Jumping spider

Fact Box Species: Hypoblemum species (QM) Family: Salticidae Body length: female: 7 mm male: 5.5 mm Habitat: Often found on walls of buildings and on tree trunks, not normally seen in a web or retreat; very mobile and readily springs from surface to surface Toxicity: Unknown; not particularly aggressive towards humans but may easily jump into clothing by accident and then bite, producing inflammation and local pain; too small to be dangerous but handle with caution

Female, side view Female and male Female and male Underneath male

This is a very common salticid species in South-east Queensland and is usually seen on walls and fences during the warmer part of the day.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: There are several other salticid species with similar brown-grey markings and body shape that could be confused with this species and it is necessary to use a stereo microscope to identify this species with certainty. The critical features are the arrangement of teeth on the chelicerae and the presence of a dense flattened mat of forwards-facing brown hairs in the square between the eyes of the male (the female appearing almost 'bald').