| Abstract: | For many years Phryssonotus novaehollandiae Silvestri, 1923 was thought to be the only species of this genus
present in Australia. Specimens collected from three geographically separated populations had similar taxonomically
important morphological characters and body lengths. However, their body scale trichomes exhibited three distinctive
patterns: a trapezoid, T-shape, or dark banding, and the length-to-width ratios of their trichomes also differed. These
differences, as well as results of phylogenetic analysis using 18S and COI gene regions from representatives of the three
populations, suggested that more than one Phryssonotus species were present. Specimens of Phryssonotus preserved in
ethanol can prove difficult to distinguish because the colour patterning gradually fades. Examination of the colour patterns
of live specimens, other morphological characters and DNA analysis together, were found to be the most reliable method
of correctly distinguishing between these three species. P. novaehollandiae Silvestri, 1923, the first described species
collected from South Australia, remains, with its range extended to inland Victoria, and two new species (P. australis,
sp. nov. and P. occidentalis, sp. nov.) are described.
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