Steatoda lepida

Steatoda lepida is a species of Theridiidae that is endemic to New Zealand.

Taxonomy

Steatoda lepida was first described in 1880 as Lithyphantes lepidus. In 1886, it was independently described again as Theridium triloris by Arthur Urquhart. In 1935, Elizabeth Bryant recognized T. triloris as a synonym of L. lepidus. S. lepida was independently described again in 1956 as Lithyphantes regius. In 1983, L. regius was recognized as belonging to the Steatoda genus and was subsequently named Steatoda regius. In 1994, S. regius was recognized as a synonym of L. lepidus and the two were merged to form S. lepida.

Distribution

This species is widespread throughout New Zealand, including on the Chatham Islands.

Conservation status

Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this species is listed as "Not Threatened".