On the identity of the poorly known spider species Centromerus obscurus Boesenberg, 1902 and description of a new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

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  On the identity of the poorly known spider species Centromerus obscurus Boesenberg, 1902 and description of a new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae) Abstract The taxonomic status and distribution of the poorly known linyphiid species Centromerus obscurus Boesenberg, 1902 is discussed on the basis of newly collected material from Bulgaria. Additionally, after a review of the related literature and the newly collected material, a new species of Centromerus species, C. thaleri sp. n., is described based on both sexes and Centromerus obscurus is considered nomen dubium stat. reconf.  Deltshev, C. & Indzhov, S. (2026). On the identity of the poorly known spider species Centromerus obscurus Boesenberg, 1902 and description of a new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae). Historia Naturalis Bulgarica 48 (6): 159-164. doi: 10.48027/hnb.48.062

Advancing the systematics of Araneae: ultraconserved elements phylogenomics demonstrates the non-monophyly of Miturgidae Simon, 1886 and supports the Familial Rank of Systariidae Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001

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Advancing the systematics of Araneae: ultraconserved elements phylogenomics demonstrates the non-monophyly of Miturgidae Simon, 1886 and supports the Familial Rank of Systariidae Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001

Abstract

The systematic status of the family Miturgidae Simon, 1886 and related subfamilies has long been problematic, primarily due to challenges in interpreting morphological characters and limited molecular sampling. In this study, we reconstruct the phylogeny of Miturgidae using ultraconserved elements and estimate its divergence time. Our results suggest that Systariinae does not belong to Miturgidae, but rather is sister to all other families of the Dionycha B clade. Consequently, we elevate it to family rank as Systariidae Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001 and discuss its morphological synapomorphies. Furthermore, our analyses place Miturgidae as the sister clade to Viridasiidae + Selenopidae under multiple phylogenetic methods. Divergence time estimates indicate an ancient origin of Systariidae in the Early Cretaceous (ca. 112 Ma), while Miturgidae appeared later during the Late Cretaceous (ca. 76 Ma). This study significantly advances the understanding of the phylogeny, systematics, and evolutionary history of Miturgidae and Systariidae, providing a robust foundation for future taxonomic and evolutionary research.

Li, Z., Zhang, C., & Zhang, F. (2026). Advancing the systematics of Araneae: Ultraconserved elements phylogenomics demonstrates the non-monophyly of Miturgidae Simon, 1886 and supports the Familial Rank of Systariidae Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001. Insect Systematics and Diversity, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixag022