Arachnura higginsii (L. Koch, 1872)

Australian scorpion-tailed spider

(Figs. 1C; 5–8; 13)

Epeira higginsii L. Koch, 1872: 120–122, plate 11, figs. 1, 1a, b.

Arachnura higginsii (L. Koch) .- Rainbow, 1911, 179, 180; Butler, 1933: 279, plate 17, fig. 1; Davies, 1988: 320, 324, fig. 41.

Arachnura higginsi (L. Koch) .- Simon, 1895: 776, 777, fig. 848; Rainbow, 1909: 218, 219; Hickman, 1967, 60, figs. 104, 105.

Arachnura feredayi (L. Koch) .- Hickman, 1926, 182–186, plate 15, fig. 7 (misidentification); Dondale 1966: 1160–1162, figs. 1G–J (misidentification).

Type material. Holotype female of Epeira higginsii L. Koch, 1872, Darling Downs (27°32’S, 150°35’E, Queensland, AUSTRALIA), O. Pickard-Cambridge Collection, not examined; considered lost (see Remarks section below).

Other material examined. AUSTRALIA: no exact locality: 1988–1989, H. Manson coll. (1 ♀, NMV

K13827); ROF 29832 (4 ♀, NMV K13816); Australian Capital Territory: Ginninderra, 35º12’S, 149º05’E, 07.iii.1963, C. R. MacLellan coll. (2 ♀, AM KS32601); Higgins, Canberra, 35º14’S, 149º01’E (1 ♀, QM S87776); Kaleen, Canberra, 35º17’S, 149º13’E (1♀, SAM). New South Wales: 10 km SE Bowral, 30º13’S, 152º18’E, ii.1997, J. Lemann & C. Lemann coll. (1 ♀, AM KS51919); 30 miles E of Guyra, 30°13’S, 152°18’E (1 ♀, AM KS115564); Barrington Tops Reserve, Gummi Rd, Manning River Crossing, 31°51’42” S, 151°33’08” E, 19.iii.2008, G. Milledge & A. Hegedus coll. (2 ♀, 1 immature, AM KS103272); Bathurst, 33º25’S, 149º35’E, 04.iii.1974, J. B. Keewan coll. (1 ♀ AM KS32619); Beecroft, 33º45’S, 151º04’E, 18.xii.1992, J. Noble coll. (1 ♀, AM KS56734); Caringbah, 34º02’S, 151º08’E, 25.i.1965, C. Rieger coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32622); 1 female, near Cessnock, 32º50’S, 151º21’E (QM S87783); Coogee, 33º55’S, 151º15’E, 16.i.1931, G. P. Whitley coll. (1 ♀, AM KS33098); Cordeaux Dam, 34º20’S, 150º45’E, 01.iv.1967, R. Mascord coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32632); Cowan, 33°34’55” S, 151°10’05” E, 11.xii. 19 ??, S. Maddick coll. (1 ♀, AM KS105943); Cowan, 33º36’S, 151º10’E, 04.xi.1961, J. Walsh & R. Wilkin- son coll. (1 ♀, AM KS33994); Dorrigo, 1a Mahogany St, 30º20’37”S, 152º42’18”E, 7.iii.2019, S. O’Connor coll. (5 ♀, HBI15480-1); East Bankstown, 33º55’S, 151º03’E, 16.i.1956, Mrs. L. Armstrong coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32613); Eastwood, 33º47’S, 151º06’E, 24.v.1971, E. O. Bensen coll. (1 ♂, 1 ♀, AM KS15771); Griffith, 34º17’S, 146º02’E, 08.iii.1976, E. L. Jones coll. (2 ♀, AM KS32623); Hanging Rock Swamp, 34°37’59” S, 150°11’56” E, 660m, 23.i.2008, D. Britton & L. Kampen coll. (1 ♀, AM KS104710); Harwood Island, Clarence River, 29º25’S, 153º15’E, A. N. Cameron coll. (1 ♀, AM KS128067); Hazelbrook, Blue Mountains, 33º44’S, 150º27’E, 05.iii.1971, M. Gray coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32620); Jenolan Caves, 33º49’S, 150º01’E (1 ♀, AM KS32618); Katoomba, 33º43’S, 150º19’E, 28.iv.1943, Ms. Thornley coll. (1 ♀, AM KS33996); Lane Cove River, 33º47’S, 151º08’E, 12.xii.1965, R. Mascord coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32604); 1 female, 1 juv., Lane Cove River Park, Sydney, 33º46’S, 151º9’E (SAM); Lawson, 33º43’S, 150º26’E, 16.i.1933, J. M. McDonald coll. (1 ♀, AM KS33991); Linden, 33º43’S, 150º29’E, 20.iii.1971, M. Gray coll. (1 ♂, AM KS128065); same locality, 28.ii.1971, M. Gray & G. Gray coll. (2 ♀, AM KS32614); same locality, 20.iii.1971, M. R. Gray coll. (1 ♀, AM KS753); Malabar, 33º58’S, 151º15’E, 03.vi.1966 (2 ♀, KS 32628); same locality, 04.xii.1966 (2 ♀, AM KS32626); same locality, 26.xii.1965, R. Mascord coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32606); Manly, 33º48’S, 151º17’E, 03.xi.1931, B. L. James coll. (1 ♀, AM KS33997); Medlow Bath, Blue Mountains, 33º41’S, 150º17’E, M. Ward coll. (1 ♀, AM KS 121074); Milbrodale, via Singleton, 32º42’S, 151º00’E, 26.iii.1931, S. L. Bignall coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32611); Minnamurra Falls, 34º38’S, 150º44’E, 14.i.1966, R. Mascord coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32607); Mittagong, 34º27’S, 150º27’E, 28.iii.1974, B. Collins coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32616); same locality, iii.1990, M. Alcock coll. (1 ♀, AM KS22757); Moss Vale, 34º33’S, 150º23’E, 17.ii.1989, L. Cooper coll. (2 ♀, AM KS20285); Mount Annan Botanical Gardens, 34°03’ S, 150°46’ E, 25.iii.2008, L. von Richter coll. (1 ♀, AM KS109242); Mt. Colah, 33º40’S, 151º07’E, 15.ii.2004 (1 ♀, AM KS91109); Mt Druitt, 33º46’S, 150º49’E, 13. ii.1969, D. Grant coll. (2 ♀, 1 immature, AM KS32629); Mt Irvine ,, 33º29’S, 150º28’E M. Ward coll. (1 ♀, AM KS 121341); Myall Lakes National Park, 32º34’46’’S, 152º17’27’’E, 16.xi.1996, L. Wilkie coll. (1 ♂, AM KS65316); Narara, 33º24’S, 151º21’E (1♀, AM KS32615); Narrabeen, 33º43’S, 151º17’E, 17.i.1969, M. Gray coll. (1 ♀, AM KS33992); Newnes State Forest: Birds Rock Flora Reserve, 0.6 km from Sunnyside Ridges Rd, 33°19’43” S, 150°11’33” E, 1105m, 23.ii.2006, G. Milledge, J. Tarnawski & M. Beatson coll. (3 ♀, AM KS94501); Newnes State Forest, Sunnyside Ridge Rd., 2.5 km N of Blackfellows Hand Rd, 33°22’04” S, 150°11’12” E, 1172m, 20.ii.2006, G. Milledge, J. Tarnawski & M. Beatson coll. (2 ♀, AM KS94575); Newnes State Forest, Waratah Ridge Rd., 3.2 km from Glowworm Tunnel Rd, 33°23’50” S; 150°15’06” E, 1090m, 22.ii.2006, G. Milledge, J. Tarnawski & M. Beatson coll. (1 ♂, 6 ♀, AM KS94595); North Ryde, 33º48’S, 151º07’E, 07.xii.1966 (1 ♀, AM KS32627); North- mead, 33º47’S, 150º59’E 18.v.1969, M. Gregg & J. Gregg coll. (2 ♀, AM KS42003); Parramatta, 33º48’S, 151º01’E, 04.ii.1929, W. A. Marsh coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32617); Peakhurst, 33º58’S, 151º03’E, 10.v.1933, Ms Saunders coll. (1 ♀, AM KS33990); Port Hacking, 34º04’S, 151º07’E, 20.iv.1969, N. Allen coll. (3 ♂, AM KS15772); Riverstone, 33º41’S, 150º52’E, 07.ii.1934, Badnidge coll., (2 ♀, AM KS23314); Roseville, 33º47’S, 151º12’E, 03.xii.1930, M. Milne & S. Milne coll. (1 ♀, AM KS33995); Royal National Park, 34º07’S, 151º03’E, 