Anoteropsis forsteri explained

Anoteropsis forsteri is a species of wolf spider that is endemic to New Zealand.

Etymology

The species is named after the arachnologist Raymond Forster, who mentored the describer of this species.^[1]

Taxonomy

This species was described in 2002 by Cor Vink from male and female specimens.

Description

Anoteropsis forsteri is very similar to A. litoralis which occupies similar habitat, but can be distinguished by morphological features of their reproductive organs.

Habitat and distribution

Anoteropsis forsteri occupies sand dunes and beaches, where their colouration allows them to camouflage into the background very easily. They can be found in these habitats south of 44°S in New Zealand (Many habitats to the north are typically occupied by A. litoralis, a similar species).

Conservation status

Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this species is listed as "Naturally Uncommon" with the qualifier of "Range Restricted".^[2]

References

1. Vink, C. (2002). Lycosidae (Arachnida: Araneae). Fauna of New Zealand 44: 1-94.
2. 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 . New Zealand Threat Classification Series . English . 34 . 1–37.