Ambush predators or sit-and-wait predators are carnivorous animals that capture prey by stealth or cunning, not by speed or necessarily by strength. These organisms usually hide motionless and wait for prey to come within striking distance. They are often camouflaged, and may be solitary. This mode of predation may be most efficient when a predator cannot move faster than its preferred prey; otherwise, active hunting is more efficient.[1] Ambush predators include many fish, snakes, and other reptiles (e.g. crocodiles), as well as some mammals, birds, and spiders.
Gallery
 The Gaboon Viper Bitis gabonica is an ambush predator. |
 A female Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) capturing a couple of mating flies. This species is an example of superb camouflage as they have the capacity of changing their colour depending on the flower in which they have set their ambush. |
References
- ^ Scharf, I.; Nulman, E.; Ovadia, O.; Bouskila, A. (2006) "Efficiency evaluation of two competing foraging modes under different conditions". The American Naturalist 168 (3): 350–357.
External links
- Predation lecture University of Washington
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