06.xii.1969, A. E. Speechley coll. (1 ♀, AM KS32630); Ryde, 33º49’S, 151º06’E, 02.iv.1967 (1 ♀, AM KS32634); Schofields, 33º42’S, 150º52’E, 05.iii.1972, R. McDonald coll. (1 ♂, 1 ♀, AM KS128066); South West Rocks, 30º53’S, 153º02’E, 27.v.1992, J. Noble coll. (1 ♀, AM KS45487); Sunny Corner, 33°24’S, 149°53’E, 24-27.i.1997, S. J. Fellenberg coll. (1 ♀, AM KS86672); Swan Bay, Karuah, 32º42’S, 151º58’E, 12.v.1953, R. Griffiths coll. (15 ♀, 2 immature, AM KS32612); Sydney, 33º53’S, 151º13’E (1 ♀, AM KS32621; 1 ♀, AM KS32625; 1 ♀ BMNH 1915.3.5.443; 1 ♀, BMNH 1915.3.5.740); Timur View Holiday Park, 11 km W Coonabarabran, 31°16’ S, 49°09’ E, 02.i.2000, G. Milledge & H. Smith coll. (1 ♀, AM KS62879); Towlers Bay, 33º37’S, 151º17’E, 02.xii.1972, M. Gray coll. (1 ♀, AM KS109409); Turramurra, 33°45’S, 151°07’ E, ii.1967, J. Child coll. (1 ♀, AM KS70840); Warrumbungles National Park, Camp Pincham carpark, 31°16’ S, 148°55’ E, 09.xi.2001, M. Gray & G. Milledge coll. (1 ♀, AM KS75163); Werrikimbe National Park, Fenwicks Creek, 31º15’S, 152º14’E, 21.ii.1999, H. M. Smith coll. (1 ♂, 1 ♀, AM KS56272); Willoughby, 34º48’S, 151º12’E, 01.xi.1998, D. Hain coll. (1 ♂, 1 ♀, AM KS56273); same locality, S. Sippe coll. (1 ♀, AM KS18439); Yancannia, NNE Broken Hill, 30º15’S, 142º46’E, ix.1989, H. Manson coll. (2 ♀, NMV K13812); same locality, ix.1999, H. Manson coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13826). Queensland: no exact locality (1 ♀, QM); Annerley, 27º30’S, 153º02’E, 27.iv.1959, H. Barrons coll. (1 ♀, QM S87770); same locality, 10.x.1941, I. Hall coll. (1 ♀, QM W1428); Arana Hills, 27º23’S, 152º57’E, D. Richardson coll. (1 ♀, QM S87771); Belmont, 27º28’S, 153º01’E, 30.viii.1966 (1 ♀, AM KS32631); Brisbane, 27º28’S, 153º01’E (1 ♀, AM KS33998); same lo- cality, A. T. Meton coll. (1 ♀, QM W3); same locality (1♀, QM); Bulimba Creek, Carindale, 27º30’S, 153º07’E, 3.xi.2003, QM Museum party coll. (2 ♀, QM S72426); Capalaba, Brisbane, 27º33’S, 153º12’E, 9.i.1987, A. Keita- anpaa coll. (1 ♀, QM S87778); Chermside, Brisbane, 27º23’S, 153º02’E, 7.ix.1983, D. Prior coll. (1 ♀, QM S87772); Crestmead, Brisbane, 27º41’S, 153º05’E, 20.xi.1997, L. Haggtt coll. (1 ♀, QM S35694); Eidsvold, 25º22’S, 151º07’E, ii.1915, T. L. Bancroft coll. (1 ♀, QM S87784); Eukey, via Stanthorpe, 28º40’S, 151º56’E (3 ♀, QM S87777); Fassifern Valley, 27º58’S, 152º24’E, Smith coll. (1 ♀, QM S87773); Flinders Peak, S Ipswich, 27º49’S, 152º49’E, 30.vi.1979, A. Rozefelds coll. (2 ♀, QM S87769); Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, 27º28’S, 153º01’E, iii.1993, D. McCarthy coll. (1 ♀, QM S21159); Goomeri, 26º11’S, 152º04’E (1 ♀, QM S48029); Highgate Hill, Brisbane, 27º29’S, 153º01’E, xii.1945, Harington coll. (1 ♀, QM W1663); Indooroopilly, 27º30’S, 152º58’E, 11.vi.1987, W. McKenzie coll. (1 ♀, QM S87779); Kroombit Tops, 24º23’S, 150º57’E, 25.ii.1982, R. J. Raven coll. (1 ♀, QM S78781); Lake Broadwater, SW Dalby, 27º21’S, 151º06’E, 6.v.1984, M. Bernie coll. (1 ♀, QM S87780); Leichardt Highway, 2.6 km S of Banana, 24º29’36’’S, 150º07’10’’E (1 ♀, AM KS106462); Mitchelton, 27º24’S, 152º58’E, 10.i. 962, H. M. Hall coll. (1 ♀, QM S87768); Mt Barney, camping ground, 28º17’S, 152º42’E, 3.x.1998, per Logan City council (1 ♀, QM S60454); Mt Coot-Tha, 27º28’S, 152º57’E, 12.i.1974, R. J. Raven coll. (1 ♀, QM S87774); Mt Edwards, 28º01’S, 152º33’E, 5.ix.1992, N. Cotsell coll. (1 ♀, QM S95250); Neurum, 26º58’S, 152º42’E, 18.i.1960, R. A. Vanohr coll. (1 ♀, QM W1034); Red Hill, 27º27’S, 153º00’E, 8.iv.1935 (1 ♀, QM S87775); Rock- lea, Brisbane, 27º32’S, 153º00’E, 17.iv.1984, R. Wands coll. (1 ♀, QM S87782); Warwick, 28º13’S, 152º03’E, viii.1947, Mrs. Miller coll. (1 ♀, AM KS34359); Windsor, 27º26’S, 153º01’E, 20.ii.1945, M. Crawford coll. (1 ♀, QM W1660). South Australia: Adelaide, 34º55’S, 138º36’E, i.19080 (3 ♀, SAM NN24100–2); Aldgate, 35º01’S, 138º44’E, 9.iii.1975, P. A. Clarke coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24134); Balhannah, 35º00’S, 138º50’E, H. N. Wicks coll. (4 ♀, SAM NN24113–6); 1 male, Big Swamp, near Port Lincoln, 34º39’S, 135º42’E, ii.1993, L. Bebbington coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24128–9); Brownlow, 2 km SW Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, 35º40’S, 137º37’E, 20.i.1991, T. Dennis (NPWS) coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24126); 1 ♀, Ceres, near Furner, 37º25’S, 140º20’E, 28.ii.1999, A. Andre coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24144); Coffin Bay Caravan Park, 34º36’S, 135º28’E, 28.iii.1987, D. C. Lee & D. B. Hirst coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24130); Dog Lake Road, SE Langhorne Creek, 35º20’S, 139º07’E,i–vi.1990, J. Eckert coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24123); Flagstaff Hill, 35º03’S, 38º34’E, 24.iii.1979, M. Zimmermann coll. (2 ♀, SAM NN24107–8); Humbug Scrub, 34º42’S, 138º43’E, pre-1978, N. Berks coll. (4 ♀, SAM NN24117–20); Lobethal, 34º54’S, 138º52’E, 19.ii.1953, G. F. Gross coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24109); 2 km N Meadows, on Kondoparinga Road, 35º11’S, 138º45’E, 25.ii.1994, L. N. Nicholson coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24133); Minnawarra Survey, 35º26’S, 138º31’E (1 ♀, SAM); Min- nawarra, 2 km W Spring Mount, 35º26’05’’S, 138º31’07’’E, 27.iv.2005 (1 ♀, SAM); Morphett Vale, 35º08’S, 138º31’E, 20.i.1976, W. Pook coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24110); near Mt Bold Reservoir, 35º07’S, 138º43’E, iv.1974, A. F. Lees coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24121); Mt Gambier, 37º50’S, 140º47’E, i.1991, M. N. Bartetzk coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24122); Mt Lofty, 34º59’S, 138º43’E, ii.1937, Rev. H. Wood coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24111); same locality, 34º59’S, 138º43’E, v.1911, Prof. Sterling coll. (1 ♀, SAM NN24112); Mt Osmond, Adelaide, 34º57’S, 138º39’E, 4.iv.1987, P. Weinstein coll. (3 ♀, ZMUC); Sinclairs Gap, Middle Back Ranges, Corunna Station, 33º08’S, 137º08’E, 25.i.1976 (1 ♀, SAM NN24131); South Adelaide, 34º55’S, 