Description of two new species of Avicularia Lamarck 1818 and redescription of Avicularia diversipes (C.L. Koch 1842) (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Aviculariinae)-three possibly threatened Brazilian species

Author(s)

Bertani, Rogério ^[1] ; Fukushima, Caroline Sayuri ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] São Paulo (Estado). Secretaria de Estado da Saúde. Instituto Butantan - Brasil

^[2] São Paulo (Estado). Secretaria de Estado da Saúde. Instituto Butantan - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Zootaxa; v. 2223, p. 25-47, Sept. 2009.
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology

Abstract

Avicularia diversipes (C.L. Koch 1842) known previously only from its original description is redescribed along with Avicularia sooretama sp. nov. and Avicularia gamba sp. nov. The three species are endemic to Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. With other Avicularia species, they share a procurved anterior eye row, slender embolus and medially folded spermathecae, whereas they have unusual characters, such as a very long and spiraled embolus (A. diversipes) and spermathecae with multilobular apex (A. sooretama sp. nov.). Furthermore, the three species lack a tibial apophysis in males and share a distinctive color pattern ontogeny that is not known in any other Avicularia species. The conservation status of the three species is discussed, especially with respect to endemism, illegal trafficking and habitat destruction. The creation of protected areas in southern State of Bahia, Brazil, is recommended, as well as the inclusion of these species in IUCN and CITES lists. Appendices with figures and species information are presented to facilitate correct specimen identification by custom officers, in order to limit illegal traffic. (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