Bertani, R. (2023). Taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of Lasiodora C. L. Koch, 1850 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) with notes on related genera. Zootaxa 5390(1): 1-116.
Abstract: 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.
Peñaherrera-R. P, León-E. RJ (2023) On Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1895 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) species and tarantula conservation in Ecuador. ZooKeys 1186: 185-205.
Abstract: Two novel species of Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1895 are described from the north-western and central-western slopes of the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes mountain range in Ecuador. The new species are easily differentiated from other congeners of Psalmopoeus by spermathecae and male palpal bulb morphology and a comparatively distant distribution to the type localities of the geographically nearest known congeners. The diagnosis of P. ecclesiasticus Pocock, 1093 is revised and updated, considering the novel species and observations on spermatheca of this species. Likewise, an evaluation is provided for the new species in terms of conservation due to the various threats impacting ecosystems and ecosystem services of their type localities. Finally, the importance of theraphosid spiders in Ecuador and South America and their possible conservation requirements are discussed and assessed.
Sherwood, D.; Gabriel, R.; Peñaherrera-R., P.; Brescovit, A.D.; Lucas, S.M. On the Tarantula Genus XenesthisSimon, 1891, with Description of a New Species from Venezuela (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Taxonomy 2023, 3, 509-527.
Abstract:
The type material of Xenesthis colombiana Simon, 1891, X. immanis Ausserer, 1875, and X. monstrosa Pocock, 1903, are redescribed, with additional specimens of X. colombiana recorded. A neotype is designated for Xenesthis intermedia Schiapelli and Gerschman, 1945, as the holotype is lost; the female is redescribed, and the male is described for the first time. A new species, Xenesthis avanzadora sp. nov., is described from Venezuela based on a holotype male.
Gabriel, Sherwood, Pérez-Miles: Four new species and two new genera of theraphosid spider from Bolivia (Araneae: Theraphosidae). November 2023. Arachnology 19(6):944-951
Abstract:
Two new genera, Bermejoa gen. nov. and Isiboroa gen. nov. are described to house the species Bermejoa zoeae sp. nov. and Isiboroa hamelae sp. nov., respectively. Two new species of existing genera are also described: Plesiopelma manni sp. nov. and Reversopelma herzogi sp. nov. Homoeomma peruvianum (Chamberlin, 1916) and Acanthoscurria sacsayhuaman Ferretti, Ochoa & Chaparro, 2016 from Peru are transferred to Isiboroa gen. nov., based on palpal bulb morphology and the absence of a stridulation organ. Consequently, the new combinations Isiboroa peruviana comb. nov. and Isiboroa sacsayhuaman comb. nov. are proposed.
Sherwood, Gabriel, Penaherrera-R., Leon-E., Cisneros-Heredia, Brescovit, Lucas: Pamphobeteus Pocock, 1901: redescriptions, new species and records, description of a missing sex, with taxonomic notes and changes in Megaphobema Pocock, 1901 (Araneae: Theraphosidae). November 2023. Arachnology 19(6):894-930
Abstract:
The type material of Pamphobeteus ultramarinus Schmidt, 1995 and P. vespertinus (Simon, 1889) are redescribed. The male of P. lapola Sherwood, Gabriel, Brescovit & Lucas, 2022 is described for the frst time. Six new species are described: P. amazonas Sherwood, Gabriel, Peñaherrera-R., Cisneros-Heredia., León-E., Brescovit & Lucas sp. nov. from Brazil, and P. gangotenai Cisneros-Heredia, Peñaherrera-R., León-E., Sherwood, Gabriel, Brescovit & Lucas, sp. nov., P. jamacoaque Peñaherrera-R., Cisneros-Heredia., León-E., Sherwood, Gabriel, Brescovit & Lucas sp. nov., P. lasjuntas Peñaherrera-R., Cisneros-Heredia., León-E., Sherwood, Gabriel, Brescovit & Lucas sp. nov., P. matildeae Sherwood, Gabriel, Peñaherrera-R., Cisneros-Heredia., León-E., Brescovit & Lucas sp. nov., and P. skis León-E., Peñaherrera-R., Cisneros-Heredia, Sherwood, Gabriel, Brescovit & Lucas sp. nov. from Ecuador. We report, for the frst time, the presence of Type III urticating setae in Pamphobeteus Pocock, 1901. New interpretations of tibial apophysis morphology are presented, alongside a comparison of the palpal bulb morphology of all known male congeners. New distribution and/or museum records are made for P. antinous Pocock, 1903, P. crassifemur Bertani, Fukushima & Silva, 2008, P. lapola, and P. urvinae Sherwood, Gabriel, Brescovit & Lucas, 2022. Pamphobeteus petersi Schmidt, 2002 is illustrated and transferred to the genus Megaphobema Ausserer, 1875, based on palpal bulb morphology, and proposed as a junior synonym of Megaphobema velvetosoma Schmidt, 1995 syn. nov. Two Costa Rican species currently housed in Megaphobema are found to be misplaced, based on genital, femoral, and stridulation organ morphology, and are transferred to Abdomegaphobema gen. nov., Thus creating the new combinations Abdomegaphobema mesomelas (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1892) comb. nov. and Abdomegaphobema peterklaasi (Schmidt, 1994) comb. nov.
Peñaherrera-R., P., Guerrero-Campoverde, A., León-E., R. J., Pinos-Sanchez, A. & Falcón-Reibán, J. M. (2023). Two new species of Neischnocolus Petrunkevitch, 1925 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from eastern and western Ecuador. Zootaxa 5351(4): 483-493.
Abstract:
Two new species of Neischnocolus Petrunkevitch, 1925 are described from the eastern and western slopes of the Andean Cordillera of Ecuador. N. tsere sp. nov. differs from all congeners by having the prolateral inferior keel well developed and longer than prolateral superior keel, prolateral inferior and prolateral superior keels slightly serrated at distal section, prolateral inferior keel not continuous, and retrolateral keel absent. N. cisnerosi sp. nov. differs from all congeners
by having a prolateral accessory keel, retrolateral keel, prolateral superior and prolateral inferior keels non-serrated, and the presence of median dorsal granular area rounded-shaped over ventral surface. Comments on biogeography of Neischnocolus are made
Bertani, R. (2023). Two new species of Vitalius (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from the restingas of the states of Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and Sergipe, Brazil. Zoologia 40(e23001): 1-17.
Abstract
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 Vitaliusspecies 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.
N. Chomphuphuang, Z. Sippawat, P. Sriranan, P. Piyatrakulchai, C. Songsangchote. (2023).
A new electric-blue tarantula species of the genus Chilobrachys Karsh, 1892 from Thailand (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae). ZooKeys 1180: 105-128.
Abstract
The enchanting phenomenon of blue coloration in animals arises from the fact that blue is one of the rarest colors found in nature, and it is a structural color that is produced by the arrangement of biological photonic nanostructures, rather than pigments. This unique coloration has evolved independently in many different species, adding to the fascination and diversity of coloration patterns in the animal kingdom.
Alireza Zamani, Rick C. West. (2023). A new species of Chaetopelma Ausserer, 1871 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from Iran. ZooKeys 1174: 75-84.
Abstract
New data on the tarantula genus Chaetopelma Ausserer, 1871 are provided. A new species, Ch.persianum sp. nov., is described based on a single female specimen collected in northwestern Iran, which represents the easternmost record of the genus within its entire known range. Additionally, the correct publication date of Ch. olivaceum C.L. Koch, 1842 is discussed, and the known distribution records of all Chaetopelma species are mapped.
Sherwood, D. & Gabriel, R. (2023). Cymbiapophysa seldeni, a new theraphosine species from Ecuador (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Arachnology 19(5): 777-779.
Abstract:
Cymbiapophysa Gabriel & Sherwood, 2020 is a theraphosine genus endemic to South America, diagnosable on genital organ morphology in both sexes, and the presence of a distal-retrolateral apophysis on the male cymbium. Examination of historical material in the Natural History Museum, London, recently revealed a new species from Carondelet, Ecuador, with distinct palpal bulb and tibial apophysis morphology, described herein as Cymbiapophysa seldeni sp. nov.
Zonstein, S. L. (2023). A survey of the spider genus Ischnocolus Ausserer, 1871 (Aranei: Theraphosidae) in Israel, with description of a new species. Arthropoda Selecta 32(2): 197-212.
