Surface climate and cave morphology predict the distribution and behavior of the troglobitic spider Tisentnops mineiro (Araneae: Caponiidae)

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  Surface climate and cave morphology predict the distribution and behavior of the troglobitic spider Tisentnops mineiro (Araneae: Caponiidae) ABSTRACT Subterranean environments are often considered buffered from external environmental variation due to their stable temperature and humidity regimes. Nevertheless, caves remain closely connected to surface conditions, and both cave attributes and the surrounding landscape can influence the distribution and ecological responses of subterranean species. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of epigean (surface) and hypogean (subterranean) variables on the distribution of the troglobitic spider Tisentnops mineiro , and to characterise its spontaneous behaviours based on a preliminary laboratory trial of four subadult specimens sourced from a single cave. We hypothesised that the distribution of T. mineiro is dictated by the interplay of subterranean buffering and surface climate regimes. Specifically, we expected a positive relatio...

Contributions to the knowledge of trapdoor spiders: descriptions of Iberesia melici sp. nov., the female of Nemesia dukagjinica Geci & Sherwood, 2025, and new distribution records of some other European nemesiids (Araneae: Nemesiidae)

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Contributions to the knowledge of trapdoor spiders: descriptions of Iberesia melici sp. nov., the female of Nemesia dukagjinica Geci & Sherwood, 2025, and new distribution records of some other European nemesiids (Araneae: Nemesiidae)

Abstract
A new species, Iberesia melici sp. nov., is described from Santa Fé de Montseny, Catalonia, Spain, based on a holotype male; the female of Nemesia dukagjinica Geci & Sherwood, 2025, from Kosovo, is described for the first time. Finally, faunistic data are presented for some specimens of four assorted nemesiids: Brachythele denieri (Simon, 1916), B. media Kulczyński, 1897, Iberesia machadoi Decae & Cardoso, 2006, and Nemesia has tensis Decae, Pantini & Isaia, 2015.

Geci, Donard & Sherwood, Danniella. (2025). Contributions to the knowledge of trapdoor spiders: descriptions of Iberesia melici sp. nov., the female of Nemesia dukagjinica Geci & Sherwood, 2025, and new distribution records of some other European nemesiids (Araneae: Nemesiidae). Arachnology. 20. 485-490.