Spiders of the families Theridiidae, Tetragnathidae and Araneidae (Arachnida: Araneae) from Aldabra atoll

A total of 36 spider species of the families Theridiidae, Tetragnathidae and Araneidae are recorded from Aldabra atoll. Of these, 26 are described as new, together with one new subspecies. The taxonomy of the new species is discussed and, for comparative purposes, five other species not from Aldabra are illustrated. One new synonymy is established. Records for each species are given with, in some cases, notes on biology. The possible biological significance of the egg sac strings found in some species is considered. Finally, the biogeographical affinities of the Aldabra species are briefly discussed.