Genus Araniella Chamberlin & Ivie, 1942

Type species.

Epeira displicata Hentz, 1847 from Alabama, USA.

Comments.

Currently, this genus includes 12 species distributed exclusively in the Holarctic (WSC 2019). Only two species, the generotype and A. proxima ( Kulczyński, 1885), are known in both parts of the realm (Palaearctic and Nearctic); all other species are restricted to the Palaearctic. Although the genus has never been the subject of a global revision, it is well studied, and all species are known by both sexes, with the exception of A. tbilisiensis (Mcheidze, 1997). This species was described on the basis of both sexes, but the male palp has never been illustrated.

Diagnosis.

The genus well differs from all Holarctic genera of Araneidae by large (as long as embolus and terminal apophysis), claw- or spine-like median apophysis directed mesally (vs. not claw- or spine-like but having at least 2 arms).