Bill Ravlin
FWRav
Nephila senegalensis Mozambique
Banded-legged golden orb spider
Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
Note the small flies on abdomen. They are probably in the family Milichiidae ('freeloader flies") that are attracted to spider prey esp. true bugs that emit a defensive secretion. The flies are biologically known as "kleptoparasites".
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Uploaded on November 18, 2020
Taken on May 24, 2018
Nephila senegalensis Mozambique
Banded-legged golden orb spider
Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
Note the small flies on abdomen. They are probably in the family Milichiidae ('freeloader flies") that are attracted to spider prey esp. true bugs that emit a defensive secretion. The flies are biologically known as "kleptoparasites".
1,150
views
24
faves
16
comments
Uploaded on November 18, 2020
Taken on May 24, 2018