Cryptaranea albolineata explained

Cryptaranea albolineata is a species of orb-weaver spider that is endemic to New Zealand.^[1]

Taxonomy

This species was described as Epeira albo-lineata in 1893 by Arthur Urquhart from a female specimen collected in Ohaupo.^[2] It was most recently revised in 1988, in which it was transferred to the Cryptaranea genus.

Description

The female is recorded at 5.8mm in length whereas the male is 4.7mm. The colouration is variable, ranging from pale yellow brown to almost black. The abdomen often has a pale band anteriorly.

Distribution

This species is endemic and widespread throughout New Zealand, including the Three Kings Islands and the Chatham Islands.

Conservation status

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

Notes and References

1. Court, D. J. & Forster, R. R. (1988). The spiders of New Zealand: Part VI. Family Araneidae. Otago Museum Bulletin 6: 68-124.
2. Urquhart . A.T. . 1893 . Descriptions of new species of Araneidae . Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute . 25 . 165-190.
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 . New Zealand Threat Classification Series . English . 34 . 1–37.