Three new species of Loxosceles Heinecken & Lowe, 1832 (Araneae, Sicariidae) from Brazilian caves

Three new species of recluse spiders are described from Brazilian caves with both males and females. Loxosceles boqueirao Bertani & Gallão sp. nov. is found in the State of Bahia, in the Serra do Ramalho karst area, it belongs to the rufescens species group, and is closely related to L. cardosoi Bertani, von Schimonsky & Gallão, 2018 and L. carinhanha Bertani, von Schimonsky & Gallão, 2018 from the same karst area. Thus, there are now three species in the Serra do Ramalho karst area closely related, but noticeably distinct morphologically from other species of Loxosceles. Loxosceles planetaria Bertani & Gallão sp. nov. and L. bodoquena Bertani & Gallão sp. nov. are found in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, in the Serra da Bodoquena karst area. They belong to the gaucho species group and are closely related to L. gaucho Gertsch, 1967. These are the first species of Loxosceles described from this karst area in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Loxosceles boqueirao sp. nov. and L. bodoquena sp. nov. bear some troglomorphisms and are, herein, proposed as troglobitic species, whereas L. planetaria sp. nov. is proposed as a troglophilic species. Brazil has now 22 described species of Loxosceles.

On the genus Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with the description of six new species.

The poorly known mygalomorph genus Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 is redescribed and rediagnosed. Thalerommata gracilis Ausserer, 1875 (type species) and T. macella (Simon, 1903) are rediagnosed. Thalerommata meridana (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1938) is considered a nomen dubium. Six new species are described: T. squamea n. sp., T. huila n. sp., T. splendens n. sp., T. pecki n. sp., T. maculata n. sp., and T. gertschi n. sp. Thalerommata is transferred from Barychelidae to Theraphosidae and considered closely related with Trichopelma Simon, 1888, with which it shares the biserially dentate superior tarsal claws in males in combination with non-incrassate PLS. The genus is distributed from northern South-America to the Caribbean.

On the genus Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with the description of six new species

The poorly known mygalomorph genus Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 is redescribed and rediagnosed. Thalerommata gracilis Ausserer, 1875 (type species) and T. macella (Simon, 1903) are rediagnosed. Thalerommata meridana (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1938) is considered a nomen dubium. Six new species are described: T. squamea n. sp., T. huila n. sp., T. splendens n. sp., T. pecki n. sp., T. maculata n. sp., and T. gertschi n. sp. Thalerommata is transferred from Barychelidae to Theraphosidae and considered closely related with Trichopelma Simon, 1888, with which it shares the biserially dentate superior tarsal claws in males in combination with non-incrassate PLS. The genus is distributed from northern South-America to the Caribbean.

Taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of Lasiodora C. L. Koch, 1850 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) with notes on related genera

