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Australomimetus facts for kids

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Australomimetus
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Mimetidae
Genus: Australomimetus
Heimer
Type species
Australomimetus maculosus
Species

31, see text

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

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Australomimetus para niños

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Australomimetus Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.