ABSTRACT
Background: Sicariidae is a small family of cryptic and recluse spiders, with 178 species grouped into three genera: Hexophtalma, Loxosceles and Sicarius. Only the last two occur in Brazil, where 29 species are recorded, with a greater number of records in the Southeast and South regions. To date, there is no regionalized study of the distribution of these spiders in the Northeast of Brazil. We presented more than four decades of data on the distribution of sicariid spiders in the state of Bahia. Our research aimed to identify and evaluate the distribution of sicariid species in this region, characterizing them in their biomes and phytophysiognomies. Methods: Data covers a period from 1983 to 2024, obtained from articles describing species recorded in Bahia and from three scientific collections from Brazilian institutions: Universidade Federal da Bahia (MHNBA); Instituto Butantan (IBSP); Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Maps were produced using the QGIS 3.34.1 software, based on geographic coordinates obtained from the original literature, when provided. Species without information on geographic coordinates were georeferenced using the SpeciesLink (geoLoc tool) for the municipalities. Biomes were consulted on the georeference Brazilian institute website and the phytophysiognomies were ignored when not specified in the data of collections or original literature. Results: We confirmed 14 species of sicariid spiders in the state of Bahia, eight from the genus Loxosceles (i) and six from Sicarius. The species were recorded in 48 municipalities, located mainly in the Caatinga biome. We recorded a distribution expansion of seven species: Loxosceles amazonica, L. chapadensis, L. karstica, L. similis, Sicarius cariri, S. ornatus and S. tropicus. There is a difference in species composition in the two regions separated by the São Francisco River, an important geographic barrier especially for small invertebrates. More than 75% of the species were registered in the east side and about 20% exclusively in the west side: L. boqueirao, L. cardosoi, L. carinhanha. This suggests the need for future studies to evaluate additional variables that determine community structure, especially considering their low vagility and reclusive behavior. Although Sicarius are found almost exclusively in the Caatinga, there are isolated records from Restinga and dry forest enclaves in the Cerrado domain and Atlantic Forest areas. This reinforces the possibility of them being able to adapt to slightly wetter environments erase colonize and survive in seasonally dry rainforest areas. Unlike Sicarius (i), Loxosceles (i) occupy a wide variety of habitats in natural, urban and domiciliary situations. Many of the records here such as for Loxosceles boqueirao, L. cardosoi, L. carinhanha, L. chapadensis, L. karstica and L. troglobia were obtained at caves or nearby areas, which appear to be attractive habitats for these nocturnal spiders.
Subject(s)
Spiders , Animals , Spiders/classification , Brazil , Animal Distribution , EcosystemABSTRACT
A new monotypic genus of Prodidominae, Paleotoca gen. n., is proposed to include one cave species collected in a paleoburrow and ferruginous caves from Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Paleotoca diminas sp. n. (♂♀). The new genus is closely related to other Neotropical Prodidominae by sharing the classic claw tuft clasper. Paleotoca gen. n. is diagnosed by the absence of a dorsal abdominal scutum, a ventral parallel rows of strong spines on the tibia and metatarsus I–II, a lack of a conductor, a discrete median apophysis on the bulb and a bifid retrolateral tibial apophysis in the male palp, a posterior extension that is beak-shaped, and folds of a copulatory duct ventrally visible in the female epigyne. Like other Prodidominae species from caves, P. diminas sp. n. is a troglobitic spider with morphological characteristics that indicate specialization to live in subterranean environments, including reduction in cuticular pigments, eye loss, heavy spination and trichobothria.
ABSTRACT
The spider genus Goeldia Keyserling is revised, seven new species are described, two species are revalidated and new synonyms are proposed. Goeldia patellaris (Simon, 1892) is removed from the synonymy with Goeldia obscura Keyserling, 1891 and considered a senior synonym of G. arnozoi (Mello-Leitão, 1924). This resulted in a secondary homonymy with Goeldia obscura Keyserling, 1878, which was resolved with the proposal of G. leechi Almeida-Silva & Brescovitnomen novumfor the type species (Goeldia obscura Keyserling, 1891). Goeldia funesta (Keyserling, 1883) is removed from the synonymy with G. obscura (Keyserling, 1878) and revalidated. Goeldia munda (Chamberling, 1916) is removed from the synonym with Goeldia patellaris (Simon, 1892) and placed as synonym of G.funesta. Calleva paupercula Simon, 1892 is removed from the synonym with Goeldia patellaris (Simon, 1892) and placed as junior synonym of G. luteipes (Keyserling, 1891). Newly described species are: G. bagumbubusp. nov.,Goeldia divasp. nov., G. gauderio sp. nov., G. goytacazessp. nov., and G. mirimsp. nov., all from Brazil, G. portenha sp. nov. from Argentina and G. utcuyacusp. nov. from Peru. Here we also include the first descriptions of the male of Goeldia obscura (Keyserling, 1878), G. funesta (Keyserling, 1883), and G. nigra (Mello-Leitão, 1917) and first description of the female G. guayaquilensis (Schmidt, 1971). Detailed examination of Goeldiatizamina (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1938) types shows that they are adult specimens, but not congeneric with species of Goeldia and will be treated in another publication. Other discoveries include the placement of Amaurobius thoracicus Mello-Leitão, 1945 as junior synonym of Goeldia luteipes (Keyserling, 1891), first record of Goeldiafunesta to USA and new distribution records for several species.
