A redescription of Philoponella congregabilis, an Australian hackled orb weaver spider (Uloboridae) now found in Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract

Philoponella congregabilis (Rainbow, 1916), an Australian spider in the family Uloboridae, has recently established in Christchurch, New Zealand. The species is redescribed. It builds reduced, horizontal or sloping orb webs in low vegetation, on fences, under eaves and in outbuildings. The webs of different individuals can be interconnected. Philoponella congregabilis is found in eastern and southeastern Australia and its current New Zealand distribution is limited to the southern suburbs of Christchurch.