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Fear of animals is an important issue to consider in order to increase knowledge about nature and foster positive attitudes for nature conservation. Spiders are a challenging group, because they are widely feared and disliked by humans, although the majority of species are harmless and they play a positive role in natural ecosystems. By means of self-report questionnaires filled out before and after three different extracurricular educational experiences, we examined how knowledge, fear perception and attitudes towards spiders changed in Uruguayan children 10–11 years old. Experience groups were (1) short experience ('Spider-single-lesson group'), children receiving 1 h of information and brief interaction with spiders; (2) no experience ('Control-single-lesson group'), children receiving 1 h of information on another topic (no interaction with spiders); (3) long experience ('Spider-multiple-lesson group'), children receiving 40 h of information and several interactions with spiders. We found that children's knowledge improved in both groups gaining spider experience. Further, more children reported positive attitudes towards spiders, especially in the Spider-multiple-lesson group. Our findings highlight the importance of hands-on and extended activities to correct false concepts about unpopular animals and foster positive attitudes towards nature conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mygalomorph genus Grammostola (family Theraphosidae) is endemic to South America. The species Grammostola anthracina is one of the largest spiders in Uruguay and reputed to be the longest lived tarantula in the world. This nominal species has two distinct colour morphs comprising black and reddish-brown forms with controversial taxonomic status. Here, we present a phylogenetic study based on molecular characters (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) of haplotypes of G. anthracina and closely related species. Our analysis together with new morphological data and biogeographical information indicates that the two morphs of G. anthracina constitute different species that are not sister to each other. Consequently, a new species, Grammostola quirogai is described, diagnosed and illustrated to encompass the black morph. Phylogenetic relationships and new taxonomic characters for Grammostola species included in this study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe two new species of the nemesiid spider genus Chaco from Rocha Province, Uruguay. These new species are diagnosed based on genital morphology, male tibial apophysis spination, and burrow entrance. We test cospecificity of one species, C. costai, via laboratory mating experiments. The new species are diagnosed and illustrated and habitat characteristics, and capture behavior are described. We conduct a cladistic analysis based on a previously published morphological character matrix that now includes the newly described species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cladogram summarizing the phylogenetic relationships among the Crassitarsae families and Pycnothelidae subfamilies. Taxa in pictures are: A. Catumiri parvum ; B. Pionothele gobabeb ; C. Pycnothele auronitens ; D. Lycinus gajardoi; E. Prorachias sp.; F. Stenoterommata pavesii ; G. Microstigmata longipes ; H. Bolostromus sp.; I. Diplura sp.; J. Fufius lucasae. Photo credit: A, C, E, F, J: Rafael P. Indicatti; B: Bond and Lamb 2019 ; D, H, I: Laura Montes de Oca. G: Dippenaar-Schoeman et al. 2010. [Display omitted] • Genomic and morphologic data support taxonomic rearrangements in South American Mygalomorphae considering Nemesiidae, Pycnothelidae, Microstigmatidae and Cyrtaucheniidae as not monophyletic. • We propose and diagnose Rhytidicolidae Simon, 1903 (NEW RANK) placed within the Crassitarsae clade. • All South American Nemesiidae and meridional Microstigmatidae are transferred to Pycnothelidae. • Based on our data, we formally recognize five Pycnothelidae subfamilies. • Our data suggest paraphyly of most South American Pycnothelidae genera. The family Nemesiidae was once among the most species-rich of mygalomorph spider families. However, over the past few decades both morphological and molecular studies focusing on mygalomorph phylogeny have recovered the group as paraphyletic. Hence, the systematics of the family Nemesiidae has more recently been controversial, with numerous changes at the family-group level and the recognition of the supra-familial clade Nemesioidina. Indeed, in a recent study by Opatova and collaborators, six nemesiid genera were transferred to the newly re-established family Pycnothelidae. Despite these changes, 12 South American nemesiid genera remained unplaced, and classified as incertae sedis due to shortcomings in taxon sampling. Accordingly, we evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of South American nemesioid species and genera with the principle aim of resolving their family level placement. Our work represents the most exhaustive phylogenomic sampling for South American Nemesiidae by including nine of the 12 genera described for the continent. