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.
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.
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