Helpis minitabunda

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

Helpis minitabunda is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae, widespread throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. These spiders are typically found amongst foliage in moist areas.

Etymology and common names

Common names for H. mintabunda include the threatening jumping spider and bronze jumping spider.

The specific Latin epithet, minitabunda - meaning "threatening" - refers to defensive behaviours exhibited by males of the species when approached or attacked. ^{[1] [2]}

Appearance, Behaviour and Mating

Unlike most spiders, males are larger than females; males can grow up to 10 mm in body length, whereas mature females may be up to 8 mm long.

H. mintabunda, like other Saticidae (and most Arachnids), exhibit sexual dimorphism, both physically and behaviourally: in particular, the front pair of legs are characteristically longer and darker in colour in males than in females, and the male's head - or "caput" - is noticeably flat-topped and covered in creamy white hairs, which continue onto the upper surface of their large and more prominent chelicerae - a feature unique to males.

Males are more active and aggressive hunters, noted for their speed and agility, often preying on smaller spiders, while females are more cryptic. ^[3]

The pre-mating courtship dance between males and females of the species has been observed to last between two to three hours. ^[4]

Distribution

H. mintabunda are commonly observed in the East and Southeastern regions of Australia, while they are listed as an invasive species in New Zealand. ^[3]

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. "Helpis minitabunda (L. Koch 1880) Threatening Jumping Spider". Arachne Australia. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
4. McKeown, Keith C. (1952). Australian Spiders. Australian Museum: Sirius Books. pp. 244–245.