ABSTRACT
Background. Sicariidae is a small family of cryptic and recluse spiders, with 178 species grouped into three genera: Hexophtalma, Loxosceles and Sicarius. Only the last two occur in Brazil, where 29 species are recorded, with a greater number of records in the Southeast and South regions. To date, there is no regionalized study of the distribution of these spiders in the Northeast of Brazil. We presented more than four decades of data on the distribution of sicariid spiders in the state of Bahia. Our research aimed to identify and evaluate the distribution of sicariid species in this region, characterizing them in their biomes and phytophysiognomies. Methods. Data covers a period from 1983 to 2024, obtained from articles describing species recorded in Bahia and from three scientific collections from Brazilian institutions: Universidade Federal da Bahia (MHNBA); Instituto Butantan (IBSP); Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Maps were produced using the QGIS 3.34.1 software, based on geographic coordinates obtained from the original literature, when provided. Species without information on geographic coordinates were georeferenced using the SpeciesLink (geoLoc tool) for the municipalities. Biomes were consulted on the georeference Brazilian institute website and the phytophysiognomies were ignored when not specified in the data of collections or original literature. Results. We confirmed 14 species of sicariid spiders in the state of Bahia, eight from the genus Loxosceles (i) and six from Sicarius. The species were recorded in 48 municipalities, located mainly in the Caatinga biome. We recorded a distribution expansion of seven species: Loxosceles amazonica, L. chapadensis, L. karstica, L. similis, Sicarius cariri, S. ornatus and S. tropicus. There is a difference in species composition in the two regions separated by the São Francisco River, an important geographic barrier especially for small invertebrates. More than 75% of the species were registered in the east side and about 20% exclusively in the west side: L. boqueirao, L. cardosoi, L. carinhanha. This suggests the need for future studies to evaluate additional variables that determine community structure, especially considering their low vagility and reclusive behavior. Although Sicarius are found almost exclusively in the Caatinga, there are isolated records from Restinga and dry forest enclaves in the Cerrado domain and Atlantic Forest areas. This reinforces the possibility of them being able to adapt to slightly wetter environments erase colonize and survive in seasonally dry rainforest areas. Unlike Sicarius (i), Loxosceles (i) occupy a wide variety of habitats in natural, urban and domiciliary situations. Many of the records here such as for Loxosceles boqueirao, L. cardosoi, L. carinhanha, L. chapadensis, L. karstica and L. troglobia were obtained at caves or nearby areas, which appear to be attractive habitats for these nocturnal spiders.
ABSTRACT
Nine new species of the Neotropical spider genus Epicratinus Jocqué & Baert, 2005 are described. Epicratinus includes now 25 species, all with male and female descriptions. An identification key for all species of the genus and maps for new species. The following nine new species are described: E. yoda sp. nov. from the state of Alagoas, Bahia, Paraíba and Pernambuco; E. temuerai sp. nov. from the state of Bahia and Mato Grosso; E. arlequina sp. nov. and E. maozinha sp. nov. from the state of Minas Gerais; E. leia sp. nov., E. baraka sp. nov. and E. smeagol sp. nov. from the state of Bahia; E. raiden sp. nov. from the state of Mato Grosso; E. luke sp. nov. from the state of Espírito Santo, all from Brazil.
ABSTRACT
A new troglobitic species of Chelodesmidae, Cayenniola albaserratan. sp., from the Água Clara cave system, Caatinga Domain, Bahia, Brazil is described. The new species is only the sixth known troglobitic chelodesmid, the first troglobitic species in the Priodesmini, and the first member of the tribe recorded from the state of Bahia. Unique among the Priodesmini, male C. albaserratan. sp. possess greatly elongated pre-gonopodal tarsal claws and differ from the only congener, Cayenniola styliger (Jeekel, 1963),by a combination of gonopodal and somatic characters including classical troglomorphic traits such as a nearly unpigmented body and remarkably long antennae, legs, and tarsal claws. Cayenniola styliger is only known from the type locality in the Amazon rainforest of coastal French Guiana, suggesting that C. albaserratan. sp. may represent a relictual species from the Caatinga Domain of Brazil. We provide ecological notes and evaluate the potential threats to the habitat of C. albaserratan. sp., considering both the subterranean environment and the surrounding areas.
