Arasia species

Fact Box Species: Arasia species (QM) (probably Arasia mollicoma) (also as identified by E. Nieuwenhuys) Family: Salticidae Body length: female: about 6 mm male: about 5 mm Habitat: This small salticid usually is found on the exposed surfaces of gum trees although 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

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Arasia species.