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The arachnid fauna of the Maltese Islands has not yet been adequately investigated. In the present work, from a total of 117 species sampled, 36 taxa represent newly recorded spider species (Araneae) for Malta, with an additional new record of a harvestman (Opiliones). These new records include three new spider families and one new harvestman family for the Maltese archipelago: Anyphaenidae Bertkau, 1878, Mimetidae Simon, 1881, Oxyopidae Thorell, 1869 and Sclerosomatidae Simon, 1879; as well as two species which are recorded from Europe for the first time: Acartauchenius insigniceps (Simon, 1894) and Zelotes poecilochroaeformis Denis, 1937. Ecological, distributional, biogeographical and taxonomic notes are provided for the newly recorded species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite Arthropoda being a major animal taxon, it is underrepresented in South American scientific publications. Here, we present the results of a bibliometric analysis of published studies on insects and arachnids in Colombia to understand the general patterns of knowledge of both taxa across this megadiverse country. We compiled 3119 studies on insects and 353 on arachnids published between 1918 and 2019 in more than 600 journals. Research on both insects and arachnids reflects the effort done by researchers working in Colombian institutions, but because publications are mainly domestic, their international impact is limited. The studies included 19 taxonomic orders of insects and 72 families of arachnids with a bias toward a few well-studied taxa like Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Araneidae, and Salticidae, while the majority of taxa are understudied. The geographic coverage of the studies was broad and includes Colombia's 32 departments, but their distribution was heterogeneous being the Andean region the most studied, while the Caribbean and Orinoquia regions could be considered knowledge gaps. Considering our analysis, we give recommendations to expand and advance the knowledge of Colombian insects and arachnids, a major scientific enterprise in which collaboration among researchers from different institutions is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spider species distribution in the Cape Floristic Kingdom (CFK) was compiled as part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA), whose main aim was to create a relational database for the country's arachnid fauna. Data from the CFK was extracted from taxonomic and faunistic published papers, as well as unpublished faunistic survey data in national collections. A total of 11 500 records from 130 localities were recorded in the CFK until the end of 2023, representing 62 families, 334 genera and 960 species, with two further families (Synotaxidae and Theridiosomatidae) only known from undescribed species. This represents 42.4% of the total spider fauna of South Africa. For each species, the global and CFK distribution, as well as the level of endemicity and a conservation assessment using the IUCN Red List criteria, are provided. A total of 269 spp. (28.0%) are endemic to the CFK, 49 spp. (5.1%) are of special concern, and 229 spp. (23.9%) are Data Deficient. However, most of the species (682 spp., 71.0%) have a wide distribution with no known threats and are categorised as Least Concern. Salticidae is the most species-rich family (128 spp.), with 30 spp. endemic to the CFK, followed by the Gnaphosidae (107 spp.), Thomisidae (86 spp.) and Lycosidae (49 spp.), while six families are represented by a single species. The last decade has seen an exponential growth in the knowledge of spiders in South Africa, and there are certainly many more species that must still be discovered and described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A checklist of spiders from Kashmir, India, is provided which indicates the occurrence of 185 species under 100 genera and 25 families. The checklist is based primarily on the published records of spiders of Kashmir from 1885 to 2023 (up to January). These faunistic records reveal that the most diverse spider families in this region are Salticidae, Linyphiidae, Araneidae, Gnaphosidae, Thomisidae, Lycosidae and Theridiidae while about 11 families (Cheiracanthiidae, Clubionidae, Ctenidae, Filistatidae, Liocranidae, Mimetidae, Oxyopidae, Pimoidae, Scytodidae, Sicariidae and Uloboridae) are represented by a lone genus. The checklist includes taxa that have been identified upto species level. This checklist compiles the available regional faunistic records to serve future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material belonging to a small collection of Moroccan arachnids housed in the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was examined and the results are presented here. A total of 28 species belonging to 16 families from three orders of arachnids were provided, as follows: Araneae (16 species, 12 families), Scorpiones (nine species, two families) and Solifugae (three species, two families). Five spider species, Adonea cf. fimbriata (Eresidae), Plexippus cf. clemens (Salticidae), Thanatus oblongiusculus (Philodromidae), Aelurillus aeruginosus (Salticidae) and Steatoda incomposita (Theridiidae), represent new or potential new records for the fauna of Morocco. Furthermore, the latter two are new for the African continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

