1. **State the problem:** The ratio of the leg span of the female katipō spider to that of the male is 6:1. Mature females have a leg span of 32 mm. We need to find the leg span of a male katipō spider. 2. **Write the ratio and known values:** Female : Male = 6 : 1 Female leg span = 32 mm 3. **Set up the equation:** Let the male leg span be $x$ mm. Since the ratio is 6:1, we have $$\frac{\text{Female leg span}}{\text{Male leg span}} = \frac{6}{1}$$ Substitute the known value: $$\frac{32}{x} = 6$$ 4. **Solve for $x$:** Multiply both sides by $x$: $$32 = 6x$$ Divide both sides by 6: $$x = \frac{32}{6}$$ Simplify the fraction: $$x = \frac{\cancel{32}}{\cancel{6}} = \frac{16}{3} \approx 5.33$$ 5. **Interpret the result:** The male katipō spider has a leg span of approximately 5.33 mm. **Final answer:** The male katipō spider's leg span is $\boxed{\frac{16}{3}\text{ mm} \approx 5.33\text{ mm}}$.