We are pleased to continue the 2026 Excellence Series with a seminar exploring the remarkable world of New Zealand spiders, from our unique endemic species to the challenges posed by introduced relatives.
The Excellence Series highlights research excellence at Lincoln University, providing a platform for leading academics to share insights that enhance our understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand’s land-based sectors. By connecting research with real-world practice, these seminars foster collaboration, innovation, and informed decision-making.
New Zealand is home to an estimated 2,000 spider species. Remarkably, around 93% are found nowhere else in the world, and three spider families are entirely unique to New Zealand. To arachnologists , our spider fauna is well known to be both strange and interesting! This exceptional level of endemism reflects the country’s long geographic isolation and diverse range of habitats.
Among these species is the endemic katipō spider, the only New Zealand spider with a Māori name and associated mātauranga. However, New Zealand is also home to another widow spider: the invasive Australian redback, the katipō’s closest living relative.
Drawing on more than 20 years of research, Cor will explore topics ranging from conservation and hybridisation to climate modelling, pheromones, somersaults, and even spider suicide.
Join us for a fascinating insight into some of New Zealand’s most distinctive spiders and discover what two decades of research can reveal about their evolution, ecology, and the challenges they face in a changing environment.
Wednesday 30th September 2026
4.00pm-5.30pm
Inaka, Waimarie Lincoln University
Timings
4.00 pm - Networking
4.15 pm - Welcome & introduction from LU Vice-Chancellor
4.20 pm - Presentation from Speaker
4.50 pm - Summary
5.00 pm - Networking and questions over drinks and nibbles
5.30pm - Event Ends
About Our Speaker
Associate Professor Cor Vink
My research primarily focuses on spiders and their evolution and diversity. In particular, I specialise in the systematics and taxonomy of the New Zealand fauna; the description of new species and examining their phylogenetic relationships using molecular methods. I also conduct research on spider ecology (in natural environments and agroecosystems), the conservation of New Zealand terrestrial arthropods and invasive species ecology. I am especially interested in the origin of New Zealand’s large, endemic spider and insect fauna. This ties in with research that I also conduct on the systematics of the Australian fauna with overseas collaborators. I aim to encourage, train and support the next generation of systematists and ecologists working in the fields of entomology and arachnology.
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