Two-spined spider

Fact Box Species: Poecilopachys australasia (BB) Previous species name: Poecilopachys bispinosa Family: Araneidae formerly Argiopidae Body length: female: about 7 mm male: 2.5 mm Habitat: This species only forms a small orb web at night and is not often noticed during the daylight hours as it rests underneath green leaves. It makes a small orb web during the night and may also be found guarding a small brown spindle-shaped, papery egg sac Toxicity: The toxicity of the venom of this small, non-aggressive spider towards humans is unknown but it is unlikely to be dangerous

Front view Side view A juvenile? Another view A bit more mature Even more mature Another juvenile The male

Young females and adult males lack the pair of large abdominal spurs and the bright colours that characterize the adult females. They also have an unusual sparse pattern of large body hairs which are less prominent on the body of an adult female and gradually disappear as she approaches maturity.

Known Range: Though most common in near-coastal bush and garden settings in Queensland this species probably has a much wider range, particularly in northern areas.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Other jewel spiders, such as Austracantha minax and Gasteracantha quadrispinosa.