The family Lycosidae (wolf spiders) has more than 2200 known species that are found worldwide, especially in open habitats. Twenty-seven species are found in New Zealand, two of which are introduced, while the remaining twenty-five species are endemic to New Zealand. In this significant new work, the twenty-seven species are revised with one new genus and fourteen new species described.



Wolf spiders are easily recognised by the carrying of the spherical egg sac behind the adult female and the subsequent transport of the young on her abdomen. Like most lycosid species, New Zealand wolf spiders are habitat specific and are found in mountain screes, riverbeds, beaches, tussock grasslands, forest, swamps, and marshes. The most commonly seen species, Anoteropsis hilaris, has been investigated as a possible bioindicator and biomarker for organophosphate insecticide contamination, and is also thought to be a beneficial predator of insect pests.



This Fauna contribution contains descriptions of all genera and species, with information on synonymy, type data, geographical distribution, and subfamilial status. Habitus images of adults, illustrations of important structural features, and distribution maps are provided, and a key to adults is given. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis examining the relationships of species in the genus Anoteropsis is presented and contains significant phylogenetic structure. This is the first issue of the series to cover spiders, and includes a 16-page section in colour of the wolf spider species.

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Pages: 94

Publication Date: 28-02-2014

Nurseryweb spiders



Four closely related species of Pisauridae (nurseryweb spiders) are found in New Zealand; three on the mainland and one on the Chatham Islands. All species are endemic to New Zealand and are likely to be related to Australian species. The most common species is Dolomedes minor, found throughout New Zealand in scrubland, grassland, swamps and marshes. Dolomedes aquaticus is found in open riverbeds and stony lakeshores throughout the South Island and in the southern half of the North Island. A new species of Dolomedes is found in shaded riverbeds throughout the mainland. The Chatham Island species, Dolomedes schauinslandi, is nationally endangered due to its restricted range.



In this Fauna the genus Dolomedes and all New Zealand species are described, with information on synonymy, type data, material examined, and geographical distribution. Habitus images of adults, illustrations of important structural features, and distribution maps are provided. A key to adults is given. A molecular phylogenetic analysis examining the relationships of New Zealand species in the genus is presented.

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Pages: 60

Publication Date: 04-03-2014

Periegopid spiders



There are only three species known in the family Periegopidae and all are in one genus, Periegops. These rare spiders have only ever been found in relict forests at limited locations in New Zealand (Banks Peninsula, Riccarton Bush, the Aldermen Islands, and East Cape) and in Queensland, Australia.



Periegopids are only found in forest with a deep leaf litter layer and well-drained soil. They do not build a web, but hunt on the forest floor. Periegopids can be most readily distinguished from other spiders found in New Zealand by having six eyes arranged in three widely spaced diads.



Two species of Periegopidae, both in the genus Periegops Simon 1893, are found in New Zealand; P. suterii (Urquhart, 1892) and a newly described species. In this new Fauna of New Zealand contribution the genus and both species are described or redescribed, with information on synonymy, type data, material examined, and geographical distribution. Habitus images of adults, illustrations of important morphological features, and distribution maps are provided, and a key is given. A molecular phylogenetic analysis examining the relationships between eight specimens of P. suterii and three specimens of the new species using COI data is presented

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Publication Date: 04-03-2014