Fact Box Species: Arasia mollicoma (QM) (also as identified by E. Nieuwenhuys) Family: Salticidae Body length: female: about 6 mm male: about 5 mm Habitat: This spider usually is found on exposed surfaces but it probably also makes a retreat under loose bark Toxicity: Unknown but this is a timid spider and its fangs may be too small to present a hazard to humans

View from above Another view The male Another female

The colour of this spider closely matches that of the bark of which the gum trees on which this species chooses to live. This means it is rarely noticed and the fact that it has less tendency to jump or run quickly than many other salticids enhances this camouflage effect.

A noteworthy feature of the male is the presence of five black spines on the underside of Tibia I. All leg segments of both sexes also have a dark inner edge.

Known range: Recorded as being in Broome and Arnhem Land, and from Cairns down to the NSW/Victorian border, but not Tasmania, SA, or most of WA.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: None.