A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species

  A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species Abstract The ability to adhere to surfaces is particularly relevant for cursorial predatory arthropods like hunting spiders, which often traverse relatively complex environments characterized by large variation in substrate properties. Here, we evaluated the adhesive performance of six hunting spider species that are common in eastern temperate North America and lack specialized tarsi for climbing smooth or inclined surfaces [Lycosidae: Pardosa lapidicina Emerton, 1885 and Rabidosa rabida (Walckenaer, 1837); Oxyopidae: Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845; Pisauridae: Pisaurina mira (Walckenaer, 1837); Dolomedidae: Dolomedes triton (Walckenaer, 1837), and Dolomedes scriptus Hentz, 1845]. We tested adhesion performance as shear load resistance (g) on a glass plate, and as the angle of failure (°) when the plate was gradually inclined relative to horizontal. Average angle of failure and shear resistance differed among ...

The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) from the Jijel region (Algeria), with the description of a new species

 


The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) from the Jijel region (Algeria), with the description of a new species

Abstract

Harpactea jijelensis sp. nov. (♂♀) is described from Jijel, north-east Algeria. The new species is assigned to the corticalis species group and the auriga subgroup, based on the distinctive characteristics of the male. A detailed description, along with diagnostic characters, and illustrations of the genitalia for both sexes are provided. Additionally, information on the species’ abundance, and distribution across various habitats in the region is presented. New distribution records for Harpactea acuta Beladjal & Bosmans 1997 and Harpactea innupta Beladjal & Bosmans 1997 are presented.

Kahlessenane, S., Bouseksou, S., Kherbouche-Abrous, O., Moulaï, R., Bosmans, R. & Beladjal, L. (2025) The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) from the Jijel region (Algeria), with the description of a new species. Zootaxa, 5719 (3), 440–450. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.3.10