138º36’E, ii.1965 (3 ♀, SAM NN24103–5); Stirling, Mt Lofty Ranges, 35º00’S, 138º42’E, 3.iii.1984, B. Guerin coll. (1 ♂, SAM NN24135); Underdale, 34º55’S, 138º32’E, 19.iii.1962 (1 ♀, SAM NN24106). Tasmania: no exact locality (3 ♀, SAM NN24145–7); 24 Thompson Crescent, Launceston, 41º27’S, 147º10’E, 11.ii.1963, Mrs. P. Williams coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:43351); Alanvale, Launceston, 41º23’S, 147º07’E, 1957, C. Archer coll. (2 ♀, QVMAG 13:43348); Ansons Bay, 41º02’S, 148º16’E, 01.i.1929, V. V. Hickman coll. (2 ♀, 2 immature, AM KS28686); Betsey Island, 43º03’S, 147º29’E, 18.iii.1940, D. C. Pearse coll. (2 ♀, TMAG J235); Cape Barren Island, 40º23’S, 147º59’E, 10.iii.2005 (1 ♂, QVMAG 13:47682); same locality, 07.iii.2005 (2 ♀, QVMAG 13:47683); Cascades, 42º55’S, 147º16’E, 01.iii.1938, D. Turner coll. (1 ♀, TMAG J236); Colebrook, 42º32’S, 147º22’E, 10.vi.1938 (1 ♀, TMAG J234); Cressy, 41º40’S, 147º05’E, 08.iv.1988, M. Dowling coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:42327); same locality, 01.v.1962 (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:43347); East Risdon, 42º50’S, 147º21’E, 10.vi.1957, V. V Hickman coll. (2 ♀, AM KS28659); same locality, iii.1961, V. V. Hickman coll. (4 ♀, AM KS28565); Ellendale, 42º37’S, 146º43’E, 07.ii.1961 (2 ♀, TMAG J138); Evandale, 41°34’S, 147°15’E, 06.iii.1985, K. Smith coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:11002); Gretna, 42º40’S, 146º56’E, ii.1971, Oakley coll. (1 ♀, TMAG J759); Hobart, 42º52’S, 147º19’E, 18, iv.1947, D. C. Pearse coll. (1 ♀, TMAG J136); Hobart Airport, 42º50’S, 147º30’E, 25.ii.1984, L. Walker coll. (3 ♀, TMAG J1903); Launceston, 41º27’S, 147º10’E (6 ♀, AM KS15773; 5 ♂, AM KS15774); same locality, 19.iii.1992, C. A. Stuart coll. (1 ♀, QMAG 13:0108); same locality, 05.ii.1962, C. Williams coll. (5 ♀, QVMAG 13:11193); same locality, 1980, C. Williams coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:11195); same locality (3 ♀, BMNH 1931.4.30.19–21); Lenah Valley, 42º52’S, 147º17’E, 25.iv.1973, H. Van Der Staay coll. (1 ♀, TMAG J884); Lindisfarne, 42º51’S, 147º21’E, iv.1929, Al Mesbon coll. (1 ♀, AM KS28702); Longford, 41º35’S, 147º07’E, 04.iv.1969, C. Chugg coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:43346); Lucaston, 42º59’S, 147º03’E, 19.xii.1990, Ms. Erika Talbot coll. (2 ♀, TMAG J2993); New Town, 42º53’S, 147º19’E, 28.ii.1957, V. V. Hickman coll. (1 ♂, ♀, AM KS28868); North East River, Flinders Island, 39º45’S, 147º57’E, 19.i.1976, J. S. Whinay coll. (3 ♀, 1 immature, TMAG J1094); Paper Beach, 41º14’S, 146º58’E, 18.xi.2007, R. Swan coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:48404); Pipers Head, 41º00’S, 147º08’E, 28.i.1974, R. Upson coll. (3 ♀, QVMAG 13:42883); Punchbowl, 41º27’S, 147º10’E, 02.ii.1928, V. V. Hickman coll. (2 ♂, 1 ♀, AM KS28689); same locality, i. 1936, V. V. Hickman coll. (1 ♂, AM KS28703); Remarkable Cave, via Port Arthur, 43º15’S, 147º50’E (1 ♀, QM S11668); Richmond, 42º44’S, 147º26’E, 21.iii.1971, Mrs. Stanford coll. (2 ♀, TMAG J757); Round Hill, 41º04’S, 145º57’E, 04.i.1972, J. G. Simmons coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:43349); Sandford, 42º56’S, 147º29’E, 28.iv.1963, A. Morrisby coll. (3 ♀, TMAG J232); Sandy Bay, Hobart, 42º54’S, 147º19’E, 16.ii.1946, D. C. Pearse coll. (1 ♂, TMAG J137); Seven Mile Beach, 42º52’S, 147º30’E, 14.ii.1974, D. Trenham coll. (2 ♀, TMAG J924); St. Helens, 41º20’S, 148º14’E, 13.iv.1989, L. Gregson coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:42863); same locality, 02.iii.1962, M. Osbourne coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG: 13:11196); Swansea area, 42º08’S, 148º04’E, 08.iv.1990, M. Gray coll. (1 ♀, AM KS53336); Trevallyn, 41º27’S, 147º10’E, 18.iv.1931, V. V. Hickman coll. (1 ♀, AM KS28663); Ulverstone, 41º10’S, 146º11’E (4 ♀, 1 immature, AM KS32602); same local- ity, 1956, R. P. Edwards coll. (1 ♀, QVMAG 13:43350); same locality, iii.1971, Mrs. Wessing coll. (3 ♀, TMAG J758). Victoria: Avenel: 36º54’S, 145º14’E, 1988–1989, H, Manson coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13832); Bacchus Marsh, 37º40’S, 144º26’E, 03.i.1917, C. French coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13805); Balwyn, 37º49’S, 145º04’E, 01.iii.1950 (1 ♀, NMV K13809); same locality, 09.ii.1925 (2 ♀, NMV K13819); same locality, Threadneedle St., 19.ii.1917, Martin Alan Joubert coll. (3 ♀, NMV K13814); Belgrave, 37º54’S, 145º21’E, 16.i.1920, Agric. Ed. “Australasian” per C. Arench, Esq. leg. (3 ♀, NMV K13820); Benalla: 36º33’S, 145º58’E, 06.ii.1956, V. McGill coll. (1 ♀ NMV K13831); Brighton, 37º54’S, 144º59’E (20 ♀, NMV K13823); same locality, 08.v.1948, Mrs. A. S. Fellows coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13818); Broadmeadows, 37º41’S, 144º55’E, 27.i.1924 (5 ♀, NMV K13810); Buffalo Swamp, 36º40’S, 145º11’E 20.ii.1922, Education Department leg. (2 ♀, NMV K13822); Chiltern, 36º9’S, 146º36’E, 01.iii.1962, Mr. P. Dawson coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13828); Echuca, 36º08’S, 144º45’E, 29.i.1956, E. Matheson coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13825); Erskine Falls, Otway Ranges, 38º27’S, 143º58’E, 06.iv.1973 (1 ♀, AM KS109467); Glenelg River, Dartmoor, 38º01’S, 140º50’E, M. R. Gray coll. (1 ♀, AM KS665); Grampians National Park, “The Fortress”, 37º15’S, 142º26’E (1 ♀, SAM); Grantville, 38º24’S, 145º32’E 21.ii.1911 (4 ♀, NMV K13835); Healesville, 37º39’S, 145º31’E, vii.1913, A. E. Shaw coll. (2 ♀, K-13811); Holey Hill, Holey Plains State Park, 38º13’S, 146º56’E (1 ♀, SAM NN24132); Ivan- hoe, 37º46’S, 145º02’E, 20.ii.1922, C. French coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13815); Kew, 37º48’S, 145º02’E, 11.vii.1919, M. Plumridge coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13821); Kew East, 37º47’S, 145º03’E, 07.ii.1948 (1 ♀, NMV K13829); Korumburra, 38º25’S, 145º49’E, iii.1988, Rob Cornall coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13833); near Lake Corangamite, 38º10’S, 143º24’E, 10.v.1950, Mr. Weigoll coll. (4 ♀, NMV K13824); Lilydale, 37º45’S, 145º21’E, 