The genus Lasiodora C. L. Koch, 1850 is revised and morphological cladistic analyses carried out including all of its species, as well as most of those of the related genera Vitalius Lucas, Silva & Bertani, 1993, Nhandu Lucas, 1983, Pterinopelma Pocock, 1901, Proshapalopus Mello-Leitão, 1923, Eupalaestrus Pocock, 1901, Lasiocyano Galleti-Lima, Hamilton, Borges & Guadanucci, 2023, Parvicarina Galleti-Lima, Hamilton, Borges & Guadanucci, 2023, and Tekoapora Galleti-Lima, Hamilton, Borges & Guadanucci, 2023. A matrix with 50 terminal taxa, 2 continuous and 48 discrete characters was analyzed with TNT 1.5. The result shows a monophyletic Lasiodora as sister group of Nhandu, and Vitalius is the sister group of this clade. Lasiodora comprises 7 species: Lasiodora klugi (C. L. Koch, 1841) (type species), L. benedeni Bertkau, 1880, L. parahybana Mello-Leitão, 1917, L. subcanens Mello-Leitão, 1921, L. camurujipe n. sp., L. sertaneja n. sp., and L. franciscana n. sp. Lasiodora itabunae Mello-Leitão, 1921 is considered a junior synonym of L. klugi. Lasiodora differens Chamberlin, 1917, L. curtior Chamberlin, 1917, L. mariannae Mello-Leitão, 1921, L. difficilis Mello-Leitão, 1921, L. erythrocythara Mello-Leitão, 1921, and Acanthoscurria cristata Mello-Leitão, 1923 are considered junior synonyms of L. benedeni. Lasiodora acanthognatha Mello-Leitão, 1921 is considered junior synonym of L. parahybana. Lasiodora dulcicola Mello-Leitão, 1921 is considered junior synonym of L. subcanens. Nhandu sylviae Sherwood, Gabriel & Brescovit, 2023 is considered junior synonym of Vitalius sorocabae Mello-Leitão, 1923. The holotype of Crypsidromus isabellinus Ausserer, 1871 (type species of the genus) was reanalyzed and is considered the senior synonym of Proshapalopus anomalus Mello-Leitão, 1923 (type species of the genus). Thus, the genus Crypsidromus Ausserer, 1871 is considered valid, removed from the synonymy with Lasiodora, and Proshapalopus is considered a junior synonym of Crypsidromus. The new combination C. multicuspidatus (Mello-Leitão, 1929) n. comb. is established. Crypsidromus bolivianus Simon, 1892 is considered a junior synonym of Acanthoscurria insubtilis Simon, 1892. Five species from Costa Rica described in Crypsidromus are transferred back from Lasiodora: Crypsidromus brevibulbus Valerio, 1980 comb. rev., C. carinatus Valerio, 1980 comb. rev., C. icecu Valerio, 1980 comb. rev., C. puriscal Valerio, 1980 comb. rev., C. rubitarsus Valerio, 1980 comb. rev. Lasiodora lakoi Mello-Leitão, 1943 is transferred to Megaphobema, making the new combination Megaphobema lakoi (Mello-Leitão, 1943) n. comb. Lasiodora spinipes Ausserer, 1871 is transferred to Theraphosa, making the new combination Theraphosa spinipes (Ausserer, 1871) n. comb. Nhandu chromatus Schmidt, 2004 is transferred to Vitalius making the new combination Vitalius chromatus (Schmidt, 2004) n. comb. Lasiodora sternalis is transferred to Acanthoscurria making the new combination Acanthoscurria sternalis (Mello-Leitão, 1923). Due to the homonymy with Acanthoscurria sternalis Pocock, 1903, the new name Acanthoscurria melloleitaoi nom. nov. is proposed. The following species are considered nomina dubia: Lasiodora saeva (Walckenaer, 1837), Lasiodora striatipes (Ausserer, 1871), Lasiodora moreni (Holmberg, 1876), Crypsidromus fallax Bertkau, 1880, Trechona pantherina Keyserling, 1891, Lasiodora bahiensis Strand, 1907, Lasiodora citharacantha Mello-Leitão, 1921, Lasiodora cryptostigma Mello-Leitão, 1921, Lasiodora dolichosterna Mello-Leitão, 1921, Lasiodora fracta Mello-Leitão, 1921, and Lasiodora pleoplectra Mello-Leitão, 1921. A discussion on the relationship of Lasiodora, Nhandu, Vitalius, Pterinopelma and Crypsidromus as well maps with the distributions of all Lasiodora species are provided.

Two new species of Vitalius (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from the restingas of the states of Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and Sergipe, Brazil

Brazil is the country with the most diverse tarantula (Theraphosidae) fauna, having 215 described species. Vitalius Lucas, Silva Júnior & Bertani, 1993 is one of the most diverse and common genera in Southern, Southeastern and Central-West regions of Brazil with ten described species. Individuals of Vitalius species are large and widespread in areas of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. A single species is known to occur in areas of Cerrado vegetation. Herein, two new species are described from areas of restinga, coastal areas typically with low vegetation and sandy soil, in the coast of the states of Rio de Janeiro (Vitalius restinga sp. nov.), Bahia and Sergipe (Vitalius sapiranga sp. nov.). Males and females of these two new species have a much longer than wide sternum. Males have a short apical keel in the male palpal bulb. The two species can be distinguished by embolus width, slender in V. restinga sp. nov. and thicker in V. sapiranga sp. nov. Females can be distinguished by the spermathecae shape, slender in V. restinga sp. nov. and broader in V. sapiranga sp. nov. These are the first known theraphosids endemic to Brazilian Atlantic Coast restingas. Biological data indicate V. sapiranga sp. nov. and maybe V. restinga sp. nov. commonly use bromeliads as retreats. It is herein hypothesized they are sister species occupying similar habitats in Brazilian coast, but separated by ca. 1,000 kilometers.

Taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of the tarantula genera Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871, Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1985, and Amazonius n. gen. (Theraphosidae, Psalmopoeinae).

The genera Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1895, Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871 and Pseudoclamoris Hsser, 2018 are revised and cladistics analyses carried out including most species of these genera. In order to test the monophyly of Aviculariinae and Psalmopoeinae, species of all genera in these two subfamilies were included, as well as of Harpactirinae, Selenocosmiinae, Theraphosinae, Stromatopelmatinae, Ischnocolinae, Schismatothelinae, Poecilotherinae, and a barychelid was used to root the cladogram. The matrix with 50 terminal taxa, 1 continuous and 85 discrete characters was analysed with TNT 1.5. The results show a monophyletic Psalmopoeinae as sister group of Aviculariinae. Psalmopoeus comprises 9 species: Psalmopoeus cambridgei Pocock, 1895 (type species), Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus Pocock, 1903, Psalmopoeus emeraldus Pocock, 1903, Psalmopoeus irminia Saager, 1994, Psalmopoeus langenbucheri Schmidt, Bullmer Thierer-Lutz, 2006, Psalmopoeus plantaris Pocock, 1903, Psalmopoeus pulcher Petrunkevitch, 1925, Psalmopoeus reduncus (Karsch, 1880), and Psalmopoeus victori Mendoza, 2014. Psalmopoeus intermedius Chamberlin, 1940 is considered a junior synonym of P. reduncus. Psalmopoeus copanensis Gabriel Sherwood, 2020, P. sandersoni Gabriel Sherwood, 2020 and P. petenensis Gabriel Sherwood, 2020 are considered junior synonyms of P. victori. Psalmopoeus maya Witt, 1996 is considered nomen nudum. Tapinauchenius comprises 8 species: Tapinauchenius plumipes (C. L. Koch, 1842) (type species), Tapinauchenius sanctivincenti (Walckenaer, 1837), Tapinauchenius latipes L. Koch, 1875, Tapinauchenius brunneus Schmidt, 1995, Tapinauchenius cupreus Schmidt Bauer, 1996, Tapinauchenius polybotes Hsser, 2018, Tapinauchenius rasti Hsser, 2018, and T. gretae n. sp. The female of T. brunneus is described for first time. Tapinauchenius violaceus (Mello-Leito, 1930), T. purpureus Schmidt, 1995, T. concolor (Caporiaccco, 1947), and T. gigas Caporiacco, 1954 are considered junior synonyms of T. plumipes. With the synonymy of T. gigas (type species of Pseudoclamoris Hsser, 2018), it was necessary to describe a new genus for the two species formerly included in it. Thus, the new genus Amazonius n. gen. is erected to include A. elenae (Schmidt, 1994) n. comb., A. burgessi (Hsser, 2018) n. comb. as well as two new species A. giovaninii n. gen. n. sp. and A. germani n. gen. n. sp. A discussion on the relationship of Psalmopoeinae and Aviculariinae and maps with the distributions of all species are provided.

Taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of the tarantula genera Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871, Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1985, and Amazonius n. gen. (Theraphosidae, Psalmopoeinae)

