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Oxyopes variabilis L. Koch 1878 Variable Lynx Spider

As the species names suggests, this Lynx spider is extremely variable In pattern and colour. It is found in most types of vegetation, favouring grasses. Mostly found in Queensland, but also in coastal and inland parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and NSW. Both males and females may be light coloured, dark, blotchy, reddish, brown, cream, white or yellow. The front legs do not have black lines running lengthways along the inside, instead being rather textured with scales. These scales cover the body and make the spider less see-through than many others. The easiest way to tell O. variabilis apart from other similarly small and compact lynx spiders is by the large light-coloured V on the top of the head, the arms of the V spreading from the centre of the head towards the sides of the head at the front near the eyes. This V shape may be faint to the point of being almost invisible. The underneath of the abdomen has a pale central section below the epigyne, where others in the group are dark. ♀ 7mm ♂ 5mm

Female from above, pale but classic pattern


Oxyopes variabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, pale, classic pattern from side


Oxyopes variabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, high contrast markings


Oxyopes variabilis
Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Female, reddish grey-brown in lichen-covered twigs, Kidaman Creek, Sunshine Coast


Oxyopes variabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, strong pattern, from above The Gap, Brisbane


Oxyopes variabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Juvenile resting on silk strands, The Gap, Brisbane


Oxyopes variabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male, The Gap, Brisbane


Oxyopes variabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male in alcohol with palps, Rinn Ave, Bunya Queensland


Oxyopes variabilis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Die Arachniden Australiens, Plate 90


Oxyopes variabilis
Illustration: L. Koch

 

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