Neoscona Simon

Biswas, B. & Majumder, S. C., 1995, State Fauna Series 4 Fauna Of Meghalaya, State Fauna Series 4 Fauna of Meghalaya Part 2, Zoological Survey Of India, pp. 93-128 : 97

Genus 4. Neoscona Simon

1864. Neoscona Simon, Hist. nat. des. Aragin, 1: 261.

1971. Neoscona: Levi, Bull , Mus, Camp. Zool, 141 (8): 465.

Type-species: Neoscona anabesca (Walck .).

Distribution: Species of Neoscona distributed all over the world, but many species of this genus have been erroneously placed under the genus Araneus .

Key to the species of the genus Neoscona Simon

1. Carapace provided with two longitudinal rows of irregular pale patches............. achine Carapace not provided with two longitudinal rows of irregular pale patches............... 2

2. Epigynal scape is right angle to the base; lateral lobe inconspicuous....... bengalensis Epigynal scape is not right angle to the base; lateral lobe not inconspicuous............ 3

3. Abdomen roundish at both the ends anterior and posterior; genital opening placed underneath the epigynal scape.......................................................................... elliptica Abdomen not roundish at both the ends; genital opening not placed underneath the epigynal scape........................................................ .................................................... 4

4. Cephalic region provided with a ‘V’-shaped conspicuous dark brown patches ... mukerjei Cephalic region not provided with ‘V’ shaped dark brown patches.............................5

5. Sternum dark brown in colour, provided with longitudinal white band.................... theis Sternum not dark brown in colour and not provided with longitudinal white band....... 6

6. Maxilla broad nearly as long as w ide......................................................... shillongensis

7. Maxilla not broad nearly as long as w ide............................................................ nautica