Hidden diversity in plain sight: four new species of Nemesia (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from the Córdoba Province of Spain

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  Hidden diversity in plain sight: four new species of Nemesia (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from the Córdoba Province of Spain Abstract A taxonomic revision of the species of Nemesia Audouin, 1826, distributed in the vicinity of Córdoba City, southern Spain, is presented. Four new species are described: Nemesia morana sp. nov. (female), N. kodama sp. nov. (male and female), N. rosae sp. nov. (male and female), and N. tamajoni sp. nov. (male and female). These species are distinguished by distinct morphological characters, including the shape of the spermathecae, palpal bulbs, and spinnerets, as well as by burrow architecture. Fieldwork was conducted across two of the three major habitat types in the region—the humid, forested mountains of Sierra Morena and the croplands and riparian forests of the Guadalquivir Valley—while the third, the “campiña”, which is mainly composed of agricultural landscapes, remains poorly explored. Sampling methods included pitfall trapping and the direct e...

Redescription of Bonea sarasinorum from Sulawesi, and the relationships of Bonea within Podoctinae (Opiliones, Grassatores, Podoctidae)

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Redescription of Bonea sarasinorum from Sulawesi, and the relationships of Bonea within Podoctinae (Opiliones, Grassatores, Podoctidae)

Abstract

The family Podoctidae, which includes 131 species predominantly from Tropical Asia and Australasia, faces significant taxonomic challenges due to historically inadequate species descriptions. This study presents a detailed redescription of Bonea sarasinorum Roewer, 1914, the type species of the genus Bonea, based on specimens collected from its type locality in Sulawesi. The male of B. sarasinorum is described for the first time, enabling a reassessment of the genus’s systematic placement. Our findings confirm that Bonea belongs to Podoctinae lato sensu (including Erecananinae) rather than Ibaloniinae. However, several morphological traits suggest that Bonea is not a monophyletic group, with B. sarasinorum sharing close affinities with Dongmoa, while other Bonea species may be more closely related to Baramia and Hoplodino. Morphological terminology for the Podoctidae is updated, and the male genitalia of B. sarasinorum are compared to other Podoctinae species, revealing unique traits such as a deeply cleft distal truncus and poorly developed follis. This study highlights the importance of acquiring new material and employing modern imaging techniques, such as microCT, to refine taxonomic understanding of this family.

Kury, Adriano B., and Glauco Machado. 2025. “Redescription of Bonea sarasinorum from Sulawesi, and the Relationships of Bonea Within Podoctinae (Opiliones, Grassatores, Podoctidae)”. Zootaxa 5659 (1). Auckland, New Zealand:133-45. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5659.1.9.