The genera Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1895, Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871 and Pseudoclamoris Hüsser, 2018 are revised and cladistics analyses carried out including most species of these genera. In order to test the monophyly of Aviculariinae and Psalmopoeinae, species of all genera in these two subfamilies were included, as well as of Harpactirinae, Selenocosmiinae, Theraphosinae, Stromatopelmatinae, Ischnocolinae, Schismatothelinae, Poecilotherinae, and a barychelid was used to root the cladogram. The matrix with 50 terminal taxa, 1 continuous and 85 discrete characters was analysed with TNT 1.5. The results show a monophyletic Psalmopoeinae as sister group of Aviculariinae. Psalmopoeus comprises 9 species: Psalmopoeus cambridgei Pocock, 1895 (type species), Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus Pocock, 1903, Psalmopoeus emeraldus Pocock, 1903, Psalmopoeus irminia Saager, 1994, Psalmopoeus langenbucheri Schmidt, Bullmer & Thierer-Lutz, 2006, Psalmopoeus plantaris Pocock, 1903, Psalmopoeus pulcher Petrunkevitch, 1925, Psalmopoeus reduncus (Karsch, 1880), and Psalmopoeus victori Mendoza, 2014. Psalmopoeus intermedius Chamberlin, 1940 is considered a junior synonym of P. reduncus. Psalmopoeus copanensis Gabriel & Sherwood, 2020, P. sandersoni Gabriel & Sherwood, 2020 and P. petenensis Gabriel & Sherwood, 2020 are considered junior synonyms of P. victori. Psalmopoeus maya Witt, 1996 is considered nomen nudum. Tapinauchenius comprises 8 species: Tapinauchenius plumipes (C. L. Koch, 1842) (type species), Tapinauchenius sanctivincenti (Walckenaer, 1837), Tapinauchenius latipes L. Koch, 1875, Tapinauchenius brunneus Schmidt, 1995, Tapinauchenius cupreus Schmidt & Bauer, 1996, Tapinauchenius polybotes Hüsser, 2018, Tapinauchenius rasti Hüsser, 2018, and T. gretae n. sp. The female of T. brunneus is described for first time. Tapinauchenius violaceus (Mello-Leitão, 1930), T. purpureus Schmidt, 1995, T. concolor (Caporiaccco, 1947), and T. gigas Caporiacco, 1954 are considered junior synonyms of T. plumipes. With the synonymy of T. gigas (type species of Pseudoclamoris Hüsser, 2018), it was necessary to describe a new genus for the two species formerly included in it. Thus, the new genus Amazonius n. gen. is erected to include A. elenae (Schmidt, 1994) n. comb., A. burgessi (Hüsser, 2018) n. comb. as well as two new species A. giovaninii n. gen. n. sp. and A. germani n. gen. n. sp. A discussion on the relationship of Psalmopoeinae and Aviculariinae and maps with the distributions of all species are provided.

Sphingomyelinase D Activity in Sicarius tropicus Venom: Toxic Potential and Clues to the Evolution of SMases D in the Sicariidae Family.

The spider family Sicariidae includes three genera, Hexophthalma, Sicarius and Loxosceles. The three genera share a common characteristic in their venoms: the presence of Sphingomyelinases D (SMase D). SMases D are considered the toxins that cause the main pathological effects of the Loxosceles venom, that is, those responsible for the development of loxoscelism. Some studies have shown that Sicarius spiders have less or undetectable SMase D activity in their venoms, when compared to Hexophthalma. In contrast, our group has shown that Sicarius ornatus, a Brazilian species, has active SMase D and toxic potential to envenomation. However, few species of Sicarius have been characterized for their toxic potential. In order to contribute to a better understanding about the toxicity of Sicarius venoms, the aim of this study was to characterize the toxic properties of male and female venoms from Sicarius tropicus and compare them with that from Loxosceles laeta, one of the most toxic Loxosceles venoms. We show here that S. tropicus venom presents active SMases D. However, regarding hemolysis development, it seems that these toxins in this species present different molecular mechanisms of action than that described for Loxosceles venoms, whereas it is similar to those present in bacteria containing SMase D. Besides, our results also suggest that, in addition to the interspecific differences, intraspecific variations in the venoms' composition may play a role in the toxic potential of venoms from Sicarius species.

Yanomamius n. gen., a new genus of tarantula from Brazilian and Venezuelan Amazon (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with description of three new species.

The new genus Yanomamius n. gen. from Brazilian and Venezuelan Amazon is described, with three new species from Brazil: Y. franciscoi n. sp. (type species), Y. raonii n. sp., and Y. neblina n. sp. The enigmatic Venezuelan species described as Holothele waikoshiemi Bertani Araújo, 2006 and presently included in Guyruita Guadanucci et al. (2007) is transferred to the new genus, making the new combination Y. waikoshiemi (Bertani Araújo, 2006) n. comb. Yanomamius n. gen. is closely related with the schismatotheline genera Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 and Euthycaelus Simon, 1889 sharing as probable synapomorphies a group of short spines on the retrolateral distal tibia of male palp and the shape of bulb. They differ by the position of the spines in a compact group instead of in rows and by a tapering embolus. Females differ from Schismatothele and Euthycaelus by the spermathecae weakly sclerotized. A series of recent phylogenies based on molecular data suggested a close relationship between schimatothelines and psalmopoeines. The male tibia I of Yanomamius n. gen. species have a series of ridges or a single protuberance behind the tibial apophyses that resemble those of psalmopoeines and strengthen the idea of close relationship of the two subfamilies.

