Ami, a new Theraphosid genus from Central and South America, with the description of six new species (Araneae: Mygalomorphae)

Author(s)

Perez-Miles, Fernando ; Gabriel, Ray ; Miglio, Laura ; Bonaldo, Alexandre ; Gallon, Richard ; Jimenez, Juan Jacobo ; Bertani, Rogerio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Zootaxa; v. N/A, n. 1915, p. 15-pg., 2008-10-27.

Abstract

A new genus Ami Perez-Miles is proposed for six new species: A. caxiuana Perez-Miles, Miglio & Bonaldo, from Caxiuana National Forest, Para, Brasil, the type species; A. yupanquii Perez-Miles, Gabriel & Gallon, from the area of Puyo, Equador; A. bladesi Perez-Miles, Gabriel & Gallon, from Isla Colon, Panama; A. pijaos Jimenez & Bertani, from Ibague, Tolima, Colombia; A. amazonica Jimenez & Bertani, from Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia; and A. weinmanni Perez-Miles, from La Azulita, Apure, Venezuela. Avicularia obscura (Ausserer 1875) is transferred to Ami and re-diagnosed. Diagnostic characters of Ami are the modification of Type I urticating hairs, with unusually longer area b, and one or two subconical processes on retrolateral face of male palpal tibiae. Females of Ami differ further from those of other theraphosid genera by their highly characteristic spermathecae: paired ventral receptacles attached to an almost discrete, semicircular, sclerotized back-plate. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 03/12587-4 - Systematics and zoogeography of neotropical teraphosid spiders (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae)
• Grantee: Rogerio Bertani
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants