Revision of Neotropical wolf spider genus Arctosa C.L. Koch, 1847 (Araneae: Lycosidae), with description of seven new species

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.

Taxonomic revision of the jumping spider genus Tullgrenella Mello-Leitão, 1941 (Araneae: Salticidae: Freyina)

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.

The first record of Sicarius rugosus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899) (Araneae: Haplogynae: Sicariidae) for Honduras, with comments on its natural history

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.

Chromosomal Study on Selected Small Araneomorph Spiders from Brazil, Including the First Records in Palpimanidae and Theridiosomatidae (Araneae, Araneomorphae).

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) 2n♂ = 9, X0; Neotrops sp. and Neoxyphinus termitophilus (Oonopidae), 2n♂ = 7, X0; Otiothops birabeni (Palpimanidae); Agyneta sp. (Linyphiidae), 2n♂ = 24, X1X20; Coleosoma floridanum, Thymoites sp.1 and Thymoites sp.2 (Theridiidae), 2n♂ = 22, X1X20; Naatlo sp. (Theridiosomatidae), 2n♂ = 30, X1X20; Orthobula sp. (Trachelidae) 2n♂ = 21, X0; Falconina sp. (Corinnidae), 2n♂ = 28, X1X20; Epicratinus sp. (Zodariidae) 2n♂ = 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 (2n♂ = 42) of entelegyne spiders (Palpimanoidea is sister group of entelegyne spiders); 3) show that the karyotype found in Theridiosomatidae is exceptional within the Araneoidea.

Taxonomic notes, distribution update and the first chromosomal analysis of Vectius niger (Simon, 1880) and Trochanteria gomezi Canals, 1933 (Araneae: Trochanteriidae).

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.

A new species of Pinelema Wang & Li, 2012, a relictual telemid spider inhabiting caves in Brazil (Araneae, Telemidae).

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.

The more, the merrier: a new colonial species of the orb weaving spider genus Leucauge White, 1841 (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) from the Amazon rainforest.

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).

Revealing the diversity of ant-eating spiders in Colombia II: morphology, distribution, and taxonomy of the trilobatus group of the genus Tenedos O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897 (Araneae: Zodariidae)

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.

Taxonomic notes, distribution update and the first chromosomal analysis of Vectius niger (Simon, 1880) and Trochanteria gomezi Canals, 1933 (Araneae: Trochanteriidae)

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.

The more, the merrier: a new colonial species of the orb weaving spider genus Leucauge White, 1841 (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) from the Amazon rainforest

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).

A new species of Pinelema Wang & Li, 2012, a relictual telemid spider inhabiting caves in Brazil (Araneae, Telemidae)

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.

Three new species of the genus Speocera (Araneae: Ochyroceratidae) from caves of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

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.

On the Neotropical spider genus Otoniela Brescovit, 1997 (Araneae: Anyphaenidae, Anyphaeninae), with the description of six new species

The genus Otoniela Brescovit, 1997 includes two species, the type species Otoniela adisi Brescovit, 1997, distributed in Peru and Brazil and O. quadrivittata (Simon, 1897), recorded in Venezuela and Argentina. Analyzing 127 individuals permited to expand the records of Otoniela adisi and to describe six additional species: O. lupercioi sp. nov. (♂♀), from Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay; O. chica sp. nov. (♂♀), O. duovizinhense sp. nov. (♂♀), and O. tigre sp. nov. (♂♀), from Brazil and Argentina; and O. aparecida n. sp (♀) and O. negrinho sp. nov. (♂♀), known only from Brazil. As a result, a new emended diagnosis of the genus is presented. Additionally, complementary morphological data of Otoniela adisi are documented.

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) in different urban green areas: an analysis of their taxonomic and functional diversity

In cities, habitats classified as green areas are especially important for the conservation of species. Therefore, understanding how different biological groups are influenced by differences in the structures of green areas is relevant when planning urban environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different types of green areas to the taxonomic and functional diversities of ants and spiders and to discuss the importance of green area management for both groups. We sampled three categories of green areas: forest fragments (40 sample points), vacant lots (20) and gardens/backyards (20), where we evaluated the taxonomic and functional richness and composition of both groups of organisms. At each sample point, we used several techniques, such as: entomological umbrella, Winkler extractors and manual collection. We sampled 149 ant species and 97 spider species. Our results demonstrate that there are differences in the diversity of ants and spiders, as well as in the number of functional groups of ants between the different types of green areas. As expected, forest fragments are the ones that most contribute to the observed diversity, and our findings highlight the importance of evaluating the biotic influence of green areas at a smaller spatial scale.

A case of mass occurrence of Sandalodesmus araujoi (Schubart, 1946) in a municipality of São Paulo, Brazil and description of the heretofore unknown female (Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae)

Somatic characters are shared by many Chelodesmidae groups, and generic placement and species identifications traditionally have been based on gonopodal morphology. Female genitalic characters have been largely neglected and are rarely photographed or illustrated. This is rather unfortunate as the morphology of female genitalia presents important characters and may be decisive for developing a more robust family classification. We describe the heretofore unknown female of Sandalodesmus araujoi (Schubart, 1946), previously known only from the male holotype collected in São Paulo, Brazil in December 1943; discuss the utility of female genitalic characters for species delineation in Sandalodesmus; and report the first case of a mass occurrence in the Chelodesmidae. While an attempt at a formal diagnosis of Sandalodesmus females based on genitalic characters is premature, the vulvar morphology of the three taxa examined in this study suggests that female genitalia are species-specific. Some characters (i.e., asymmetric valves, presence of digitiform projections and reduction of setae on the internal basal portion of the valves) are constant between the species, suggesting utility for generic-level delineation. Mass occurrences of millipedes are typically unpredictable and likely related to variations in environmental conditions and/or anthropogenic modifications of natural habitats. Although the mass occurrence of S. araujoi reported herein was only observed once, the event coincides with the mating period of millipedes during the rainy season in Brazil. On the other hand, the region where the species was found has been the target of intense urban development, including replacement of natural habitats with residential areas, which may have influenced its population dynamics.

Os caracteres somáticos são compartilhados por muitos grupos de Chelodesmidae, e o posicionamento genérico e as identificações de espécies tradicionalmente têm sido baseadas na morfologia do gonópodo. Carateres genitais das fêmeas foram amplamente negligenciados e raramente são fotografados ou ilustrados. Isso é lamentável, pois a morfologia da genitália feminina apresenta características importantes e pode ser decisiva para o desenvolvimento de uma classificação mais robusta. Neste trabalho, descrevemos a até então desconhecida fêmea de Sandalodesmus araujoi (Schubart, 1946)

Chromosomal study on selected small araneomorph spiders from Brazil, including the first records in Palpimanidae and Theridiosomatidae (Araneae, Araneomorphae)

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) 2n♂ = 9, X0; Neotrops sp. and Neoxyphinus termitophilus (Oonopidae), 2n♂ = 7, X0; Otiothops birabeni (Palpimanidae); Agyneta sp. (Linyphiidae), 2n♂ = 24, X1X20; Coleosoma floridanum, Thymoites sp.1 and Thymoites sp.2 (Theridiidae), 2n♂ = 22, X1X20; Naatlo sp. (Theridiosomatidae), 2n♂ = 30, X1X20; Orthobula sp. (Trachelidae) 2n♂ = 21, X0; Falconina sp. (Corinnidae), 2n♂ = 28, X1X20; Epicratinus sp. (Zodariidae) 2n♂ = 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 (2n♂ = 42) of entelegyne spiders (Palpimanoidea is sister group of entelegyne spiders); 3) show that the karyotype found in Theridiosomatidae is exceptional within the Araneoidea.

Additions to the millipede fauna of an Amazonian ferruginous landscape: a new species of Pseudoporatia widespread in rock outcrops (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Pyrgodesmidae)

Here we describe the new species Pseudoporatia kananciue Iniesta, Bouzan, Souza & Brescovit, n. sp., widespread in the Amazonian ferruginous landscape of the state of Pará, Brazil. The species differs from its only congener P. perplexa Golovatch, 1999 by the presence of 19 body rings in adults (vs 20 body rings), the position of the porosteles on the paraterga, and the morphology of the gonopods. Notes on its ecology and comments on the diversity of millipedes in the region of Serra dos Carajás, state of Pará, Brazil, are also provided. Ajouts à la faune de mille-pattes d'un paysage ferrugineux amazonien: une nouvelle espèce de Pseudoporatia Golovatch, 1999 répandue dans les affleurements rocheux (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Pyrgodesmidae). Nous décrivons ici la nouvelle espèce Pseudoporatia kananciue Iniesta, Bouzan, Souza & Brescovit, n. sp., répandue dans le paysage ferrugineux amazonien de l'État de Pará, Brésil. L'espèce diffère de son seul congénère P. perplexa Golovatch, 1999 par la présence de 19 anneaux corporels chez les adultes (contre 20 anneaux corporels), la position des porostèles sur les paraterga et la morphologie des gonopodes. Des notes sur son écologie et des commentaires sur la diversité des mille-pattes dans la région de Serra dos Carajás, État de Pará, Brésil, sont également fournis.

Breaking the cliché: sex reversal in size dimorphism and mobility in South American Allocosinae (Lycosidae) spiders

Typically, females and males are expected to have characteristic sexual strategies and patterns of size dimorphism, but these generalizations are subject to exceptions. The occurrence of atypical cases has been related to species or populations from environments under strong physical, ecological and/or social constraints. Allocosa marindia and Allocosa senex are two coastal spiders (Lycosidae: Allocosinae) with reversal in sex roles and sexual size dimorphism. Males are larger than females, and females are the mobile sex that initiates courtship. It is unclear whether the occurrence of non-typical sexual traits in Allocosinae spiders is correlated with coastal habitats. Our aim was to study sexual size dimorphism and surface mobility in Allocosinae spiders from different habitats throughout South America. We revised specimens from scientific collections and performed 3-day samplings to collect individuals and determine nocturnal surface mobility. We analysed a total of 1071 Allocosinae adult individuals from 18 species and/or morphotypes. Our results revealed new species inhabiting coastal habitats with reversal in sexual size dimorphism and higher nocturnal surface activity in females; however, not all coastal species shared those characteristics. Future studies will focus on studying other ecological, physiological and/or phylogenetic factors that could be shaping the origin and maintenance of sex role reversal in Allocosinae.

A review of the previously monotypic tribeDibolostethini(Chelodesmidae: Chelodesminae) with description of two new species and a summary of the Chelodesmidae of the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot

The chelodesmid genus Dibolostethus Hoffman, 2009, the sole member of the tribe Dibolostethini, is reviewed. The genus contains the type species D. sicarius Hoffman, 2009 known only from the Los Rios Province, Ecuador, and two new species from the Tropical Andes, D. inopinatus Means, Bouzan & Ivanov sp. nov. from the Morona-Santiago Province, Ecuador and D. kattani Means, Bouzan, Martínez-Torres & Ivanov sp. nov. from the Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia. We redescribe D. sicarius and provide a revised diagnosis of the genus, images of diagnostic morphological characters, and a key to the males of Dibolostethus. In addition, we provide a summary and a distribution map of the Chelodesmidae of the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot.

Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) from the Serra de Piquiatuba, Santarém, Pará, northern Brazil

The Serra de Piquiatuba is situated in the area of the 8th Battalion of Engineering and Construction—8° BEC, located at km 8 of the Santarém–Cuiabá highway, in the municipality of Santarém, Pará, Brazil. This region is characterized by a hot and humid climate with rainfall exceeding 1900 mm p.a. In this study, we present a species list of scorpions from the Serra de Piquiatuba, based on data collected from September to November 2010. Five species were recorded, all common in the Amazon, belonging to the families Buthidae and Chactidae. The observed diversity patterns are discussed considering other scorpion inventories carried out in Brazil and possible sampling biases. The present study raises methodological questions to be further addressed in scorpion community ecology studies.