Three Tasmanian spiders of the genus Celaenia Thorell (Arancida) with notes on their biology

Abstract

Specimens of the Bird-dung Spider, Celaenia excavata (L. Koch) from Tasmania have been identified by Dr H. W. Levi as synonymous with Celaenia kinbergi Thorell. An amplified description of the dwarf male of this spider is given with some observations on the biology of the species. Thirteen egg-sacs made by one female contained a total of 1630 eggs. Of these 724 gave rise to males, 718 to females and 188 failed to develop. The sex ratio is therefore almost 1:1. From hatching of the egg males pass through three instars, females through seven, before becoming adult. In the case of specimens hatched in October males reach maturity in about 134 days and females in 395 days. Under laboratory conditions males after reaching maturity, may live from 255 to 615 days, females for about 425 days. Celaenia distincta (0. Pick-Cambr.) from New South Wales and Celaenia atkinsoni (0. Pick-Cambr.) from New Zealand are recorded from Tasmania for the first time. The hitherto unknown male of C. distincta is described and notes on the biology of the two species given.