Simaethula auronitens?

Fact Box Species: Simaethula auronitens? (QM and Proszynski's "Proszynski's" salticid website) Family: Salticidae Body length: female: about 4 mm male: about 3.5 mm Habitat: This salticid may be shaken from green leaves in eucalypt forests Toxicity: This spider is surely too small to harm a human

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Simaethula species have an overall appearance that is quite similar to that of Simaetha species but the two are distinguished by fact that adult Simaetha species are 6-7 mm in length and have their posterior lateral eyes just under half way along the cephalothorax whereas Simaethula species are only 3-4 mm long and the posterior lateral eyes are about two-thirds of the way along the cephalothorax.

The reason for the suggested species name for the spider in the above photos is its silvery sheen and the fact that it was found in South-east Queensland, which is within the known range of Simaethula auronitens. It may be related species and perhapes even an undescribed one.

Known range: Not common anywhere in Australia but examples have been recorded in South-east Queensland and around Sydney.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Some other Simaethula species and some Simaetha species.