14.ix.1916, C. French coll. (2 ♀, NMV K13830); Melbourne, 37º49’S, 144º58’E, ii.1989, L. Manor coll. (1 ♀ NMV K13808); North Balwyn, 37º47’S, 145º04’E, 17.i.1955 (1 ♀, NMV K13813); Oakleigh, 37º55’S, 145º06’E, 01.iii.1950, Hodges coll. (4 ♀, NMV K13817); 5 km S of Swifts Creek, 37º18’S, 147º43’E, 02.iii.1993, G. Milledge coll. (2 ♀, NMV K13834). Western Australia: Albany, 35°00’S, 117°52’E (3 ♀, 10 immatures, BMNH 1924.III.I. 1530–35); same locality, 21.iv.1953, F. Norman coll. (1 ♀, WAM 53 /785); same locality, 09.i.1981, J. Shanhun coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1866); same locality, 28.ii.1988, Mr. Rudinger coll. (2 ♀, WAM 97 /1867–8); same locality, 26.x.1988, M. Thomas coll. (1 ♀, 3 immature, WAM 97 / 1869–72); same locality, house garden, 26.i.1987, L. Colmer coll. (2 ♀, WAM 97 /1898– 9); same locality, Angus Street, spindle tree in garden, 17.xii.1982, W. Hasdingham coll. (2 ♀, 1 immature, WAM 97 /1895–7); Albany, Serpentine Road, 35°02’S, 117°53’E, 05.iii.1966, L. Platt coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1894); Applec- ross, 32°01’S, 115°50’E, 29.vi.1942, Mrs Hanson coll. (1 ♀, WAM 42 /512); same locality, 10.ii.1971, F. H. Uther- Baker coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1900); Augusta, 34°19’S, 115°09’E, 10.v.1971, Mr & Mrs Scouler coll. (2 ♀, WAM 97 /1901–2); Banganup Lake, 32°10’S, 115°49’E, 30.iii.1990, M. S. Harvey & J. M. Waldock coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1852); Black Head, 34°46’S, 115°57’E, 08.ii.1989, D. Elford coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1873); Booragoon, 32°02’S, 115°50’E, 22.v.1986, R. L. Barker coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1931); Boyanup, 33°29’S, 115°44’E, 16.i.1935, D. Page coll. (1 ♀, WAM 35 /309); Bridgetown, 33°58’S, 116°08’E, 17.v.1990, I. Hunt coll. (1 ♀, 18 immature, WAM 90 / 1084-1102); Bridgetown, 15 km S (on Mockerdillup Road), 34°04’S, 116°01’E, 01.ii.1993, J. M. Waldock coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1951); Bridgetown, 5 Rowley Street, 33°57’S, 116°08’E, 20.v.1990, M. Cockerill coll. (via B. Y. Main) (5 ♀, WAM T87398); Broomehill, 33°50’S, 117°38’E, 21.ii.2006, R. Neal coll. (4 ♀, WAM T85252); Buck- ley Beach, Duke of Orleans Bay (via Esperance), 33°55’S, 122°35’E, 10.i.1977, A. F. Longbottom coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1856); Busselton, 33°39’S, 115°21’E, ivy vine, 01.xii.1990, J. Donnally coll. (1 ♀, 1 immature, WAM 97 /1853– 4); same locality, 16.i.1990, D. Hughes coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1855); same, locality, 03.xi.1973, grape vine, B. Trip- plet coll. (2 ♀, WAM 97 /1903–4); Camp Creek, 40 miles W Ravensthorpe, near Susetta River, 33°35’S, 119°20’E, 13.i.1952, B. Y. Main coll. (7 ♀, 2 immature, WAM 97 / 1962–70); Cape Arid National Park, 33°51’17”S, 123°0’43”E, 05.xi.2006, G. Byrne coll. (1 ♀, WAM T85249); Castle Rock Walking Trail, Porongurup National Park, 34º41’S, 117º57’E, M. R. Gray coll. (1 ♀, 1 immature, AM KS14509); City Beach, 31°56’S, 115°46’E, 30.x.1933, C. Y. Cowbley coll. (1 ♀, WAM 33 /2375); Collie, 32°21’S, 116°09’E, 13.iv.1989, J. Ladec coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1874); Cottesloe, 32°S, 115°46’E, 28.x.1935, U. Glauert coll. (1 ♀, WAM 35 /2156); Dardanup, 33°24’S, 115°45’E, 18.v.1989, T. M. Savory coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1875); Denmark, 34°58’S, 117°21’E, 17.i.1946, F. W. A. Smith coll. (1 ♀, WAM 46 /61); same locality, 15.iii.1948, G. M. Mather coll. (2 ♀, WAM 48 /557–8); same locality, 30.xii.1988, J. M.Waldock coll.(4 ♀, WAM 97 /1876–8); D’Entrecasteaux National Park, Mt Chudalup, 34°54’52”S, 116°05’10”E, 12.iii.2005, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock & K. Edward coll. (1 ♀, WAM T85247); Duncraig, 31°50’S, 115°47’E, 26.xii.1989, K. Aplin coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1880); 3 km NE Dwellingup, 32°42’S, 116°05’E, 18.i.1982, O. Nichols coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1883); Eaglemont Farm, McLeod Rd, 34°58’S, 117°12’E, 11.ii.1999, M. S. Harvey & M. E. Blosfelds coll. (2 ♂, 1 ♀, WAM T85246); East Witchcliffe, 34°01’S, 115°06’E, 16.ii.1939, Mrs Renners coll. (12 ♀, WAM 39 / 1112–1123); Eaton, 33°19’S, 115°43’E, 11.xii.1991, Mrs Jamieson coll. (5 ♀, WAM 92 /99–104); same locality, 26.xi.1990, T. Bodrogai coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1857); Emu Point, 35°S, 117°56’E, 23.iii. 11976, S. G. Birss coll. (2 ♀, WAM 97 / 1909–10); Fitzgerald River National Park, 34°04’S, 119°26’E, 11.ii.1984, R. P. McMillan coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1912); Grass Patch, 33°14’S, 121°44’E, in garden, 16.xi.1987, A. F. Longbottom coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1881); Hither Green, 33°43’S, 115°31’E, 01.viii.1944, E. N. Johnson coll. (1 ♀, WAM 44 /372); Hovea, 545 Hedges Road, 31°53’27”S, 116°06’56”E, 10.xi.2017, Jarrah/ Marri forest, V. W. Framenau coll. (1 ♀, WAM T145211); Jarrahdale mine, 32°16’S, 116°06’E, 26.iv.1999, K. E. C. Brennan coll. (1 ♀, WAM T54837); Jarrahdale, Alcoa mine, 32º16’S, 116º06’E, tree beating, 01.ii.2001, M. L. Moir coll. (1 ♂, T103466); Jarrahwood, 33º48’S, 115º40’E (1 ♀, WAM 93 /2092); Karri Meera, Pemberton, 34°27’S, 116°02’E, 26.iv.1940, R. H. Neville coll. (1 ♀, WAM 40 /831); Karridale, 34°12’S, 116°06’E, in web on cypress tree, 30.i.1990, G. K. Pow coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1858); same locality, 24.ii.1974, M. Gardner coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1884); Lake Muir, Poorginup Rd, 34°33’S, 116°44’E, 23.iv.1990, M. S. Harvey & J. M. Waldock coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1859); Lucky Bay, 33°59’30.90”S, 122°13’13.81”E, 18.i.2018, V. W. Framenau & K. N. Framenau coll. (1 ♂, 1 ♀, WAM T145210); Mandurah, 32°32’S, 115°43’E, 13.xii.1976, Dept. of Fisheries leg. (2 ♀, WAM 97 /1913–4); Manjimup, 34°15’S, 116°09’E, 21.vii.1949, I. Giblett coll. (13 ♀, 1 immature, WAM 49 /796–809); Margaret River, 33°57’S, 115°04’E, 12.ii.1951, G. Stewart coll. (1 ♀, WAM 