Abstract:
The genus Ischnocolus Ausserer, 1871 is found to include three species represented in Israel: the recently described I. ignoratus Guadanucci et Wendt, 2014, I. meron sp.n. described herein, and an additional congener inhabiting the Negev Desert and known only from a subadult specimen (most likely, belonging to I. jickelii L. Koch, 1875). The new species differs from I. ignoratus as well as from other congeners by a specific configuration of the spermathecae and by integral leg tarsi I–IV lacking the transverse suture. Regarding the type series of I. ignoratus, a controversial information concering the collection data is discussed in detail. Ischnocolus meron sp.n. and I. ignoratus are diagnosed, depicted and (re)described; the data on their ecology and distribution are also provided.
Galleti-Lima, A., Hamilton, C. A., Borges, L. M. & Guadanucci, J. P. L. (2023). Phylogenomics of Lasiodoriforms: reclassification of the South American genus Vitalius Lucas, Silva and Bertani and allied genera (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11(1177627): 1-19.
Abstract:
Theraphosinae is the most diverse subfamily of Theraphosidae spiders, but their evolutionary history remains unresolved to date. This problem is common in taxonomic groups with phylogenetic hypotheses that have often been based only on qualitative morphological characters and, rarely, on molecular analyses. Phylogenomics has significantly contributed to the understanding of the evolution of many non-model groups, such as spiders. Herein, we employed ultraconserved elements (UCEs) phylogenomics to propose a new hypothesis for a group of Theraphosinae genera, namely Lasiodoriforms: Vitalius, Lasiodora, Eupalaestrus, Pterinopelma, Proshapalopus, and Nhandu. We propose three genera and their respective morphological diagnoses are provided. Our phylogeny supports the transfer of species from the genus Vitalius to Pterinopelma and Proshapalopus and from Proshapalopus to Eupalaestrus. Finally, we describe a new species of Vitalius from Southern Brazil. Based on these three new generic descriptions and transferred species, the Lasiodoriform tarantulas comprise nine genera from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and the genus Vitalius now includes seven species.
Echeverri, M., Gómez Torres, S., Pinel, N. & Perafán, C. (2023). Four new species of mygalomorph spiders (Araneae, Halonoproctidae and Theraphosidae) from the Colombian Pacific region (Bahía Solano, Chocó). ZooKeys 1166: 49-90
Abstract:
The Colombian Pacific coast is an amazing natural region, immersed in one of the most unknown biodiversity hotspots in the world. An expedition carried out in the north of this area, at the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico (JBP) in Bahía Solano, Chocó, focused on studying the diversity of the mygalomorph spider fauna, allowed us to discover four new species included in the families Halonoproctidae and Theraphosidae. The trapdoor species Ummidia solana sp. nov., and the theraphosids species Euthycaelus cunampia sp. nov. (Schismatothelinae), Melloina pacifica sp. nov. (Glabropelmatinae), and Neischnocolus mecana sp. nov. (Theraphosinae) are illustrated, diagnosed, and described in detail. Photographs of somatic features and copulatory organs and a distribution map are provided. Morphological, taxonomical, and biogeographical aspects are discussed for each species. All these taxonomic novelties represent the first records of these genera for the region, expanding the range of geographic distribution of each of them. This work constitutes the first effort focused on characterizing the community of Mygalomorphae species in the Chocó Biogeographic Region.
Pittella, R. S., Bassa, P. G., Zefa, E., Bianchi, F.M. 2023. Using Integrative Approach to Update a Gap of a Century: Redescription and New Distribution Records of Grammostola pulchra (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae). Zoological Studies 62:05.
Abstract:
Taxonomic researchers have used multiple sources of evidence to support species hypotheses and delimitations. Grammostola Simon (Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae) comprises 21 valid species endemic to South America, six occurring in Brazil. The classical morphological approach based mainly on genitalia may be misleading in recognizing species in this genus. Then, we used the morphology, geographical distribution, genetic distance, and phylogeny to support the redescription of Grammostola pulchra from southern Brazil, a species described a century ago. We also diagnosed and illustrated the species.
Bertani, R. & Raven, R. J. (2023). On the genus Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with the description of six new species. Zootaxa 5271(2): 201-230.
Abstract:
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.
Sherwood, D., Gabriel, R. & Brescovit, A. D. (2023). Nhandu sylviae sp. nov.: first record of the genus from Guyana (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Arachnology 19(4): 708-712.
