Thomisus spectabilis

1 Spectacular Crab Spider at Acton, ACT

Thomisus spectabilis at Acton, ACT - 3 Dec 2019
Request use of media

Identification history

Thomisus spectabilis 26 Dec 2019 MichaelMulvaney
Thomisus spectabilis 4 Dec 2019 MichaelMulvaney
Thomisidae (family) 4 Dec 2019 Harrisi

Identify this sighting


Please Login or Register to identify this sighting.

7 comments

YumiCallaway wrote:
   5 Dec 2019
I don't think it's Thomisus spectabilis because (through the use of external sources) their abdomen isn't rounded like this one, instead having two lumps on either side which seem quite prominent. Here are some photos: http://www.arachne.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=1031
On the other hand, Zygometis xanthogaster seems to fit in with this individual: a little bit of orange hairs on the face, fully rounded abdomen with a distinct dark spot in the upper middle and light smaller ones neatly arranged towards the middle and back. (https://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:biodiversity.org.au:afd.taxon:43b8c120-398f-413e-ab0f-81f58344c598#gallery)
While on this topic, I feel some of the sightings under Thomisus spectabilis have been incorrectly identified: at a quick glance, they look like Zygometis zanthogaster.
   6 Dec 2019
Yumi - happy for you to take the lead but this reference states that Zygometris xanthogaster has brown stripes on its head.
http://www.arachne.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=1942
Of the sightings submitted only that of Cath has the brown stripes
YumiCallaway wrote:
   6 Dec 2019
Sorry, I based my decision on the images from ALA: some of them look exactly like this one! Does that mean these are still Thomiscus spectabilis though? All the images from external sources that I can find have the lifted segments on both sides of the abdomen and isn't fully rounded while this and the other few sightings are.
   6 Dec 2019
Not sure maybe Stuart or Andrew O can help?
YumiCallaway wrote:
   6 Dec 2019
Ok. And also, is the brown striping on the head a 'must'? Some individuals on ALA for example seem to have lighter stripes so maybe not having any stripes is a possibility? Like it might be that immatures haven't developed the stripes??
   6 Dec 2019
ALA is a bit of buyer beware in its sightings and use of photos so perhaps not a good source to base an ID on
YumiCallaway wrote:
   6 Dec 2019
Alright, I'll keep that in mind for future references, thank you!

Please Login or Register to comment.

