Trachycosmus turramurra

Fact Box Species: Trachycosmus turramurra (as named by Norman Platnick but note also the family name change shown below) Family: Trachycosmidae Body length: female: 8-11 mm male: 6.5 mm Habitat: May be found in leaf litter or wandering over open ground Toxicity: Uncertain; may 'play dead' when handled

Another view Underneath female The male Underneath male

This species was transferred from the Trochanteriidae into the Family Trachycosmidae 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: Found in near-coastal bush settings from about Sydney to Melbourne.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Trachycosmus sculptilis.