pirate Spider
Australomimetus maculosus
The adult spotted pirate spider inhabits Australian shrubs, forest edges, gardens, and leaf litter where other spiders build webs. It is a specialist predator that enters or approaches another spider's web and uses deceptive silk vibrations to draw the resident within reach. Its diet is mainly other spiders, subdued with a quick fanged bite after a careful approach. A notable feature of pirate spiders is this aggressive mimicry, turning another spider's own web signals against it.
- Type
- Stealth / Venom
- Conservation status
- NE