Bagheera kiplingi is an omnivorous jumping spider that is noted for its largely plant-based diet.
in Cute
Bagheera kiplingi is an omnivorous jumping spider that is noted for its largely plant-based diet.
Sharesloth
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49 Comments
Where did it find a banana that small
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/phenomena/2009/10/12/bagheera-kiplingi-the-mostly-vegetarian-spider/
https://www.britannica.com/animal/Bagheera-kiplingi
They mostly feed on specialized protein- and fat-rich nubs called Beltian bodies, which form on leaf tips. The spiders actively avoid the ants that attempt to guard the Beltian bodies (their food source) against intruders.
Although the Beltian bodies account for over 90% of *B. kiplingi* diet, the spiders also consume nectar and occasionally steal ant larvae from passing worker ants for food. Sometimes, they cannibalize each other, especially during the dry season.
whoever named this thing really loved The Jungle Book
He’s a charming little guy, wouldn’t mind having him and his brethren in my back yard.
and they are the ONLY spiders that consistently consume any kind of vegetable matter, if i remember right! others may eat pollen when cleaning up their webs, but these little fellas consume the beltian bodies of the acacia tree.
they also have to outsmart the ants that live inside and coexist with/defend these trees!
some of the spiders are noted for being sociable with each other too, i think. id love to find a source for these, but im at work right now!
Awwww
A cute little spider
Look, for the number of eyes this thing evolved out of its skull, I’m suspicious of the plant based diet. Like what Gary? you need peripheral vision to hunt out that banana tree lurking in the dark Gary? Sure you do Gary. Sure.you.do.
banana for scale? :p
Yay! Vegan spider friend
Oh my god that’s a cute spider!!!!!!
Wow! What a lovely spidee. How far can it jump? Any idea where it is native to?
the least annoying vegan ever
Finally a spider I could be friends with
Named for the jungle book, I see.
Never thought I’d actually say this about a bug, much less a spider, but it’s cute!
Banana smol
Oh my god it cute!
Sweet young man I like his attitude
I see he’s been enjoying the new impossible fly.
Some people might find this scarry but look at its tiny eyes! So cute. I wanna boop it’s arms.
Lucas?! Is that you, Lucas?!!!
Look at that cutie pie
aaaaw look at this little guy eating a spider <3
Jumping spiders are so freaking adorable.
Bagheera was the panther in The Jungle Book.
Lions eating ice cream?
Wonder how they managed that.
Perhaps consume the leaf tip via same method as bugs?
Very interesting.
He probably ate kim jong un
Soo Cute
I though the spider was munchin a cheeto.
Nice
So how does it eat plant materials?
He’s okay.
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I saw a super cute animated short with a little guy like this.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx0VDi8EgtU
Is that Lucas?
I love fuzzy little spiders.
Didn’t know there was such a thing
Cute.
Omnivorous vs largely plant-based
Does not reconcile…
So many people don’t like spiders, but I find them fascinating. I read a book about them when I was a teenager, and I’ve loved them ever since. I rescue them whenever I can.
Anyone know what’s up with the Jungle Book name?
One weird spider, Sv3rige hates him!
Well only if he/she was on me in my house maybe.. if he scares me ya know I wouldn’t just squish with no cause
I just discovered r/spiderbros, this would probably be perfect for that subreddit.
Yeaaah you lost me at jumping. That’s a big NOPE.
Looks like hes eating a tiny cheeto
Vegan spider!
How big are they? Do they survive with just a plant diet? Can they be kept as pets?
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!