Abstract:
Nhandu sylviae sp. nov. is described from Guyana, representing the first record of the genus Nhandu Lucas, 1983 from Guyana and the first record in northern South America.
Peñaherrera-R., P., Guerrero-Campoverde, A., León-E., R. J. & Cisneros-Heredia, D. F. (2023a). First record of Holothele longipes (L. Koch, 1875) (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from Ecuador. Check List 19(2): 141-145.
Abstract:
We present the first record of Holothele longipes (L. Koch, 1875) (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from the Republic of Ecuador, based on a male specimen collected near Puerto Misahuallí, province of Napo, in the north-eastern foothills of the Andes, upper River Napo basin. This new record extends the geographic range of H. longipes by approximately 554 km west of the nearest previously known locality, on the River Momón, department of Loreto, Peru. Our new record also represents the first time a species of the theraphosid subfamily Ischnocolinae has been found in Ecuador.
Moeller, W., Weinmann, D. & Guadanucci, J. P. L. (2023). Genus Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 (Araneae, Theraphosidae): taxonomic notes and seven new species description. European Journal of Taxonomy 861: 78-112.
Abstract:
Seven new species of Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) are described, almost doubling the diversity of the genus: S. caeri sp. nov.; S. caiquetia sp. nov.; S. merida sp. nov.; S. moonenorumsp. nov.; S. quimbaya sp. nov.; S. timotocuica sp. nov. and S. wayana sp. nov. An identification key for all species of Schismatothele (except S. kastoni) is presented, as well as a complementary diagnosis for the genus. Also, a standardized nomenclature is proposed to describe the prolateral keels of male palpal bulbs of species of Schismatothele.
Ferretti, Chaparro, Ochoa & West, 2022. A new tarantula (Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae) genus endemic from Peru with a novel genitalic morphology among theraphosinae and its phylogenetic placement. Zool. Anz. 302: 102—112.
Abstract:
Chinchaysuyu gen. nov. is described as a new monotypic Theraphosidae genus from northern Peru, with distinct genitalic morphology. Males of Chinchaysuyu gen. nov. differ from all known species by having a palpal bulb organ with many conspicuous keels extending towards the subtegulum. Females differ by having two pairs of short and hyper-sclerotized receptacles. This new genus is described and illustrated on the basis of the type species Chinchaysuyu spinosa sp. nov. and their morphological affinities and its phylogenetic position are analyzed and discussed.
Nicoletta M, Panchuk J, Peralta-Seen N, Ferretti N. 2022. Description and sexual behavior of two new species of mygalomorph spiders (Araneae: Theraphosidae, Pycnothelidae), and first record of Xenonemesia platensis (Pycnothelidae) of Corrientes, Argentina. Zool Stud 61:62.
Abstract:
Paraje Tres Cerros is a low altitude hilly natural area surrounded by cattle fields and characterized by three isolated rocky formations of about 150–180 m a.s.l. located in the Corrientes province of Argentina. Their topographic and environmental conditions are unique across the whole Mesopotamian littoral of Argentina and, therefore, can be considered as a biogeographic island that hosts several endemic species of plants and animals. The lack of knowledge of the mygalomorph spider species of the area led us to conduct a field study at Paraje Tres Cerros with the objective of surveying these spiders. From this survey, we described two new endemic species, Stenoterommata isa sp. nov. (Pycnothelidae) and Catumiri sapucai sp. nov. (Theraphosidae); and we recorded Xenonemesia platensis for the first time in the Corrientes province. In addition, we described the sexual behavior of Stenoterommata isa sp. nov. and Catumiri sapucai sp. nov. for the first time.
Euthycaelus janae, a new species and the first record of the subfamily Schismatothelinae from Peru (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Sherwood, D. & Gabriel, R. (2022). Faunitaxys 10(49): 1-4.
Abstract:
Euthycaelus janae sp. nov. is described from Pebas, Peru based on a holotype female in the Natural History Museum, London, simultaneously constituting the first record of the subfamily Schismatothelinae Guadanucci, 2014 in Peru.
A new species of Chilobrachys (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from Guangdong, China.
Lin Y-J, Li S, Xie C (2022). Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e96467.
