Ant-mimicking spider

Fact Box Species: Rhombonotus gracilis (QM, JS) (or a closely related species; note that Rhombonotus species were once considered to be Ligonipes species and bear a close similarity with the members of this genus) Family: Salticidae Body length: female: about 3 mm male: about 2.5 mm Habitat: Mostly in a rolled leaf retreat Toxicity: Too small to be harmful

Another view Another specimen

Among the distinguishing features of this species are that it has the general shape of an ant but with an additional pair of legs instead of a pair of antennae. The moderately dark body colour with two lateral white spots in the middle of a partly divided abdomen that resembles two joined spheres is also important.

Known range: Found in only moderate numbers from Bundaberg to Melbourne but rare everywhere else.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Ligonipes semitectus, Myrmarachne erythrocephala and Damoetas nitidus.