Taxonomic revision of the New World members of the trapdoor spider genus Ummidia Thorell (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Halonoproctidae).

This study documents a comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the New World Ummidia species. At the onset of this work the genus comprised 27 species and one subspecies with a cosmopolitan distribution that includes North America, South America, Asia, northern Africa, and Europe; of these species the majority of the nominal diversity can be attributed to the New World where 20 species have been previously described. Ummidia oaxacana (Chamberlin, 1925) is considered a nomen dubium; U. tuobita (Chamberlin, 1917) and U. absoluta (Gertsch and Mulaik, 1940) are both considered junior synonyms of U. audouini (Lucas, 1835); the subspecies U. carabivora emarginata (Atkinson, 1886) is considered a junior synonym of U. carabivora (Atkinson, 1886); U. pygmaea (Chamberlin and Ivie, 1945) is considered a junior synonym of U. beatula (Gertsch and Mulaik, 1940); U. celsa (Gertsch and Mulaik, 1940) is considered a junior synonym of U. funerea (Gertsch, 1936); Hebestatis lanthanus (Valerio, 1987) is considered a junior synonym of U. rugosa (Karsch, 1880). Thirty-three new species are described: U. neilgaimani, U. gingoteague, U. rongodwini, U. okefenokee, U. richmond, U. macarthuri, U. colemanae, U. rosillos, U. mercedesburnsae, U. paulacushingae, U. waunekaae, U. gertschi, U. timcotai, U. gabrieli, U. pesiou, U. rodeo, U. huascazaloya, U. anaya, U. cuicatec, U. brandicarlileae, U. riverai, U. frankellerae, U. hondurena, U. yojoa, U. matagalpa, U. carlosviquezi, U. varablanca, U. quepoa, U. cerrohoya, U. quijichacaca, U. tibacuy, U. neblina, U. tunapuna.

Incongruent molecular and morphological variation in the crab spider Synemaglobosum (Araneae, Thomisidae) in Europe.

Establishing species boundaries is one of the challenges taxonomists around the world have been tackling for centuries. The relation between intraspecific and interspecific variability is still under discussion and in many taxa it remains understudied. Here the hypothesis of single versus multiple species of the crab spider Synemaglobosum (Fabricius) is tested. The wide distribution range as well as its high morphological variability makes this species an interesting candidate for re-evaluation using an integrative approach. This study combines information from barcoding, phylogenetic reconstruction based on mitochondrial CO1 and ITS2 of more than 60 specimens collected over a wide range of European localities, and morphology. The findings show deep clades with up to 6% mean pairwise distance in the CO1 barcode without any biogeographical pattern. The nuclear ITS2 gene did not support the CO1 clades. Morphological assessment of somatic and genital characters in males and females and a morphometric analysis of the male palp uncovered high intraspecific variation that does not match the CO1 or ITS2 phylogenies or biogeography either. Screening for endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria was conducted and only a single infected specimen was found. Several scenarios might explain these inconsistent patterns. While the deep divergences in the barcoding marker might suggest cryptic or ongoing speciation or geographical isolation in the past, the lack of congruent variation in the nuclear ITS2 gene or the studied morphological character systems, especially the male palp, indicates that S.globosum might simply be highly polymorphic both in terms of its mtDNA and morphology. Therefore, more data on ecology and behaviour and full genome sequences are necessary to ultimately resolve this taxonomically intriguing case.

Seven new species of Australian peacock spiders (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini: Maratus Karsch, 1878).

Seven new species of the Australian peacock spider genus Maratus Karsch, 1878 are described from Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia: Maratus azureus sp. nov., Maratus constellatus sp. nov., Maratus inaquosus sp. nov., Maratus laurenae sp. nov., Maratus noggerup sp. nov., Maratus suae sp. nov., and Maratus volpei sp. nov.

On Sahastata (Araneae: Filistatidae): complementary description of the generotype and two new species from Oman and Morocco.

The Filistatinae genus Sahastata Benoit, 1968 is distributed in arid and semi-arid areas, from westernmost Sahara to India, and includes seven known species. Four of these are only known from one sex, including Sahastata nigra (Simon, 1897), the type species. Here we present the first description of a male of this species collected near the type locality in Muscat, Oman. Additionally, two new species are described: S. wunderlichi sp. nov. (♂♀, Morocco) and S. wesolowskae sp. nov. (♂♀, Oman). Sahastata infuscata (Kulczynski, 1901) is newly recorded from Kenya and Yemen and S. nigra is newly recorded from the United Arab Emirates. DNA barcodes are given for S. nigra and the two new species. We observed some details of the life cycle of three Sahastata species, including clutch size, time to maturation, and a biased sex ratio for individuals raised from egg sacs, indicating that only 20-25% of specimens reaching adulthood are males. We provide SEM images of spiders of this genus, some observations on the morphology of spinnerets and male palps, and a distribution map of the species included in the genus.

