Each grasped the other by its opponent’s jaws, while the wasp couldn’t quite bend its abdomen down far enough to sting the spider. Deadlock. Then the wasp broke free and flew off with the spider still attached, so I’ll never know the outcome of the contest. Maybe, during its initial lunge, the spider managed to inject enough venom to kill the wasp and they both plunged to the ground, where the spider finished the job. Maybe the wasp stung the spider and settled to dismember its attacker. Which would you put money on? Anyone know what spider this is?
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No idea, but for an ex engineer all this is totally fascinating. When life is dull in the big world it pays to lift a leaf or two and look what's happening to the little people.
ReplyDeleteAmazing. It could be a crab spider. They are noted for grabbing stinging insects bigger than themselves but I don't know what the species is.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sight to witness. A struggle to the death. My money would be on the spider. I'd think he got the first 'bite' in, enough to slow the wasp eventually.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff Phil.
Totally agree with you Adrian, it's amazing what goes on in the undergrowth!
ReplyDeleteIt was certainly a short, furious confrontation Squirrel - the spider instinctively grabbed the wasp then may have regretted it..
ReplyDeleteIt think you're probably right Keith, spiders usually sink their fangs in instantly - the wasp might have been doomed, even though it did fly off.........
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