The Cyrtarachninae genera of South Africa (Araneae: Araneidae)

Cyrtarachninae is a subfamily of orb-weavers of the family Araneidae represented by two tribes. It is considered one of themost specialised lineages of orb-weavers, and seven genera and 13 species are currently recorded from South Africa. In the tribe Cyrtarachnini, a reduced-web lineage is evident, represented by a strong visual masquerade, as seen in the following genera in South Africa: Aethriscus Pocock, 1902; Cyrtarachne Thorell, 1868; Paraplectana Brito Capello, 1867 and Pasilobus Simon, 1895. In the tribe Mastophorini, the orb-web is abandoned entirely, and three genera are recorded from South Africa: Acantharachne Tullgren, 1910; Cladomelea Simon, 1895 and Pycnacantha (Fabricius, 1781). The 13 species recorded from South Africa are illustrated and discussed.