Patient hunter
Some animals find their food by seeking out and hunting their prey. Other animals prefer to lie in ambush and wait. Some can last for several weeks before an animal comes along that they can eat. Animals that ambush their prey use many different strategies.
The Orchid Mantis patiently waits for its prey on an orchid flower.
Photo: Luc-Viatour-CC-BY-SA
A fly caught in the net of a spider - another patient hunter.
Photo: Colourbox
A Saltwater Crocodile lies in ambush in the water.
Photo: Bernard-Dupont-CC-BY-SA
The Antlion larvae digs pits where prey can fall straight into the mouth of the larvae.
Photo: Bernt-Rostad-CC-BY
Quick attacks and traps
An animal that hunts by lying in wait uses very little energy to move. It can then use that energy to be very, very fast when a prey animal does pass by. The Gaboon viper has a lightning-quick attack.
Other animals that ambush their prey include praying mantises, many spiders, and crocodiles. Some of them like using traps. Spiders spin webs; other animals can dig a hole that the prey animal falls into.
Photo: Colourbox
Kills with venom
The puff adder and Gaboon viper are close relatives and are among the most dangerous snakes in the world. This is because they have a very strong venom. A bite from one of these snakes can easily kill a human. Just like a number of other species in the same family, they also have incredibly powerful fangs.
When such a snake finds a prey animal, it attacks extremely quickly and sinks its long fangs in its prey. Through channels in its fangs, the snake pumps the venom into the muscle of its prey. Some venomous snakes then let go immediately and release the prey. They then seek out the animal again after it has been weakened or died. In contrast, the Gaboon viper bites into its prey and doesn’t let go. The venom soon starts working and the viper can swallow its prey.