The distribution, spatial clustering, and density of trapdoor spiders in two California coastal dune ecosystems

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  The distribution, spatial clustering, and density of trapdoor spiders in two California coastal dune ecosystems Abstract Coastal dune ecosystems support endemic trapdoor spiders, yet population data for these species are limited. We conducted the first coastal dune trapdoor spider population estimation surveys at Moss Landing State Beach (California) and for Aptostichus stephencolberti Bond 2008 at Sunset State Beach using randomly selected 1m 2 quadrats across ~26,000 m 2 per site. Burrow densities were similar between sites (Sunset: 0.287 burrows/m 2 ; Moss: 0.453 burrows/m 2 ), yielding estimated population sizes of ~35,206 and ~30,959 individuals, respectively. However, spatial analyses revealed contrasting patterns of burrow distribution. At Sunset State Beach, burrow presence was strongly associated with vegetation and occurred closer to plants, despite vegetation being randomly distributed. In contrast, no vegetation–burrow association was detected at Moss Landing, alth...

Taxonomic review of the genus Grismadox Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae): new species, combinations and records

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Taxonomic review of the genus Grismadox Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae): new species, combinations and records

Abstract

The taxonomy of the myrmecomorphic spider genus Grismadox Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 is reviewed. The identity of Apochinomma armatum Mello-Leitão, 1922 is re-evaluated and the species is hereby transferred to Grismadox. Castianeira monai Pett, 2023 is also transferred to Grismadox. Two new species from Brazil are described and illustrated: Grismadox nazgul sp. nov. [♂♀] and G. annatar sp. nov. [♂ only]. The known distribution of the genus is expanded and ranges from northeastern Brazil to the far south of the country, as well as Bolivia and Paraguay. New diagnoses are provided for G. karugua Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022, G. mazaxoides (Perger & Dupérré, 2021), G. mboitui (Pett, 2021) and G. elsneri Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 and scanning electron microscopy images of the genus are provided for the first time. Additionally, a key to all the known species of the genus is presented.

Junior, C.J.S., Pett, B.L. & Bonaldo, A.B. (2025) Taxonomic review of the genus Grismadox Pett, Rubio & Perger, 2022 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae): new species, combinations and records. Zootaxa, 5706 (2), 151–174. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.2.1