Joining the dark side: waterfall spiders in subterranean habitats, with the description of a new genus and two new species from Brazil (Araneae: Trechaleidae)

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  Joining the dark side: waterfall spiders in subterranean habitats, with the description of a new genus and two new species from Brazil (Araneae: Trechaleidae) Abstract Trechaleidae is a family of spiders often recognized by its semiaquatic species, but its diversity extends beyond these well-known examples. In this study, we describe Troglotrechalea gen. nov. , a new genus with two novel species, T. faleroae spec. nov. and T. agorai spec. nov. , found exclusively in subterranean habitats within karst formations in central and southeastern Brazil. Both species exhibit pale coloration, but unmodified eyes and legs if compared to other species in the family. The slight degree of troglomorphism, along with their geographic and habitat records, suggests that these species are restricted to hypogean habitats, although they probably move through epigean habitats. Additionally, we report in detail the occurrence of the trechaleid genera Enna O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897, Heidrunea Brescovi...

Systematic study of the Ageniellini spider wasp genus Machaerothrix Haupt (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) from Japan and Southeast Asia

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Systematic study of the Ageniellini spider wasp genus Machaerothrix Haupt (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) from Japan and Southeast Asia

ABSTRACT

A systematic study of Machaerothrix Haupt from Japan and Southeast Asia was conducted. The description of the genus is revised. The female and male of M. tsushimensis natsumiae subsp. n. from Honshu, Japan, the female of M. malaysiensis sp. n. from Malaysia, the male of M. tsushimensis tsushimensis Yasumatsu from Tsushima Is. Japan, and the female of M. quadridentata (Tsuneki) from the Philippines are described for the first time. The female of M. tsushimensis tsushimensis and the male of M. quadridentata are redescribed. A key to all the known species of the genus is presented. The distribution, nesting and social behaviour of the genus are discussed.

Shimizu, A., Kim, J. K., Handa, H., Otsui, K., Yoshimura, J., & Pitts, J. P. (2026). Systematic study of the Ageniellini spider wasp genus Machaerothrix Haupt (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) from Japan and Southeast Asia. Journal of Natural History, 60(13–16), 763–790. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2627505