Helpis minitabunda
| Helpis minitabunda | |
|---|---|
| |
| Female | |
| |
| Male | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Salticidae |
| Subfamily: | Salticinae |
| Genus: | Helpis |
| Species: | H. minitabunda
|
| Binomial name | |
| Helpis minitabunda L.Koch 1880
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Helpis minitabunda is a jumping spider. A widespread species in the east and south east of Australia, New Zealand, and in Papua New Guinea, usually found on foliage in moist areas.
Etymology and common names
[edit]Common names include threatening jumping spider and bronze jumping spider. The specific epithet minitabunda is derived from Latin, meaning "threatening". The male may show fearless or threatening behaviour when approached.[1][2]
Appearance
[edit]Unusually for spiders, the male is larger than the female. Male body length to 10 mm, females to 8 mm. The front two pairs of legs are particularly long. The male head has a flat topped caput covered with creamy white hairs. Below are large protruding chelicerae. The demeanor of the female is more cryptic than the male.
Distribution
[edit]These are common in Australia. They can hunt fast. They even hunt other spiders. The pre-mating courtship dance between male and female may last from two to three hours.[3] Helpis minitabunda is an invasive species in New Zealand.[4]
References
[edit]
- ^ "Helpis minitabunda (L. Koch, 1880)". Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
- ^ "Aussie Bronze Jumper - Helpis minitabunda". Brisbane Insects. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
- ^ McKeown, Keith C. (1952). Australian Spiders. Australian Museum: Sirius Books. pp. 244–245.
- ^ "Helpis minitabunda (L. Koch 1880) Threatening Jumping Spider". Arachne Australia. Retrieved February 1, 2020.