Australomimetus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Australomimetus |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Mimetidae |
| Genus: | Australomimetus Heimer |
| Type species | |
| Australomimetus maculosus |
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| Species | |
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31, see text |
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Australomimetus is a group, or genus, of spiders. These spiders belong to the Mimetidae family, which are often called pirate spiders. They were first officially described in 1986 by a scientist named Heimer. As of 2017, there are 31 known species of Australomimetus spiders.
About Pirate Spiders
Pirate spiders, like those in the Australomimetus group, are very interesting hunters. They don't build their own webs to catch food. Instead, they sneak into the webs of other spiders!
How They Hunt
Once a pirate spider is in another spider's web, it does something clever. It might pluck the silk threads of the web. This makes the web's owner think that prey has been caught, or maybe even that a potential mate has arrived. When the host spider comes closer to investigate, the pirate spider quickly attacks it. They use their strong jaws and venom to catch and eat the other spider. This unique hunting style is why they are called "pirate spiders."
Where They Live
Australomimetus spiders are found in different parts of the world. Many species live in Australia and New Zealand. Some species can also be found in parts of Asia, like Japan. They live in various habitats, often wherever other spiders build their webs.
Species of Australomimetus
There are many different kinds of Australomimetus spiders. Each one has its own unique features, but they all share the special hunting style of pirate spiders. Some of the known species include:
- Australomimetus annulipes
- Australomimetus audax
- Australomimetus maculosus
- Australomimetus tasmaniensis
- Australomimetus japonicus
See also
In Spanish: Australomimetus para niños