survey of spiders from Moroccan caves is provided (Arachnida: Araneae), collected between July 2012 and October 2022. All material originates from 38 caves in various mountainous areas located in the northern part of the country. In total 24 species from eight families have been recorded. A new cave-dwelling spider species from the Moroccan High Atlas, a representative of the Dysdera crocata-complex, is described: Dysdera agadirensis Lecigne spec. nov. Another new cave dwelling species, Centromerus caecus Lecigne spec. nov., the first known eyeless representative of Centromerus in North Africa, is described and illustrated as well. Two further agelenid species spiders are also newly described: Eratigena talassemtane Lecigne & Bosmans spec. nov. and Textrix maroccana Lecigne spec. nov. The male of Lepthyphantes leknizii Barrientos, 2020 was discovered and is described here for the first time. Two other records represent new species records for the fauna of Morocco: Amaurobius barbarus Simon, 1911 and Scotargus pilosus Simon, 1913. Lepthyphantes pieltaini Machado, 1940 is a poorly known species; we provide a redescription based on several specimens of both sexes. The findings of several other species already known from Morocco are noteworthy taxa (either endemic or recently described species, but also species with a poorly known taxonomy, ecology or distribution) and hence represent important records for the local fauna: Lepthyphantes aelleni Denis, 1957, Lepthyphantes fadriquei Barrientos, 2020, Lepthyphantes maurusius Brignoli, 1978, Lepthyphantes taza Tanasevitch, 2014, Maghreba aurouxi (Barrientos, 2019), Palliduphantes banderolatus Barrientos, 2020 and Tama edwardsi (Lucas, 1846). Drawings and photographs of most of these species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A checklist of 2265 spider species and subspecies, 495 genera and 71 families is provided. Data were extracted from the South African National Survey of Arachnida database and over 200 taxonomic revisions, ending December 2022. Global distributions, endemicity and conservation assessment using IUCN Criteria are provided for each species. A total of 1325 spp. are endemic to South Africa (58.5%), 126 spp. (5.6%) are of special concern and 693 spp. (30.6%) are Data Deficient (DD), while 15 species were described without exact locality data. Most species (1444 spp., 63.8%) are widely distributed with no known threats and are of Least Concern. A total of 1316 spp. (57.6%) are known from both sexes and 23 spp. (1.0%) were described from juveniles. Salticidae is the most speciesrich family (354 spp.), followed by Gnaphosidae (195 spp.), Thomisidae (143 spp.) and Araneidae (100 spp.) and ten families are represented by a single species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated checklist of the gnaphosid spiders of Ascension Island - comprising five species, in five genera - is presented, based on examination of historical and new specimens from across Ascension, including its islet Boatswain Bird Island. The continued presence of the non-native Marinarozelotes jaxartensis (Kroneberg, 1875), Urozelotes rusticus (L. Koch, 1842), and Zelotes laetus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872), previously recorded by prior workers, is confirmed. Two species are newly recorded from the island: Synaphosus syntheticus (Chamberlin, 1924) from the mainland and Australoechemus vickyae sp. nov. (♂♀) from both Boatswain Bird Island and the mainland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of the family Liocranidae are described from China and Vietnam. The new genus Sinocranum gen. nov., is erected to accommodate S. menghai sp. nov. (♂♀) from China. Further new species described include Koppe ninger sp. nov. (♀) from China, Xantharia baizilongi sp. nov. (♂♀) from China and X. cucphuong sp. nov. (♂) from Vietnam. In addition, Xantharia is transferred from Miturgidae to Liocranidae. Koppe and Xantharia are reported from China and Vietnam, respectively, for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species assigned to Massuria Thorell, 1887 are reviewed. The female of Massuria bandian Tang & Li, 2010 is described for the first time from Jianfengling National Natural Reserve, Hainan Province, China. The species Diaea simplex Xu, Han & Li, 2008 is described as a synonym of Massuria bellula Xu, Han & Li, 2008 based on female and male specimens from Guangdong Province, China. Massuria min sp. nov. described as a new species (female, Fujian Province, China). Detailed illustrations and a distribution map are provided for these three species of Massuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new species of the genus Araneus Clerck, 1757 from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province, China are described: Araneus chenjingi sp. nov. (♂♀), and A. yuboi sp. nov. (♂♀) are assigned to the A. diadematus group; A. lihaiboi sp. nov. (♂♀), A. shii sp. nov. (♂♀), A. wanghuai sp. nov. (♂♀), and A. yangchuandongi sp. nov. (♂♀) are assigned to the A. sturmi group. Araneus colubrinus Song & Zhu, 1992 is redescribed. A new synonym of Araneus colubrinus Song & Zhu, 1992 is proposed: Araneus octodentalis Song & Zhu, 1992 syn. