Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the adaptation to semi-aquatic and aquatic life in spiders

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  Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the adaptation to semi-aquatic and aquatic life in spiders Abstract Spiders are largely terrestrial, but some lineages have independently adapted to marine and freshwater habitats. Although physiological and behavioral traits supporting these evolutionary transitions have been characterized, the genomic basis of adaptation to aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats in spiders remains unclear. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly for the aquatic spider Argyroneta aquatica. Comparative analysis of 22 spider species supports two independent transitions in semi-aquatic (∼56 Mya) and aquatic (∼44 Mya) lineages. The aquatic spider show distinct respiratory morphology compared with terrestrial spiders, including anterior spiracles and denser tracheoles. Molecular evolution analyses identified lineage-specific shifts in selective constraint or evidence of positive selection linked to trachea development (e.g., Wnt-1, Catenin beta, TMEM23...

Three new species of the wolf spider genus Sinartoria Wang, Framenau & Zhang, 2021 (Araneae, Lycosidae) from southern China

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Three new species of the wolf spider genus Sinartoria Wang, Framenau & Zhang, 2021 (Araneae, Lycosidae) from southern China

Abstract

Three new species of the wolf spider genus Sinartoria Wang, Framenau & Zhang, 2021 are described from China: Sinartoria dui sp. nov. (♂♀, Guangxi), S. maolan sp. nov. (♀, Guizhou) and S. nanling sp. nov. (♀, Guangdong). Morphological descriptions, photographs, illustrations of copulatory organs and a distribution map are provided. Additionally, photographs of living species of this genus are provided for the first time.

Lu J-Z, Zhang Z-S, Wang L-Y (2025) Three new species of the wolf spider genus Sinartoria Wang, Framenau & Zhang, 2021 (Araneae, Lycosidae) from southern China. ZooKeys 1244: 213-223. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1244.149186