Theridiidae Crustulina

Crustulina sp. "Warty False Widow"

Warty False Widow

This Crustulina species possesses a heavily sclerotised carapace composed of two structures. The main part bearing the eyes is heart-shaped and is pockmarked with tubercles each bearing a long and stiff bristle. The posterior part of the carapace is smooth-textured and shaped like a crater within which the anterior end of the pedicel is attached. The posterior end of the pedicel is surrounded by a sclerotised ring at the base of the abdomen. The chelicerae and sternum are also sclerotised and covered by an elaborate pattern of miniature pits, ridges and horn-like tubercles.

The species featured here is easily recognised by its distinct abdominal pattern, together with the presence of sclerotised plates surrounding the epigyne, along smaller sclerotised platelets on other parts of the venter.