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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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