51 /151); same locality, 01.iv.1972, G. Shaw coll. (3 ♀, 1 immature, WAM 97 / 1915–18); same locality, 07.vi.1989, T. Eyre & B. Y. Main coll. (3 ♀, WAM T87417); McLeod Creek, S of Witchcliffe, 34°09’S, 115°09’E, 22.x.1969, R. J. McKay & J. A. L. Watson coll. (3 ♀, 5 immature, WAM 97 / 1943–50); Mond- rain Island, Recherche Archipelago, 34°08’S, 122°14’E, 12.xi.1950, V. Serventy coll. (3 ♀, WAM 55 /4995); Morn- ington Mills, 33°09’S, 115°56’E, ii.1939, J. M. Day coll. (1 ♀, WAM 39 /226); Mt Barker, 34°38’S, 117°40’E, garden area, xi.1991, P. J. Mann coll. (7 ♀, WAM 97 /1952–8); Mt Ragged, 33°27’S, 123°28’E, 14.xii.1953, B. Y. Main coll. (1 ♀, WAM T87414); Mt. Ross, Stirling Ranges, heathland, 14.i.1974, M. Gray coll. (1 ♀, AM KS128064); Nannup, 33°58’S, 116°04’E, under eaves of house, 05.xi.1985, A. Collard coll. (1 ♀, 3 immature, WAM 97 / 1919– 22); Napier Creek, 34°44’S, 117°48’E, 18.v.1925, A. C. Mawson coll. (1 ♀, WAM 25 /397); Narrikup, 34°46’S, 117°42E, 10.xii.1937, A. Platt coll. (1 ♀, WAM 37 /4228); Nornalup, 32°S, 116°05’E, 29.ii.1956, A. K. Lee, A. Watson & R. P. McMillan coll. (5 ♀, WAM T 101108); North Denmark, Scotsdale Road, 34°58’S, 117°21’E, 30.xii.1988 J. M. Waldock coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1888); Peaceful Valley, 34°58’S, 117°21’E, 01.iii.1985, R. Hamilton coll. (3 ♀, WAM 97 /1906–8); Pemberton, 34°27’S, 116°02’E, 15.xii.1959, R. Luff coll. (2 ♀, WAM 97 /1923); same locality, 07.v.1974, Mrs Bradbury coll. (1 ♀, 1 immature, WAM 97 /1924–5); 4 km NW Pemberton, 34°25’S, 115°57’E, 02.v.1990, M. S. Harvey & J. M. Waldock coll. (1 ♀ WAM 97 /1863); Quaalup Homestead, 34°17’S, 119°26’E, 31.v.1994, M. S. Harvey & J. M. Waldock coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1959); same locality, 30.v.1994, M. S. Harvey & J. M. Waldock (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1961); 0.5 km NW Quaalup Homestead, 34°17’S, 119°26’E, 30.v.1994, M. S. Harvey & J. M. Waldock (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1960); Rosa Brook, Margaret River, 34°S, 115°30’E, 22.iii.1943, F. Newman coll. (2 ♀, WAM 43 /234–5); Rossmore, 34º24’S, 116º46’E (1 ♀, AM KS33097); Sand Patch Beach Re- serve, W of Albany Wind Farm, 35°03’07”S, 117°45’39”E, sifting and beating low vegetation/litter, 15.iii.2008, M. G. Rix coll. (1 ♀, WAM T94785); Scott River, 34°17’S, 115°20’E, 05.ii.1952, W. Ellis coll. (1 ♀, WAM 52 /382); Shannon National Park, Shannon River at Nelson Rd, 34°43’S, 116°21’E, 16.ii.1990, M. S. Harvey & M. E. Blosfelds coll. (2 ♂, 1 ♀, WAM 97 /1860–2); Smith Brook, 34°21’S, 116°11’E, 11.v.1948, G. Summerville coll. (3 ♀, WAM 48 /851, WAM 966–7); Snake Gully, 34°36’38”S, 116°21’E, i.1975 (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1889); Stirling Range National Park, caravan park, 34°18’55”S, 118°11’14”E, 08.iv.2004, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, K. Edward & C. Poustie coll. (1 ♀, WAM T85250); Stirling Range National Park, Mt Magog picnic site, 25.iv.1996, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock & B. Y. Main coll. (1 ♀, WAM T85236); Stirling Range National Park, M. R. Gray coll. (1 ♂, 1 ♀, KS 14460); Junction of Ellen Track and Moongoongoondurup Creek, 30.iv.1996, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock & B. Y. Main coll. (1 ♀, WAM T85238); Stirling Range National Park, rangers garden, 34°25’S, 118°03’E, 01.xii.1988, R. Wills coll. (1 ♀, 1 immature, WAM 97 /1971–2); Stirling Range National Park, S of Coyanurup Peak, 34°24’10”S, 118°14’40”E, 08.iv.2004, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, K. Edward & C. Poustie coll. (1 ♀, WAM T85248); Stirling Range National Park, Talyuberlup picnic site, 34°24’56”S, 117°57’18”E, 25.iv.1996, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock & B. Y. Main coll. (1 ♀, WAM T85237); Stirling Range National Park, The Cascades, 34°22’29”S, 118°14’17”E, 17.xii.1996, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock & B. Y. Main coll. (1 ♀, WAM T85239); Stirling Range National Park, Toolbrunup Peak Track, 34°24’S, 118°04’E, 31.iii.1993, M. S. Harvey & J. M. Waldock coll. (1 ♀, WAM 97 /1973); Stirling Range National Park, W end of Ellen Track, 34°22’53”S, 118°17’23”E, 08.iv.2004, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, K. Edward & C. Poustie coll. (1 ♀, WAM T85253); Sussex, near Busselton, 33°39’S, 115°20E, 28.i.1984, J. M. Waldock coll. (1 ♂, 1 ♀, WAM 97 /1905); Torbay, 35°02’S, 117°36’E, 18.i.1990, M. Barr coll. (2 ♀, WAM 90 /532–3); same locality, (2 ♀, WAM 97 /1926–7); Torndirrup National Park, Sharp Point, Eclipse Island Road, 35°06’22”S, 117°52’04”E, 14.iii.2008, M. Rix & M. S. Harvey coll. (1 ♀, WAM T89299); Two Peoples Bay, 34°57’S, 118°11’E, 06.vi.1973, G. T. Smith coll. (2 ♀, WAM 97 /1890, WAM 97 /1974); Two Road, 12 km NW of Walpole, Walpole-Nornalup National Park, 34°57’56”S, 116°36’24”E, 26.ii.2006, N. Scharff & T. Szüts coll. (28 ♀, 40 ♂, 4 immatures, ZMUC); Walpole, 34°59’S, 116°44’E, 10.xii.1937, J. Codgon coll. (1 ♀, WAM 37 /4227); 04.ii.1938, A. W. Thorn coll. (1 ♀, WAM 38 /342); Waroona, 32°51’S, 115°55’E, L. Tyler coll. (1 ♀, 1 immature, WAM 97 /1891–2); West Narrikup, 34°46’S, 117°42E, 12.iii.1942 (3 ♀, WAM 42 /291–4); West Swan, 31°51’S, 115°59’E, xi.1930, M. Heard coll. (1 ♀, 30/900); White Gum Flat, Stirling Range National Park, 34º22’S, 117º48’E (1 ♀, 1 ♂, AM KS14460); Witchcliffe, 34°02’S, 115°06’E, 14.iii.1938, M. Heard coll. (4 ♀, WAM 38 /918–21); 25.i.1939, E. Renner coll. (2 ♀, WAM 39 /171); 2 mi E Witchcliffe, 34°01’S, 115°08’E, 07.xi.1971, A. G. Mathews coll. (2 ♀, 1 immature, WAM 97 / 1928–30); Wonnerup, 33°38’S, 115°26’E, 30.i.1947, F. J. Reynolds coll. (1 ♀, WAM 47 /1469); Wooroloo, Sanitorium, 31°48’S, 116°18’E, 26.xi.1926, R. McMitchell coll. (1 ♀, WAM 26 /767); Yanchep National Park, Yanjidi Trail, 31°31’S, 115°46’E, 20.iv.1993, J. M. Waldock & A. Sampey coll. (1 ♂, WAM 97 /1976); Yonki Yonka, via Cranbrook, 34°14’S, 117°26’E, 23.vii.1929, F. Wills-Johnson coll. (1 ♀, WAM 29 /1030); Youngs Siding, 35°01’S, 117°31’E, 30.vii.1990, J. Laudehr coll. (2 ♀, WAM 97 /1864–5) .

