Natural History of Dolomedes schauinslandi , a Range Restricted Fishing Spider From Hokoreroro | Rangatira | South East Island
Abstract
Dolomedes schauinslandi Simon 1899 is a large fishing spiderspecies endemic to the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. Today, it only occurs on remote offshore islands, being extinct from most islands of the archipelago. Unusual for a fishing spider, D . schauinslandi has evolved a terrestrial lifestyle, inhabiting forests and feeding predominantly on cave wētā. This article summarises natural history observations from Hokorereoro | Rangatira | South East Island, one of the few places where D . schauinslandi is still present. Based on observations over spring and summer 2024–2025, a description of the species’ ecology is provided, including information on general habitat preference, foraging behaviour, anti‐predator behaviour and parental care.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies
Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy
Venomous Animal Envenomation and Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- New Zealand Journal of Zoology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 53
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 15 February 2026
- Language
- EN