Spinning-top Comb-footed Spider
One of the most easily seen characters shared by the three described species of Chikunia is that the females appear mostly like a spinning top. The shape may vary within the same species, so does the colouration which can range from uniformly yellow or black, to patterns with different combinations of yellow, black, red and various shades of brown. The male differs from the females by having a stoutly conical abdomen which is usually black. Chikunia females look like some species of Chrysso but have shorter legs.
The Chikunia species found in Singapore differs from the three known species by its genitalia. The abdomen in both sexes may be either brown-and-black or glossy black.
| Length | ♀ 2–4 mm; ♂ 2–3 mm |
| Distribution | Singapore. |
| Habitat | Foliage in gardens and forests. |
| Biology | Spiderlings of this species do not immediately disperse after moulting. The mother is thus often found with well-developed juveniles, presumably sharing food ensnared in the mother’s web on the foliage. |
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Chelicerata (Chelicerates)
Class Arachnida (Arachnids)
Order Araneae (Spiders)
Suborder Araneomorphae (Typical Spiders)
Singapore.