Species New to Science: Araneae

Showing posts with label Araneae. Show all posts

Sunday, January 5, 2025

[Arachnida • 2023] Latrodectus occidentalis • Phylogenetic Analyses and Description of A New Species of Black Widow Spider of the Genus Latrodectus Walckenaer (Araneae: Theridiidae) from Mexico; one or more species?

Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón,

in Valdez-Mondragón et Cabrera-Espinosa, 2023.

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2023.897.2293

ABSTRACT

A new species of the spider genus Latrodectus Walckenaer, 1805 from Mexico is described based on an integrative taxonomic approach. Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón sp. nov. is described using the molecular markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), morphology of male and female specimens, and Species Distribution Models (SDM). Four molecular methods for species delimitation were implemented. The new species is characterized by having a unique dorsal coloration pattern on the abdomen. Latrodectus occidentalis sp. nov. is considered a distinct and valid species for four reasons: (1) it can be distinguished by morphological characters (genital and somatic); (2) the average interspecific genetic variation is > 2%; (3) 12 haplotypes were recovered within the species, being separated by the next close haplogroup of L. hesperus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935 (30 mutations); and (4) congruence was observed among the four molecular methods. The number of recorded species of Latrodectus from Mexico increases to four: Latrodectus mactans (Fabricius, 1775), L. hesperus Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935, L. geometricus C.L. Koch, 1841 (introduced), and L. occidentalis sp. nov. The diversity of the genus Latrodectus from Mexico is surely underestimated, and more sampling is needed from the different biogeographical provinces and ecoregions to fill in these gaps.

Keywords: integrative taxonomy, North America, species distribution modeling, DNA barcodes, morphology

Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón sp. nov.
Live females (13–15) and males (16–18)
13, 16. Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico. 14. Camichines, Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico (type locality). 15. Hostotipaquillo, Jalisco, Mexico. 17.1 km North of San Nicolás de Ibarra, Jalisco, Mexico. 18. “Las Letras”, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Photographs 13, 16, 18 by Cabrera-Espinosa (2021). Photograph 14 by Navarro-Rogríguez I. (2021). Photograph 15 by Valdez-Mondragon A. Photograph 17 by Mamole in www.naturalista.mx

Habitats and microhabitats of Latrodectus occidentalis Valdez-Mondragón sp. nov.
Red arrow indicates the microhabitat where the specimens were collected.
19, 22. “Las Letras”, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico. 20. Zona arqueológica “Plazuelas”, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico. 21. Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico. 23–24. Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico (type locality) (red arrow in figure 23 shows the female found below a wasp nest).

Photographs 19–22 by Cabrera-Espinosa (2021); 23–24 by Jared Lacayo (2021).

Valdez-Mondragón, A., & Cabrera-Espinosa, L. A. 2023. Phylogenetic Analyses and Description of A New Species of Black Widow Spider of the Genus Latrodectus Walckenaer (Araneae, Theridiidae) from Mexico; one or more species?. European Journal of Taxonomy. 897(1), 1–56. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2023.897.2293

Saturday, January 4, 2025

[Arachnida • 2025] Raveniola fuzhouensis • A New Species of Raveniola Zonstein, 1987 (Araneae: Nemesiidae) from Fujian, China

Raveniola fuzhouensis Zhou,

in Zhou, Lu, Cui et Xu, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e142264

Abstract

Background: The genus Raveniola Zonstein, 1987 comprises 66 species, distributed across regions from East Asia to the Caucasus, with about 20 species recorded from China. According to Zonstein et al. (2018) and Zonstein (2024), members of Raveniola can be identified by the presence of two to three retroventral megaspines arranged sequentially on tibia I in males and paired spermathecae in females, each bearing two-branched heads or a lateral diverticulum.

New information: A new mygalomorph species, Raveniola fuzhouensis Zhou, sp. nov., is described from Fujian Province, China. Detailed description, diagnosis, illustrations and a distribution map of the new species are provided.

Keywords: Asia, biodiversity, morphology, Mygalomorphae, taxonomy

Raveniola fuzhouensis Zhou, sp. nov., habitus.
A, B male (holotype), C, D female (paratype).
A, C dorsal view; B, D ventral view.

