Hidden diversity in plain sight: four new species of Nemesia (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from the Córdoba Province of Spain

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  Hidden diversity in plain sight: four new species of Nemesia (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from the Córdoba Province of Spain Abstract A taxonomic revision of the species of Nemesia Audouin, 1826, distributed in the vicinity of Córdoba City, southern Spain, is presented. Four new species are described: Nemesia morana sp. nov. (female), N. kodama sp. nov. (male and female), N. rosae sp. nov. (male and female), and N. tamajoni sp. nov. (male and female). These species are distinguished by distinct morphological characters, including the shape of the spermathecae, palpal bulbs, and spinnerets, as well as by burrow architecture. Fieldwork was conducted across two of the three major habitat types in the region—the humid, forested mountains of Sierra Morena and the croplands and riparian forests of the Guadalquivir Valley—while the third, the “campiña”, which is mainly composed of agricultural landscapes, remains poorly explored. Sampling methods included pitfall trapping and the direct e...

Web Structure and Silk Spinning Apparatus Morphology of the Spider Maimuna vestita (Araneae: Agelenidae)

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Web Structure and Silk Spinning Apparatus Morphology of the Spider Maimuna vestita (Araneae: Agelenidae)

Abstract

Spiders are organisms characterized by their webs. The method of silk spinning generally determines the shape of the web, which is species-specific. The shape of the web has evolved over time to be the most advantageous for the species in its natural environment. The web’s design reflects evolutionary inheritance specific to the species. Webs are designed with high elasticity and low recoil in order to capture prey effectively. In this study, the web structure and the morphology of the spinning apparatus of Maimuna vestita were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Detailed images of the adhesive droplets on the silk of M. vestita were obtained. It was found that the distribution of adhesive droplets and silk fibrils varies in different parts of the web. Spider silk is a unique material known for its durability and flexibility, with different properties that vary between species. In M. vestita, the spatial arrangement of adhesive droplets in the web threads is influenced by both species-specific characteristics and ecological factors and offers potential applications in various scientific fields.

Yigit, Nazife & Öcal, İlkay & Akdeniz, Kader. (2025). Web Structure and Silk Spinning Apparatus Morphology of the Spider Maimuna vestita (Araneae: Agelenidae). Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology. 13. 3525-3528. 10.24925/turjaf.v13is2.3525-3528.8107.