Cryptaranea atrihastula explained

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

Taxonomy

This species was described as Epeira atri-hastula and Epeira nigro-hastula in 1891 by Arthur Urquhart from specimens collected in Stratford.^[2] It was most recently revised in 1988, in which it was transferred to the Cryptaranea genus.

Description

The female is recorded at 4.9mm in length whereas the male is 4.5mm. This species is mottled green in colour.

Distribution

This species is widespread throughout New Zealand in forests.

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. . 1891 . On new species of Araneae . Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute . 23 . 128-189.
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.