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New data are provided on dysderid spiders of Armenia and Iran. Dysdera haykana sp. nov. is described based on male specimens collected in Kotayk and Lor provinces, central and northern Armenia. The female of Dysdera nakhchivanica Beydizade, Shafaie & Guseinov, 2018 is described for the first time, and the species is newly recorded from Armenia. Furthermore, new distribution data are provided for Harpactea armenica Dunin, 1989, including the first record of the species from Iran. Photographs and a distribution map are provided for all three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six species of the family Corinnidae Karsch, 1880 are described from China and Vietnam. Fengzhen gen. nov. is erected to accommodate F. mengla sp. nov. (1) from China; Peng gen. nov. is erected to accommodate P. birmanicus (Thorell, 1897), comb. nov., P. borneensis (Yamasaki, 2017), comb. nov. and P. taprobanicus (Simon, 1897), comb. nov., transferred from Sphecotypus O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1895. Further new species described include Allomedmassa tamdao sp. nov. (1), Echinax baisha sp. nov. (1), Medmassa lingshui sp. nov. (1), and Spinirta shaoguan sp. nov. (1). The male of P. birmanicus is described for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new species of the spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 from Vietnam are described: Araneus eugenei sp. nov. (♂♀), A. ethani sp. nov. (♀), A. liami sp. nov. (♂♀), Hypsosinga ryani sp. nov. (♂♀), and H. zioni sp. nov. (♀). Diagnostic photographs of the habitus and copulatory organs are provided. Types of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IZCAS) in Beijing, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of Araneus Clerck, 1757 from southern China are described: A. mayanghe Mi & Wang, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Guizhou, A. shiwandashan Mi & Wang, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Guangxi, and A. zhoui Mi & Wang, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Hainan are assigned to the A. sturmi group, and A. fenzhi Mi & Wang, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Hunan, Guizhou and Jiangxi is not assigned to any species group. A new combination is also proposed: Aoaraneus octumaculalus (Han & Zhu, 2010) comb. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we provide novel geographic information about five species of spiders belonging to the families Corinnidae, Filistatidae, Gnaphosidae, and Salticidae We record for the first time Attinella dorsata (Banks, 1895) (Salticidae), Filistatinella hermosa Magalhaes & Ramírez, 2017 (Filistatidae), and Micaria jeanae Gertsch, 1942 (Gnaphosidae) in the state of Baja California. Furthermore, Creugas gulosus Thorell, 1878 (Corinnidae), and Micaria pasadena Platnick & Shadab, 1988 (Gnaphosidae) are recorded in Baja California Sur. Both, A. dorsata y F. hermosa were not previously known from Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiders are important models for evolutionary studies of web building, sexual selection and adaptive radiation. The recent development of probes for UCE (ultra‐conserved element)‐based phylogenomic studies has shed light on the phylogeny and evolution of spiders. However, the two available UCE probe sets for spider phylogenomics (Spider and Arachnida probe sets) have relatively low capture efficiency within spiders, and are not optimized for the retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA) clade, a hyperdiverse lineage that is key to understanding the evolution and diversification of spiders. In this study, we sequenced 15 genomes of species in the RTA clade, and using eight reference genomes, we developed a new UCE probe set (41 845 probes targeting 3802 loci, labelled as the RTA probe set). The performance of the RTA probes in resolving the phylogeny of the RTA clade was compared with the Spider and Arachnida probes through an in‐silico test on 19 genomes. We also tested the new probe set empirically on 28 spider species of major spider lineages. The results showed that the RTA probes recovered twice and four times as many loci as the other two probe sets, and the phylogeny from the RTA UCEs provided higher support for certain relationships. This newly developed UCE probe set shows higher capture efficiency empirically and is particularly advantageous for phylogenomic and evolutionary studies of RTA clade and jumping spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batesian mimicry imposes several challenges to mimics and evokes adaptations in multiple sensory modalities. Myrmecomorphy, morphological and behavioral resemblance to ants, is seen in over 2000 arthropod species. Ant-like resemblance is observed in at least 13 spider families despite spiders having a distinct body plan compared to ants. Quantifying the extent to which spiders' shape, size, and behavior resemble model ants will allow us to comprehend the evolutionary pressures that have facilitated myrmecomorphy. Myrmaplata plataleoides are thought to closely resemble weaver ants, Oecophylla smaragdina. In this study, we quantify the speed of movement of model, mimic, and non-mimetic jumping spiders. We use traditional and geometric morphometrics to quantify traits such as foreleg size and hindleg size, body shape between the model ant, mimic, and non-mimics. Our results suggest that while the mimics closely resemble the model ants in speed of movement, they occupy an intermediate morphological space compared to the model ants and non-mimics. Ant-mimicking spiders are better at mimicking ants' locomotory movement than morphology and overall body shape. Some traits may compensate others, suggesting differential selection on these mimetic traits. Our study provides a framework