Alone no more—Integrative taxonomy of New Zealand odd‐clawed spiders challenges the monotypy of Pianoa and Gradungula ( Araneae: Gradungulidae )

Abstract

The enigmatic spider family Gradungulidae, endemic to Australia and New Zealand, exhibits a combination of morphological characteristics from both modern and early branching lineages. These spiders are rare, challenging to collect, and not well documented, with only 18 described species across seven genera. This study presents the first comprehensive review of the gradungulid fauna in New Zealand, utilising extensive field sampling, molecular phylogenetics, and high-resolution imaging. Previously, this fauna was understood to comprise three monotypic genera: Gradungula, Pianoa and Spelungula. However, we discovered an unexpected diversity of gradungulids in the northern region of New Zealand’s South Island, both genetically and taxonomically. This led to the identification of several new candidate species, including Gradungula kahurangi, sp. nov. and Pianoa civis, sp. nov., which are formally described from adult males. Despite high diversity in the north of the South Island, these genera exhibit notable differences in their biogeographical distribution: the forest-dwelling Pianoa and cave-inhabiting Spelungula are climatic relicts with limited distribution ranges and poor dispersal capabilities, whereas Gradungula sorenseni shows a widespread distribution extending to the southernmost region of the South Island. Overall, this study establishes a significant framework for conservation biology concerning some of New Zealand’s most iconic yet rare spiders. Additionally, revised and expanded diagnoses of male genitalia for the New Zealand genera are presented.