Artoriopsis is a genus of wolf spiders endemic to Australia. Their body size ranges from 3 to 11 mm, with males smaller than females. They appear to prefer open, vegetated or sandy areas of moderate humidity. Dr Volker W. Framenau, Western Australian Museum writes that the spider in these photographs may be either Artoriopsis expolita or A. melissae. Artoriopsis expolita comb. nov. is a common spider in open, moderately moist environments and can frequently be found near creeks and rivers, in fore dunes, on pasture and suburban lawns. Artoriopsis melissae appears to occupy similar habitats as A. expolita i.e. open areas such as lawns, grassland and pasture. Some specimens have also been found in open woodlands and near creeks.
Male from above
Photo: Robert Whyte
Male face on showing palps
Photo: Robert Whyte
References
- The Wolf Spiders of Australia - (Araneae, Lycosidae) Checklist, Taxonomy and Identification by Volker W. Framenau
- Dr Volker W. Framenau - Research Fellow - Short-Range Endemic Fauna, Department of Terrestrial Zoology, Western Australian Museum
