Avella despiciens

Fact Box Species: Avella despiciens (JS) or a similar species Previous species name: Menneus despiciens (RM) Family: Deinopidae formerly Dinopidae Body length: female: 8 mm male: 6 mm Habitat: Clinging to tall grass or low shrubs; more likely to be active at night than during the day Toxicity: Unknown; not known to cause human illness

View of face Another specimen Front view Another specimen

This species seems to prefer habitats where there is plenty of moisture, notably along creek banks. Avella resembles Deinopis species but is slightly smaller and the pair of very large eyes that Deinopis has are only slightly enlarged on Avella species.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Avella angulata, Deinopis subrufa, and some Tetragnatha species such as Tetragnatha demissa.