Myrmarachne elongata is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae that exhibits ant mimicry.
The World Spider Catalog lists the distribution of Myrmarachne elongata as ranging from Africa to Japan. However, Wesoà Âowska and Russell-Smith suggest that records outside Africa may be misidentifications.
Like many species in the genus Myrmarachne, M. elongata has an elongated body that resembles that of an ant. The cephalothorax and abdomen are often constricted, giving the appearance of separate body segments similar to those of ants. The legs are relatively long and slender, and the overall coloration is typically brown or dark, aiding in mimicry.
As with other jumping spiders, it possesses large anterior median eyes that provide excellent vision.
Myrmarachne elongata exhibits ant mimicry not only in appearance but also in behaviour. It moves in a manner similar to ants, often raising its front legs to simulate antennae. This mimicry is thought to provide protection from predators that avoid ants due to their aggressiveness or chemical defenses.
Like other members of the family Salticidae, it is an active daytime hunter that relies on vision rather than webs to capture prey.
The genus Myrmarachne has undergone significant taxonomic revision in recent years, with many species reassigned to new genera. However, Myrmarachne elongata remains classified within Myrmarachne according to the World Spider Catalog.