The pholcid spiders of Tunisia (Araneae: Pholcidae): new species, new records, and deep COI divergence in Holocnemus reini

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  The pholcid spiders of Tunisia (Araneae: Pholcidae): new species, new records, and deep COI divergence in Holocnemus reini Abstract Tunisia features a rapid transition between Mediterranean and Saharan biogeographical zones, resulting in a high degree of environmental heterogeneity. Despite this ecological diversity, Tunisian spiders have received limited attention compared to those of neighboring Maghreb countries. Here we combine the results of recent collections in Tunisia focusing on Pholcidae with a comprehensive review of previously published information, resulting in a total of six genera and eleven species. We present first records of the genera Micropholcus Deeleman-Reinhold & Prinsen, 1987 and Spermophorides Wunderlich, 1992 for Tunisia, represented by four new species: M. kahinae Huber sp. nov., M. echebbii Huber sp. nov., S. nabilae Huber & Kmira sp. nov., S. bchirae Huber sp. nov.; in addition, we redescribe S. huberti (Senglet, 1973) from Tunisian specimens,...

Leveraging citizen science data to preliminarily infer the distribution and habitat associations of the Venezuelan endemic Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Strand, 1907) (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

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Leveraging citizen science data to preliminarily infer the distribution and habitat associations of the Venezuelan endemic Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Strand, 1907) (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

Abstract
The theraphosid Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Strand, 1907), known as the Green Bottle Blue Tarantula worldwide, but in Venezuela under the common name Tarántula Azul de Paraguaná, is a charismatic species endemic to Venezuela. Hitherto, almost all information known about this species comes from data gathered in captivity. Through utilizing verified citizen science data from the website iNaturalist, we discuss the biogeographical significance of these preliminary data for showing the in situ distribution and habitat associations of this iconic spider, including a notable record from inland Venezuela in the state of Lara.

Sherwood, Danniella & Gianni-Zurita, Rafael. (2023). Leveraging citizen science data to preliminarily infer the distribution and habitat associations of the Venezuelan endemic Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Strand, 1907) (Araneae: Theraphosidae). 36-50. Danniella Sherwood via ResearhGate