Oxyopidae Hamadruas

"Hamadruas" sp. "Mohawk"

Mohawk Lynx Spider

This species is provisionally classified under Hamadruas. Although the female is as large as other Hamadruas females, it has a box-like cephalothorax that characterises the smaller-sized Hamataliwa : a flat face and sides at right angles, highlighted by the vertical line of white setae at each corner of the face. While the carapace roof appears to be sloping, it is because the entire cephalothorax is tilted upwards. Closer examination reveals that the face and the posterior side of the cephalothorax are almost equal in height, and the roof does not decline as steeply towards the rear as in typical Hamadruas. The species is also notable in that the tufts at the anterior end of the carapace are well developed, with exceptionally long and stiff bristles projecting from the eye region.

Whether this species belongs to Hamadruas, Hamataliwa or a new genus can be determined only when a male specimen is collected, and its palps are examined.