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Spring 2025 in Perth (#19 in series: “inhabited” flower head)

 

 

This post shows the same species of flowering plant as in #18.

The location is only a few footsteps distant, and just three more minutes had passed.

This flower head, however, has a resident, venomous, ambush predator.

S/he is a member of the Family Thomisidae, which includes the “flower spiders” (aka “crab flower spiders” or “crab spiders”. “Crab spiders” is an umbrella term which also includes Thomisdae members who do not inhabit flowers/flower heads)

Flower spiders pose no threat to humans.

They can, however, inflict “instant death” upon the unsuspecting bee, ant, fly or other nectar/pollen-attracted petite visitor to the relevant flower.

Flower spiders are adept at camouflage and stealth.

Mating opportunities excepted, a single individual “colonises” (and defends) one particular flower/flower head.

Generally, the spider leaps onto its prey, bites its head, injects venom and then “drinks” its prey’s interior.

Discover more here.

Published in nature and travel photographs Western Australia