A new genus of Australian orb-weaving spider with extreme sexual size dimorphism (Araneae, Araneidae)

The new Australian orb-weaving spider genus Mangrovia in the family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described. It characterised by extreme sexual size-dimorphism (eSSD) with females (total length 8–10 mm) ca. 3 to 5 times larger than males (2.5–3 mm). Whilst shares informal ‘backobourkiine’ clade a single seta on male pedipalp patella, probably more closely related ‘zealaraneines’ or associated genera. In addition eSSD and patellar spine, distinct subterminal embolus branch males. includes two species: type species albida (L. Koch, 1871) comb. nov. (= Epeira fastidiosa Keyserling, 1887, syn. ) from Queensland occidentalis sp. Western Australia. Both are apparently coastal occur mangroves, but also riparian woodland. Spiders were found resting rolled-up leaves adjacent their orb-web.