Philoponella species

Fact Box Species: Philoponella species (possibly Philoponella congregabilis as shown on the Morwell National Park website) Family: Uloboridae Body length: female: about 5 mm male: about 4 mm Habitat: This species builds its web among green leaves and probably elsewhere as well Toxicity: Lacking venom glands, all uloborids must be considered harmless to humans

'4 hump' abdomen Underside of male A female Another female

Although the overall body shape of this species is similar to Poltys species, the latter lack the web-spinning cribellum and thin sensory hairs (trichobothria) on the legs which Philoponella and other uloborids have. Another distinctive feature of Philoponella congregabilis is the presence of two pairs of 'humps' on the upper surface of the abdomen rather than just one broad peak as seen on the more common Philoponella species.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Other uloborids such as Philoponella species as well as Poltys illepidus.