Nearby sightings

Page 1 of 5 - image sightings only

Pollanisus (genus) (A Forester Moth) at ANBG - 7 Mar 2024 by JohnBundock
Lasioglossum (Callalictus) callomelittinum (Halictid bee) at ANBG - 29 Feb 2024 by DPRees125
Chenonetta jubata (Australian Wood Duck) at ANBG - 27 Feb 2024 by HelenCross
Nysius vinitor (Rutherglen bug) at ANBG - 13 Feb 2024 by BarrieR
Altica sp. (genus) (Flea beetle) at ANBG - 13 Feb 2024 by BarrieR
Scolia (Discolia) verticalis (Yellow-headed hairy flower wasp) at ANBG - 13 Feb 2024 by HelenCross
Cylindromyia sp. (genus) (Bristle fly) at ANBG - 13 Feb 2024 by HelenCross
Lasioglossum (Chilalictus) sp. (genus & subgenus) (Halictid bee) at ANBG - 30 Jan 2024 by Miranda
Archichauliodes (Riekochauliodes) guttiferus (Dobsonfly or Fishfly) at ANBG - 11 Jan 2024 by YellowButton
Coracina novaehollandiae (Black-faced Cuckooshrike) at ANBG - 10 Jan 2024 by Aussiegall
Vanessa kershawi (Australian Painted Lady) at ANBG - 29 Dec 2023 by JohnBundock
Zizina otis (Common Grass-Blue) at ANBG - 29 Dec 2023 by JohnBundock
Austalis copiosa (Hover fly) at ANBG - 30 Nov 2023 by HelenCross
Dindymus versicolor (Harlequin Bug) at ANBG - 30 Nov 2023 by HelenCross
Heteronympha merope (Common Brown Butterfly) at ANBG - 30 Nov 2023 by HelenCross
Scutiphora pedicellata (Metallic Jewel Bug) at ANBG - 30 Nov 2023 by HelenCross
Apiformes (informal group) (Unidentified bee) at ANBG - 27 Nov 2023 by HelenCross
Intellagama lesueurii howittii (Gippsland Water Dragon) at ANBG - 20 Nov 2023 by courtneyb
Dacelo novaeguineae (Laughing Kookaburra) at Acton, ACT - 1 Nov 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Eleale pulchra (Clerid beetle) at Acton, ACT - 1 Nov 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Lauxaniidae (family) (Unidentified lauxaniid fly) at ANBG - 23 Oct 2023 by AlisonMilton
Macropus giganteus (Eastern Grey Kangaroo) at Acton, ACT - 10 Oct 2023 by AlisonMilton
Eopsaltria australis (Eastern Yellow Robin) at Acton, ACT - 7 Oct 2023 by BenW
Chenonetta jubata (Australian Wood Duck) at Acton, ACT - 15 Sep 2023 by MatthewFrawley
Lampides boeticus (Long-tailed Pea-blue) at Acton, ACT - 15 Sep 2023 by Christine
Odontomyrme sp. (genus) (A velvet ant) at Acton, ACT - 28 Apr 2023 by KorinneM
Rodolia sp. (genus) (A ladybird) at Acton, ACT - 28 Apr 2023 by KorinneM
Austrosciapus sp. (genus) (Long-legged fly) at Acton, ACT - 28 Apr 2023 by KorinneM
Sericornis frontalis (White-browed Scrubwren) at Acton, ACT - 19 Apr 2023 by Steve_Bok
Megastigmus sp. (genus) (Parasitic wasp) at Acton, ACT - 9 Apr 2023 by Cristy1676
Phylidonyris novaehollandiae (New Holland Honeyeater) at Acton, ACT - 2 Apr 2023 by TomW
Papilio aegeus (Orchard Swallowtail, Large Citrus Butterfly) at Acton, ACT - 23 Feb 2023 by Tammy
Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris (Eastern Spinebill) at Acton, ACT - 19 Feb 2023 by Hejor1
Cacomantis flabelliformis (Fan-tailed Cuckoo) at Acton, ACT - 15 Feb 2023 by HelenCross
Eudynamys orientalis (Pacific Koel) at Acton, ACT - 15 Feb 2023 by HelenCross
Chrysididae (family) (Cuckoo wasp or Emerald wasp) at Acton, ACT - 15 Feb 2023 by HelenCross
Scolypopa australis (Passionvine hopper, Fluffy bum) at Acton, ACT - 14 Feb 2023 by Thurstan
Hylaeus (Planihylaeus) quadriceps (Hylaeine colletid bee) at Acton, ACT - 10 Jan 2023 by Roger
Megachile ordinaria at Acton, ACT - 10 Jan 2023 by Roger
Megachile sp. (several subgenera) (Resin Bees) at Acton, ACT - 3 Jan 2023 by Roger
Thereutria amaraca (Spine-legged Robber Fly) at Acton, ACT - 2 Jan 2023 by Roger
Amphirhoe decora (Decora Longicorn Beetle) at Acton, ACT - 1 Jan 2023 by Roger
Lasioglossum (Homalictus) sp. (genus & subgenus) (Furrow Bee) at Acton, ACT - 27 Dec 2022 by Roger
Caedicia simplex (Common Garden Katydid) at Acton, ACT - 18 Dec 2022 by Roger
Lunularia cruciata (A thallose liverwort) at Acton, ACT - 30 Nov 2022 by JanetRussell
Acraea andromacha (Glasswing) at Acton, ACT - 26 Nov 2022 by RobParnell
Bibio imitator (Garden maggot) at Acton, ACT - 22 Nov 2022 by HelenCross
Eleale sp. (genus) (Clerid beetle) at Acton, ACT - 22 Nov 2022 by HelenCross
Graphium macleayanum (Macleay's Swallowtail) at Acton, ACT - 9 Nov 2022 by HelenCross
Lasioglossum (Parasphecodes) sp. (genus & subgenus) (Halictid bee) at Acton, ACT - 25 Sep 2022 by HelenBoronia
Oriolus sagittatus (Olive-backed Oriole) at Acton, ACT - 30 Jun 2022 by HelenCross
Oriolus sagittatus (Olive-backed Oriole) at Acton, ACT - 23 Jun 2022 by JohnBundock