Searching for the toxic potential of Loxosceles amazonica and Loxosceles willianilsoni spiders' venoms.

The Loxosceles genus belongs to the Sicariidae family and it comprises species whose venom can cause accidents with potentially fatal consequences. We have previously shown that SMase D is the enzyme responsible for the main pathological effects of Loxosceles venom. Despite the severity of accidents with Loxosceles, few species are considered to be of medical importance. Little is known about the venom of non-synanthropic species that live in natural environments. To contribute to a better understanding about the venom's toxicity of Loxosceles genus, the aim of this study was to (i) characterize the toxic properties of Loxosceles amazonica from two different localities and a recent described cave species Loxosceles willianilsoni and (ii) compare these venoms with that from Loxosceles laeta, which is among the most toxic ones. We show here that both L. amazonica venoms (from the two studied locations) and L. willianilsoni presented SMase D activity similar to that exhibited by L. laeta venom. Although L. amazonica and L. willianilsoni venoms were able to induce complement dependent human erythrocytes lysis, they were not able to induce cell death of human keratinocytes, as promoted by L. laeta venom, in the concentrations tested. These results indicate that other species of Loxosceles, in addition to those classified as medically important, have toxic potential to cause accidents in humans, despite interspecific variations that denote possible less toxicity.

Two new species of Eupalaestrus Pocock, 1901 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Southern Brazil and Northeastern Argentina

After a morphological analysis of several tarantula specimens of the genus Eupalaestrus, including recently collected specimens from previously unrecorded localities, we herein describe two new species. They differ from congeners by the presence of a large area with spiniform setae between the coxae IV. They differ from each other in general size and in the thickening of the tibia and metatarsus IV. Eupalaestrus crassimetatarsis sp. nov. is distributed in the Brazilian States of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, and in Misiones Province in Argentina. Eupalaestrus roccoi sp. nov. is distributed in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. These natural grasslands are under threat from rapidly encroaching arable and livestock farming.

Sphingomyelinase D activity in Sicarius Tropicus Venom: toxic potential and clues to the evolution of SMases D in the Sicariidae family

The spider family Sicariidae includes three genera, Hexophthalma, Sicarius and Loxosceles. The three genera share a common characteristic in their venoms: the presence of Sphingomyelinases D (SMase D). SMases D are considered the toxins that cause the main pathological effects of the Loxosceles venom, that is, those responsible for the development of loxoscelism. Some studies have shown that Sicarius spiders have less or undetectable SMase D activity in their venoms, when compared to Hexophthalma. In contrast, our group has shown that Sicarius ornatus, a Brazilian species, has active SMase D and toxic potential to envenomation. However, few species of Sicarius have been characterized for their toxic potential. In order to contribute to a better understanding about the toxicity of Sicarius venoms, the aim of this study was to characterize the toxic properties of male and female venoms from Sicarius tropicus and compare them with that from Loxosceles laeta, one of the most toxic Loxosceles venoms. We show here that S. tropicus venom presents active SMases D. However, regarding hemolysis development, it seems that these toxins in this species present different molecular mechanisms of action than that described for Loxosceles venoms, whereas it is similar to those present in bacteria containing SMase D. Besides, our results also suggest that, in addition to the interspecific differences, intraspecific variations in the venoms’ composition may play a role in the toxic potential of venoms from Sicarius species.

