Cyclops Jumping Spider: Opisthoncus polyphemus

Location: Bunbury, Western Australia

Season: Summer

Class: Arachnida 

Order: Araneae 

Suborder: Araneomorphae

Family: Salticidae

Genus: Opisthoncus

Opisthoncus polyphemus

Opisthoncus polyphemus is a spider belonging to the family of jumping spiders, Salticidae. Attached to the pale abdomen, it has a cephalothorax with prominent brownish red round spots. These spots make the eyes look bigger than they are. Even though it has eight eyes, it is called a cyclops because each eye is made prominent by a circular spot. The name of the species is derived from Polyphemus of Greek mythology who was one of the Cyclopses described in Homer's epic poem, Odessy. 

This jumping spider is about 5 to 6 mm in length. It is found is dry vegetation with abundant eucalyptus trees. It is a diurnal spider which is highly mobile and feeds on insects and other small spiders.

Reference: Arachne.org.au

Note: Opisthoncus is a genera of Salticidae which means backwards lump (opistho = backwards, as in opisthotonus) probably referring to the abdomen behind the cephalothorax (citation needed)