A new genus of cave spider from Neotropical region (Gnaphosidae: Prodidominae)

Author(s)

Rodrigues, Bruno V. B. ^[1] ; Cizauskas, Igor ^{[1, 2]} ; Lemos, Yuji ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Inst Butantan, Lab Especial Colecoes Zool, Av Vital Brasil 1500, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Org Apoio Pesquisa Biodiversidade OAPBio, Rua Frei Inacio 238, BR-05362040 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Zootaxa; v. 4722, n. 1, p. 77-83, JAN 10 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

A new monotypic genus of Prodidominae, Indiani gen. nov., is proposed to include one cave species collected in limestone caves from Minas Gerais, Brazil: Indiani gaspar sp. nov. (male female). Based on a recent phylogenetic analysis of Prodidominae, the new genus is closely to other Neotropical Prodidominae, such as Lygromma, Brasilomma and Moreno by sharing a classic claw tuft clasper. Indiani gen. nov. is characterized by a ventral parallel rows of strong spines on tibia and metatarsus I-II, male palp with sclerotized conductor and the robust median apophysis is curved retrolaterally; the female epigyne has an anterior atrium and a posterior extension of the epigynal plate. As other cave Prodidominae, Indiani gen. nov. has morphological characteristics, such as loss or reduction of eyes and weak pigmentation, that indicate an adaptation for living in subterranean environments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/23533-7 - PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE GENERA OF THE FAMILY PRODIDOMIDAE SIMON 1884 (ARACHNIDA; ARANEAE)
• Grantee: Bruno Vinicius Bastos Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate