Close window

Coccorchestes ferreus Griswold, 1984 Beetle Mimicking Salticid

This jumping spider is one of the most unusual of the jumping spiders found in Australia, having over time successfully adapted by mimicking a beetle. Many subtle and obvious features of the beetle have been assumed. This must have protected this genus and its species (mostly found in New Guinea) from predators, allowing its survival as a group. The specific name is from the Latin, ferreus, meaning of iron. The female body is shiny dark brown to black, body length to 3mm. The male was not known to Griswold in 1984 but has since been documented in Davies and Zabka 1989.

From above


Coccorchestes ferreus
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson Iron Range North Queensland

From above


Coccorchestes ferreus
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

From side


Coccorchestes ferreus
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

From behind


Coccorchestes ferreus
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

From above, facing


Coccorchestes ferreus
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

From above from side


Coccorchestes ferreus
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

 
View My Stats