General Description

Small, colourful spiders with eight eyes arranged in three or four rows with forward-facing anterior median eyes (the front, middle eyes) which are clearly the largest. Legs stout with two tarsal claws (at the ends of the legs) and claw-tufts. Body length 2-15 mm.

Biology

These spiders are active hunters, able to jump several centimetres to catch their prey - a large distance considering their size. They build a silk retreat for resting, moulting and protecting the egg sac.

Distribution

Mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

On and under bark or rocks, in vegetation and on walls of houses and fences.

More Information