Scale bars: 2 mm (A-D).

Photos of live specimens of Raveniola fuzhouensis Zhou, sp. nov.
A male (holotype); B female (paratype).

Raveniola fuzhouensis Zhou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to Raveniola gracilis Li & Zonstein, 2015 (Tian et al. 2020: figs. 1C-D, 2, 3C-D and Li and Zonstein 2015: figs. 9A-C and 10) in the male and female individual abdomen back pattern approximation. The male of the new species can be easily distinguished from R. gracilis by the following: (1) embolus base wider and black (Fig. 3) vs. embolus of R. gracilis dark brown (Li and Zonstein 2015: fig. 9; Tian et al. 2020: fig. 3D); (2) SD base the pipeline smooth down to embolus (Fig. 3B) vs. SD base the pipeline 90° to embolus of R. gracilis (Li and Zonstein 2015: figs. 9B and 10B). The female of the new species can be easily distinguished from R. gracilis by the following: (1) the stalk of the spermathecae is significantly wider (trumpet-shaped), with the basal width approximately same as ...

Etymology: The specific name refers to the type locality, adjective.

Distribution: China (Known only from type locality in Fujian; Fig. 8).

Biology: R. fuzhouensis Zhou, sp. nov. lives in dry soil burrows on loess road cuts or cavities beneath flat stones. The excavation marks inside the burrow indicate their ability to further modify the burrow, rather than passively adapting to the existing environment.

Guchun Zhou, Jian Lu, Muqiushi Cui and Jiasheng Xu. 2025. A New Species of Raveniola Zonstein, 1987 (Araneae, Nemesiidae) from Fujian, China. Biodiversity Data Journal. 13: e142264. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e142264

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

[Arachnida • 2024] Sinodromus gen. nov. • A New Genus with Two New Species (Araneae: Philodromidae) and the first description of the female of Philodromus guiyang Long & Yu, 2022 from China

[C, E] Sinodromus fujianensis Yao & Liu,
[A, B] Philodromus guiyang Long & Yu, 2022,

in Wang, Yao, Tang, Li, Liu et Xu, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1221.137930

Abstract

Three species of the spider family Philodromidae are reported from the south of China. A new genus, Sinodromus gen. nov., is described from Jiangxi, Fujian, and Hunan Provinces. It can be distinguished from other genera of Philodromidae by the tegular apophysis of the palp and the cymbial process, as well as by its uniquely striped abdomen. The type species, S. fujianensis sp. nov., and a second species, S. perbrevis sp. nov., are described and illustrated; these species occur in bamboo forests in hilly areas. Additionally, the female of Philodromus guiyang Long & Yu, 2022 is described for the first time from Jiangxi and Hunan Provinces. All species are illustrated with SEM micrographs, and their distributions are mapped.

Key words: Distribution, hilly land, running crab spiders, taxonomy

A, B living specimen of Philodromus guiyang Long & Yu, 2022
C, D Sinodromus fujianensis sp. nov., male E, F S. fujianensis, female.

Genus Philodromus Walckenaer, 1826

 Philodromus guiyang Long & Yu, 2022

Genus Sinodromus Yao & Liu, gen. nov.

Type species: Sinodromus fujianensis Yao & Liu, sp. nov.

Zhong-jing Wang, Yan-bin Yao, Zi-ying Tang, Wen-hui Li, Ke-ke Liu, Xiang Xu. 2024. A New Genus, Sinodromus gen. nov., with Two New Species and the first description of the female of Philodromus guiyang Long & Yu, 2022 (Arachnida, Araneae, Philodromidae) from China. ZooKeys. 1221: 279-296. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1221.137930

Sunday, December 8, 2024

[Arachnida • 2021] Nihonella chika • A New troglophilic Genus of Dwarf Spiders from Japan with a discussion on its phylogenetic position within the subfamily Erigoninae (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

Nihonella chika

Ballarin & Yamasaki, 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1215

Researchgate.net/publication/348785578

Abstract

A new monospecific genus belonging to the family Linyphiidae Blackwell, 1859, Nihonella gen. nov., is described using an integrative taxonomic approach based on the species N. chika gen. et sp. nov. The new genus is endemic to Western Honshu, Japan, and it shows distinctive genitalic and somatic characters of other genera of the subfamily Erigoninae Emerton, 1882. Nihonella gen. nov. is found only in the twilight and transition zones of caves in Okayama and Nara Prefectures. The phylogenetic position of Nihonella gen. nov. within the subfamily Erigoninae, and its relationship as a sister clade of the species of the group of Savignia Blackwell, 1833 (sensu Millidge 1977), is discussed on the basis of both, morphological and molecular evidence.

