Red Spotted Ant Mimic Spider
Castianeira descripta, better known as the red-spotted ant-mimic Spider, gets its common name from its ant-like appearance and behavior. Red spotted ant mimic spiders mimics the behavior of ants to get close enough to attack them. The red-spotted ant-mimicking Spider is a hunter Spider.
It does not catch its prey with a web but wanders around searching for food. The red-spotted ant mimic Spider often walks with both front legs raised when it moves. The Spider later chases the ants. The Castianeira Descripta specimen can be easily confused with some black widow species as it is a hairless black spider with red markings on its back.
Red Spotted Ant Mimic Spider Facts
| Size | 13 mm in length |
| Color | Black body, reddish brown stomach |
| Diet | Ant and small insects |
| Lifespan | 1- 2 years |
| Distribution | Found in Canada and east coast of United states |
Physical Appearance & Identification Traits
1. Size
A normal female red-spotted ant mimic grows about 13mm. The males are smaller than the female spiders. That will be the case in all spider species.
2. Color
A red ant mimic spider has a black body, a reddish-brown belly and legs, and a white line through the center of the shell.
3. Web
The red-spotted ant mimic spider does not build a web to capture its prey as a hunting spider.
4. Eggs
These Ant mimic spiders only use their spider silk to wrap eggs in a pouch or to build a nest to rest on. Female spiders produce silken sacs for their eggs, and after they’re all encased, the sac attaches to nearby stones or rocks.
5. Other Characteristics
Red spotted ant mimic spiders have hairy and glossy legs.
Lifespan
There is not enough information about the lifespan of red spot ant mimic spiders. However, it is believed to be around 1-2 years.
Habitat
Red spot ant mimic spiders are sighted under a rock, shrubs, woods, and parks.
Preys and Predators
These Ants mimic spiders like to prey on ants and small insects. Birds and wasps hunt them.
Distribution
Red spot ant mimic spiders are found in Canada and throughout the united states, especially on the east coast.
Does Red Spotted Ants Mimic Spider Bite and If They’re Poisonous?
If you’re wondering about castianeira crocata, are spiders venomous? The correct answer will be no. Although the red-spotted ant spider is fairly aggressive, it generally targets small insects or ants rather than people or pets. If the spider bites, it is not dangerous for humans. The bite will cause swelling, comparable to a bee sting. People with allergies should be more careful.
