Poltys laciniosus, Keyserling, 1886

Smith, H. M., 2006, A Revision of the Genus Poltys in Australasia (Araneae: Araneidae), Records of the Australian Museum 58, pp. 43-96 : 76

The Poltys laciniosus species group

This is a distinct species group that appears to be endemic to Australia. The group is united by several characters: a reduced prolateral cheliceral tooth pattern; females with a more steeply domed carapace than normally found in other groups; long, roughly triangular epigynes with rolled in lateral posterior plates; relatively long copulatory ducts; and no TA in the male palp. Along with the (presumed) loss of a TA, associated palpal organ structures such as stipes and distal haematodocha are difficult to distinguish and may, or may not be present. For convenience, the basal part of the embolus, which expands into a membranous sac, has been termed stipes in the following descriptions. No modification of patellal macrosetae has been noted in the group. The three species are all variable in abdominal shape (see Smith, 2003) and colouration. This level of variation may be an adaptation to avoid predation in their often exposed day time hiding positions on dead twigs.