Oxyopes gracilipes … an ambush predator, awaiting flower-visiting insects.

Tetragnatha (most likely). These slender spiders are common above water, and the frog pond is festooned with them.

Cyclosa fuliginata, a very common species in south-eastern Australia.

Maratus volans. The males are small but glorious, and bold hunters among low vegetation and leaf litter.

Maratus volans. In 1894 when this species was named, it was thought to use the side flaps of the body to fly … volans means ‘flying’ in Latin. They don’t fly, but they do raise the brilliant gold flaps in courtship. I would love to witness this!

Oxyopes, a mature male sporting very large, showy pedipalps.

Backobourkia. This genus is often associated with western regions … hence the very ‘Australiana’ name. The most common outback species is apparently quite large. Its eastern cousins, like this one, are of a more modest size.

Neosparassus diana. This rather delicate huntsman species hunts at night and is a common sight in low forest vegetation. They apparently prey on various arthropods … including rather large moths, such as this ill-fated anthelid.

Nyssus coloripes. Although it’s called a ground spider, this particular species seems to favour fallen branches as its hunting ground. It is reported to be a mutilid wasp (‘velvet ant’) mimic … although I can’t see it myself.