Red-headed Mouse Spider (male)

Description:

The males are very easy to identify for their bright red head and jaws, black glossy carapace and legs, and blue abdomen. However, the females are a drab brown/black and rarely seen. At around 12mm body length, the males are about half the size of the females. These spiders are not shy and will stand their ground if disturbed, exposing their fangs are striking, if further harassed. Their venom seems to be very toxic, having been compared to that of the Sydney Funnelweb. Encounters with humans are rare, though, and no fatalities have been reported.

Habitat:

The Red-headed Mouse Spider is widely spread throughout southern Australia, from open forests to desert shrubland. Unusual for Mygalomorphs, they disperse by balooning, which explains their widespread distribution. Another particularity of this species is their burrow wich has two trapdoor entrances/exits. Mainly the males are seen when they wonder around in search of females.