Gradungula

Gradungula is a monotypic genus of South Pacific large-clawed spiders containing the single species, Gradungula sorenseni. It is only found in New Zealand.^[1]

Gradungula
Gradungula sorenseni (adult male topotype)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Infraorder:	Araneomorphae
Family:	Gradungulidae
Genus:	Gradungula Forster, 1955[1]
Species:	G. sorenseni
Binomial name
Gradungula sorenseni Forster, 1955

Etymology

The genus name is derived from Latin gradus "step" and ungula "claw", referring to the enlarged front leg claws of this species. These claws also occur in other species of the family Gradungulidae.^[1] The species name "sorenseni" is named after Jack Sorensen, the discoverer of the species.^[2]

Taxonomy

Gradungula sorenseni was first described by Raymond Robert Forster in 1955.^[3]

Distribution

Gradungula sorenseni is distributed in forests throughout the western South Island and throughout Stewart Island. ^[4]