Cryptaranea subcompta explained

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

Taxonomy

This species was described as Epeira sub-compta in 1887 by Arthur Urquhart from female specimens collected in Whangarei.^[2] It was most recently revised in 1988, in which it was transferred to the Cryptaranea genus.

Description

The female is recorded at 9.2mm in length whereas the male is 9.2mm. This species is generally mottled green in colour, but may also be brown or black. There is a patch on the anterior dorsal surface of the abdomen that is usually green, but can also be white or red.

Distribution

This species is endemic and widespread throughout New Zealand.

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. . 1887 . On new species of Araneida . Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute . 19 . 72-118.
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.