Diagnosis. Males and females of this species are most similar to A. feredayi (see Diagnosis above). Females differ distinctly from A. melanura (as interpreted here based on a female found in Queensland) by the shape of the epigynum, which forms a simple subquadrate scape and distinct lateral arches in A. higginsii (Fig. 5D), but a broad U-shaped lip and lateral lobes in A. melanura (Fig. 10E).

Description. Female (WAM T145210). Carapace brownish-grey with yellowish-brown head region, a distinct dark median strip and yellow brown patches on carapace flanks (Fig. 5A). Eyes small and their rows slightly recurved, all of them on tubercles, lateral eyes very close and almost touching and apart from median eyes by its length (Fig. 5A). Chelicerae with pale yellow paturon and dark brown fangs (Fig. 5B). Legs segments varying shades of brown, patellae I conspicuously yellowish-brown and tibia IV almost entirely very dark brown to black (Figs. 5A, B). Labium and endites pale yellow, endites laterally brown (Fig. 5B). Sternum triangular, but indented at coxae, brown with distinct elongated yellowish-brown patch in anterior half and indistinct lighter patches at bases of coxae (Fig. 5B). Abdomen elongated, anteriorly with a deep central division forming two pointed shoulders above cardiac area (Fig. 5A); dorsum beige but darkening laterally and there with thin light lines, linear pattern also dorsally on abdominal tail (Fig. 5A). Tip of abdominal tail dark brown with five protuberances, the two ventral ones being very short, dorso-lateral ones long and dorso-median one very long (Fig. 5C). Venter brown, with few yellow-brown spots between genital area and spinnerets; two transverse pale yellow lines at the base of the tail (Fig. 5B). Spinnerets basally brown, apically light brown (Fig. 4B). Epigynum scape subquadrate, rebordered and with distinct antero-lateral arches (Fig. 5D). Spermathecae dark brown, very sclerotized, spherical and bearing two thick tubular copulatory ducts (Fig. 5E).

