Humped Orb-weaver Socca pustulosa (Walckenaer, 1842)
Fauna Portal species: 6697
Diagnosis
(after Framenau et al. 2022): The distinct ventral colouration of the abdomen, with two elongated transverse white spots behind the epigastric furrow on an otherwise black surface, distinguishes S. pustulosa from all other Socca species and even allows and identification in the field. Genital morphology of male of S. pustulosa is most similar to that of S. eugeni and S. pleia, with the excavated apical section of the median apophysis being comparatively short. However, male S. pustulosa differs from these two species by details of other sclerites, particularly those of the terminal apophysis. For example, the appendix is terminally truncated whereas it is pointed in both other species. The epigyne of female S. pustulosa is most similar to that of S. senicaudata. Both have broadly rounded antero-lateral edges; however, the scape of S. pustulosa females narrows abruptly at about half of its length, but not so in S. senicaudata.
Linnean Type
Holotype female, Tasmania (no exact locality), “Rapportée par MM. Quoy et Gaymard” (Walckenaer 1841, p. 132) (considered lost).
Australia
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Neighbouring Countries
- New Zealand
Fauna Portal Records
The map shows all records that have been verified as part of the Fauna Portal project and may not represent the true distribution of a species. Specifically, for described species, check the link to the Atlas of Living Australia on this page for potential wider distributions. Fauna Portal Reference specimens and Linnean types are shown in red. If you identified a specimen that exceeds the distribution of an undescribed species as illustrated here, please contact the Fauna Portal team who can assist with the lodgement of the specimen in a public institution and display on the map.
Similar Species
Publications
(2022): Taxonomy and systematics of the new Australo-Pacific orb-weaving spider genus Socca (Araneae: Araneidae) . New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 49: 263 - 334DOI