Neosparassus pictus

Fact Box Species: Neosparassus pictus (RM) (or a closely related species) Previous species name: Olios pictus Family: Sparassidae formerly Heteropodidae Body length: female: about 18 mm male: about 13 mm Habitat: On or under leaves and loose bark Toxicity: Bites may lead to mild illness but this species is not naturally aggressive towards humans

Underneath spider

The appearance of the black patch on the underside of the abdomen is important for identification of this spider but several other Neosparassus species having a rather similar patch.

Known range: Recorded as being in Arnhem Land and present in moderate numbers from Cape York down the east coast to Melbourne but most common in localities from Brisbane to Sydney.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Other Australian sparassids, especially Neosparassus calligaster.