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Simaetha species S. thoracica and S. tenuidens (Brown Jumpers)

These two species are common jumping spiders in suburban gardens and parks. S. thoracica probably the more common of the two, female body length about 6 mm, male about 5 mm. S. tenuidens may be a little larger and longer (about 7-8mm both males and females according to Hawkeswood) and have less distinct abdominal markings but these are variable. To reliably tell them apart one would have to consult the Zabka and Davies drawings reproduced online in Jerzy Proszynski's Salticid pages. The golden scales on Simaetha spp. are often rubbed off in larger specimens, through wear and tear. Below some photos show a very golden S. thoracica, apparently young and in very good condition. Another Simaetha species are similar to the smaller Simaethula spp. Apart from being smaller, Simaethula's posterior lateral eyes are further back on the carapace, they have no abdominal banding and are generally more golden.

Another specimen, more golden, from above


5mm body length.

Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Face on


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Abdominal banding


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Juvenile, 2.5mm body length


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Old bald spider, lost its scales, from side


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Spider on egg sac in nest


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Spider on egg sac, closeup


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Another egg sac


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Spiderlings


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

The female side on


This was the female on the 2nd egg sac shown above.

Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

The female face on


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female 8mm distinct abdominal markings, from above


This specimen was shaken from a Westringia sp in 2009.

Simaetha sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female from above, facing left


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Female from above, facing right


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Female from above, facing the camera


SImaetha thoracica
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Nest in melaleuca


This nest is on the fringe of a dying Tea-Tree which accounts for the gathering and use of dead leaves to help establish the nest structure. These are often made in live leaves.

Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Spiderling


Simaetha thoracica juvenile
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female facing


Simaetha thoracica maternal female
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female from above


Simaetha thoracica maternal female
Photo: Robert Whyte

Spiderling


Photo: Robert Whyte

Female facing up


Simaetha thoracica maternal female
Photo: Robert Whyte

Young spider moulting


Moulting Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Young spider moulting


Moulting Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Young spider moulting


Moulting Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Young spider moulting


Moulting Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult GJA5421


Simaetha sp
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Simaetha thoracica Brown Lake 280810 facing


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Simaetha thoracica Brown Lake 280810 from above


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Simaetha thoracica Brown Lake 280810 facing


Simaetha thoracica
Photo: Robert Whyte

References


 

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