Swift Spiders

Spotted swift spider (Nyssus albopunctatus, Family Corinnidae)

Identification

Black with white stripes on head and lines of white spots on body.

Easily able to climb glass.

Leg span up to 3 cm.

Distribution

Australia-wide.

Habitat: Rainforest, open forest, grassland, rarely houses.

Web

Few strands.

Bite

Mild local pain, redness, swelling.

Notes

Sometimes also known as Supunna albomaculata.

Main Prey: Small insects.

Similar species

Swift spider.

Orange-legged Swift spider (Nyssus coloripes, Family Corinnidae)

Female Orange-legged Swift spider eating another spider.

Identification

Black with orange ends of front legs, rest of legs black. Head black with white stripes along side; white or yellow spots on upper body.

Very fast moving, often found in open sunny patches running around with front legs trembling. Easily able to climb glass.

Leg span up to 3cm.   

Distribution

Most of Australia, introduced into New Zealand. Habitat: open forest, grassland, houses.

Web

Few threads.

Bite

Mild local pain, redness and swelling.

Notes

Very fast moving, often found in open sunny patches running around with front legs trembling. The fast-moving trembling action of the coloured legs mimics the behaviour of a wasp.

Breeding: Summer.

Similar species

Spotted swift spider.

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