to understand the multimodal nature of mimicry and helps discern the relative contributions of such traits that drive mimetic accuracy in ant-mimicking spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven new species of Araneus Clerck, 1757 from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China are described: Araneus arcuatus sp. nov. (♂♀), A. bidentatus sp. nov. (♂♀), A. bidentatoides sp. nov. (♂♀), A. complanatus sp. nov. (♂♀), A. corrugis sp. nov. (♀), A. cucullatus sp. nov. (♀), A. minisculus sp. nov. (♂), A. ovoideus sp. nov. (♀), A. pseudodigitatus sp. nov. (♂♀), A. semiorbiculatus sp. nov. (♀), and A. tetracanthus sp. nov. (♂♀). Diagnostic photographs of the habitus and copulatory organs are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a recent collection effort on the island of Seili (located in the Archipelago Sea, off the southwest coast of Finland in the Baltic Sea, Swedish name Själö) are reported herein. Out of 709 specimens collected at two sites using four different collection methods, 173 were adults (26 males, 147 females) and identifiable to species-level, resulting in 33 species from 13 families, including five species newly reported from the island. A male of Cheiracanthium punctorium (Villers, 1789), separately collected at a different place, represents the first record of this species in Finland and its northernmost record across its whole known range. An updated list of spider species reported from Seili (215 species from 25 families) is included as an appendix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study we describe and discuss for the first time the peculiar myrmecophilous habits of Anagraphis ochracea (L. Koch, 1867) and its strong association with the ant species Messor ibericus Santschi, 1931. The study is based on behavioural observations carried out both in the field and in captivity, and sheds light on the lifestyle of this poorly studied and rarely observed species. We also record the presence of A. ochracea on continental Italy and Sicily for the first time, provide a brief overview of its taxonomic history and present photographs of adult and juvenile specimens, the egg sac and the copulatory organs of both sexes. Finally, we provide a DNA-barcode (COI) for A. ochracea, which is the first for the genus Anagraphis as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The continuous spread of invasive species is attributed to demographic processes and high dispersal rates. Both can change and evolve during range expansion, eventually accelerating spread dynamics. Here, we document such an accelerated spread for one of the most invasive spiders in Europe, the dwarf spider Mermessus trilobatus, and test whether dispersal, reproduction or competitive ability is at the source of this pattern. Location: Europe. Time period: 1981–2021. Major taxon studied: Mermessus trilobatus (Arachnida: Araneae: Linyphiidae). Methods: First, we collected records from 21 countries across Europe to document the speed of progression of the invasion front over the last 40 years. Second, we collected live individuals from populations in the longest and more recently invaded areas and compared the dispersal propensity of offspring raised under standardized conditions. Third, we compared the reproduction and competitive ability of females derived from the populations of long‐invaded areas against areas with more recent establishment. Results: The progression of the invaded range increased from about 150 km in the 1980s to some 400 km between 2010 and 2020. Dispersal‐related behaviour was nearly twice as frequent in offspring from invasion front populations compared to the core area. By contrast, we found no differences in reproduction or competitive ability among the studied populations. Further, neither joint inheritance nor trade‐offs of dispersal, reproduction or competitive ability were identified. Main conclusion: As high dispersal is recessively inherited in M. trilobatus, our results suggest that the accelerated invasion is due to the accumulation of dispersive but not more reproductive or competitive genotypes in newly colonized areas. Given the high climatic amplitude of the species in North America, we expect it to spread over the remaining parts of Europe and large parts of Asia in the coming decades. Accelerated range expansion through the evolution of dispersal behaviour could play a role in numerous arthropod invasions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolism powers all of life's processes, making it fundamental to understanding organisms in nature. For many arachnids, however, we do not have direct measurements of either metabolic rate or the relationship between metabolic rate and body size (i.e., allometric scaling, an important determinant of metabolic rate). Here, we present the first measurements of metabolic rate and allometric scaling in a stridulating spined micrathena spider, Micrathena gracilis (Walckenaer, 1805). Since intraspecific variation in metabolic rate may provide insights into variation in energetically costly behaviors, we additionally explore the link between stridulation and metabolism in M. gracilis. Our data suggests a link between stridulatory behavior and allometric scaling, such that increased stridulation is associated with a weaker connection between body mass and metabolic rate. We discuss how links between energetics, expression of behavior, and body size inform our understanding of trait variation in these spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports new records of spiders under few families from Armenia. These add to the checklist of the families Cheiracanthiidae Wagner, 1887; Eresidae C L Koch, 1845; Gnaphosidae Pocock, 1898; and Pholcidae C L Koch, 1850. The results include twelve species of which six are new records from Armenia, and include Eresus kollari Rossi, 1846; Pholcus alticeps Spassky, 1932; Holocnemus pluchei (Scopoli, 1763); Cheiracanthium erraticum (Walckenaer, 1802); Drassodes lapidosus (Walckenaer, 1802); and Aphantaulax cincta (L. Koch, 1866). Notes on the habitat and distributions are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Tekellina araucana sp. n., is described from Chile and Argentina. Detailed morphological data from the spinnerets and male palp of T. araucana sp. n. and Tekellina sadamotoi Yoshida & Ogata, 2016 is provided. A new diagnostic character of Tekellina Levi, 1957 , a row of bottle-like modified setae between the anal tubercle and the spinnerets was found. The absence of aggregate and cylindrical gland spigots may be a further diagnostic character for the genus. New molecular sequence data of T. araucana sp. n., Tekellina archboldi Levi, 1957 (generotype) and Nescina kohi Lin, Ballarin & Li, 2016 , is provided and analyzed together with legacy genetic and transcriptomic data from a wide sampling of species representing all areaneoid families. Both molecular and morphological data suggest that Tekellina is closely related to Synotaxus Simon, 1895 together with three genera formerly placed in Nesticidae. From those results we broaden the limits of Synotaxidae to include the genera Synotaxus, Hamus Ballarin & Li, 2015 , Nescina Ballarin & Li, 2015 , Gaucelmus Keyserling, 1884, and Tekellina. The morphological data, especially of the male palps, is consistent with that re-limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Erythraeidae has 60 genera worldwide, of which Charletonia Oudemans has 86 described species, only two of which are recorded in Brazil. Here, we redescribe one of these species based on the holotype, Charletonia rocciai Treat and Flechtmann, and newly collected material. The material represents new records from four different localities in São Paulo State and one in Santa Catarina State. In addition, we provide SEM images of the morphological structures to improve the diagnosis and redescription, an updated distribution map, including biological data, and new host-associations of C. rocciai with the following orders of insects, Coleoptera and Thysanoptera, and with an order of Arachnida – Araneae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey conducted to reveal on the spider diversity in different areas in Kannur District, Kerala, indicated a total of 31 species belonging to 15 families. The families Salticidae and Araneidae showed maximum species diversity. The study revealed that the selected study areas have favorable microhabitats for the spider fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the varied aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate diversity of mangrove ecosystem, spiders are considered to be an important bioindicators of ecological health. Studies on the spider diversity in the mangroves at Vikhroli, Mumbai, Maharashtra conducted resulted in the documentation of a total of 38 spider species belonging to the 33 genera under 12 families. Salticidae was found to be the dominant with 10 species from 10 genera, followed by Araneidae (9 species and 7 genera). The survey done in three mangrove zones revealed that zone II with moderate mangrove density resulted in the highest diversity (H=0.89) of spiders. Guild structure analysis revealed six different guilds. Stalkers (Salticidae and Oxyopidae) were the predominant feeding guild (34.00%). Seasonal (pre monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon) analysis showed more species diversity in the month of June to September. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edelithus gen. nov. is described based on the discovery and description of two new species from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China: E. puer sp. nov. and E. shenmiguo sp. nov. Both species are described in detail and illustrated. Types are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IZCAS) in Beijing, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spiders are one of the most abundant predatory groups found in the Citrus orchards. They feed on insects as well as other arthropod pests. Keeping in view of their important role in the natural biological control, the current study was carried out to study the spider fauna of the Khasi Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) ecosystem present in the Northeastern parts of India. Methods: The field surveys were carried out during 2016-21 in the seven Northeastern states, namely, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. The different localities were selected based on the pre dominance of Khasi Mandarin cultivation and the different geographical and climatic conditions. Result: During the course of the survey, spiders belonging to 19 species, 16 genus and 8 different families were recorded from the study areas. The predominant families were Salticidae (36.84%) and Araneidae (26.31%) along with the reported presence of Oxyopidae (10.52%), Hersiliidae (5.2%), Heteropodidae (5.2%), Pisauridae (5.2%), Tetragnathidae (5.2%) and Thomisidae (5.2%). The highest and least population