Molycria quadricauda

Fact Box Species: Molycria quadricauda (Platnick and Baehr) (or a related and very similar species: see notes below) Family: Gnaphosidae (formerly in the Prodidomidae) Body length: female: 3.5 mm male: 3 mm Habitat: This species probably spends most of its time in leaf litter Toxicity: Unknown but this species is probably harmless to humans

Underneath female Female from above Male from above Male side view

It is possible that the spider shown above is not Molycria quadricauda because there are at least two other described Molycria species in the region of Central NSW where this spider was found and they all are quite similar in appearance.

Distinguishing features of this spider are its long, slender legs that lack obvious hair or spines and its extremely long anterior lateral spinnerets which are attached about half way along the underside of the abdomen and lie in parallel. These spinnerets are said to be particularly useful for catching ants, on which the spider feeds exclusively.

Known Range: Apparently only recorded in parts of NSW.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Other Molycria species.