Simaethula janthina

Fact Box Species: Simaethula janthina (Identification based on QM and on Proszynski's "Proszynski's" salticid website. Note: this may be S. janthina but S. aurata looks very similar) Family: Salticidae Body length: female: about 3.5 mm male: about 3 mm Habitat: This salticid builds a small retreat in green leaves Toxicity: This spider is probably too small to cause any harm to a human

Oblique view Side views Face and spinnerets Underneath male

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.

Known range: Only one record in South-east Queensland and one around Sydney.

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