Trite planiceps was first described in 1873 as Salticus minax from specimens collected from Riccarton Bush, Governor Bay and the North Island.

[4] In males, the first pair of legs is elongated, there is a row of dark hairs above the frontal eyes, and the chelicerae (mouthparts) are more robust.

As T. planiceps lives in low altitudes, this could be an adaptation to cool overcast winters, where they need to survive within the dim recesses of rolled-up leaves of New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) and similar plants.

If an immature female is within about ten days of maturing, the male will live with her for this time and then mate inside the leaf.

[9] Juveniles and subadults build flat, tubular silk cocoons with a door at each end inside rolled up leaves.

[9] Trite planiceps shows increased alertness when given caffeine [10] and will assess windspeed along with visual cues when preparing to jump.

[11] Due to their docile nature, bites from Trite planiceps are very rare (members of the public frequently handle them without getting bitten).