THE HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE KATIPO SPIDER AT SOUTH BRIGHTON BEACH, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

SUMMARY In May 1969 the distribution of the Katipo spider Latrodectus katipo (Araneae : Theridiidae) at South Brighton Beach, Christchurch, was investigated. The spiders were most abundant in a narrow zone about 10-30 metres from the most seaward clumps of marram grass. Habitat characteristics were examined and a preference for sparse to medium densities of marram on sloping ground facing north-west, was found. An analysis of the contents of 32 webs indicated that a weevil, Cecyropa modesta, is probably the most important prey.