Battalus species

Fact Box Species: Battalus species (QM) (The species name of this spider may be Battalus spinipes; the Corinnidae are presently under revision) Family: Corinnidae Subfamily Castianierinae (but this species was formerly in the Gnaphosidae) Body length: female: 8 mm male: perhaps 7 mm Habitat: Usually in leaf litter in eucalypt forests where it is an ant mimic and does not use a web to catch its prey Toxicity: Unknown but may be mildly toxic to humans and therefore should be handled with caution

Another view Another female Another female Another view Male Another view Underside of male A related species?

This spider is one of many 'unspecialised' species that are very difficult to recognize without the aid of a stereo microscope and a considerable amount of technical skill.

It may be quite common in leaf litter in South-east Queensland but is not often noticed because of its good camouflage colours and because it is a very fast moving spider that quickly hides itself when disturbed. Not much is known of its natural history, but this spider belongs to the ant-mimic forms of the Family Corinnidae.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Some other corinnids such as Supunna species, as well as many members of vagrant and leaf litter spider Families, including the Lamponidae.