The tropical Australian crab spider Amyciaea albomaculata mimics its prey, the green tree ant Oecophylla smaragdina.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The tropical Australian crab spider Amyciaea albomaculata mimics its prey, the green tree ant Oecophylla smaragdina.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The tropical Australian crab spider Amyciaea albomaculata mimics its prey, the green tree ant Oecophylla smaragdina.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
Amyciaea albomaculata

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
Amyciaea albomaculata is a crab spider that mimics Oecophylla smaragdina in order to approach and prey on the ants.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
An Oecophylla smaragdina weaver ant guard hangs from the bottom of her nest, alert to any photographers that might try anything brash.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
Oecophylla smaragdina weaver ants have killed a trap-jaw ant and are cooperating to carry it up a tree branch to their nest. 

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
A green tree ant guard lets the photographer know not to approach any closer... ... OR ELSE.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
Oecophylla smaragdina weaver ant pupae. As pupae age, the cuticle hardens and darkens in a process called tanning.

Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Amyciaea albomaculata

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
Amyciaea albomaculata

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
Amyciaea albomaculata

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013