A further new species for the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Scorpiones: Ananteridae) from a poorly prospected region of Brazilian Amazonia

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  A further new species for the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Scorpiones: Ananteridae) from a poorly prospected region of Brazilian Amazonia Abstract  A new species of the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 is described from the region which today defines the ‘Reserva Biológica do Río Trombetas’ in the state of Pará, Brazil. The collection of the unique specimen, presently study, took place previously to the definition of this reserve, in a joint field trip with a team of the Instituto Brasileiro de Desenvolvimento Florestal (IBDF). Ananteris antoni sp. n. is described based on one female specimen collected in a zone of dense humid forest, under death log. With this new description, the number of Ananteris species known for the scorpion fauna of Brazil is now raised to 33. Lourenço W. R., 2026. – A further new species for the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Scorpiones: Ananteridae) from a poorly prospected region of Brazilian Amazonia. Faunitaxys, 14(63): 1 – 5.  https://doi.o...

Insights into the distribution and ecology of the funnelweb spider Macrothele calpeiana in Portugal

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Insights into the distribution and ecology of the funnelweb spider Macrothele calpeiana in Portugal

Abstract

Biodiversity surveys are critical to prevent decline and extinction of ill-/unknown species through timely conservation action. This is particularly relevant when the species are neither iconic nor flagships, therefore lessening the potential for accessing conservation means, such as in the case of the mygalomorph spider Macrothele calpeiana. The species is endemic to southern Iberia but its distribution and ecology is barely documented in Portugal. Therefore, we made a comprehensive survey throughout its estimated range in the south of the country. The species is spread unevenly and patchily throughout low mountainous terrain in south/southwest Portugal, preferably along shale/ greywacke/clay roadside banks. It seems rare in the surrounding limestone area to the south and absent from the peneplain to the north. The webs were found in groups averaging 10.0±15.2 webs/site and predominantly orientated to the northern quadrants (68.1%), possibly to compensate for higher summer temperatures. Yet, this trend showed a reverse tendency in the north of the range, suggesting a possible temperature moderating effect of the nearby Atlantic ocean. The surrounding vegetation is largely dominated by cork oak forest, tall strawberry tree/ heather thicket, or open cork/holm oak woodland. Other vegetation types are low scrub, pine or eucalypt stands in smaller proportions. M. calpeiana seems constrained by specific microhabitat and microclimatic conditions, suggesting that it may be at risk from climate change and habitat disturbance.

Luís Palma, Ana Filipa Palmeirim "Insights into the distribution and ecology of the funnelweb spider Macrothele calpeiana in Portugal," Arachnology, 20(5), 659-669, (8 July 2026)