Stephanopis bicornis

Fact Box Species: Stephanopis bicornis (Pawel Szymkowiak has claimed this spider resembles Stephanopis julensis but this is not a known Australian species) Family: Thomisidae Body length: female: about 7 mm male: perhaps 4 mm Habitat: Usually on dark eucalypt bark Toxicity: Unknown; may be harmless to humans

View from above Front view A lighter specimen

The bicornis species name was apparently assigned to this spider about 120 years ago but the pair of 'horns' associated with the eyes is a distinctive characteristic of this species and is the obvious reason why Stephanopis bicornis (i.e. two-horned) is the appropriate name for the spider in the above photos.

Known range: Not present in large numbers anywhere in Australia but recorded as being in Darwin, Cairns, and inland Central Queensland down to Western Victoria and Adelaide as well as in the South-west corner of WA.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Some other Stephanopis species.