Keywords: Caves, endemism, new species, phylogeny, subterranean environment

Habitus and habitat of Nihonella chika gen. et. sp. nov.
A. ♂, holotype (NSMT-Ar 20909), habitus, dorsal view. B. Ditto, ventral view. C. Ditto, lateral view.
D. ♀, paratype (NSMT-Ar 20910), habitus, dorsal view. E. Ditto, ventral view. F. Ditto, lateral view. G. Ditto, cephalic region, frontal view.
H. Entrance of Anatoyama Cave, type locality of the species.

Scale bar = 1 mm.

Class Arachnida Cuvier, 1812

Order Araneae Clerck, 1757

Family Linyphiidae Blackwall,1859

Subfamily Erigoninae Emerton, 1882

Nihonella gen. nov.

Diagnosis: The new genus is distinguished from any other genera belonging to the distal Erigoninae clade by the following unique combination of somatic and genitalic characters: Femur I with 1 prolateral spine; Tibia I with 1 dorsal spine; tibial spine formula: 1.1.1.1; male palp with a well-developed distal suprategular apophysis and a hypertrophic ʻsecondaryʼ DSA (Figs 2A–B, 3A–C, 4A–E) (usually presented in Erigoninae as a simple tooth and protruding form a different side of the DSA); a well-developed and uniquely-shaped prolateral tibial apophysis, the same length as the cymbium and partially covering it (Figs 2A–C, 3A–B, D, 4E–F). The unusual chaetotaxy and unique shape of the epigyne, with anteriorly converging lateral walls and two distinct, flat, ovoid inflations of the copulatory ducts, also distinguishes the female of this genus from females of any other genera in distal Erigoninae.

Etymology: The generic name is a combination of the word ʻNihonʼ and the Latin suffix ʻ-ellaʼ. The former refers to the country of Japan where the genus is endemic; the latter is the feminine suffix of ʻ-ellusʼ commonly used in Latin to form the feminine diminutive of a noun. Name in apposition, feminine in gender

Distribution: Endemic to Western Honshu, Japan. Currently known from three caves only (Figs 1H, 6).

Nihonella chika gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the Japanese word ʻchikaʼ (地下) meaning ʻunderground, subterraneanʼ and thus refers to the habitat of the species, but it is also the pronunciation of a feminine given name in the Japanese language. Name in apposition.

Francesco Ballarin and Takeshi Yamasaki. 2021. Nihonella gen. nov., A New troglophilic Genus of Dwarf Spiders from Japan with a discussion on its phylogenetic position within the subfamily Erigoninae (Araneae, Linyphiidae). European Journal of Taxonomy 733; 1–18. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1215

Researchgate.net/publication/348785578_Nihonella_gen_nov_a_new_troglophilic_genus_of_dwarf_spiders_from_Japan

Monday, November 25, 2024

[Arachnida • 2024] Maimuna antalyensis, Tegenaria beyazcika, T. egrisiana, ... • New Taxonomic and Faunistic Data on the Funnel-weavers (Araneae: Agelenidae) of Turkiye and the Caucasus, with Five New Species

Habitus of Tegenaria egrisiana sp. nov. (A, B), T. dalmatica (C), T. beyazcika sp. nov. (D), and T. tekke (E), dorsal view.
A, D males B, C, E females.

in Zamani, Kaya et Marusik, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1218.135249

