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      girraween > animals > arthropods > arachnids > spiders



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Morebilus plagusius
Flat Rock Spider

Previous Classification: Gnaphosidae Hemicloea major
Alternate Names: Flat Bark Spider

Conservation status: Least Concern

 
Scientific Classification
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Species:
Arachnida
Araneae
Trochanteriidae
Morebilus
plagusius

Not much is known about these common spiders. The species lives in the eastern parts of Australia, though very similar related species have been noted in South and Western Australia. It has only very recently been reclassified and there is some continuing debate as to whether it should be in the family Trochanteriidae or Gnaphosidae.

Whatever its scientific classification, this shy spider likes to live in very narrow crevices. This may be under a piece of loose bark or a crack in a rock.

Its body is extremely flattened (about as thick as a coin), though its oval-shaped abdomen may become more rounded after a large meal. The colour is typically a plain dark brown to black and its legs tend to curve forwards. It is often mistaken for a Huntsman Spider because of their similar colouring, size and shape.

Morebilus plagusius is a non-aggressive, very shy spider and it is very quick to scuttle away to hide in the nearest dark, narrow space. The female of the species is usually larger than the male and females have been seen eating males.

Females make their egg sacs deep in crevices and have been observed guarding them. The egg sacs are flat, white, papery discs about 2 to 3 cm across and are usually in pairs. There are tiny bumps or spikes on the surface of the sac.

References:


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Last updated: 17th April 2016