Vanessa itea (Yellow Admiral) at Acton, ACT - 3 May 2022 by RodDeb
Cacomantis flabelliformis (Fan-tailed Cuckoo) at Acton, ACT - 5 Apr 2022 by HelenCross
Malurus cyaneus (Superb Fairywren) at Acton, ACT - 29 Mar 2022 by Christine
Austalis pulchella (Hover fly) at Acton, ACT - 29 Mar 2022 by Christine
Lymantriinae (subfamily) (Unidentified tussock moths) at Acton, ACT - 29 Mar 2022 by Christine
Papilio anactus (Dainty Swallowtail) at Acton, ACT - 29 Mar 2022 by Christine
Xylocopa (Lestis) aerata (Golden-Green Carpenter Bee) at Acton, ACT - 25 Mar 2022 by HelenBoronia
Asianopis sp. (genus) (Net-casting spider) at Acton, ACT - 23 Feb 2022 by WHall
Elhamma australasiae (Elhamma) at Acton, ACT - 23 Feb 2022 by WHall
Eurema smilax (Small Grass-yellow) at Acton, ACT - 17 Jan 2022 by JohnBundock
Paracolletes crassipes at Acton, ACT - 16 Jan 2022 by Roger
Adversaeschna brevistyla (Blue-spotted Hawker) at Acton, ACT - 5 Jan 2022 by Roger
Lasioglossum (Chilalictus) sp. (genus & subgenus) (Halictid bee) at Acton, ACT - 29 Dec 2021 by Roger
Lasioglossum (Homalictus) punctatus (A halictid bee) at Acton, ACT - 28 Dec 2021 by Roger
Leioproctus sp. (genus) (Plaster bee) at Acton, ACT - 28 Dec 2021 by Roger
Belenois java (Caper White) at Acton, ACT - 19 Dec 2021 by Roger
Xylocopa (Lestis) aerata (Golden-Green Carpenter Bee) at Acton, ACT - 3 Dec 2021 by TimL
Reduviidae (family) (An assassin bug) at Acton, ACT - 19 Nov 2021 by AndyRussell
Graphium macleayanum (Macleay's Swallowtail) at Acton, ACT - 19 Nov 2021 by AndyRussell
Graphium macleayanum (Macleay's Swallowtail) at Acton, ACT - 16 Nov 2021 by RodDeb
Melangyna viridiceps (Hover fly) at Acton, ACT - 16 Nov 2021 by RodDeb
Vanessa itea (Yellow Admiral) at Acton, ACT - 16 Nov 2021 by RodDeb
Xylocopa (Lestis) aerata (Golden-Green Carpenter Bee) at Acton, ACT - 10 Nov 2021 by Roger
Xylocopa (Lestis) aerata (Golden-Green Carpenter Bee) at Acton, ACT - 8 Nov 2021 by TimL
Lasioglossum (Callalictus) callomelittinum (Halictid bee) at Acton, ACT - 8 Nov 2021 by Roger
Ectenopsis sp. (March fly) at Acton, ACT - 8 Nov 2021 by Roger
Lasioglossum (Australictus) tertium (Halictid bee) at Acton, ACT - 6 Nov 2021 by PeterA
Lasioglossum (Callalictus) callomelittinum (Halictid bee) at Acton, ACT - 6 Nov 2021 by PeterA
Schizophyllum commune (Split Gill Fungus) at Acton, ACT - 26 Jul 2021 by Christine
Cacomantis flabelliformis (Fan-tailed Cuckoo) at Acton, ACT - 9 Jul 2021 by HelenCross
Vespula germanica (European wasp) at Acton, ACT - 28 May 2021 by TimL
Descolea sp. at Acton, ACT - 11 May 2021 by Ned_Johnston
Pachycephala pectoralis (Golden Whistler) at Acton, ACT - 22 Apr 2021 by RodDeb
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit) at Acton, ACT - 22 Apr 2021 by RodDeb
Lycoperdon perlatum (Gem Studded Puffball) at Acton, ACT - 16 Apr 2021 by AndyRussell
Pseudomantis albofimbriata (False garden mantis) at Acton, ACT - 16 Apr 2021 by TimL
Cacomantis flabelliformis (Fan-tailed Cuckoo) at Acton, ACT - 13 Apr 2021 by HelenCross
Turdus merula (Eurasian Blackbird) at Acton, ACT - 13 Apr 2021 by HelenCross
Zoothera lunulata (Bassian Thrush) at Acton, ACT - 1 Apr 2021 by patrickcox
Bembix sp. (genus) (Unidentified Bembix sand wasp) at Acton, ACT - 1 Apr 2021 by Christine
Prosayleus hopei (Weevil) at Acton, ACT - 30 Mar 2021 by DPRees125
Petroica rosea (Rose Robin) at Acton, ACT - 26 Mar 2021 by Christine
Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris (Eastern Spinebill) at Acton, ACT - 24 Mar 2021 by ebristow
Megastigmus sp. (genus) (Parasitic wasp) at Acton, ACT - 18 Mar 2021 by TimL
Scolia (Discolia) verticalis (Yellow-headed hairy flower wasp) at Acton, ACT - 18 Mar 2021 by TimL
Ocybadistes walkeri (Green Grass-dart) at Acton, ACT - 16 Mar 2021 by AlisonMilton
Hylaeus (Prosopisteron) primulipictus (Hylaeine colletid bee) at Acton, ACT - 8 Mar 2021 by PeterA
Bembix sp. (genus) (Unidentified Bembix sand wasp) at Acton, ACT - 4 Mar 2021 by Tammy

1  2  3  4  5 

Location information

Sighting information

  • 1 - 3 Abundance
  • 3 Dec 2019 03:06 PM Recorded on
  • Harrisi Recorded by

Additional information

  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size

Species information

Record quality

  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
2,146,651 sightings of 19,859 species in 6,380 locations from 11,236 contributors
CCA 3.0 | privacy
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.