The ecology and conservation of Latrodectus katipo, New Zealand's endangered widow spider
- Author
- Costall, J.A.
- Year
- 2006
- Journal / Source
- unpublished MSc
- Publisher / Organisation
- Massey University
- Pages
- 127 pp
- Summary
- New Zealand has two endemic widow spider species; Latrodectus katipo Powell, 1871 and L. atritus Urquhart 1890. This study focused on the population dynamics and habitat usage of L. katipo , which has undergone serious decline in its abundance and range over the last thirty years. Previous population studies have not included male or juvenile katipo because of their smaller size. A survey of katipo populations was conducted along the Manawatu coastline. There was considerable variation in population density and structure between sites. The highest katipo population density of 21 .8 per hectare was recorded at Koitiata. Koitiata , Himatangi, Foxton and Tangimoana populations had a large proportion of juveniles. At Wanganui South and Castlecliff beaches no juveniles could be found , suggesting that reproductive output is very low and that these sites may require conservation attention.