Steatoda truncata is a species of Theridiidae that is endemic to New Zealand.[1]

Steatoda truncata

Not Threatened (NZ TCS)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Theridiidae
Genus: Steatoda
Species:
S. truncata
Binomial name
Steatoda truncata
(Urquhart, 1888)
Synonyms

Theridium truncatum
Lithyphantes lepidus

Taxonomy

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This species was described in 1888 by Arthur Urquhart from female specimens.[2] It was most recently revised in 1994. The holotype is stored in Otago Museum.[1]

Description

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The male is recorded at 3.6mm in length whereas the female is 3.2 - 4.9mm. The carapace is coloured blackish. The legs are yellowish brown. The abdomen is blackish with white markings.[1]

Distribution and habitat

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This species is widespread throughout New Zealand. It is typically found under stones along rivers or under logs in coastal areas.[1]

Conservation status

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Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this species is listed as "Not Threatened".[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Hann, S. W. (1994). Descriptions of four Steatoda species (Araneae, Theridiidae) found in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 21: 225-238.
  2. ^ Urquhart, A. T. (1888). On new species of Araneida. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute 20: 109-125, pl. 11
  3. ^ Sirvid, P. J.; Vink, C. J.; Fitzgerald, B. M.; Wakelin, M. D.; Rolfe, J.; Michel, P. (2020-01-01). "Conservation status of New Zealand Araneae (spiders), 2020" (PDF). New Zealand Threat Classification Series. 34: 1–37.