Abstract

New taxonomic and faunistic data on the agelenid spiders of Turkiye and the Caucasus are provided. Five species are described as new to science: Maimuna antalyensis sp. nov. (♂♀; Turkiye: Antalya), Tegenaria ballarini sp. nov. (♂♀; Turkiye: Antalya), T. beyazcika sp. nov. (♂; Turkiye: Antalya), T. egrisiana sp. nov. (♂♀; Georgia: Imereti), and T. hoeferi sp. nov. (♂♀; Armenia: Kotayk). Tegenaria lazarovi Dimitrov, 2020, syn. nov. is proposed as a new junior synonym of T. averni Brignoli, 1978. Persiscape caucasica (Guseinov, Marusik & Koponen, 2005) is newly reported from Armenia, and T. chumachenkoi Kovblyuk & Ponomarev, 2008 is reported for the first time from Turkiye. New distribution records for T. dalmatica Kulczyński, 1906, T. hamid Brignoli, 1978, T. longimana Simon, 1898 and T. percuriosa Brignoli, 1972, and topotype material for T. tekke Brignoli, 1978 are reported. The record of Eratigena fuesslini (Pavesi, 1873) from Turkiye is found to be based on a misidentification, and is herein attributed to T. hamid. The presence of an embolic spine, unknown in any other species of Tegenaria, is documented in T. anhela Brignoli, 1972 for the first time. Photographs are provided for all treated species.

Key words: Anatolia, Armenia, Georgia, Maimuna, new record, new synonymy, Persiscape, Tegenaria

Habitus of Tegenaria egrisiana sp. nov. (A, B), T. dalmatica (C), T. beyazcika sp. nov. (D), and T. tekke (E), dorsal view.
A, D males B, C, E females.

Alireza Zamani, Rahşen S. Kaya, Yuri M. Marusik. 2024. New Taxonomic and Faunistic Data on the Funnel-weavers (Araneae, Agelenidae) of Turkiye and the Caucasus, with Five New Species. ZooKeys. 1218: 251-286. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1218.135249

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

[Arachnida • 2024] Trichopelma grande • A hairy Giant among Dwarves: A distinct New Species of Tarantula (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Cuba

Trichopelma grande

Ortiz & Fonseca, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2024.2401921

ABSTRACT

Large size, tropical climate, topographic complexity, and millions of years of isolation have turned the Greater Antillean islands into natural laboratories of evolution. Several groups have experienced explosive diversification across these islands, leading to highly diverse and endemic biotas and species experiencing unique adaptations. Here we describe a new tarantula species from the Viñales area, a biodiversity hotspot in western Cuba. Despite being a middle-sized species with large projected setae on the legs, reminiscent of those in arboreal tarantulas, phylogenomic analysis, diagnostic morphological features, and trap-door retreat building behaviour identifies it as the largest known representative of Trichopelma, and the only one with such hirsute legs. We provide mitochondrial barcoding data and a database of ultraconserved elements loci of the holotype of this species, which will help to include it in future phylogenetic studies of Theraphosidae. Given its limited distribution range, and its apparent absence in natural history collections despite its distinct appearance, this species might be scarce, positioning it as a potential conservation concern.

KEYWORDS: Gigantism, Greater Antilles, phylogenomics, rare species, Trichopelmatinae, UCE sequencing

Family Theraphosidae Thorell, 1869

Genus Trichopelma Simon, 1888

Trichopelma grande sp. n.

David Ortiz and Elier Fonseca. 2024. A hairy Giant among Dwarves: Trichopelma grande, A distinct New Species of Tarantula from Cuba (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Journal of Natural History. 58(45-48); 2189-2205. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2024.2401921

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

[Arachnida • 2023] Larinia phosop • A New Species of Larinia (Araneae: Araneidae) discovered in Rice Fields in Thailand

Larinia phosop

Tanikawa, Into & Petcharad, 2023

DOI: 10.2476/asjaa.72.55

Abstract

A new species of Larinia, Larinia phosop n. sp., is described on both sexes from Thailand.

Keywords: Larinia phosop, rice field, taxonomy

Larinia phosop n. sp. (male holotype, THNHM-Ar-00000028; female paratype, THNHM-Ar-00000033).
1, female, dorsal view; 2, male, dorsal view; 3, male palp retrolateral view; 4, same, ventral view; 5, same, retro-ventral view; 6, epigyne, ventral view; 7, same, posterior view; 8, same, dorsal view.

