Moving my Cryptaranea atrihastula & subcompta IDs back to genus level.
Long story short, I am not confident in my C. atrihastula or subcompta IDs so have started moving them to genus.
According to Court & Forster (1988) these two can be told apart only by web situation and genital examination, although it might also suggest that if it's not a green splotchy critter but is cryptic, then it's more likely subcompta. However, your mileage may vary on that!
Web-wise, C. atrihastula webs are stretched vertically. According to Court & Forster (1988) p93:
"The snares are striking elongate structures extended both above and below a central orb so that they are usually about three times as high as wide. They are usually constructed parallel to a treetrunk and set off from the bark by a short distance of about 1-3 cm."
And from p96 regarding C. subcompta:
"In contrast to C.atrihastula it seems to be able to occupy more exposed conditions. The web is a typical vertical orbweb which is constructed between twigs of branches and if associated with a treetrunk is normally placed at right angles to it. The dragline usually extends out from the hub and the spider rests on lichen or moss covered bark during the day."
You can also see some pictures in the source document, figures 490-491 and 499-500.
The source doc is available at the WSC site (you'll have to register).
https://wsc.nmbe.ch/species/3524
If you know of other diagnostics, please let me know in the comments :)
