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Novakiella trituberculosa (Roewer, 1942) Common Novakiella

This rather gentle and timid spider, males to 6mm, females possibly larger, is common in most habitats throughout Australia and New Zealand, but not commonly collected. The spine on the tibia of leg two and the dotted colouration of the legs give the male of the species away, otherwise it resembles some Araneus and Eriophora species. The female builds an horizontal orb-web, usually in grassy vegetation. When handled, this spider will often play dead, and on the move walks with an graceful, but exaggerated gait. This is the only described Novakiella but there is also a rare second, undescribed Novakiella species out there (Volker Framenau, pers. comm.) The name probably means "little Novak", and may be a comparitive description or in honour of someone who was indeed a little Novak. It was originally named Epeira tri-tuberculata by Urquhart in 1887. It was described by its current name in 1993 by Court and Foster following Roewer's work in 1942. Thanks to Dr Volker Framenau for ID.

Adult male facing

Novakiella trituberculosa
Photo: Robert Whyte

From above showing abdomen


Novakiella trituberculosa
Photo: Robert Whyte

Dark male facing, showing palps


Novakiella trituberculosa
Photo: Robert Whyte

Dark male from above


Novakiella trituberculosa
This angle diminishes the appearance of the size of the abdomen.

Wide shot of dark male showing both megaspines


Novakiella trituberculosa
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, pregnant


Novakiella trituberculosa
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, pregnant, side view


Novakiella trituberculosa
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, underneath showing epigynum


Novakiella trituberculosa
Photo: Robert Whyte

Egg sac


Novakiella trituberculosa

Female after laying eggs, facing


Novakiella trituberculosa
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female after laying eggs, from above

Novakiella trituberculosa
Photo: Robert Whyte

 

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