Salticidae Maripanthus

Maripanthus draconis Maddison, 2020

Black-collared Jumper

Spiders of the genus Maripanthus resemble Bavia in general appearance but show markedly different genital structures. They are in fact closely related to Piranthus. The Maripanthus species exhibit a range of body sizes, with the species featured here at the larger end of the spectrum.

The male of M. draconis is instantly recognised by the thick black band around the posterior margin of the carapace. The carapace of the female is marked with numerous black spots and short bars, but is without the black band on the posterior margin. In both sexes, the ocular area is black. Like cosmetic glitter, white setae are scattered over the legs and abdomen.