Scales: 1–2, 5 mm; others, 0.3 mm.

Larinia phosop new species

(Thai name: Mangmoom-phosop).

Diagnosis. Larinia phosop n. sp. resembles L. fusiformis (Thorell 1877), but can be distinguished by following features. Male: 1) median apophysis V-shaped in ventral view (Figs. 4, 10, MA) vs. J-shaped (Fig. 18, MA); 2) conductor with finger-shaped chitinized projection (Figs. 4–5, 10–11, CD) vs. minute projection (Fig. 18, CD); 3) tegulum with small projection in retro-lateral view (Figs. 3, 9, a) vs. none (Fig. 17); 4) embolus almost hidden in retro-lateral view ...

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Thai word “pho-sop”, which means the rice goddess in Thailand (Saenkattiyarat 2020); name in apposition.

Akio Tanikawa, Tanakorn Into and Booppa Petcharad. 2023. A New Species of Larinia (Araneae: Araneidae) discovered in Rice Fields in Thailand. Acta Arachnologica. 72(1); 55-58. DOI: doi.org/10.2476/asjaa.72.55

Monday, September 2, 2024

[Arachnida • 2024] Gelotia onoi • First Record of Gelotia Thorell, 1890 (Araneae: Salticidae) from Vietnam with Description of A New Species

Gelotia onoi

Hoang, Phan & Vo, 2024

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72;

Abstract

A novel species of the spartaeine genus Gelotia Thorell, 1890, G. onoi, new species is described from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Additionally, two species, G. liuae Wang & Li, 2020 and G. zhengi Cao & Li, 2016 are also recorded from Vietnam for the first time. Detailed descriptions, illustrations of the copulatory organs, somatic features, and DNA barcodes for the species are provided.

Key words. DNA barcoding, jumping spiders, Southeast Asia, Spartaeinae

Habitus of Gelotia onoi, new species (female, holotype) in life. A, B, habitus, dorsal view; C, D, habitus, dorso-lateral view.

Gelotia onoi, new species

Diagnosis. The female of Gelotia onoi, new species (Figs. 1–2) resembles those of the type species, G. frenata Thorell, 1890 and G. liuae Wang & Li, 2020 in having the epigyne with a fold and rounded window, but differs from two latter species by the following characteristics: the epigynal window located in the near middle in the new species (Fig. 2C) while anterior in both G. frenata (fig. 5 in Prószyński, 1969) and G. liuae (cf. Fig. 4C and fig. 8A in Wang & Li, 2020), copulatory duct significantly longer than the length of spermathecae (Fig. 2D) (shorter in other species), spermathecae almost rounded, relatively very small (Fig. 2D) in comparision with G. frenata and G. liuae as well as all other members of the genus Gelotia (see comparative illustrations in Metzner, 2024).

Etymology. This specific epithet is given to honour Dr. Hirotsugu Ono (Japan), who has made great contributions to improving knowledge of the spider fauna in Vietnam.

Quang D. Hoang, Quoc T. Phan and Van M. Vo. 2024. First Record of Gelotia Thorell, 1890 (Araneae: Salticidae) from Vietnam with Description of A New Species. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72; 294–302.

[Arachnida • 2024] Mimetus parvulus & M. spinatus • Two New Species and A New Transfer in the Pirate Spider Genus Mimetus Hentz, 1832 (Araneae: Mimetidae: Mimetinae) from India

Mimetus parvulus Sankaran, Sudhin & Sen,
M. spinatus Sudhin, Sankaran & Sen,

in Sudhin, Sankaran & Sen, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5496.4.5

facebook.com/ZoologicalSurveyIndia

Abstract

Two new species of Mimetus Hentz, 1832 are described from India: Mimetus parvulus Sankaran, Sudhin & Sen, 2024 n. sp., and M. spinatus Sudhin, Sankaran & Sen, 2024 n. sp.. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of both species are provided, and their current distribution is mapped. Based on familial and generic similarities, we transfer the misplaced M. tikaderi Gajbe, 1992 to the Liocranidae genus Agroeca Westring, 1861.