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using 457 loci obtained using the spider Anchored Hybrid Enrichment probe set. Based on these results Nemesiidae, Pycnothelidae, Microstigmatidae and Cyrtaucheniidae are not considered monophyletic. Our study also indicates that the lineage including the genus Fufius requires elevation to the family level (Rhytidicolidae Simon, 1903 (NEW RANK)). In Pycnothelidae, we recognize/delimit five subfamilies (Diplothelopsinae, Pionothelinae (NEW SUBFAMILY), Prorachiinae (NEW SUBFAMILY), Pselligminae (NEW RANK), Pycnothelinae). We also transfer all the 12 South American nemesiid genera to Pycnothelidae: Chaco , Chilelopsis , Diplothelopsis , Flamencopsis , Hermachura , Longistylus, Lycinus , Neostothis , Prorachias , Psalistopoides , Pselligmus , Rachias. Additionally, we transferred the microstigmatid genus Xenonemesia to Pycnothelidae, and we propose the following generic synonymies and species transfers: Neostothis and Bayana are junior synonyms of Pycnothele (NEW SYNONYMY), as P. gigas and P. labordai , respectively (NEW COMBINATIONS); Hermachura is a junior synonym of Stenoterommata (NEW SYNONYMY), as S. luederwaldti (NEW COMBINATION); Flamencopsis is a junior synonym of Chilelopsis (NEW SYNONYMY), as C. minima (NEW COMBINATION); and Diplothelopsis is a junior synonym of Lycinus (NEW SYNONYMY), as L. ornatus and L. bonariensis (NEW COMBINATIONS). Considering the transferred genera and synonymies, Pycnothelidae now includes 15 described genera and 137 species. Finally, these results provide a robust phylogenetic framework that includes enhanced taxonomic sampling, for further resolving the biogeography and evolutionary time scale for the family Pycnothelidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locomotor and physiological performance of ectotherms are affected by temperature. Thermoregulation is achieved by changes in behavior and the selection of micro-habitats with adequate temperatures to maintain the body temperature (T b) within a range of preference. Apart from this temperature dependence at spatial scales, ectotherms are also affected by temperature at temporal scale. For instance, ectotherms can only be active some months of the year, particularly in temperate environments. Tarantulas are ectotherms that live in burrows most of their life. Nevertheless, after the sexual maturation molt, males leave their refugia and start a wandering life searching for females to mate. The reproductive period varies among species. In some species walking males are seen in late spring or early summer, while in other species males are only seen during fall or winter. Apart from the differences in lifestyles after maturation, tarantulas exhibit sexual dimorphisms in longevity and body mass, having smaller, shorter-lived males. Thus, to optimize energetic budgets, decreasing thermoregulation costs, we hypothesize and examine a putative correlation between an individual's preferred body temperature (T pref) and the environmental temperature during the reproductive period. Hence, we characterize T pref in seven tarantula species and analyze which factors (i.e. , time of day, body mass, and sex) correlated with it. Furthermore, we assess putative correlated evolution of T pref with ambient temperature (minima, mean, and maxima) during the reproductive period by means of phylogenetic independent contrasts. We did not find differences in thermal preferences between sexes; and only one species, Acanthoscurria suina , exhibited diel differences in T pref. We found evidence of correlated evolution between T pref and minimum temperature during the reproductive period among all seven species studied herein. Our results show that the reproductive period is constrained by thermal preferences, dictating when males can start their wandering life to mate. • Male tarantulas leave their burrows after maturation in search for females. • Thus, males become exposed to ambient conditions during the reproductive period. • Matching body and ambient temperature will reduce thermoregulation costs. • We did not find differences in preferred body temperature (T pref) between sexes. • We observed correlated evolution between T pref and ambient temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first record for the species Deinopis amica and for the family Deinopidae in Uruguay. The present study expands the known distribution of the species to the lower Uruguay River. Data on natural history of the species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of a mygalomorph nemesiid spider collected in a hill of Northern Uruguay and in Araucaria forest at Southern Brazil is diagnosed, described and illustrated. A remarkable characteristic of the new genus is its dense body pubescence, unusual in most Nemesiidae. Also genital and somatic characters led to differentiate it from related genera. The habitat is characterized by a tubular burrow followed by an aerial tubular portion made with silk and vegetation. The sexual behaviour is briefly described from a copula between the types, observed in the laboratory. LSID: zoobank.org:pub: D5A6D7EA-19DD-4427-E6A41162EE4E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The road tarantula Eupalaestrus weijenberghi shows a strongly female-biased sex ratio since adult females live several years while adult males live only for 2 months. In this scenario selective males could be expected. However, several factors such as the rates of reproduction of each sex, degree of sexual selectivity and synchronicity of female receptiveness determine the operational sexual ratio and mating system of the species. Our objective was to determine the mating rates and mating tactics for females and males of E. weijenberghi and their variation throughout the reproductive period. Four hundred sexual encounters among 20 females and 20 males in all possible pair-wise combinations were carried out during 29 days, a brief but intense experimental period, as it also occurs in the field. Mating success differed strongly between sexes. Females mated once: five females mated at the first attempt, eight initially rejected males and copulated in subsequent attempts. Half of the males did not copulate and the others copulated 1–3 times. Mated females actively rejected males. Results indicate a mating system with monogamous females and polygamous males. Not all the females were receptive in every reproductive season. We suggest that