Abstract:
A new species, Chilobrachys qishuoi Lin & Li, sp. n., is described from Guangdong, China, on the basis of both sexes. This is the easternmost Chilobrachys species known. Photos and a morphological description of the new species are provided. Type materials are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IZCAS) in Beijing, China.
On the species of Pamphobeteus Pocock, 1901 deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, with redescriptions of type material, the first record of P. grandis Bertani, Fukushima & Silva, 2008 from Peru, and the description of four new species (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Arachnology (2022) 19 (3), 650–674
Danniella Sherwood, Ray Gabriel, Antonio D. Brescovit, Sylvia M. Lucas
Abstract
The species Pamphobeteus antinous Pocock, 1903, P. fortis (Ausserer, 1875), P. insignis Pocock, 1903, and P. ornatus Pocock, 1903 are redescribed, based on examination of the
respective type material. Lectotypes are designated for Pamphobeteus ferox (Ausserer, 1875) and P. nigricolor (Ausserer, 1875), with these taxa also redescribed. A new diagnosis and
description of Pamphobeteus augusti (Simon, 1889) is presented, based on a non-type male compared against illustrations of one of the syntypes. New distribution records of Pamphobeteus grandis Bertani, Fukushima & Silva, 2008 are presented from Peru. Four new species of Pamphobeteus Pocock, 1901 are described: P. nellieblyae sp. nov., P. urvinae sp. nov. and P. zaruma sp. nov. from Ecuador, and P. lapola sp. nov. from Colombia.
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Caribena versicolor now CITES from January 11, 2023
Systematics and phylogeography of western Mediterranean tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) Jan Korba, Vera Opatova, Arnau Calatayud-Mascarell, Alba Enguídanos, Adrià Bellvert, Silvia Adrián, Alberto Sánchez-Vialas, Miquel A Arnedo. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, zlac042, 2022.
Abstract
Theraphosidae is the most diversified family of mygalomorph spiders, commonly known as tarantulas. Two genera inhabit the Mediterranean region: Chaetopelma in the east and Ischnocolus mostly in the western part of the Basin. Their phylogenetic position and the validity of some Ischnocolus species remain unclear. We implemented a multilocus target approach to shed new light on the position of both genera and further integrated molecular data with additional lines of evidence (morphology and ecology) to explore species boundaries in western Mediterranean Ischnocolus. Our results reveal that Ischnocolus and Chaetopelma are not closely related. Chaetopelma formed a clade with the African subfamily Eumenophorinae and Ischnocolus was recovered in a clade comprising all remaining theraphosids.
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A new species of tarantula of the genus Orphnaecus Simon, 1892 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from the Province of Dinagat Islands, Philippines. Salamanes, J. J. D., Santos, J. M. J., Austria, E. S. & Villancio, G. G. S (2022). Biodiversitas 23(8): 4283-4288.
Abstract:
A new species of tarantula of the genus Orphnaecus Simon, 1892 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from the Province of Dinagat Islands, Philippines. Biodiversitas 23: 4283-4288. Orphnaecus adamsoni sp. nov., a new species of tarantula of the genus Orphnaecus Simon, 1892 is described and illustrated based on the specimens collected from the Province of Dinagat Islands, Philippines. It closely resembles O. kwebaburdeos (Barrion-Dupo, Barrion & Rasalan, 2015). However, it can be easily distinguished by having a rounded carapace, shorter leg segments, more clavate-paddle shaped maxillary lyra, and a different habitat. This mygalomorph spider discovery constitutes the fifth species described for Orphnaecus and the fourth record in the Philippines
First record of Tmesiphantes Simon, 1892 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) in Peru: a new species and its phylogenetic placement
M. NICOLETTA, N. E. FERRETTI, J. C. CHAPARRO, R. C. WEST
ECOSYSTEMS • An. Acad. Bras. Ciênc. 94 (4) • 2022
Abstract
The tarantula genus Tmesiphantes Simon, 1892 includes 20 valid species distributed in Argentina and Brazil. These spiders are distinguished from other Theraphosinae genera by the presence of an incrassate femur III, more evident in males, urticating hair types III and IV on the abdominal dorsum, few cuspules on the labium (0 to 30), maxillae with a maximum of 200 cuspules and sternum rounded. From recent examination of material from Peru, we discovered specimens that share all the morphological characters of Tmesiphantes, but did not fit with any known species.