Araneae, Agroeca, distribution, Kerala, Liocranidae, taxonomy

Puthoor Pattammal Sudhin, Pradeep M. Sankaran, Souvik Sen. 2024. Two New Species and A New Transfer in the Pirate Spider Genus Mimetus Hentz, 1832 (Araneae: Mimetidae: Mimetinae) from India. Zootaxa. 5496(4); 555-566. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5496.4.5

facebook.com/ZoologicalSurveyIndia/posts/493143770010832

Saturday, August 31, 2024

[Arachnida • 2023] Liphistius chang & L. pilok • Two New Species of Liphistius (Araneae: Liphistiidae) from Thailand

[A–B] Liphistius pilok, [C–D] Liphistius chang

Tanikawa & Petcharad, 2023

DOI: 10.2476/asjaa.72.1

Researchgate.net/publication/371946643

Two new species of Liphistius, L. pilok n. sp. and L. chang n. sp., are described from Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

Keywords: COI, Pilok, Thong Pha Phum, trap door spider

Habitus. A–B, Liphistius pilok n. sp., C–D, Liphistius chang n. sp.;
A, C, male (holotype); C, D, female (paratype).

Scales = 10 mm.

Liphistius pilok new species

(Thai name: Buengfa-Tongplong-Pilok

บึ้งฝาท้องปล้องปิล็อก).

Liphistius chang new species

(Thai name: Buengfa-Tongplong-Chang

บึ้งฝาท้องปล้องช้าง).

Akio Tanikawa and Booppa Petcharad. 2023. Two New Species of Liphistius (Araneae: Liphistiidae) from Thailand. Acta Arachnologica. 72(1); 1-8. DOI: doi.org/10.2476/asjaa.72.1

Researchgate.net/publication/371946643_Two_new_species_of_Liphistius_from_Thailand

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

[Arachnida • 2024] Selenogyrus foordi • A New Species and the first record of the subfamily Selenogyrinae Smith, 1990 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Guinea

Selenogyrus foordi

Sherwood, Henrard & Spiegel, 2024.

DOI: 10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.113946

Abstract

A new spider species, Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov. (♂♀), is described from Mount Nimba, Guinea. Consequently, we provide the first in vivo photographs of a selenogyrine in the scientific literature and the first record of Selenogyrinae Smith, 1990 from Guinea. We also record S. aureus Pocock, 1897, described from Sierra Leone, from Massif du Ziama Biosphere Reserve, Guinea, representing the second known species for this country.

Key words: distribution, morphology, spider, tarantula, taxonomy

Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov. holotype male (BE_RMCA_ARA.Ara.246088), habitus in situ at type locality
A general view B same, on different background C frontal view, specimen in defensive posture.

Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov. paratype female (BE_RMCA_ARA.Ara.222490)
A habitus, dorsal view B habitus, ventral view C chelicera, prolateral view (inset: close-up of stridulatory lyra) D spermathecae, dorsal view E habitus in vivo. Scale bars: 10 mm (A–B); 0.5 mm (D); 0.1 mm (C).

Theraphosidae Thorell, 1869

Selenogyrinae Smith, 1990

Selenogyrus Pocock, 1897

 Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Males of Selenogyrus foordi sp. nov. can be distinguished from S. aureus by the thinner apical taper of the embolus (embolus wider at apex in S. aureus) and the presence of darkened femora and white markings on the distal third tibiae in vivo (femora with golden tinge and lacking white markings on the distal third of the tibiae in S. aureus). Females of S. foordi sp. nov. can be distinguished from S. africanus, S. austini, and S. caeruleus by the medially flared receptacles of the spermathecae (not medially flared in S. africanus, S. austini, and S. caeruleus).

Etymology: The specific epithet is an eponym honouring our colleague the late Stefan Foord (1971–2023), in recognition of his significant contributions to African arachnology, and in remembrance of his kind and collaborative spirit.