ABSTRACT
Animals exhibit a variety of strategies to avoid predation; spiders are no exception. We explored whether webbuilding spiders that differ in the architecture of their webs exhibit morphologies or behaviors suggestive of antipredator strategies that trade-off with the degree of protection offered by their webs. Spiders build webs of 3 types: the more protected tangles and sheet-and-tangles, which are three-dimensional (3D), and the more exposed orbs, which are two-dimensional (2D), both with or without a refuge. We hypothesize that spiders whose webs offer greater protection—a 3D architecture or a refuge—will be less likely to be armored or brightly colored when compared to spiders without these protections. We collected data on 446 spiders and their webs in 2 lowland tropical rainforest sites. We show that 2D web builders with no refuges tended to be brightly colored (background contrasting) and spiny (spiky), whereas those with refuges tended to blend against the background of their refuges. 3D web builders, on the other hand, were neither cryptic nor brightly colored nor armored but were more likely to drop out of the web upon simulated predator contact. These results support the hypothesis that web-building spiders tend to be protected either through the architecture of their webs or their morphology and behavior, suggesting a trade-off between different types of antipredator strategies.
ABSTRACT
In recent years, several endemic species of Loxosceles, violin spiders, have been described from the North-Central Chile biodiversity hotspot, some of which have ambiguous placement within the species groups of the genus. In a recent expedition to the Atacama region, we collected male specimens representing new records of two recently described species: Loxosceles vicentei Taucare-Ríos, Brescovit & Villablanca, 2022 and Loxosceles vallenar Brescovit, Taucare-Ríos, Magalhaes & Santos, 2017 (Araneae, Sicariidae). Males of the latter are hitherto unknown and are here described for the first time. Examination of the morphology of these species revealed characters such as an embolic keel and digitiform median receptacles, which suggest they do not belong in the laeta species group, but rather in the spadicea species group, which is briefly re-diagnosed. With carapace lengths smaller than 2 mm, the newly discovered males of L. vallenar are the tiniest members of the genus. In addition, males of this species bear strong macrosetae in the clypeus, a sexually dimorphic character not previously reported in Loxosceles.
ABSTRACT
The genus Arctosa C.L. Koch is redescribed and diagnosed. Seven new species are described, four of them based on both sexes (A. conflicta sp. nov., A. costenola sp. nov., A. jibarosa sp. nov. and A. villa sp. nov.), two only on females (A. ayaymama sp. nov. and A. mineira sp. nov.), and one only on the male (A. pacaya sp. nov.). We also propose the transference of Arctosa humicola (Bertkau, 1880) and Arctosa fusca (Keyserling, 1877) to Trochosa C.L. Koch, 1847, and the new synonymy of Arctosa inconspicua (Bryant, 1948) with Trochosa humicola (Bertkau, 1880) comb. nov. Besides, Arctosa andina (Chamberlin, 1916) and Arctosa pugil (Bertkau, 1880) are transferred to Hogna Simon, 1885, and Arctosa aussereri (Keyserling, 1877) to Prolycosides Mello-Leitão, 1942. Additionally, eight lycosid species are synonymized with Prolycosides aussereri: Schizocosa proletaria (Tullgren, 1905); Arctosa workmani (Strand, 1909); Hogna planithoracis (Mello-Leitão, 1938); Hogna variolosa (Mello-Leitão, 1941); Megarctosa melanostoma (Mello-Leitão, 1941); Hippasosa huachoi (Mello-Leitão, 1942); Pirata abalosi (Mello-Leitão, 1942); and Pirata soukupi (Mello-Leitão, 1942). We also transfer Trochosa tenebrosa Keyserling, 1877 to Arctosa. The males of Arctosa tenebrosa (Keyserling, 1877) comb. nov. and Trochosa humicola (Bertkau, 1880) comb. nov. are described for the first time.
