Jumping spider

Fact Box Species: Apricia jovialis (See notes below) Family: Salticidae Body length: female: 8 mm male: 6 mm Habitat: On tree trunks and many other surfaces Toxicity: Unknown; may cause pain or significant human illness

Male, two views Female and male Another female Another view

The originally popular name for this species was Breda jovialis (RM) but that is a Brazilian spider so the species shown above was renamed Ocrisiona jovialis until Barry Richardson in 2016 changed the name again to Apricia, a name now used in the World Spider Catalog.

This species is recognised by the yellow markings on the upper surface of its abdomen. It likes to use loose bark as a retreat but is often found in the open during daylight hours.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Several other salticid species, notably Astia hariola.