Ancient spiders on Moa’s Ark? Biogeography, taxonomy and systematics of the odd-clawed spiders (Gradungulidae)

This project investigates the evolutionary origins, biogeographical patterning and taxonomy of the enigmatic odd-clawed spiders (family Gradungulidae) from Australia and New Zealand. We are using an integrated approach of both morphological and molecular methods to unravel the true diversity and evolutionary history of this stunning spider group from “down under”.

Team: Dr. Danilo Harms (UHH), Dr. Peter Michalik (Universität Greifswald), Dr. Cor Vink (Canterbury Museum, New Zealand), Dr. Helen Smith (Ausralian Museum, Australia) and Dr. Hannah Wood (Smithsonian Institution, USA).

Funding body: German Research Council (DFG)