Araneus juniperi (Emerton 1884)

Paquin, Pierre & Dupérré, Nadine, 2006, The spiders of Québec: update, additions and corrections, Zootaxa 1133, pp. 1-37 : 4

Araneus juniperi (Emerton 1884)

Material examined.— Canada: Québec: Vaudreuil­Soulanges, Rigaud [45°29’N, 74°18’W] 28.vi.2000, sweeping pines ( Pinus rigidus ), 1Ψ, C. Chantal ( CPAD).

Diagnosis.— This species differs from all other Québec Araneus by its greenish abdomen. Males are distinguished by a long thin curved embolus, a tooth on the base of the conductor and the presence of a long terminal spine on the median apophysis. Females are recognised by a short broad scape, not extending beyond the base of the epigynum.

Distribution.— Araneus juniperi is found in eastern North America. The northernmost records are from Québec (this record) and Nova Scotia, and it occurs south to Texas and Florida (see Dondale et al. 2003).

Remark.— The present record confirms the occurrence of the species in Québec, which was suspected by Paquin & Dupérré (2003, see figs 275–277). Dondale et al. (2003) reported the species from coniferous foliage, which is supported here.