Cambridgea

Abstract: A new species of Stiphidiid spider belonging to the endemic New Zealand genus Cambridgea is described from Riccarton Bush, Christchurch and Kaituna Valley, Banks Peninsula. Cambridgea quadromaculata n. sp. is large, active, and apparently makes no substantial webs. Both samples were from wet habitats vulnerable to intermittent flooding. Characters that distinguish C. quadromaculata from other large Cambridgea are specified. Attention is drawn to a possible ecological and systematic parallel between Cambridgea and the European genus Tegenaria Latreille (Agelenidae).

Abstract: We investigate key ecological differences and track population dynamics in two sympatric species of sheet-web spider, Cambridgea plagiata and Cambridgea foliata throughout a single breeding...

Abstract: Forty-three spider species were collected on Tawhiti Rahi: three mygalomorphs —Migas (Migidae), Aparua and Porrhothele (Dipluridae) — and 40 araneomorphs belonging to 34 genera in 20 families. Only two species had previously been reported. While most species are known from the mainland, five genera have one species each that seems to be a distinct Poor Knights form or to have an affinity with more northern populations. The island displays two striking phenomena. None of the adventive spider species common on the mainland was found on Tawhiti Rahi; and the summit plateau supports strikingly large numbers of Porrhothele and Cambridgea living amongst the extensive Poor Knights Islands lily (Xerorzema callistemon) community.

Abstract: Spider webs vary in size to meet the nutritional requirements of the resident spider with the resident’s body size strongly informing these requirements. In this way, the effect of body size on web...