female monogamy drastically affects the operational sex ratio, since several females were unreceptive after a single copulation, directly diminishing the male potential reproductive rate. This is the first experimental approach to estimate tarantula mating systems, their determinants and the consequences of the strategies shown by each sex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fast growth experienced by the field of lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) in the last five years led to tremendous progress in this technology. However, the authors have observed some parallelism with its ultracapacitor (UC) sister technology, where an over‐rapid growth in the last decade resulted in a loss of focus and the need of several tutorials for reconducting incorrect reporting habits. In the light of what may be coming, the authors aim to set this work as a direction to the scientific community and the new researchers in the field to serve as i) a retrospective analysis of the original target for LICs to prevent focus deviation and ii) a guideline for proper LIC design and assembly toward high energy, high power, and long cycle life, as well as for correct electrochemical characterization and reporting. The underlying thread throughout this report is the technology behind the frontrunner LIC ULTIMO, a reference device in the market that presents 3–4 times the energy density of an UC and can stand over 1 million cycles, unraveled by means of ante‐mortem analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infraorder Mygalomorphae is one of the three main lineages of spiders comprising over 3000 nominal species. This ancient group has a worldwide distribution that includes among its ranks large and charismatic taxa such as tarantulas, trapdoor spiders, and highly venomous funnel-web spiders. Based on past molecular studies using Sanger-sequencing approaches, numerous mygalomorph families (e.g., Hexathelidae, Ctenizidae, Cyrtaucheniidae, Dipluridae, and Nemesiidae) have been identified as non-monophyletic. However, these data were unable to sufficiently resolve the higher-level (intra- and interfamilial) relationships such that the necessary changes in classification could be made with confidence. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenomic treatment of the spider infraorder Mygalomorphae. We employ 472 loci obtained through anchored hybrid enrichment to reconstruct relationships among all the mygalomorph spider families and estimate the timeframe of their diversification. We sampled nearly all currently recognized families, which has allowed us to assess their status, and as a result, propose a new classification scheme. Our generic-level sampling has also provided an evolutionary framework for revisiting questions regarding silk use in mygalomorph spiders. The first such analysis for the group within a strict phylogenetic framework shows that a sheet web is likely the plesiomorphic condition for mygalomorphs, as well as providing insights to the ancestral foraging behavior for all spiders. Our divergence time estimates, concomitant with detailed biogeographic analysis, suggest that both ancient continental-level vicariance and more recent dispersal events have played an important role in shaping modern day distributional patterns. Based on our results, we relimit the generic composition of the Ctenizidae, Cyrtaucheniidae, Dipluridae, and Nemesiidae. We also elevate five subfamilies to family rank: Anamidae (NEW RANK), Euagridae (NEW RANK), Ischnothelidae (NEW RANK), Pycnothelidae (NEW RANK), and Bemmeridae (NEW RANK). Three families Entypesidae (NEW FAMILY), Microhexuridae (NEW FAMILY), and Stasimopidae (NEW FAMILY), and one subfamily Australothelinae (NEW SUBFAMILY) are newly proposed. Such a major rearrangement in classification, recognizing nine newly established family-level rank taxa, is the largest the group has seen in over three decades. [Biogeography; molecular clocks; phylogenomics; spider web foraging; taxonomy.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fast, cheap method for quantifying plated lithium on commercial LIBs anodes. • Lab-made device with H 2 sensitive sensor used to quantify deposited Li. • Plated Li quantification can be introduced in aging models for LIBs. The deposition of metallic lithium is a degradation mechanism, also known as lithium plating, that might occur at the negative electrode surface of Li-ion battery cell, especially during fast charging, low temperature charging and high state of charge. The loss of cyclable lithium may lead to irreversible capacity fade and might also bring significant safety hazards. In this context, the experimental quantification of plated lithium on the negative electrode surface could be used to accurately validate electrochemical and physical models that might be used to predict plated lithium without cell opening. Also, the determination of plated Li may help in the evaluation of the safety and aging of commercial cells from different manufacturers for a specific application. This work shows a fast and cost-effective method that can be used to quantify plated lithium on commercial Li-ion battery graphite electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the road tarantula Eupalaestrus weijenberghi (Thorell 1894), we tested the importance of the third pair of legs in male courtship behavior. Our results showed that the third pair of legs is essential for males to elicit female sexual receptivity. Males with their second pair of legs immobilized elicited receptive responses from females, but males with the third legs immobilized did not. The potential role of the third pair of legs in the generation and/or transmission of seismic signals via the substrate is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]