Yanomamius n. gen., a new genus of tarantula from brazilian and venezuelan Amazon (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with description of three new species

The new genus Yanomamius n. gen. from Brazilian and Venezuelan Amazon is described, with three new species from Brazil: Y. franciscoi n. sp. (type species), Y. raonii n. sp., and Y. neblina n. sp. The enigmatic Venezuelan species described as Holothele waikoshiemi Bertani & Araújo, 2006 and presently included in Guyruita Guadanucci et al. (2007) is transferred to the new genus, making the new combination Y. waikoshiemi (Bertani & Araújo, 2006) n. comb. Yanomamius n. gen. is closely related with the schismatotheline genera Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 and Euthycaelus Simon, 1889 sharing as probable synapomorphies a group of short spines on the retrolateral distal tibia of male palp and the shape of bulb. They differ by the position of the spines in a compact group instead of in rows and by a tapering embolus. Females differ from Schismatothele and Euthycaelus by the spermathecae weakly sclerotized. A series of recent phylogenies based on molecular data suggested a close relationship between schimatothelines and psalmopoeines. The male tibia I of Yanomamius n. gen. species have a series of ridges or a single protuberance behind the tibial apophyses that resemble those of psalmopoeines and strengthen the idea of close relationship of the two subfamilies.

Searching for the toxic potential of Loxosceles amazonica and Loxosceles willianilsoni spiders’ venoms

The Loxosceles genus belongs to the Sicariidae family and it comprises species whose venom can cause accidents with potentially fatal consequences. We have previously shown that SMase D is the enzyme responsible for the main pathological effects of Loxosceles venom. Despite the severity of accidents with Loxosceles, few species are considered to be of medical importance. Little is known about the venom of non-synanthropic species that live in natural environments. To contribute to a better understanding about the venom's toxicity of Loxosceles genus, the aim of this study was to (i) characterize the toxic properties of Loxosceles amazonica from two different localities and a recent described cave species Loxosceles willianilsoni and (ii) compare these venoms with that from Loxosceles laeta, which is among the most toxic ones. We show here that both L. amazonica venoms (from the two studied locations) and L. willianilsoni presented SMase D activity similar to that exhibited by L. laeta venom. Although L. amazonica and L. willianilsoni venoms were able to induce complement dependent human erythrocytes lysis, they were not able to induce cell death of human keratinocytes, as promoted by L. laeta venom, in the concentrations tested. These results indicate that other species of Loxosceles, in addition to those classified as medically important, have toxic potential to cause accidents in humans, despite interspecific variations that denote possible less toxicity.

Revision and cladistic analysis of Psalistops Simon, 1889, Trichopelma Simon, 1888 and Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) based on a cladistic analysis of relationships of Theraphosidae, Barychelidae and Paratropididae.

