This jumping spider is one of the most unusual of the jumping spiders found in Australia, having over time successfully adapted by mimicking a beetle. Many subtle and obvious features of the beetle have been assumed. This must have protected this genus and its species (mostly found in New Guinea) from predators, allowing its survival as a group. The specific name is from the Latin, ferreus, meaning of iron. The female body is shiny dark brown to black, body length to 3mm. The male was not known to Griswold in 1984 but has since been documented in Davies and Zabka 1989.

From above

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson Iron Range North Queensland

From above

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

From side

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

From behind

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

From above, facing

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

From above from side