Tian Qi Hou, Bernetta Zi Wei Kwek, Long Yu, Y. Norma-Rashid & Daiqin Li

Abstract. Neobrettus tibialis (Prószyński, 1978) is a small spartaeine jumping spider (3–4 mm) commonly found in curled, dried banana leaves across South-east Asia. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are hairier and more brightly coloured, whereas males are comparatively duller. Here we provide the first detailed description of intraspecific interactions in N. tibialis. We identified 38 distinct behavioural elements across inter- and intrasexual encounters. During intersexual encounters, males consistently initiated courtship, expressing a diverse repertoire of displays that closely resemble those of other salticids. Females were usually passive observers or decamped but occasionally chased or pounced at males. In male-male and female-female encounters, fewer behavioural elements were expressed, and no direct physical contact was observed. Despite the female’s distinctive, hairy, mould-like appearance, the intraspecific behavioural repertoire of N. tibialis closely resembles that of other salticids. These findings establish a behavioural baseline for N. tibialis, contributing to our understanding of courtship and agonistic displays in Spartaeinae and offering broader insights into the evolution of intraspecific communication in jumping spiders.

Key words. agonistic displays, courtship displays, intraspecific interactions, Neobrettus tibialis

Read article here: RBZ-2026-0028