Long, Robin2023-07-182023-07-182023https://hdl.handle.net/10182/16332The salticid (jumping) spider family is among the most heavily researched groups of invertebrates globally. Nevertheless, in Aotearoa New Zealand the vast majority of species have never been studied. While it is estimated there are approximately 200 endemic salticids found across the country, only around 50 have been described, and fewer than 10 are reliably identifiable. Of those inhabiting the alpine zone, none can be identified to genus or species, although it is widely recognised that these taxa exist. To address this, a search was conducted for 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 COI sequence data, 12 new alpine species were identified. Together these taxa comprise a new genus within the salticid family. 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. Using the 170 specimens collected during this fieldwork, plus some from existing collections, formal descriptions are provided for the new genus, here named Ourea gen. nov., and 12 new species. These spiders include some of the largest salticids known from New Zealand, and are remarkably well camouflaged on the rock substrates they inhabit. The genus is common and widespread throughout the South Island, with at least one species found at every rocky alpine locality visited in the study. In addition to the alpine species described here, the genus includes several lower-altitude taxa which remain to be described, and probably many more from throughout the country. It is also likely that three Subantarctic species, currently misplaced in the genus Clynotis (Simon 1901), and a widespread mainland species, Trite pollardi (Patoleta & Zabka 2017), would be better placed in this genus. Field observations regarding the natural history of Ourea gen. nov. incuding distribution, life cycle, reproduction, diet and threats were recorded. Although most of the species described here were found exclusively in the alpine zone, one occurred in rocky habitats from sea level to above 1500 m. Parasitism by pompilid wasps was observed in two taxa. Intraspecific behaviour in the wild was unusual in that six of the species were found living closely together in conspecific, and even congeneric, groups. Despite this, cannibalism was also observed. Intraspecific display behaviour, studied in a laboratory setting, is described for a subset of four species. Displays were of similar complexity compared to other Salticidae.enhttps://researcharchive.lincoln.ac.nz/pages/rightsSalticidaejumping spiderNew ZealandSouth Islandrock habitattaxonomysystematicsnew genusnew speciesmolecular phylogeneticscytochrome c oxidase subunit Iactin 5Cnatural historyintraspecies behaviourcourtshipspidersalpine speciesThesisANZSRC::310913 Invertebrate biologyANZSRC::310506 Gene mappingANZSRC::410203 Ecosystem function