First records of the corinnid genera Allomedmassa Dankittipakul amp; Singtripop, 2014 and Medmassa Simon, 1887 from China, with the description of a new genus (Araneae: Corinnidae).

Two corinnid genera, Allomedmassa Dankittipakul Singtripop, 2014 and Medmassa Simon, 1887, are recorded from China for the first time, including five species, four of which are new to science: Allomedmassa mae Dankittipakul Singtripop, 2014, A. bifurca sp. nov., A. crassa sp. nov., A. matertera sp. nov. and Medmassa torta sp. nov.. A new genus, Paramedmassa gen. nov., is erected with the type species P. day (Dankittipakul Singtripop, 2014) comb. nov., which is transferred from Allomedmassa.

A survey of Agroeca Westring, 1861 from China (Araneae: Liocranidae).

Spiders of the genus Agroeca Westring, 1861 occurring in China were surveyed. Five species were previously known from the country, and eight species are reported for the first time, of which five are described as new: A. batangensis sp. n. (♂) from Chongqing City, A. lata sp. n. (♂ ♀) from the Yunnan Province, A. mainlingensis sp. n. (♂ ♀) from the Xizang Autonomous Region, A. nigra sp. n. (♂) from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and A. tumida sp. n. (♂) from the Gansu Province. The three described species recorded from China for the first time are A. brunnea (Blackwall, 1833) and A. dentigera Kulczynski, 1913 from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and A. coreana Namkung, 1989 from the Shaanxi Province. Two species previously described from southern Xinjiang, A. flavens O. P.-Cambridge, 1885 and A. debilis O. P.-Cambridge, 1885, probably do not belong to Agroeca.

A new species of Pionothele from Gobabeb, Namibia (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Nemesiidae).

The mygalomorph spider genus Pionothele Purcell, 1902 comprises two nominal species known only from South Africa. We describe here a new species, Pionothelegobabeb sp. n., from Namibia. This new species is currently only known from a very restricted area in the Namib Desert of western Namibia.

Description of two new species of Paratus Simon, 1898 from southern China (Araneae: Liocranidae).

In this paper, two new Paratus species are described from southern China from both sexes: Paratus hamatus sp. n. from Yunnan Province and P. kentingensis sp. n. from Taiwan Province.

Description of a new Charinus species (Amblypygi: Charinidae) from the Monseñor Nouel province, Dominican Republic.

A new species of Charinus Simon, 1892 from the Dominican Republic is described. With the addition of Charinus magua sp. nov. from the Monseñor Nouel province, the number of known members of the genus Charinus occurring on the island Hispaniola is increased to three. The frontal process, the trichobothria on leg IV, the number and shape of the articles of leg I and the shape of the tarsomers of legs II-IV are often included in taxonomical descriptions of Charinus species. We present these characters in the detailed description of C. magua sp. nov. and illustrate these for the first time for the two other known Charinus from Hispaniola, Charinus dominicanus and Charinus bahoruco. Furthermore, we present and discuss the cerotegument ultrastructure of all three species.

First description of the male of the type species Meotipa picturata Simon, 1895 and description of a new Meotipa species (Araneae, Theridiidae) from India.

The present paper reports the first description of the type species of the theridid genus Meotipa, Meotipa picturata Simon, 1895 and redescribe the female of the same species with one new species Meotipa multuma sp.nov. from India. The two species are described in detail and we provide digital images and illustrations. Chrysso makiling, Barrion-Dupo & Barrion is transferred to Meotipa Simon, 1895 based on the presence of the generic characters of the last genus.

Three new spider species of Irura Peckham & Peckham, 1901 from China (Araneae: Salticidae).

Three new species of the genus Irura are described from China: I. montiformis sp. nov., I. zhangae sp. nov. and I. yinae sp. nov. Distributional data, detailed morphological characteristics, and illustrations of body and genital organs are presented.

Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) within the United States.

