A small species, distinct and recognizable, found in Western Australia on the Canning River East Branch, 30 km south of Armadale, in bushland reserves in Perth suburbs Warwick and Stratton, probably being widespread in suitable habitat in the greater Perth region. The male is only about 3mm in body length, yet displays bright chevrons of blue and gold on its abdomen plus white plumes on its flanks. It prefers a habitat of loose, strewn leaf litter, twigs, low vegetation and fallen branches. Operating in the zone from the ground to about 300mm, the males display with a white-tipped, long third leg, raising it to attract the attentions of a female. ♀ 4mm ♂ 3mm
- Male, from above
- Male, from side
- Male, facing
- Male, from side with prey
- Male from side
- Male with prey
- Jean Hort. WA naturalist
- Male searching for a mate
- Female watching
- Female facing
- Male and female courting
Male, from above
Male, from side
Male, facing
Male, from side with prey
Male from side
Male with prey
Jean Hort. WA naturalist
Male searching for a mate
Jean and Fred Hort write with an update: We went to the Talbot Road Reserve, Stratton on Saturday and found the blue and gold spiders again, observing male and female interaction. The pair were on an old Marri leaf on the ground. The male lifted his abdomen and waved it from side to side. He extended the side hairs, both white and black, the spinnerets were also opened and closed. He did not raise his third pair of legs. They stood and watched each other for some time, and then moved in slowly to each other. When they were within touching space, they reached out their front legs and touched. LOL They both jumped in different directions and unfortunately both lost contact with each other.
Female watching
Female facing
Male and female courting
