Abracadabrella elegans facts for kids

Abracadabrella elegans, Townsville 2012, body length 3.8mm.

Abracadabrella elegans is a special kind of jumping spider. It belongs to the Abracadabrella group of spiders. People often call it the Elegant Fly Mimic. This spider is quite common in the eastern parts of Australia, especially along the coast of Queensland.

A Master of Disguise

The Elegant Fly Mimic is amazing because it pretends to be a large fly. It has two raised, round black bumps on the back of its body. These bumps look a lot like a fly's eyes. Its spinnerets, which are used to make silk, also look like a fly's mouthparts.

This spider even walks backwards! It does this to make its disguise even better. When it walks backwards, the "eyes" on its abdomen are facing forward. This makes it look even more like a fly.

Where Do They Live?

You can find Abracadabrella spiders in coastal areas. They live from northern Queensland all the way down to the central coast of New South Wales. These spiders often hide on or under tree bark. They can also be found on the leaves of plants.

How It Got Its Name

The Abracadabrella elegans spider has had a few different names over time.

• In 1879, a scientist named L. Koch first described the female spider. He named it Marptusa elegans.
• Later, in 1901, another scientist named Simon changed its name to Ocrisiona elegans.
• Finally, in 1991, a scientist named Zabka created the genus name Abracadabrella. He also described the male spider at that time.

Images for kids

• Abracadabrella gallery
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  Abracadabrella elegans (Elegant Fly Mimic) from Townsville QLD an Australian Jumping Spider. Male, body length 3.8mm

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  Abracadabrella elegans (Elegant Fly Mimic) from Grafton NSW an Australian Jumping Spider. Male, body length 3.8 mm Composite picture showing spider from above and a view of the eyes from rear

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  Abracadabrella elegans (Elegant Fly Mimic) from Townsville QLD an Australian Jumping Spider. Female, body length 4 mm Composite image showing spider side on and facing

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  Abracadabrella elegans (Elegant Fly Mimic) from Townsville QLD an Australian Jumping Spider. Male, body length 3.8 mm