Danniella Sherwood, Arnaud Henrard and Didier Van Den Spiegel. 2024. Selenogyrus foordi, A New Species and the first record of the subfamily Selenogyrinae Smith, 1990 from Guinea (Araneae, Theraphosidae). African Invertebrates. 64(3): 291-302. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/afrinvertebr.64.113946

Monday, August 26, 2024

[Arachnida • 2024] Falconina cafetera • First Record of the Genus Falconina (Araneae: Corinnidae) from Mexico, with A Description of A New Species and Observations on its interactions with Ants

Falconina cafetera

Ibarra-Núñez & Marín, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.127612

Abstract

Falconina cafetera sp. nov. (Araneae, Corinnidae) is described based on specimens of both sexes. Specimens were collected in shaded coffee agro-ecosystems and in a suburban cacao orchard in Chiapas, Mexico. This new species is the first Falconina recorded from Mexico and the northernmost species of the genus in continental America, with the exception of F. gracilis (Keyserling, 1891) introduced to the USA and Cuba. F. cafetera sp. nov. differs from all other Falconina species by having most of its opisthosoma light-colored with some dark patches and by the characteristics of the male palp and female epigynum. Observations are included about one sclerite found in the male palp of this species, not mentioned for other species in this genus. The key of Falconina species by García and Bonaldo (2023) is modified to include this species. Furthermore, field observations and laboratory rearing of juveniles indicate that F. cafetera sp. nov. spiders are able to feed on ants.

Key Words: Coffee agroecosystems, Chiapas, North America, male palpal structure

Habitus of Falconina cafetera sp. nov.
1, 2. male; 3, 4. female; 1, 3. dorsal view; 2, 4. ventral view. Scale bars: 1 mm (1–4).

Live specimens of Falconina cafetera sp. nov.
21. Pair of Falconina cafetera sp. nov. collected to be used in feeding trials, showing color pattern of living specimens;
22, 23. Male and female living specimens of Falconina cafetera sp. nov. each feeding on an Azteca sericeasur ant; 22. Male; 23. Female.

Family Corinnidae Karsch, 1880

Genus Falconina Brignoli, 1985

 Falconina cafetera sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis: Males and females differ from all other species by having most of their opisthosoma light in color with some dark patches (Figs 1–4, 21), while in all other species it is mostly dark with some light patches. Males of Falconina cafetera sp. nov. are similar to F. albomaculosa by sharing a long apical spur, by having only two lobes (ventral and median) on the retrolateral tibial apophysis, and by having a lighter, less sclerotized, longitudinal stripe (TPlss) on the sclerotized tegular process (Figs 5–16; figs 13A, 14A in García and Bonaldo 2023). Males of F. cafetera sp. nov. differ from F. albomaculosa by having a prominent prolateral tibial apophysis (small ...

Etymology: The specific name is an arbitrary combination of letters derived from the Spanish word for coffee plantation, “finca cafetalera,” where this species was first collected.

Guillermo Ibarra-Núñez and Linda Marín. 2024. First Record of the Genus Falconina (Araneae, Corinnidae) from Mexico, with A Description of A New Species and Observations on its interactions with Ants. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(3): 1099-1106. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.127612

[Arachnida • 2024] Ligdus garvale • Reviving Ligdus Thorell, 1895 (Araneae: Salticidae: Ballini): Description of A New Species from India, 129 years since the Establishment of the Genus

Ligdus garvale Caleb,

in Caleb, Shree, Kumar et Abhijith, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5448.3.8

Researchgate.net/publication/380531786

The jumping spider genus Ligdus Thorell, 1895 was established as a monotypic genus with Ligdus chelifer Thorell, 1895 as its type species (Thorell 1895). The only known species was described based on a juvenile specimen collected from Tharawaddy, Myanmar (erstwhile Burma), which was later illustrated by Prószyński (1984). During recent field work in Kodagu, Karnataka we collected a peculiar male individual which was later identified as belonging to the genus Ligdus. In this paper, we present the rediscovery of the genus Ligdus 129 years since its establishment, through the description of a new species from Karnataka state, India. The genus is moreover reported for the first time in India.

Araneae, Salticidae, Ballini, Ligdus, India

General appearance of Ligdus garvale Caleb, sp. nov.,
holotype male. 1, 2 dorsal view; 3 left leg I; 4 lateralview; 5 front view; 6 spider in its retreat built on a leaf.

Photo credits: 1–5, A.P.C. Abhijith; 6, Divya Shree.

