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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.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Hickman, VV
Keywords:	Royal Society of Tasmania, RST, Van Diemens Land, natural history, science, ecology, taxonomy, botany, zoology, geology, geography, papers & proceedings, Australia, UTAS Library
Journal or Publication Title:	Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
ISSN:	0080-4703
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.105.75
Collections:	Royal Society Collection > Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Additional Information:	Copyright Royal Society of Tasmania
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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