of spiders belonged to the species, Oxyopes birmanicus Thorell (Family: Oxyopidae) and Neoscona spp. (Family: Araneidae) respectively. The rich faunal diversity of spiders found during the present investigation indicate that spiders could be utilized as potential biocontol agents in the management of Khasi Mandarin pest complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new zodariid genus Spinozodium gen. nov. is described, comprising two species from Tajikistan: the type species S. denisi (Spassky, 1938) comb. nov. (ex. Zodarion Walckenaer, 1826) and the new species S. khatlonicum sp. nov.; the female of the type species, displaying highly reduced receptacles, is described for the first time. Both species are illustrated and their distributions are mapped, and keys to the Middle Asian zodariid subfamilies and genera are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide seven new state (including two new country) records of spiders in the families Agelenidae, Gnaphosidae, Lycosidae, Oxyopidae and Trachelidae from the Madrean Archipelago of Sonora, Mexico. Furthermore, we provide photographs of the copulatory organs of all species studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the unexpected finding of a new species of the genus Cybaeopsis Strand, 1907, C. lodovicii sp. nov. from the Northern Apennine Mountains in Italy. This is the first documented record of a Cybaeopsis species in Europe. Other currently known species of this genus have been previously recorded in North America, the Russian Far-East and Japan. The new species is illustrated and described based on both sexes. Another species from Portugal, Cybaeopsis theoblicki (Bosmans, 2021) comb. nov., recently described in the genus Callobius Chamberlin, 1947, is hereby transferred to Cybaeopsis on the basis of morphological characters. An updated key to the European genera of Amaurobiidae is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of the orb-weaver spider Aculepeira armida (Audouin, 1826) is confirmed in the fauna of Romania, in Deta (Timi County), after more than 100 years from its first observation in the country. Some data on the ecology and the diagnosis of the species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigations were carried out to elucidate the spider fauna of the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1,505 spider specimens were documented from various sites of the study area. A total of 74 species grouped under 58 genera and 22 families are reported. The family Araneidae was the most common, accounting for 31й of the overall population followed by Salticidae, which accounted for 15й of the overall population. Spiders belonging to seven guild structures were identified which were then classified on the basis of their dietary habits. Further research is needed to analyze the behavior, biology and web patterns of these ubiquitous creatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Arachnida Catalog (WAC, online at https://wac.nmbe.ch) is introduced as an amalgamation of the highly successful World Spider Catalog (WSC), the Pseudoscorpions of the World Catalog, and the Smaller Arachnid Order Catalogs. The new catalogs present all available taxonomic information on eight arachnid orders (Amblypygi, Araneae, Pseudoscorpiones, Ricinulei, Palpigradi, Schizomida, Solifugae and Uropygi) in a single location and a standardized format, continuously updated by specialists, to members of the World Spider Catalog Association (WSCA). For the first time, the majority of taxonomic literature for Pseudoscorpiones and the smaller arachnid orders will be available in downloadable PDF format for members according to the Swiss copyright laws. Up-to-date counts of families, genera and species are given alongside the current taxonomy for each taxon. Now in a common place and presented in an almost unified format, the new catalog aims to become the primary repository of taxonomic information for the Arachnida and will hopefully stimulate arachnological research across all arachnid orders by removing boundaries imposed by literature accessibility, incompatibility of formats, or taxonomic jargon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic status of the two Japanese species of the spider genus Cybaeus L. Koch, 1868, viz., C. communis Yaginuma, 1972 and C. maculosus Yaginuma, 1972, is revisited on the basis of male and female specimens, which were collected from each type locality and the adjacent areas, along with the holotypes of both species. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 sequence data confirmed that C. communis and C. maculosus are conspecific, and C. maculosus is synonymized with C. communis. The obtained molecular phylogenies corroborate the monophyly of C. communis, C. kirigaminensis Komatsu, 1963, C. shinkaii (Komatsu, 1970), and C. daimonji Matsuda, Ihara, and Nakano, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present the chromosome‐level genome assembly of Dysdera silvatica Schmidt, 1981, a nocturnal ground‐dwelling spider endemic from the Canary Islands. The genus Dysdera has undergone a remarkable diversification in this archipelago mostly associated with shifts in the level of trophic specialization, becoming an excellent model to study the genomic drivers of adaptive radiations. The new assembly (1.37 Gb; scaffold N50 of 174.2 Mb), was performed using the chromosome conformation capture scaffolding technique, represents a continuity improvement of more