Aguilera, M. A., Montenegro, R. & Casanueva, M. E. (2022).
REVISED TAXONOMIC PLACEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION UPDATE OF
GRAMMOSTOLA SIMON, 1892, PHRIXOTRICHUS SIMON, 1889 AND
THRIXOPELMA SCHMIDT, 1994 SPECIES, A CHAOTIC HISTORY OF
CHILEAN TARANTULAS (ARANEAE, THERAPHOSIDAE)
Revista Ibérica de Aracnología 40: 63-71.
Abstract:
The taxonomic status and distributions of three species of Theraphosidae from Chile are studied. Grammostola porteri (Mello-Leitão, 1936) is proposed as a junior synonym of Grammostola rosea (Walckenaer, 1837) syn nov. and is redescribed.
Phrixotrichus vulpinus ater (Donoso, 1957) is considered as a nomen dubium because the type is lost and descriptions are not informative enough. The known geographical distributions of Thrixopelma pruriens Schmidt, 1998 and Grammostola rosea are updated.
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Sherwood, D. & Gabriel, G. (2022b). Thrixopelma nadineae, a new theraphosine from Ecuador (Araneae: Theraphosidae).
Taxonomy 2: 255-260.
Abstract
Thrixopelma nadineae sp. nov. is described from Loja, Ecuador, based on the male, which possesses distinctive palpal bulb, metatarsal and tibial apophysis morphology. The new species represents the second species of Thrixopelma to be recorded from Ecuador.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6500/2/3/20
Sherwood, D. & Gabriel, R. (2022a).
A new species and two new genera of theraphosine
from Peru (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
Arachnology 19(Special Issue): 247-256.
Abstract
Two new theraphosine genera and one new species are
described from Peru, based on material from the collections in
the Natural History Museum, London. Anqasha gen. n. is
described to house Anqasha picta (Pocock, 1903) gen. et comb.
n., ex. Hapalopus. The holotype male of A. picta is redescribed,
with the female described for the first time. Two new localities
for A. picta are recorded, extending the distribution of this
species. Another monotypic genus, Murphyarachne gen. n., is
described to house a new species Murphyarachne ymasumacae
gen. et sp. n. based on a holotype female.
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Gabriel, R. & Sherwood, D. (2022).
TAXONOMY, BIOGEOGRAPHY, AND ECOLOGY OF SOME
THERAPHOSID SPIDERS OF THE DARIÉN REGION WITH DESCRIPTION
OF FIVE NEW SPECIES (ARANEAE: THERAPHOSIDAE)
Revista Ibérica de Aracnología 40: 5-18.
Abstract:
A summary of the present knowledge on the biogeography and ecology of the known theraphosid spiders in the Darién
region, Panama is presented. Hapalopus coloratus (Valerio, 1982) is redescribed, Holothele longipes (L. Koch, 1875), Neischnocolus panamanus (Petrunkevitch, 1925) and Psalmopoeus pulcher Pretunkevitch, 1925 are briefly discussed. Five new species of
theraphosid spider are described from the Darién region: Cyclosternum darienensis sp. nov., Euthycaelus quinteroi sp. nov.,
Pamphobeteus sucreorum sp. nov., Spinosatibiapalpus cambrai sp. nov. and Tapinauchenius herrerai sp. nov. The supposed
distribution of the taxa Pamphobeteus ornatus Pocock, 1903 and Xenesthis immanis (Ausserer, 1875) in Panama are rejected.
The synonymy of Xenesthis colombiana Simon, 1891 with X. immanis is rejected based on incompatible leg morphometrics and no
textual justification thereby restoring X. colombiana comb. rest
Gonzalez-Filho, H. M. O., Fonseca-Ferreira, R., Brescovit, A. D. & Guadanucci, J. P. L. (2022).
Taxonomy of the genus Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) with a description of a new species from Brazil
Zoosystematics and Evolution 98(2): 181-199.
Abstract
The genus Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 was proposed based on specimen samples from Monte Roraima, Guyana, and allocated in the family Barychelidae. However, the most recent cladistic analysis transferred Cyrtogrammomma to Theraphosidae. Herein, we amended the diagnosis and description of C. monticola, providing a redescription of the male, and new illustrations, including the description of a new cuticular structure consisting of thick and stiff setae on dorsal metatarsi I and II of females. Moreover, we diagnose, describe and illustrate a new species of Cyrtogrammomma from northeastern Brazil: C. frevo sp. nov. In addition, we provide an identification key, new distribution records of the genus in the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Pará, and Pernambuco, in Brazil, and the first record for the genus in caves.
