Tibellus tenellus

Fact Box Species: Tibellus tenellus (RM) Previous species name: None Family: Philodromidae formerly Thomisidae Body length: female: 8 mm male: perhaps 5 mm Habitat: On leaves in eucalypt forests Toxicity: Unknown; probably harmless

Immature male Male palps

This species is not normally seen in association with any kind of insect-trapping web but prefers to ambush insects by appearing to be part of the leaf or twig on which it is resting.

This species is very difficult to distinguish from the zorid, Thasyraea species and also has the same general shape and markings as the pisaurid Perenethis venusta although all three spiders are presently placed in different families.

Each of the three has a line running down the centre of the body from the eyes to the rear end of the abdomen but on Perenethis it is broad in front and narrows progressively and on Tibellus tenellus it tapers and also becomes less distinct towards the rear of the spider. On Thasyraea, which also has relatively shorter legs, this line is distinct and narrow for the full length of the spider. Other differences between the three species can be seen clearly only with the aid of a stereo microscope.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Perenethis venusta and Thasyraea species.