Total length: 20.9. Carapace: 4.6 long, 3.5 wide. Abdomen: 19.1 long. Leg I: femur 3.1, patella 1.9, tibia 2.4, metatarsus 2.3 and tarsus 1.2. Patella + tibia II 3.5; III 2.2; IV 3.9.

Male (WAM 97/1976). Carapace pale orange-brown with broad dusky brown lateral bands and a thin brown median line from eyes to fovea (Fig. 6A). Eyes proportionally bigger than in females and their rows slightly re- curved, all four dyads on tubercles, with eyes relatively close to each other (Fig. 6A). Chelicerae with orange brown paturon and fangs. Legs yellowish-brown, femora somewhat darker (Figs. 6A, B). Labium and endites orange brown, labium anteriorly and endites medially lighter (Fig. 6B). Sternum shape as in female, orange brown with darker contours (Fig. 6B). Abdomen ovoid but tapering posteriorly, with lateral ridges and posterior rings (Fig. 6A), dorsum beige, with indistinct darker patches, laterally lighter (Fig. 6A). Venter beige, with a light brown hue between lungs and spinneret and scattered brown to black spots (Fig. 6B). Spinnerets orange-brown (Fig. 6B) Terminal apophysis of pedipalp ovoid, longer than wide (Figs. 6C; 7); embolus curved medially, but with straight tip (Figs. 6C; 7); conductor elongated and sclerotized, with a finger-like tip and ridged base; median apophysis crescent-shaped and with numerous teeth-like tubercles (Figs. 6C, D; 7); paramedian apophysis forms a ridge towards conductor (Figs. 6C; 7); paracymbium short and hook-like (Fig. 6D).

