Author: C Vink    Publisher: Manaaki Whenua Press

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.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 94

Publication Date: 28-02-2014

Availability Date: 28-02-2014

Tag: Science & Nature