Runcinia grammica - The hunter

[MacroLuv]

Or Thomisus lateralis... or Xysticus grammicus... or Thomisus cerinus... or Thomisus amoenus... or Runcinia lateralis... what a mess!
Crab spider.
Successful even without web.
Look at those pink spherules, visible particularly on #3 between spider's and fly's head. It could be a poison or digestive juice. (?)



Camera model Olympus SP-320
Date/time 23.06.2006/09:55:37
Exposure time 1/125 s
F-number f/5.6
ISO 64
Focal length 8 mm



Camera model Olympus SP-320
Date/time 23.06.2006/09:57:24
Exposure time 1/125 s
F-number f/5.6
ISO 64
Focal length 8 mm



Camera model Olympus SP-320
Date/time 23.06.2006/10:10:40
Exposure time 1/400 s
F-number f/2.8
ISO 64
Focal length 8 mm

[Bruce Williams]

If I'm looking at the right thing (as you pointed out) on pic3 it looks like the spider is spraying a stream of some pinkish liquid onto the fly. Very interesting - well done for catching the moment!

Excellent series of photos.

Bruce

[Moebius]

Beautiful images. I wonder if the pink droplets are poison that got knocked out of the fangs either through just starting or finishing it's injection?

Ken

[beetleman]

The droplets sorta match the spiders color...excellent photos Nikola. Good Job.

[crotermund]

Nice shots. I particularly like the 2nd image because of the way it shows the spider & fly from end to end very clearly. Predator (especially spiders) and Prey shots oftentimes seem to be an entanglement that is difficult to make out or much of it is not in focus, but you captured both of these nicely. I also like the way the picture is balanced with the flower on the left and soft background on the right with the stem dividing it. Upon first glance at this pic I thought I was looking at the fly's 6 legs facing up, but with closer inspection, unless I am mistaken, he has one HUMUNGOUS PROBISCUS doesn't he? That is the 6th leg facing to the right, correct? And if you look closely on the stem under the fly's head I do believe you even captured some aphid like creature. Wow! What a fun picture!

[Danny]

Oh yeah, drama and nature macro from an eye to eye perspective. Just wonderful shots and so well taken. Ratio, perspective, lighting, details, its all there. Nice timing !!!.

All the best and I wish these were mine. Very nice.

Danny.

[MacroLuv]

Thanks folks for comments!
Craig, your power of noticing is exceptional. You counted legs correctly and yes it is one huge proboscis which this longleged fly is (was; rest in peace) proud owner!
Besides, my friends, those "pinkish droplets" are not what I was thinking.
I will document it soon.