Helpis minitabunda

Helpis minitabunda is a jumping spider. A widespread species in the east and south east of Australia and in Papua New Guinea, usually found on foliage in moist areas.

Helpis minitabunda
Female
Male
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Salticidae
Genus: Helpis
Species:
H. minitabunda
Binomial name
Helpis minitabunda
L.Koch 1880
Synonyms
  • Astia repersa L.Koch
  • Astia minitabunda L.Koch

Common names include threatening jumping spider and bronze jumping spider. The specific epithet minitabunda is derived from Latin, meaning "threatening". The male may show fearless or threatening behaviour when approached.[1][2]

Unusually for spiders, the male is larger than the female. Male body length to 10 mm, females to 8 mm. The front two pairs of legs are particularly long. The male head has a flat topped caput covered with creamy white hairs. Below are large protruding chelicerae. The demeanor of the female is more cryptic than the male. The pre-mating courtship dance between male and female may last from two to three hours.[3] Helpis minitabunda is an invasive species in New Zealand.[4]

References
  1. "Helpis minitabunda (L. Koch, 1880)". Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  2. "Aussie Bronze Jumper - Helpis minitabunda". Brisbane Insects. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  3. McKeown, Keith C. (1952). Australian Spiders. Australian Museum: Sirius Books. pp. 244–245.
  4. "Helpis minitabunda (L. Koch 1880) Threatening Jumping Spider". Arachne Australia. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
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