Nephilingis livida explained

Nephilingis livida is an nephilid spider from Madagascar and nearby islands. It was found to be separate from the related species Nephilingis borbonica in 2011[1]

Etymology

The species name is derived from Latin "lividus", which can mean "malicious" as well as "bluish".

Description

The color of the female's abdomen ranges from creamy to brown, blue or purple, with a dark brown venter. Females reach a length of about 15 to 24mm[1] Males only reach a length of 3 to 5 mm and have a yellow-brown sternum and a grey abdomen with white dots.[1]

Distribution

N. livida occurs in Madagascar and surrounding islands, such as the Comoro Islands and Seychelles (including the Aldabra atoll). They are common in human dwellings in Madagascar.

References

Notes and References

  1. Kuntner & Agnarsson 2011: Biogeography and diversification of hermit spiders on Indian Ocean islands (Nephilidae: Nephilengys). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 59:477-488.