A new genus of jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) inhabiting the South Island New Zealand rocky alpine zone

Abstract

The spider family Salticidae (jumping spiders) is among the most heavily researched groups of invertebrates globally. Nevertheless, in Aotearoa New Zealand most species have never been studied. While it is estimated that approximately 200 endemic salticid species are found across the country, only around 50 have been described and fewer than 10 are reliably identifiable. Of those salticid taxa inhabiting the alpine zone, none can be identified to genus or species, although it is widely recognised that these taxa exist. We sampled Salticidae at 21 rocky alpine sites throughout the South Island to obtain a representative selection of specimens across their range. Through morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data, 12 new alpine species were identified, comprising a new genus within the Salticidae. Further phylogenetic analysis of combined COI and actin 5C datasets placed the new genus within the Australasian Astioida clade and likely within the Viciriini tribe. Here, formal descriptions are provided for a new genus, Ourea gen. nov., and 12 new species. The genus is common and widespread throughout the South Island mountainous areas, with at least one species found at every rocky alpine locality sampled.