than 4500 times with respect to the previous version. The seven largest scaffolds or pseudochromosomes, which cover 87% of the total assembly size, probably correspond with the seven chromosomes of the karyotype of this species, including a characteristic large X chromosome. To illustrate the value of this new resource we performed a comprehensive analysis of the two major arthropod chemoreceptor gene families (i.e., gustatory and ionotropic receptors). We identified 545 chemoreceptor sequences distributed across all pseudochromosomes, with a notable underrepresentation in the X chromosome. At least 54% of them localize in 83 genomic clusters with a significantly lower evolutionary distances between them than the average of the family, suggesting a recent origin of many of them. This chromosome‐level assembly is the first high‐quality genome representative of the Synspermiata clade, and just the third among spiders, representing a new valuable resource to gain insights into the structure and organization of chelicerate genomes, including the role that structural variants, repetitive elements and large gene families played in the extraordinary biology of spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiders are one of the most familiar and studied groups of arthropods. They are ubiquitous in most terrestrial ecosystems preying on other arthropods as well as their own type. Jumping spiders belong to family Salticidae and constitute the largest family of spiders. While studying animal diversity in Pench National Park, Maharashtra State, India, five species of jumping spiders were identified, which have not been previously described from the study area. These five species of jumping spiders, namely, Hasarius adansoni, Menemerus bivittatus, Plexippus paykulli, Plexippus petersi, and Telamonia dimidiata are new records for Pench National Park, Maharashtra.

The homology of the arachnid chelicera with respect to other head appendages in Panarthropoda has long been debated. Gene expression data and the re-interpretation of early transitional fossils have supported the homology of the deutocerebrum and its associated appendages, implying a homology between primary antennae (mandibulates), chelicerae (euchelicerates), and chelifores (sea spiders). Nevertheless, comparatively little is known about the mechanistic basis of proximo-distal (PD) axis induction in chelicerates, much less the basis for cheliceral fate specification. Here, we describe a new cheliceral teratology in the spider Tetragnatha versicolor Walckenaer, 1841, which consists on a duplication of the PD axis of the left chelicera associated with a terminal secondary schistomely on the fang of the lower axis. This duplication offers clues as to potential shared mechanisms of PD axis formation in the chelicera. We review the state of knowledge on PD axis induction mechanisms in arthropods and identify elements of gene regulatory networks that are key for future functional experiments of appendage development in non-insect model systems. Such investigations would allow a better understanding of PD axis induction of modified and poorly studied arthropod limbs (e.g., chelicerae, chelifores, and ovigers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine new species of the orb-weaver spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 from Menglun Town, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China are described: Acusilas tongi sp. nov. (♂♀), Chorizopes yui sp. nov. (♂♀), Chorizopesoides guoi sp. nov. (♂♀), Deione cheni sp. nov. (♀), D. yangi sp. nov. (♂♀), Hypsosinga pulla sp. nov. (♂♀), Mangora baii sp. nov. (♂♀), M. cephala sp. nov. (♂♀) and Milonia gemella sp. nov. (♂♀). The genus Milonia Thorell, 1890 is recorded from China for the first time. The previous description of Chorizopesoides wulingensis (Yin, Wang & Xie, 1994) from Libo County, Guizhou by Mi and Wang (2018) refers to Chorizopesoides annasestakovae sp. nov. (♂♀). Diagnostic photos of the habitus and copulatory organs of the new species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiders are one of the most diverse and numerically abundant arthropods. They have a wide distribution and inhabit different types of habitats. Their occurrence and distribution function as a bio-indicator of that area and their presence is influenced greatly by the corresponding habitat and vegetation types. In this study the spider fauna was surveyed from November 2019 to October 2020 in three locations of Kailashahar, Tripura, India. A total of thirty-two species belonging to thirteen families and eighteen genera were identified. Among them nine species are reported for the first time in Tripura, India - Neogeo nocticolor, Tetragnatha mandibulata, Tetragnatha javana, Enoplognatha sp., Oxytate sp., Carrhotus viduus, Thalassius albocinctus, Scytodes fusca and Mimetus sp. The highest numerically abundant spider recorded is Oxyopes scalaris and the least abundant species is Opadometa fastigata in the study area. The present study thoroughly investigated the unexplored spider species distributed over the study area and highlights the richness of spider diversity while calling for greater conservation of forest areas. Further rigorous works are necessary to discover more new spider species from this unexplored state of northeast India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian sandalwood Santalum album L. plantations in Karnataka were surveyed to study the diversity and abundance of