Wydundra carinda

Fact Box Species: Wydundra carinda (Platnick and Baehr) (or a very closely related species: see notes below) Family: Gnaphosidae (formerly in the Prodidomidae) Body length: female: 6 mm male: 5 mm Habitat: This species probably spends most of its time in leaf litter Toxicity: Unknown but this species is probably harmless to humans

Another view Side view Underneath male The female

There is no question that this spider belongs in the Subfamily Prodidominae (which in 2018 was moved into the Family Gnaphosidae after originally being in a separate family) because it has a pair of very long spinnerets attached to the abdomen about half way along its underside, this being a distinctive characteristic of prodidomid species. The fact that these long spinnerets are attached at two widely separated points proves that the spider is a Wydundra species rather than being any of the other known Australian prodidomid genera. Its comparatively large body size, the Central NSW location in which it was found, and the anatomy of its adult male palps virtually guarantees it is W. carinda as described by Platnick and Baehr in their 2006 paper.

Wydundra species are said to be fast runners and have a fondness for ants as prey.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Many other prodidomid species.