The Green Lynx is arguably one of the most successful hunters in Florida. By the end of the summer, virtually every flower top or branch-end sports its very own Green Lynx spider waiting to capture something to eat. What I find most remarkable, however, is that these arthropods seem to "know" where to grab another insect or spider. If they grab a non-threat (like a katydid) they'll grab it anywhere ... but if they grab a real threat to themselves (like a bee, wasp, or other spider that can envenomate them back) these fantastic animals seem to "know" their anatomy and specifically strike their target in an area where their victim is defenseless. In fact, every time I see one of these spiders grab a
bee or a
wasp (which stings
from its tail), the Green Lynx makes sure to grab it
behind the head to prevent a counter-envenomation. Yet every time the Green Lynx grabs
another spider, they make sure to grab it
from behind (or from the side) to avoid its poison-producing fangs. Please allow (and enjoy) these photos to illustrate what I mean ...
Green Lynx w/ flower bee
(victim specifically seized
behind the head, to avoid sting)
Green Lynx w/ flower bee
(again, victim specifically seized
behind the head, to avoid sting)
Green Lynx w/ katydid
(victim casually seized in mid-body, with no concern)
Green Lynx w/ huge bald-faced hornet
(victim specifically seized
behind the head, to avoid sting)
Green Lynx w/ jumping spider
(victim specifically seized
from the rear, to avoid front-fangs)
Green Lynx w/
its own kind(victim specifically seized
from the side, to avoid front-fangs)
Is this all a coincidence? I don't think so. Call it "instinct" or call it some kind of "street sense," call it what you will, but I think these spiders know what they're after and attack them accordingly. I notice this pattern of attack without exception ... though, I suppose, that is because the exceptions wind-up dead
Enjoy!
Jack
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