Total length: 2.9. Carapace: 0.9 long, 0.9 wide. Abdomen: 2.0 long. Leg I: femur 0.7, patella 0.3, tibia 0.5, metatarsus 0.2 and tarsus 0.3. Patella + tibia II 0.7; III 0.3; IV 0.5.

Variation. Females (n = 70): total length, 10.6–24.1; males (n = 13): total length, 2.2–3.6. Females can vary in colour, often without the darker brown features on carapace and sternum and dorsal, ventral and lateral abdomen (Fig. 8A). Venter colour varies in the amount of the dark brown dusky guanine spots. In females, the projections on the tail are very variable, from elongated finger-like prongs (Figs. 5C, 8A) to small tubercles (Fig. 8D), just like A. feredayi .

Males can vary in carapace and abdomen colour hue and pattern, which include shades from pale beige to orange and dark brown (Figs. 8B, C). The shape of the abdomen is variable with respect to the length of the abdominal tail (Figs. 8B, C), although short males predominate in collections.

Remarks. Two females of A. higginsii in the BMNH (1915.3.5.443, 1915.3.5.740) include the typical labels as used by L. Koch and appear therefore to be part of the L. Koch collection that has been purchased by the NHM from the Museum Godeffroy (see e.g. Baehr et al., 2017). However, both are labelled ‘Sydney’, not Darling Downs, the type locality of the species and are therefore unlikely to represent the holotype.

The spelling Arachnura higginsi has been frequently used for this species (see list of synonyms above); however, the correct spelling is Arachnura higginsii (L. Koch, 1872) . This is in accordance with article 33.4 in the fourth edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature 1999), which states the change from -ii to -i is a subsequent incorrect spelling (but see FAQ section of World Spider Catalog 2019).

Life history and habitat preferences. Mature males have so far only been found from mid-summer to autumn (November, and January to April) peaking in February. Mature females have been found all year round, with occasional records in August and September, then increasing in numbers to a peak in February and declining steadily after that.

Habitat descriptions found on specimen labels varied considerably, suggesting that although A. higginsii prefers variable open woodlands ( Banksia speciosa, Acacia spp., Eucalyptus spp. including Jarrah and River red-gum ( E. marginata and E. camaldulensis), individuals have also been recorded from vine thickets, scree slopes and in the littoral zone on cliffs. The species is also not uncommon in cultural landscapes, for example garden and parks.

Distribution. Only known from Australia, south of ca. 24°S Latitude; present in all states except Northern Territory (Fig. 13).