Salticidae (Arachnida: Araneae) inhabiting islands off Australia re‐visited

Abstract

The jumping spider fauna of 99 Australian islands of coral, volcanic, continental and mixed origin was investigated in terms of taxonomic diversity, origin (source), dispersal and habitat preferences. A total of 110 taxa were recorded; with 18 taxa found on at least five islands. Barrow, Horn, Fitzroy, Fraser, Murray and Moa Islands appeared the most diverse, each with at least 10 species. On all islands combined the most speciose genera were Cytaea (16 species), Cosmophasis (8), 'Lycidas'/Jotus (5), Simaetha (4) and Holoplatys (4). The island faunas appeared to be a less diverse version of the mainland (mostly eastern coast) and showed no evidence of local radiation and endemism.