ABSTRACT
This paper presents a taxonomic revision of the genus Tullgrenella Mello-Leitão, 1941. Four new species are described: Tullgrenella aisenbergae Marta, sp. nov. (Brazil) (♂♀), T. legalissima Marta & Hagopián sp. nov. (Uruguay) (♀), T. galianoae Marta, sp. nov. (Brazil) (♂♀) and T. sciosciae Marta & Bustamante sp. nov. (Brazil) (♂♀). The males of T. corrugata Galiano, 1981 and T. peniaflorensis Galiano, 1970, and the female of T. selenita Galiano, 1970 are described for the first time. An updated diagnosis for the genus is provided based on the detailed comparative morphological studies. In addition, we present a proposal and discussion about the species groups of Tullgrenella based on the putative synapomorphies as well as the updated distribution of the genus in South America.
ABSTRACT
Sicarius rugosus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899) is recorded for the first time in Honduras, with the record of three males and eight immatures collected in the town of Pespire, department of Choluteca, in the south of the country. We also recorded the species from the study of an exuvia collected in the department of Comayagua. A revised diagnosis, photographs of the males, distribution map, as well as information on the natural history of this species in Honduras, are provided.
ABSTRACT
Among the 50,474 spider species, only 849 have chromosomal data available in the literature. Fifty spider families remain unknown from a cytogenetic perspective. The aim of this study was to analyze chromosomally selected araneomorph spiders from Brazil, to contribute to the cytotaxonomy and chromosome evolution of this group. The karyotypes of 12 species belonging to families Corinnidae, Linyphiidae, Oonopidae, Palpimanidae, Theridiidae, Theridiosomatidae, Trachelidae, and Zodariidae were analyzed, including the first chromosomal record for the first two families. Specimens (with the abdomen content partially exposed by perforation) were subjected to colchicine, hypotonization, and fixation. In most cases, the total content of the abdomen was used to prepare slides by spreading of cell suspension and subsequent Giemsa staining. The results were as follows: Cinetomorpha simplex Simon, 1892 (Oonopidae) 2nâ = 9, X0; Neotrops sp. and Neoxyphinus termitophilus (Oonopidae), 2nâ = 7, X0; Otiothops birabeni (Palpimanidae); Agyneta sp. (Linyphiidae), 2nâ = 24, X1X20; Coleosoma floridanum, Thymoites sp.1 and Thymoites sp.2 (Theridiidae), 2nâ = 22, X1X20; Naatlo sp. (Theridiosomatidae), 2nâ = 30, X1X20; Orthobula sp. (Trachelidae) 2nâ = 21, X0; Falconina sp. (Corinnidae), 2nâ = 28, X1X20; Epicratinus sp. (Zodariidae) 2nâ = 42, X1X20. The chromosomal morphology was determined for all the samples except for Oonopidae. Most species exhibited telocentric chromosomes, with the exception of Palpimanidae and Theridiosomatidae. The main findings: 1) support an hypothesis on ancestral karyotype of Zodariidae and Oonopidae; 2) reveal a relatively high chromosome number in Palpimanidae that supports an idea on relatively high ancestral chromosome number (2nâ = 42) of entelegyne spiders (Palpimanoidea is sister group of entelegyne spiders); 3) show that the karyotype found in Theridiosomatidae is exceptional within the Araneoidea.
ABSTRACT
Spiders of the family Trochanteriidae are characterized by the carapace being extremely flat, with a reflex border, medium posterior eyes flattened, laterigrade legs, the absence of claw tufts, anterior lateral spinnerets with an incomplete distal article, and an inflatable and epiginal plate formed by a divided plate. Two out of the six worldwide genera of Trocantheriids have species in the Brazilian areas: Trochanteria Karsch and Vectius Simon. Here we present the redescription of Vectius niger and morphological data of Trochanteria gomezi, with an expansion of the distribution of these species in the Neotropical region and unpublished chromosomal data of both species. Mitotic and meiotic cells of both T. gomezi and V. niger showed 2n=22 and 2n=24 telocentric chromosomes, with a sex chromosome system of the type X1X2 in males/X1X1X2X2 in females. The chromosomal data shown here matches those found in trochanteriids to date.
Subject(s)
Spiders , Male , Female , Animals , Niger , Animal Distribution , Animal ShellsABSTRACT
A new species of the genus Pinelema Wang & Li, 2012, occurring in caves of the state of Bahia in Northeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. This species has the typical troglobitic characters, such as the absence of eyes, elongation of legs and setae, and pale, almost depigmented, somatic coloration. Data on the natural history of populations of P. elinae sp. nov. from caves in the Serra do Ramalho, State of Bahia, are presented. This work represents the first description of a relictual species of Telemidae spiders in Brazil.