This systematic study documents the taxonomy, diversity, and distribution of the tarantula spider genus Aphonopelma Pocock, 1901 within the United States. By employing phylogenomic, morphological, and geospatial data, we evaluated all 55 nominal species in the United States to examine the evolutionary history of Aphonopelma and the group's taxonomy by implementing an integrative approach to species delimitation. Based on our analyses, we now recognize only 29 distinct species in the United States. We propose 33 new synonymies (Aphonopelma apacheum, Aphonopelma minchi, Aphonopelma rothi, Aphonopelma schmidti, Aphonopelma stahnkei = Aphonopelma chalcodes; Aphonopelma arnoldi = Aphonopelma armada; Aphonopelma behlei, Aphonopelma vogelae = Aphonopelma marxi; Aphonopelma breenei = Aphonopelma anax; Aphonopelma chambersi, Aphonopelma clarum, Aphonopelma cryptethum, Aphonopelma sandersoni, Aphonopelma sullivani = Aphonopelma eutylenum; Aphonopelma clarki, Aphonopelma coloradanum, Aphonopelma echinum, Aphonopelma gurleyi, Aphonopelma harlingenum, Aphonopelma odelli, Aphonopelma waconum, Aphonopelma wichitanum = Aphonopelma hentzi; Aphonopelma heterops = Aphonopelma moderatum; Aphonopelma jungi, Aphonopelma punzoi = Aphonopelma vorhiesi; Aphonopelma brunnius, Aphonopelma chamberlini, Aphonopelma iviei, Aphonopelma lithodomum, Aphonopelma smithi, Aphonopelma zionis = Aphonopelma iodius; Aphonopelma phanum, Aphonopelma reversum = Aphonopelma steindachneri), 14 new species (Aphonopelma atomicum sp. n., Aphonopelma catalina sp. n., Aphonopelma chiricahua sp. n., Aphonopelma icenoglei sp. n., Aphonopelma johnnycashi sp. n., Aphonopelma madera sp. n., Aphonopelma mareki sp. n., Aphonopelma moellendorfi sp. n., Aphonopelma parvum sp. n., Aphonopelma peloncillo sp. n., Aphonopelma prenticei sp. n., Aphonopelma saguaro sp. n., Aphonopelma superstitionense sp. n., and Aphonopelma xwalxwal sp. n.), and seven nomina dubia (Aphonopelma baergi, Aphonopelma cratium, Aphonopelma hollyi, Aphonopelma mordax, Aphonopelma radinum, Aphonopelma rusticum, Aphonopelma texense). Our proposed species tree based on Anchored Enrichment data delimits five major lineages: a monotypic group confined to California, a western group, an eastern group, a group primarily distributed in high-elevation areas, and a group that comprises several miniaturized species. Multiple species are distributed throughout two biodiversity hotspots in the United States (i.e., California Floristic Province and Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands). Keys are provided for identification of both males and females. By conducting the most comprehensive sampling of a single theraphosid genus to date, this research significantly broadens the scope of prior molecular and morphological investigations, finally bringing a modern understanding of species delimitation in this dynamic and charismatic group of spiders.

Revised generic placement of Brachypelma embrithes (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1936) and Brachypelma angustum Valerio, 1980, with definition of the taxonomic features for identification of female Sericopelma Ausserer, 1875 (Araneae, Theraphosidae).

The tarantula genus Sericopelma was originally defined based on male specimens, most notably lacking tibial spurs on leg I. Early female specimens were unrecognised as Sericopelma, and typically placed in Eurypelma - a dumping ground for problem specimens. The first females were only later recognised, but authors failed to adequately define female Sericopelma. Here, the holotypes of the southern-most alleged Brachypelma species, Brachypelma embrithes (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1936) and Brachypelma angustum Valerio, 1980 were examined, and finding both to possess defining characteristics of Sericopelma were transferred. The taxonomic attributes to define Sericopelma relative to Brachypelma and select other Neotropical genera are discussed, especially for females. As important diagnostic characters for Sericopelma, the single (unilobar) spermathecae swollen at the apex forming a P-shaped cross-section, metatarsus IV with trace scopula, femur IV with a dense retrolateral pad of plumose hair, plus other attributes. Some past confusion in these characters are clarified and Sericopelma relative to Brachypelma and Megaphobema mesomelas are discussed. Finally recommendations are given about these taxonomic changes for CITES regulations.

First record of the mygalomorph spider family Paratropididae (Arachnida, Araneae) in North America with the description of a new species of Paratropis Simon from Mexico, and with new ultramorphological data for the family.

A new species of the genus Paratropis is described from North America: Paratropis tuxtlensis sp. n., from a tropical rainforest in Veracruz, Mexico. This is the fifth Paratropis and the tenth paratropidid species described and the first North American record of this Neotropical family. The species is described based on adult males and females, and juveniles. The juveniles show ontogenetic variation in the number of cuspules on the labium and endites, and in the number and position of leg trichobothria. This is the second Paratropis species, and the third paratropidid known from both sexes. The scanning electron photographs (SEM) reveal new morphological data and contribute to the knowledge of the family.

Taxonomic revision of the Trapdoor spider genus Eucteniza Ausserer (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Euctenizidae).

The mygalomorph spider genus Eucteniza Ausserer, 1875 comprises 15 nominal species known only from the southwestern United States (Texas) and Mexico (Northern, Central, and the Baja Peninsula). Eucteniza atoyacensis Bond & Opell, 2002 is considered a nomen dubium; E. rex (Chamberlin, 1940) and E. stolida (Gertsch & Mulaik, 1940) are both considered junior synonyms of E. relata (O.P.-Cambridge, 1895). Twelve new species are described: E. caprica, E. coylei, E. diablo, E. cabowabo, E. huasteca, E. zapatista, E. chichimeca, E. ronnewtoni, E. hidalgo, E. golondrina, E. panchovillai and E. rosalia.

