Trachycosmus sculptilis

Fact Box Species: Trachycosmus sculptilis (This identification is derived from papers by Norman Platnick and subsequently by Azevedo et al and confirmed by Dr Robert Raven; see notes below) Family: Trachycosmidae Body length: female: 5.5 mm male: 5.0 mm Habitat: This species is widely distributed, spider usually found wandering on open ground or in leaf litter Toxicity: Uncertain; may be aggressive when defending its egg sac

Another view Female from front Male from front Male from above

The transfer of this species from the Trochanteriidae into the Family Trachycosmidae is as stated in the following paper, published in January 2022: Azevedo GHF, Bougie T, Carboni M, Hedin M and Ramirez MJ "Combining genomic, phenotypic and Sanger sequencing data to elucidate the phylogeny of the two-clawed spiders (Dionycha)" Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution 166 1-14.

Although this species belongs to the same family as the flattened Morebilus and Rebilus species it has a much taller profile than they do. The markings on the upper surfaces of its abdomen and the shape of the fovea on its carapace are distinctive features.

Known Range: Not often noticed but recorded as being down the east coast of Australia from Cairns to Tasmania and also in the South-west corner of WA.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Many other dark coloured spiders with an 'average' spider shape.