Subject(s)
Spiders , Animals , Brazil , EyeABSTRACT
A new Leucauge species, widespread in the Amazon rainforest, is described and illustrated. Leucauge behemoth n. sp. lives in colonies, usually positioned above turbulent waters. Both males and females have a unique color pattern, especially on the abdomen, which makes this species easily identifiable. Males are distinguished from most congeners by the long hook of the cymbium and from their closest relatives by the lack of a cymbial dorsobasal process. Females of this species differ from their congeners by the presence of a rounded ventral process in the epigynum. Leucauge argyroaffins Soares & Camargo, 1948 is proposed as a junior synonym of Leucauge argyra (Walckenaer, 1841).
Subject(s)
Gastropoda , Spiders , Male , Female , Animals , RainforestABSTRACT
Tenedos O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897, is the most diverse arrangement of Neotropical zodariids. The genus is composed by several species group, which only the barronus group is formally recognized. However, several groups remain uncharacterized despite being easily distinguishable by the distinctive sexual morphology. We formally proposed a second species group in Tenedos, the trilobatus group, including the known species Tenedos trilobatus Jocqué & Baert, 2002 from Colombia and T. figaro Jocqué & Baert, 2002 from Ecuador, whose type specimens are redescribed herein. Seven new species of the trilobatus group from Colombia are proposed based on both sexes: T. anchicaya sp. n. (♂♀), T. chiribiquete sp. n. (♂♀), T. cumbre sp. n. (♂♀), T. gabi sp. n. (♂♀), T. quimbaya sp. n. (♂♀), T. huila sp. n. (♂♀), T. valle sp. n. (♂♀). New data on the distribution range of Tenedos trilobatus in Colombia are included. We further provide distribution maps and an identification key for all species of the group. Morphological remarks of the new group and a comparison of it with the barronus group are included.
ABSTRACT
Spiders of the family Trochanteriidae are characterized by the carapace being extremely flat, with a reflex border, medium posterior eyes flattened, laterigrade legs, the absence of claw tufts, anterior lateral spinnerets with an incomplete distal article, and an inflatable and epiginal plate formed by a divided plate. Two out of the six worldwide genera of Trocantheriids have species in the Brazilian areas: Trochanteria Karsch and Vectius Simon. Here we present the redescription of Vectius niger and morphological data of Trochanteria gomezi, with an expansion of the distribution of these species in the Neotropical region and unpublished chromosomal data of both species. Mitotic and meiotic cells of both T. gomezi and V. niger showed 2n♂=22 and 2n♀=24 telocentric chromosomes, with a sex chromosome system of the type X1X2 in males/X1X1X2X2 in females. The chromosomal data shown here matches those found in trochanteriids to date.
ABSTRACT
A new Leucauge species, widespread in the Amazon rainforest, is described and illustrated. Leucauge behemoth n. sp. lives in colonies, usually positioned above turbulent waters. Both males and females have a unique color pattern, especially on the abdomen, which makes this species easily identifiable. Males are distinguished from most congeners by the long hook of the cymbium and from their closest relatives by the lack of a cymbial dorsobasal process. Females of this species differ from their congeners by the presence of a rounded ventral process in the epigynum. Leucauge argyroaffins Soares & Camargo, 1948 is proposed as a junior synonym of Leucauge argyra (Walckenaer, 1841).
ABSTRACT
A new species of the genus Pinelema Wang & Li, 2012, occurring in caves of the state of Bahia in Northeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. This species has the typical troglobitic characters, such as the absence of eyes, elongation of legs and setae, and pale, almost depigmented, somatic coloration. Data on the natural history of populations of P. elinae sp. nov. from caves in the Serra do Ramalho, State of Bahia, are presented. This work represents the first description of a relictual species of Telemidae spiders in Brazil.
ABSTRACT
Three new species of the spider genus Speocera Berland, 1914 are described from caves of different lithologies, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: Speocera canjica n. sp., S. pamonha n. sp. and S. vacaatolada n. sp., all based on males and females. Among the described species, S. vacaatolada n. sp., presents a palp morphology similar to that of Speocera pallida, where a reduction of bulb structures occurs. Résumé Trois nouvelles espèces du genre Speocera (Araneae : Ochyroceratidae) provenant de grottes de l'État de Minas Gerais, Brésil. Trois nouvelles espèces du genre d'araignées Speocera Berland, 1914, collectées dans des grottes de différentes lithologies de l'État de Minas Gerais, au Brésil, sont décrites : Speocera canjica n. sp., S. pamonha n. sp. et S. vacaatolada n. sp., toutes basées sur des mâles et des femelles. Parmi les espèces décrites, S. vacaatolada n. sp. est la première espèce avec une morphologie des palpes similaire à celle de Speocera pallida, où l’on constate une réduction des structures du bulbe.