Kingdom Animalia Suborder Araneomorphae Species M. moonya Rank Genus | Class Arachnida Family Gradungulidae Phylum Arthropoda Order Spider | |
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Macrogradungula moonya is a species of cribellate large spiders endemic to northeastern Queensland, Australia. It is the only species in the gradungulid genus Macrogradungula.
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Taxonomy
Macrogradungula moonya was first described by the Australian arachnologist Michael R. Gray in 1987. Its generic name comes from Ancient Greek μακρός (makros, "long"), referring to its large size. Its specific name comes from the Australian Aboriginal word moonya, meaning "camp". It refers to the discovery of the first specimen while walking outside a tent in a rainforest campsite.
Macrogradungula moonya is the only species in the genus Macrogradungula. It is classified under the family Gradungulidae, superfamily Austrochiloidea, and suborder Araneomorphae.
Distribution
Macrogradungula moonya is currently known from three disjunct localities in northeastern Queensland, Australia. The first specimens were recovered from rainforest sink holes in Boulder Creek, Walter Hill Range. Other specimens were reported from caves and cavities among boulder fields in the Black Mountains and Mount Bartle Frere. It is unknown if these other populations may represent new species.