First record of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) (Diptera: Phoridae) infestation in captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae

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  First record of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) (Diptera: Phoridae) infestation in captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae Abstract Flies of the genus Megaselia Rondani, 1856 exhibit exceptional ecological flexibility, with certain species acting as facultative parasites. This study presents the first documented cases of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) infesting captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae, Ceratogyrus darlingi Pocock, 1897 and Psalmopoeus irminia Saager, 1994) in terrarium settings. Our observations demonstrate that M . abdita colonise artificial habitats and exploit spider hosts similarly to Megaselia scalaris . Citation: Szymański, D.M., Szymański, D., Kłonowski, P. (2026). First record of Megaselia abdita (Schmitz, 1959) (Diptera: Phoridae) infestation in captive tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Dipteron, 42, 25-29. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23137389

A new Rhode (Araneae, Dysderidae) from Djebel Zaccar, Algeria, with an identification key for the males of the Maghreb

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A new Rhode (Araneae, Dysderidae) from Djebel Zaccar, Algeria, with an identification key for the males of the Maghreb

Abstract

Rhode zaccarensis sp. nov. is described based on male and female specimens collected from Djebel Zaccar, Miliana (Aïn Defla, Algeria). A detailed morphological description and a comparative diagnosis with related species are provided, along with an identification key for males of the Rhode species in the Maghreb. Furthermore, comments on their distribution ranges are presented.

Benslimane, M., Kherbouche-Abrous, O., Sahki-Benabbas, I., Bendjoudi, D., Bosmans, R. & Beladjal, L. (2025) A new Rhode (Araneae, Dysderidae) from Djebel Zaccar, Algeria, with an identification key for the males of the Maghreb. Zootaxa, 5679 (1), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.1.5