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,...

Restriction of the Type Locality “Los Puentes”, Ecuador, for Several Species of Arachnida, Gastropoda and Plants

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Restriction of the Type Locality “Los Puentes”, Ecuador, for Several Species of Arachnida, Gastropoda and Plants

“Los Puentes” in northwestern Ecuador has been cited as the type locality for several spider, gastropod, and plant taxa. Yet, earlier works ambiguously described it as “near Quito,” leading to confusion about its location. By examining historical documents, maps, and an official decree, I verify that “Los Puentes” lies near Nanegalito, Pichincha province, on the northwestern slopes of the Western Cordillera of the Andes of Ecuador, at 1200–1500 m elevation. I formally restrict the type locality for multiple species, including Isomeria bourcieri lutea Cousin 1887 (Gastropoda: Labyrinthidae), Guestieria locardi Jousseaume 1887 (Gastropoda: Scolodontidae), Proserpinella cousini Jousseaume 1887 (Gastropoda: Proserpinellidae), Mesembrinis vesperus Jousseaume 1887 (Gastropoda: Achatinidae), Idiophthalma robusta Simon 1889 (Arachnida: Barychelidae), Eurypelma (Lasiodora) augusti Simon 1889 (Arachnida: Theraphosidae), Eurypelma (Lasiodora) vespertinus Simon 1889 (Arachnida: Theraphosidae), Asplundia nonoensis Harling 1958 (Pandanales: Cyclanthaceae), and Blakea eriocalyx Wurdack 1979 (Myrtales: Melastomataceae), ensuring taxonomic clarity.

Cisneros-Heredia, Diego F. 2025. “Restriction of the Type Locality 'Los Puentes', Ecuador, for Several Species of Arachnida, Gastropoda and Plants”. Zootaxa 5642 (4). Auckland, New Zealand:389-94. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5642.4.6.