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Mouse spiders are spiders of the genus ''Missulena'', in the mygalomorph family Actinopodidae. There are 13 known species in this genus, all but one of which are indigenous to Australia. One species, ''M. tussulena'', is found in Chile. The name derives from an old belief, now known to be false, that the spiders dig deep burrows similar to those of mice. There is evidence that the bite of a mouse spider is potentially as serious as that of an Australasian funnel-web spider; however, recorded envenomings by this spider are rare. Funnel-web antivenom has been found to be an effective treatment for serious bites. Another spider, ''Scotophaeus blackwalli'', shares the nickname 'Mouse Spider', but does not belong to the genus ''Missulena'' and is not considered dangerous. == Description == Mouse spiders are medium-to-large specimens, which range in length from 1 cm to 3 cm. Their carapace is glossy, and they have high, broad heads, with eyes spread out across the front of the head. They have short spinnerets, located in the rear of the abdomen. Mouse spiders exhibit sexual dimorphism, with female spiders being all black; and male spiders having species-specific colouration. The male Eastern mouse spider (''M. bradleyi'') has a bluish patch, and the male Red-headed mouse spider (''M. occatoria'') are brownish or blue-black in color, with bright red-tinged jaws. Mouse spiders prey mainly on insects, though they may consume other small animals as opportunity presents. The primary predators of the mouse spider include wasps, bandicoots, centipedes, and scorpions. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Missulena」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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