The genera Psalistops Simon, 1889, Trichopelma, Simon, 1888 and Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 are revised and included in cladistics analyses including almost all species of these genera. In order to test previous morphological hypotheses on the relationships of Barychelidae, Paratropididae and Theraphosidae and because of the controversial taxonomic position of Psalistops and Trichopelma, a set of terminal taxa representing all subfamilies of Paratropididae (Paratropidinae, Glabropelmatinae), Barychelidae (Barychelinae, Sasoninae, Trichopelmatinae) and most theraphosid subfamilies were included, as well as a diplurid, a nemesiid, and a pycnothelid, the later used to root the cladogram. The matrix with 66 terminal taxa, 2 continuous and 93 discrete characters was analysed with TNT 1.5. We found that Trichopelmatinae is not a monophyletic group, and Psalistops is transferred to Theraphosidae, as well as the barychelid genus Cyrtogrammomma and the paratropidid genus Melloina Brignoli. Cyrtogrammomma was retrieved as the sister group of Trichopelma, and Melloina as the sister group of Holothele Karsch. Psalistops was retrieved as the sister group of Reichlingia Rudloff, and the clade with these two genera is the most basal in Theraphosidae. Barychelidae was found to be monophyletic and the sister group of Theraphosidae. Paratropididae was retrieved as the sister group of Barychelidae + Theraphosidae. The relationship and possible synapomorphies of the three families are herein discussed.                This is the first time since Raven (1985) that representatives of all barychelid (Barychelinae, Sasoninae, Trichopelmatinae), paratropidid (Paratropidinae, Glabropelmatinae) and most theraphosid subfamilies have been included in a morphological cladistic analysis.                Psalistops comprises two species, P. melanopygius Simon, 1889 (type species) and P. colombianus sp. nov. Psalistops montigena Simon, 1889, P. tigrinus Simon, 1889 and P. zonatus Simon, 1889 are synonymized with P. melanopygius Simon, 1889. Psalistops fulvus Bryant, 1948, P. hispaniolensis Wunderlich, 1988 (fossil), P. maculosus Bryant, 1948, P. venadensis Valerio, 1986 and P. steini (Simon, 1889) are transferred to Trichopelma. Psalistops gasci Maréchal, 1996 is transferred to Hapalopus Ausserer (Theraphosidae); P. opifex (Simon, 1889) and P. solitarius (Simon, 1889) are transferred to Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 (Theraphosidae). Schismatothele solitarius (Simon, 1889) n. comb. is synonymized with Schismatothele lineata Karsch, 1879, n. syn. Psalistops nigrifemuratus Mello-Leitão, 1939 is probably a nemesiid or pycnothelid, and herein considered as nomen dubium in Pycnothelidae. Trichopelma comprises 22 species: Trichopelma nitidum Simon, 1888 (type species), T. coenobita (Simon, 1889), T. steini (Simon, 1889), T. affine (Simon, 1892), T. cubanum (Simon, 1903), T. maculatum (Banks, 1906), T. zebra (Petrunkevitch, 1925), T. banksia Özdikmen Demir, 2012, T. insulanum (Petrunkevitch, 1926), T. fulvus (Bryant, 1948) n. comb., T. laselva Valerio, 1986, T. venadensis (Valerio, 1986) n. comb., T. huffi sp. nov., T. gabrieli sp. nov., T. tostoi sp. nov., T. goloboffi sp. nov., T. juventud sp. nov., T. laurae sp. nov., T.bimini sp. nov., T. loui sp. nov., T. platnicki sp. nov., and T. hispaniolensis Wunderlich, 1988 n. comb. (fossil). Trichopelma maculosus (Bryant, 1948) n. comb. is synonymized with P. fulvus Bryant, 1948; T. corozalis (Petrunkevitch, 1929) is synonymized with T. insulanum (Petrunkevitch, 1926). Trichopelma astutum Simon, 1889 is transferred to Euthycaelus Simon, 1889, and T. maddeni Esposito Agnarsson, 2014 to Holothele Karsch, 1879 (Theraphosidae). Trichopelma flavicomum Simon, 1891 is transferred to Neodiplothele (Barychelidae, Sasoninae). The species T. illetabile Simon, 1888, T. spinosum (Franganillo, 1926), T. scopulatum (Fischel, 1927) and T. eucubanum Özdikmen Demir, 2012 are considered as nomina dubia. Cyrtogrammomma comprises two species: C. monticola Pocock, 1895 (type species) and C. raveni sp. nov.

Description of the male of the Critically Endangered tarantula Typhochlaena curumim Bertani, 2012 (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with comments on tarantula trade and conservation.

The genus Typhochlaena C.L. Koch, 1850 consists of five small size arboreal tarantula species with remarkable colored abdominal patterns and a very restricted geographic range in Brazil. Here, we describe the male of Typhochlaena curumim Bertani, 2012, which was collected in an area of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. The new record extends the northern limit of the geographic range for both the genus and species. As Typhochlaena spp. are now especially popular and requested in the pet market, and because T. curumim is classified as Critically Endangered, we discuss the impacts of the international trade and other challenges on conservation of the genus.

Revision and cladistic analysis of Psalistops Simon, 1889, Trichopelma Simon, 1888 and Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) based on a cladistic analysis of relationships of Theraphosidae, Barychelidae and Paratropididae