A new species and new records of linyphiid spiders (Araneae Linyphiidae) from Amazonas, Brazil

Linyphiidae is currently the second richest family of spiders in the order Araneae but is poorly known and studied in Brazil, particularly in the northern states. In this contribution we describe a new species of Exechopsis Millidge, 1991 from the State of Amazonas, based on both males and females. The male of Meionetaadami Millidge, 1991 is described for the first time. Mermessus conjunctus (Millidge, 1991), Novafrontina uncata (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1902), Sphecozone fastibilis (Keyserling, 1886), Sphecozone ignigena (Keyserling, 1886) and Vesicapalpus simplex Millidge, 1991 are recorded for the first time from Amazonas. Sphecozone crassa (Millidge, 1991) are presented additional record from Amazonas.

A new species of Melloina (Araneae Paratropididae) from Venezuela

A new species of Melloina Brignoli, 1985, Melloina santuario sp. nov., is described from a cave in Venezuela. This is the third species described in this rarely sampled genus, and the first species known from both male and female. The male of M. santuario sp. nov. is distinguished by a longer embolus and fewer number of spines on the anterior tarsi. Females and immatures are distinguished by having fewer numbers of labial cuspules. The description of a new species from male and female samples increases our knowledge about Melloina. This added knowledge is important to the understanding of mygalomorph relationships, mainly in the Theraphosoidina, as Melloina is a basal genus within the Paratropididae.

Phylogenetic treatment and taxonomic revision of the trapdoor spider genus Aptostichus Simon (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Euctenizidae).

This systematic study documents the taxonomy, diversity, and distribution of 40 species of the predominately Californian trapdoor spider genus Aptostichus Simon, 1891. Thirty-three of these species are newly described: Aptostichus dantrippi, Aptostichus cabrillo, Aptostichus pennjillettei, Aptostichus asmodaeus, Aptostichus nateevansi, Aptostichus chiricahua, Aptostichus icenoglei, Aptostichus isabella, Aptostichus muiri, Aptostichus barackobamai, Aptostichus sinnombre, Aptostichus hedinorum, Aptostichus aguacaliente, Aptostichus chemehuevi, Aptostichus sarlacc, Aptostichus derhamgiulianii, Aptostichus anzaborrego, Aptostichus serrano, Aptostichus mikeradtkei, Aptostichus edwardabbeyi, Aptostichus killerdana, Aptostichus cahuilla, Aptostichus satleri, Aptostichus elisabethae, Aptostichus fornax, Aptostichus lucerne, Aptostichus fisheri, Aptostichus bonoi, Aptostichus cajalco, Aptostichus sierra, Aptostichus huntington, Aptostichus dorothealangeae, and Aptostichus chavezi. Most of these species are restricted to the California Floristic Province, a known biodiversity hotspot. Of the 40 recognized species, over half are considered to be imperiled or vulnerable and two have likely gone extinct over the past half-century; the conservation status of only 11 species is considered to be secure. Using 73 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters I propose a preliminary phylogeny for the genus that recognizes four major lineages: the Atomarius, Simus, Hesperus, and Sierra species groups. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis indicates that adaptations favoring the invasion of the arid desert habitats of southern California have evolved multiple times across the group. The existence of both desert and non - desert species in three of the four species groups makes this genus an ideal candidate for the study of the evolutionary ecology of desert arthropods. A set of molecular characters based on the contiguous mitochondrial DNA genes 16S-tRNA valine-12S is used in an independent analysis to assist in placement of specimens into species. The taxonomy section explicitly identifies the concept employed in species delimitation. Niche based distribution models are constructed to predict the ranges of species for which an adequate number of sampling sites were known.

Notes on the genus Harmonicon F.O.P.-Cambridge, 1896 (Araneae, Dipluridae) with description of a new species from French Guyana.

Information on the genus Harmonicon F.O.P.-Cambridge, 1896, a key to the species and a new diagnosis differing from the one in Maréchal and Marty (1998) are provided. A new species is described: Harmonicon oiapoqueae differing from other species of the genus by the morphology of the posterior sternal sigilla, the more recurved, inverted U-shaped fovea, the amount and arrangement of maxillary cuspules, a single row of teeth on the claws of the palpal tarsus, longer and more slender legs III and IV in females, longer embolus, thinner bulb, and longer, more slender legs in males. The status of the putative junior synonyms of Harmonicon, Pseudohermachura Mello-Leitão, 1927 and Prosharmonicon Mello-Leitão, as well as the two species formerly assigned to Harmonicon, Harmonicon nigridorsi Mello-Leitão, 1924 and Harmonicon riveti Simon, 1903, is discussed.