Cryptic diversity of South African trapdoor spiders : three new species of Stasimopus Simon, 1892 (Mygalomorphae, Ctenizidae), and redescription of Stasimopus robertsi Hewitt, 1910
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Date
Authors
Engelbrecht, I.A. (Ian)
Prendini, Lorenzo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
American Museum of Natural History
Abstract
Three new species of Stasimopus Simon, 1892, are described from the Gauteng and North
West provinces of South Africa. They are readily distinguished from all other known Stasimopus
species by the presence of spinules in the tarsal scopulae on the first two pairs of legs of adult
males. The only described species recorded in the vicinity, Stasimopus robertsi Hewitt, 1910,
which appears to be endemic to northern Gauteng Province, is redescribed. The four species
are comprehensively illustrated, a key to identify the adult males from those of other new species
in the region is provided, and their conservation status discussed. Available evidence suggests
that many Stasimopus species remain to be discovered and described, but significant effort
will be required to obtain adult males, considered important for accurate species delimitation
in the genus.
Description
Keywords
Araneae, Ctenizidae, South Africa, Taxonomy, Conservation, Trapdoor spiders
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Engelbrecht, I & Prendini, L 2012, 'Cryptic diversity of South African trapdoor spiders : three new species of Stasimopus Simon, 1892 (Mygalomorphae, Ctenizidae), and redescription of Stasimopus robertsi Hewitt, 1910', American Museum Novitates, no. 3732, pp. 1-42.