The genera Psalistops Simon, 1889, Trichopelma, Simon, 1888 and Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 are revised and included in cladistics analyses including almost all species of these genera. In order to test previous morphological hypotheses on the relationships of Barychelidae, Paratropididae and Theraphosidae and because of the controversial taxonomic position of Psalistops and Trichopelma, a set of terminal taxa representing all subfamilies of Paratropididae (Paratropidinae, Glabropelmatinae), Barychelidae (Barychelinae, Sasoninae, Trichopelmatinae) and most theraphosid subfamilies were included, as well as a diplurid, a nemesiid, and a pycnothelid, the later used to root the cladogram. The matrix with 66 terminal taxa, 2 continuous and 93 discrete characters was analysed with TNT 1.5. We found that Trichopelmatinae is not a monophyletic group, and Psalistops is transferred to Theraphosidae, as well as the barychelid genus Cyrtogrammomma and the paratropidid genus Melloina Brignoli. Cyrtogrammomma was retrieved as the sister group of Trichopelma, and Melloina as the sister group of Holothele Karsch. Psalistops was retrieved as the sister group of Reichlingia Rudloff, and the clade with these two genera is the most basal in Theraphosidae. Barychelidae was found to be monophyletic and the sister group of Theraphosidae. Paratropididae was retrieved as the sister group of Barychelidae + Theraphosidae. The relationship and possible synapomorphies of the three families are herein discussed. This is the first time since Raven (1985) that representatives of all barychelid (Barychelinae, Sasoninae, Trichopelmatinae), paratropidid (Paratropidinae, Glabropelmatinae) and most theraphosid subfamilies have been included in a morphological cladistic analysis. Psalistops comprises two species, P. melanopygius Simon, 1889 (type species) and P. colombianus sp. nov. Psalistops montigena Simon, 1889, P. tigrinus Simon, 1889 and P. zonatus Simon, 1889 are synonymized with P. melanopygius Simon, 1889. Psalistops fulvus Bryant, 1948, P. hispaniolensis Wunderlich, 1988 (fossil), P. maculosus Bryant, 1948, P. venadensis Valerio, 1986 and P. steini (Simon, 1889) are transferred to Trichopelma. Psalistops gasci Maréchal, 1996 is transferred to Hapalopus Ausserer (Theraphosidae); P. opifex (Simon, 1889) and P. solitarius (Simon, 1889) are transferred to Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 (Theraphosidae). Schismatothele solitarius (Simon, 1889) n. comb. is synonymized with Schismatothele lineata Karsch, 1879, n. syn. Psalistops nigrifemuratus Mello-Leitão, 1939 is probably a nemesiid or pycnothelid, and herein considered as nomen dubium in Pycnothelidae. Trichopelma comprises 22 species: Trichopelma nitidum Simon, 1888 (type species), T. coenobita (Simon, 1889), T. steini (Simon, 1889), T. affine (Simon, 1892), T. cubanum (Simon, 1903), T. maculatum (Banks, 1906), T. zebra (Petrunkevitch, 1925), T. banksia Özdikmen & Demir, 2012, T. insulanum (Petrunkevitch, 1926), T. fulvus (Bryant, 1948) n. comb., T. laselva Valerio, 1986, T. venadensis (Valerio, 1986) n. comb., T. huffi sp. nov., T. gabrieli sp. nov., T. tostoi sp. nov., T. goloboffi sp. nov., T. juventud sp. nov., T. laurae sp. nov., T.bimini sp. nov., T. loui sp. nov., T. platnicki sp. nov., and T. hispaniolensis Wunderlich, 1988 n. comb. (fossil). Trichopelma maculosus (Bryant, 1948) n. comb. is synonymized with P. fulvus Bryant, 1948; T. corozalis (Petrunkevitch, 1929) is synonymized with T. insulanum (Petrunkevitch, 1926). Trichopelma astutum Simon, 1889 is transferred to Euthycaelus Simon, 1889, and T. maddeni Esposito & Agnarsson, 2014 to Holothele Karsch, 1879 (Theraphosidae). Trichopelma flavicomum Simon, 1891 is transferred to Neodiplothele (Barychelidae, Sasoninae). The species T. illetabile Simon, 1888, T. spinosum (Franganillo, 1926), T. scopulatum (Fischel, 1927) and T. eucubanum Özdikmen & Demir, 2012 are considered as nomina dubia. Cyrtogrammomma comprises two species: C. monticola Pocock, 1895 (type species) and C. raveni sp. nov.

Description of the male of the critically endangered tarantula Typhochlaena curumim bertani, 2012 (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with comments on tarantula trade and conservation

The genus Typhochlaena C.L. Koch, 1850 consists of five small size arboreal tarantula species with remarkable colored abdominal patterns and a very restricted geographic range in Brazil. Here, we describe the male of Typhochlaena curumim Bertani, 2012, which was collected in an area of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. The new record extends the northern limit of the geographic range for both the genus and species. As Typhochlaena spp. are now especially popular and requested in the pet market, and because T. curumim is classified as Critically Endangered, we discuss the impacts of the international trade and other challenges on conservation of the genus.