Ligdus garvale Caleb, sp. nov.

John T.D. Caleb, A. Divya Shree, Lohith Kumar and A.P.C. Abhijith. 2024. Reviving Ligdus Thorell, 1895: Description of A New Species from India, 129 years since the Establishment of the Genus (Araneae: Salticidae: Ballini). Zootaxa. 5448(3):446-450. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5448.3.8

Researchgate.net/publication/380531786_Reviving_Ligdus_a_new_species_from_India

[Arachnida • 2024] Aphonopelma jacobii • Discovery of A New Tarantula Species from the Madrean Sky Islands and the first documented instance of syntopy between two montane endemics (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Aphonopelma): A Case of prior mistaken identity

Aphonopelma jacobii Hamilton & Hendrixson,

in Hamilton, Hendrixson & Bringas, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1210.125318

Abstract

The Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona are renowned for their exceptional biodiversity and high levels of endemism. Morphological, genomic, behavioral, and distributional data were used to report the discovery of a remarkable new tarantula species from this range. Aphonopelma jacobii sp. nov. inhabits high-elevation mixed conifer forests in these mountains, but also co-occurs and shares its breeding period with A. chiricahua—a related member of the Marxi species group—in mid-elevation Madrean evergreen oak and pine-oak woodlands. This marks the first documented case of syntopy between two montane endemics in the Madrean Archipelago and adds to our knowledge of this threatened region’s unmatched tarantula diversity in the United States. An emended diagnosis and redescription for A. chiricahua are also provided based on several newly acquired and accurately identified specimens. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and genomic-scale data reveal that A. jacobii sp. nov. is more closely related to A. marxi, a species primarily distributed on the Colorado Plateau, than to A. chiricahua or the other Madrean Sky Island taxa. These data provide the evolutionary framework for better understanding the region’s complex biogeographic history (e.g., biotic assembly of the Chiricahua Mountains) and conservation of these spiders.

Key words: Biodiversity hotspot, Chiricahua Mountains, conservation, cryptic species, molecular systematics, phylogenomics, spider taxonomy

Live habitus of Aphonopelma jacobii sp. nov.
a male holotype (APH-5002) b female paratype (APH-5001).

 Aphonopelma jacobii Hamilton & Hendrixson, 2024, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Aphonopelma jacobii sp. nov. is a member of the Marxi species group and can be distinguished by a combination of morphological, genomic, behavioral, and distributional features. This species is a mid- to late-fall breeder endemic to the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. Nuclear DNA identifies A. jacobii sp. nov. as a monophyletic lineage (Fig. 2) that is sister to A. marxi (distributed along the Colorado Plateau) and phylogenetically distinct from the other tarantula species endemic to the Chiricahua Mountains (i.e., A. chiricahua). Aphonopelma jacobii sp. nov. is probably the only tarantula species encountered in the high-elevation mixed conifer forests of the Chiricahua Mountains, but its distribution overlaps with A. chalcodes Chamberlin, 1940, A. chiricahua, A. gabeli Smith, 1995, and A. vorhiesi at lower elevations in the oak and pine-oak woodlands.

...

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym in honor of our friend, Michael A. Jacobi, who facilitated many of our field trips into the Chiricahua Mountains in 2018 and 2019. In addition, he generously carried out field work in the MSI on our behalf and discovered many important specimens, including the first female burrows of A. chiricahua and this remarkable new species. His tireless work in the field and passion for natural history have immensely helped improve our knowledge of tarantula biology and biodiversity in the Chiricahua Mountains and surrounding areas.

Habitat images of Aphonopelma jacobii sp. nov. from the Chiricahua Mountains, Cochise County, Arizona a, b type locality along Forest Road 42D above Onion Saddle c, d Barfoot Park e along Forest Road 42A f open burrow at the type locality.

Photographs of images d and e provided by Michael A. Jacobi.

Chris A. Hamilton, Brent E. Hendrixson and Karina Silvestre Bringas. 2024. Discovery of A New Tarantula Species from the Madrean Sky Islands and the first documented instance of syntopy between two montane endemics (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Aphonopelma): A Case of prior mistaken identity. ZooKeys. 1210: 61-98. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1210.125318