spider fauna. A total of 1,244 individuals belonging to 56 spider species in 40 genera under 14 families were recorded in the sandalwood plantations. Among the spider families recorded, Araneidae was the most dominant with 15 species in nine genera followed by Salticidae with 13 species in 10 genera, Thomisidae with seven species in four genera, Oxyopidae with four species in three genera, Uloboridae with four species in a genus, and Theridiidae by three species each under three genera. Lycosidae and Sparassidae are represented by two species under two genera each. The families Cheiracanthiidae, Clubionidae, Hersiliidae, Philodromidae, and Pholcidae are represented by a species each. The pruning of sandalwood revealed a significant negative effect on the occurrence and distribution of spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Boagrius Simon, 1893, previously known only from Southeast Asia is recorded for the first time from the Western Ghats of India, thus extending its distribution to South Asia. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of both male and female of Boagrius tenuisus sp. nov. are provided. The record of Sarascelis raffrayi Simon, 1893 in India is found incorrect and confirmed its current distribution only in Singapore. Based on generic similarities, a provisional transfer of the species Palpimanus namratae (Pillai, 2006) to Sarascelis Simon, 1887 is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A list of spiders is provided (Arachnida: Araneae), collected in April 2019 in the south-west of Turkey (Antalya Province, Kemer district). In total 95 species from 28 families have been recorded. Sintula karineae spec. nov. is described based on female specimens. Brigittea innocens (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872), a relatively unknown and poorly documented species, is redescribed. Besides the newly described member of Sintula, further eight species are new for the fauna of Turkey: Canariphantes nanus (Kulczyński, 1898), Cyclosa algerica Simon, 1885, Hogna effera (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872), Lepthyphantes magnesiae Brignoli, 1979, Oecobius navus Blackwall, 1859, Phrurolithus azarkinae Zamani & Marusik, 2020, Pseudeuophrys rhodiensis Schäfer, 2018 and Theridion helena Wunderlich, 2011. One female of Ozyptila Simon, 1864 (Araneae: Thomisidae) is described and illustrated and possibly represents the unknown female of O. spirembola Wunderlich, 1995, but no accompanying male was collected. Moreover, the findings of several other species already known from Turkey represent important records for the local fauna: Berinda cooki Logunov, 2012, Harpactea sturanyi (Nosek, 1905), Heriaeus setiger (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872), Improphantes turok Tanasevitch, 2011, Mermessus denticulatus (Banks, 1898), Nomisia orientalis Dalmas, 1921, Philodromus femurostriatus Muster, 2009, Tegenaria faniapollinis Brignoli, 1978, Tegenaria vankeerorum Bolzern, Burckhardt & Hänggi, 2013 and Zaitunia kunti Zonstein & Marusik, 2016. Photos and drawings of most of these species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new genus (Sestakovaia gen. nov.; Liocranidae) and 10 new species of five families of spiders are described from different provinces of Iran: Brigittea avicenna sp. nov. (♂♀, Alborz and Kurdistan provinces) (Dictynidae), Micaria atropatene sp. nov. (♂, East Azerbaijan Province), Zagrotes borna sp. nov. (♂, Hormozgan Province), Z. parla sp. nov. (♂, Kerman Province) (Gnaphosidae), Sestakovaia hyrcania sp. nov. (♂, Golestan Province), Mesiotelus patricki sp. nov. (♂, Golestan Province) (Liocranidae), Palpimanus carmania sp. nov. (♂, Kerman Province), P. persicus sp. nov. (♂♀, Hormozgan Province) (Palpimanidae), Rhysodromus genoensis sp. nov. (♂, Hormozgan Province), and R. medes sp. nov. (♂, Hormozgan Province) (Philodromidae). Furthermore, Sestakovaia annulipes (Kulczyński, 1897), comb. nov. (ex. Mesiotelus) and Zagrotes bifurcatus (Zamani, Chatzaki, Esyunin & Marusik, 2021), comb. nov. (ex. Berinda) are proposed as new combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new distributional data of 24 spider species in Sardinia, including 7 endemic and 1 poorly recorded species. Sixteen species from 7 families and six species from 2 families are recorded for the first time in Sardinia and Italy, respectively. Among these, the reported presence of Cepheia longiseta and five other species allows us to include the Synaphridae family and five genera (Anagraphis, Hahnia, Minyriolus, Thaumatoncus, Trabea) in the Sardinian spider checklist, and two genera (Anagraphis and Thaumatoncus) in the Italian spider checklist. Relevant faunistic and distribution notes of poorly collected species are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of theridiid spiders are described from northern Iran: Episinus mikhailovisp. n. (♂♀, Gilan and Mazandaran provinces) and Theridion arsiasp. n. (♀, Qazvin Province); the latter has a unique type of thread-like mating plug previously undocumented in the family. Furthermore, Enoplognatha submargaritaYaginuma & Zhu, 1992, stat. reval. is rediagnosed and removed from the synonymy of Enoplognatha margarita Yaginuma, 1964, and a unique line of fine perforations connecting the copulatory openings are newly documented for this species. Finally, the first records of E. margarita from Mongolia and E. submargarita from Kyrgyzstan are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]