Holoplatys apressus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holoplatys apressus |
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Salticus apressus Powell, 1873 Holoplatys senilis Dalmas, 1917 |
The Holoplatys apressus is a special type of jumping spider. It is found only in New Zealand, which means it is endemic there.
What Does the Flat Jumping Spider Look Like?
The Holoplatys apressus is a small spider. It has a very flat body. This flat shape helps it squeeze into tiny spaces, like under tree bark.
These spiders are usually black-brown. They have soft grey hairs all over their bodies. Male spiders sometimes have black stripes running down their backs.
Naming the Flat Jumping Spider
Scientists give every living thing a unique name. This helps everyone know exactly which plant or animal they are talking about. The Holoplatys apressus was first named Salticus appresus in 1873.
Later, in 1917, another scientist named Raymond Comte de Dalmas described a similar spider. He called it Holoplatys senilis. In 2002, scientists realized these were the same spider. So, Holoplatys senilis became a synonym. This means it's another name for the same species. The spider was then officially moved to the Holoplatys group.
Where Does This Spider Live?
The Holoplatys apressus spider loves to hide. You can often find it living under the bark of Manuka and Kanuka trees. These trees are common in New Zealand.
Sometimes, these spiders are found in unexpected places. Some have been seen under the bark of Pinus radiata trees. These pine trees are not native to New Zealand. They have also been found on driftwood. This makes some scientists wonder if these spiders might have traveled to New Zealand from Australia a long time ago, perhaps by floating on logs across the ocean!