Lin, Y. J., Yan, X. Y. & Li, S. Q. (2022b).
A new species of the tarantula genus Haplocosmia (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from Tibet, China.
Biodiversity Data Journal 10(e82682): 1-6.
Abstract
Background
Haplocosmia Schmidt & von Wirth, 1996 is a small genus distributed in the Himalayas that
includes two species. This genus has not been found in China (Li et al. 2021, Yao et al.
2021, Zhao et al. 2022).
New information
A new species of the genus Haplocosmia is described from China: Haplocosmia
sherwoodae sp. n. from Tibet. Photos and a morphological description of the new species
are given. The type specimen of the new species is deposited in the Institute of Zoology,
Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing (IZCAS).
CIFUENTES, Y. ., & BERTANI, R. . (2022).
Taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of the tarantula genera Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871, Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1985, and Amazonius n. gen. (Theraphosidae, Psalmopoeinae). Zootaxa, 5101(1), 1–123.
ABSTRACT
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: ...
Songsangchote, C., Sippawat, Z., Khaikaew, W. & Chomphuphuang, N. (2022).
A new genus of bamboo culm tarantula from Thailand (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae).
ZooKeys 1080: 1-19.
ABSTRACT
Bamboo plays an important role in the animal world, including providing a nutritious food source, shelter, and habitat. Inside of bamboo culm, we discovered a new genus of tarantula, which we describe here as Taksinus gen. nov. (♂♀). Specimens of this new tarantula were collected from Mae Tho, Mueang Tak district, Tak province, in Thailand, making it geographically distant from any other arboreal genera. Genital morphology was used to diagnose its genus, which is supported by distributional data, natural history, morphological characters, and photographic illustrations of the male and female. Diagnosis of the new genus was determined by distinguishing its different characters from those of other arboreal theraphosid spiders distributed throughout Southeast Asia. This tarantula’s specialization is that it lives in the stalks of the Asian bamboo Gigantochloa sp.
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Kaderka, R., Ferretti, N., Hüsser, M., Lüddecke, T. & West, R. (2021).
Antikuna, a new genus with seven new species from Peru (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae) and the highest altitude record for the family.
Journal of Natural History 55(21-22): 1335-1402.
ABSTRACT
Antikuna, a new genus from Peruvian Andes, was proposed, diagnosed and described, to include seven new species: Antikuna cernickai sp. nov., A. cimrmani sp. nov., A. cyanofemur sp. nov., A. majkusi sp. nov., A. sapallanga sp. nov., A. urayrumi sp. nov. and A. valladaresi sp. nov. Antikuna gen. nov. is characterised by having the type III urticating setae concentrated in one dorsal patch, ventral side of maxillae with short spiniform setae in apical half, the male bulb carrying four keels, prolateral superior, prolateral inferior, apical and subapical keel terminating in a short tooth, and the female spermathecae consisting of two separate divergent seminal receptacles, carrying one or more ventral keels, and dorsally with distinct oval apical lobe, which is narrower than the receptacle neck. In the males of Antikuna gen. nov. the flexion of metatarsi I is between both branches of tibial apophyses and prolateral cymbial lobe is distinctly larger than retrolateral one. Antikuna gen. nov. inhabits altitudes above 3,800 m a.s.l. and A. valladaresi sp. nov. was found in the altitude of 4,689 m a.s.l. representing a new highest altitude record for the family Theraphosidae.
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Nentwig, W., Blick, T., Gloor, D., Jäger, P. & Kropf, C. (2020). How to deal with destroyed type material? The case of Embrik Strand (Arachnida: Araneae). Arachnologische Mitteilungen 59: 22-29.
Abstract:
When the museums of Lübeck, Stuttgart, Tübingen and partly of Wiesbaden were destroyed during World War II between 1942 and 1945, also all or parts of their type material were destroyed, among them types from spider species described by Embrik Strand between 1906 and 1917. He did not illustrate type material from 181 species and one subspecies and described them only in an insufficient manner.