''Anoteropsis litoralis'' is a species of

wolf spider Wolf spiders are members of the family Lycosidae (). They are robust and agile hunters with excellent eyesight. They live mostly in solitude, hunt alone, and do not spin webs. Some are opportunistic hunters, pouncing upon prey as they find it or ...

that is

endemic Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found else ...

New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...

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Etymology

The name "litoralis" refers to the seashore habitat of the species.Vink, C. (2002). Lycosidae (Arachnida: Araneae). ''Fauna of New Zealand'' 44: 1-94.

Taxonomy

''Anoteropsis litoralis'' was described in 2002.

Description

''Anoteropsis litoralis'' can be distinguished from other species of '' Anoteropsis'' by its yellow dorsal surface with black markings and several unique features in the male and female reproductive organs.

Habitat and distribution

''Anoteropsis litoralis'' occupies sand dunes and beaches along the coast. They can be found in these habitats north of 44°S in New Zealand (Many habitats to the south are typically occupied by '' Anoteropsis forsteri'', a similar species).

References

Lycosidae Spiders of New Zealand Spiders described in 2002 Endemic fauna of New Zealand Endemic spiders of New Zealand {{Taxonbar, from=Q2460598