Family ZODARIIDAE Thorell, 1881

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Introduction

Medium to large, 3-clawed hunting spiders, usually ground living. Zodariids are widespread in Australia, occurring in both dry desert areas and in the rainforests of eastern Australia. They are often active during the day. Many are dark brown with a pattern of white or yellow spots or stripes.

Excluded Taxa

Misidentifications

Zodariidae: Macedoniola punctata (Butler, 1932) [Incertae sedis]

Diagnosis

Six spinnerets, anterior long, median and posterior reduced. Serrula absent, or at least not seen at x50 magnification. Promargin of chelicera with one or two teeth, retromargin none. Eight eyes, both rows usually strongly procurved. High clypeus. One row trichobothria on metatarsi and tarsi.

Common Name References

Baehr, B. 2003. Revision of the Australian spider genus Habronestes (Araneae: Zodariidae). Species of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Records of the Australian Museum 55: 343-376 (Ant Spiders)

History of changes