Corresponding author: Sarah C. Crews (
Academic editor: Dmitry Logunov
The spider genus
Spiders of the family
In the Western Hemisphere, F. O.
While selenopids are quite common in certain areas and are relatively large, museum collections of this family are often depauperate (
Revisionary and descriptive work for
Here a taxonomic revision of
Despite the spiders being large and conspicuous, and subject to recent descriptive and revisionary work (
In addition to the examination of museum specimens, several new specimens were collected from over 200 localities primarily in the Caribbean, Southwestern United States, México and Central America. In total, over 1600 specimens were examined. Voucher numbers for new collections were placed in the vial and can be found in
Measurements were taken using a Leica dissecting microscope and ocular micrometer, or from photographs taken with the Microptics system. The photos were taken with a Minitool scale in place, and then the images were imported into Adobe Illustrator where they could then be measured. All measurements are in millimeters (mm).
The width and length of the carapace and sternum were measured at the widest and longest parts. Legs were measured along the dorsal side. Eye dimensions were measured across the lens, and eye group measurements and inter-eye distances were measured from the farthest distances.
Genitalic illustrations were made from photographs as well as actual specimens. The left palpus of the male was removed from each specimen and photographed using the Microptics imaging system. If only a right palpus was available, it was photographed and the photo was inverted horizontally for consistency using Adobe Photoshop. In most descriptive work and revisionary studies, the left palpus has been figured. However,
Abbreviations used in the text are as follows:
Eyes
anterior eye row
anterior lateral eyes
anterior median eyes
posterior eye row
posterior lateral eyes
posterior median eyes
Legs and palps
femur
metatarsus
patella
tibia
tarsus
right
left
Leg spination
apical
dorsal
prolateral
retrolateral
ventral
Male copulatory organs
median apophysis
retrolateral tibial apophysis
conductor
Repositories
American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA (N. Platnick, L. Sorkin)
British Museum of Natural History, London, England (J. Beccaloni)
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA (C. Griswold, D. Ubick)
Colleción Nacional de Arácnidos, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Distrito Federal, México (O. Francke)
Essig Museum of Entomology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA (R. Gillespie, C. Barr)
Florida State University Arthropod Collection, Tallahassee, FL, USA (G.B. Edwards)
Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática, Academia de Ciencias de Cuba, Havana, Cuba
Institute of Jamaica, Natural History Museum, Kingston, Jamaica (E. Morrison)
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA (L. Leibensperger)
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (C. Rollard)
Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (S. Medrano Cabral, D. Veloz)
Peabody Museum, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut (W. Piel, R. Pupedis)
Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart (G. Bechley)
United States National Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, USA (J. Coddington)
Previously, a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis was assembled for
The monophyly of Muma's (1953) species groups cannot be tested thoroughly as there are some species from nearly all of the six species groups that I could not include in a previous study (
Based on the results of my molecular (
All members of the
See in
The
The genus
Total length of males 4.00–13.00 mm, of females 5.00–18.00 mm; body yellowish to brownish to greyish, mottled with darker markings; legs with bands (
Tropical and subtropical areas of North, South and Central America, Africa, Madagascar and Asia.
Currently there are 35 valid species of Old World
* denotes
(Terms used are illustrated in
1 | Males | 2 |
– | Females | 38 |
2 (1) | MA with two branches ( |
3 |
– | MA with a single branch ( |
7 |
3 (2) | Dorsal branch of RTA much longer than ventral branch | 4 |
– | Dorsal branch of RTA only slightly longer than ventral branch, or the same length as ventral branch | 6 |
4 (3) | Dorsal branch of RTA bifurcated distally with a small lobe projecting laterally in lateral view ( |
|
– | Dorsal branch of RTA otherwise | 5 |
5 (4) | Dorsal branch of RTA of uniform width in lateral view, embolus very short and located behind another sclerite ( |
|
– | Dorsal branch of RTA wider at base in lateral view, tapering distally; embolus longer ( |
|
6 (3) | Cymbium round in ventral view, embolus very short (Valdez-Mondragon 2010, |
|
– | Cymbium oval in ventral view, embolus at least half as long as cymbium, beginning at 7 o'clock, ending at 10 o'clock ( |
|
7 (2) | Embolus with two branches ( |
8 |
– | Embolus with a single branch ( |
10 |
8 (7) | Base of MA very wide and quadrangular, dorsal branch of RTA very wide, widening distally ( |
9 |
– | Tapering of MA more gradual, base of MA not quadrangular, dorsal branch of RTA uniform in width ( |
|
9 (8) | RTA with small, conical, medial branch, MA tapering very abruptly to small, slender hook ( |
|
– | RTA very large, u-shaped in ventral view, lateral branch bifid, MA tapering, but not as abruptly, forming a stout hook ( |
|
10 (7) | Palpal tibia very long, embolus arising mediolaterally rather than basally ( |
11 |
– | Palpal tibia not as long, embolus not arising mediolaterally ( |
12 |
11 (10) | MA a long, finger-like hook ( |
|
– | MA small, conical, tapering to a small hook ( |
|
12 (10) | MA small and directed ventrally ( |
13 |
– | MA large and/or directed distally ( |
14 |
13 (12) | Embolus beginning at 3 o'clock, terminating between 10 and 11 o'clock, both branches of RTA directed distally ( |
|
– | Embolus beginning at 5 o'clock, ending at 11 o'clock, fairly thick throughout, ventral branch of RTA directed ventrally ( |
|
14 (12) | Conductor arising from a long stalk near the center of the palpal bulb ( |
15 |
– | Conductor otherwise | 19 |
15 (14) | Conductor somewhat T-shaped ( |
16 |
– | Stalk of conductor somewhat twisted, cymbium angular ( |
|
16 (15) | Projection on stalk of conductor ( |
17 |
– | Projection on stalk of conductor absent | 20 |
17 (16) | Tip of conductor projecting beyond cymbium ( |
|
– | Tip of conductor does not project beyond cymbium ( |
18 |
18 (17) | Dorsal branch of RTA distally pointed, MA shorter than stalk of conductor ( |
|
– | Dorsal branch of RTA rounded, MA nearly as long as stalk of conductor ( |
|
19 (17) | Dorsal branch of RTA rounded distally, embolus and conductor extending beyond edge of cymbium ( |
|
– | Dorsal branch of RTA truncate, embolus and conductor not extending beyond border of cymbium ( |
|
20 (16) | Conductor distally c-shaped, MA large and directed ventrally ( |
|
– | Conductor and MA otherwise | 21 |
21 (20) | Conductor large, as long as palpal bulb, and angular, with no obvious connection to middle of bulb ( |
22 |
– | Conductor otherwise, with long embolus arising basally | 24 |
– | Conductor otherwise, with very short embolus, arising medially | 26 |
22 (21) | RTA with a stalk with a large quadrangular process distally | 23 |
– | RTA forming a v-shape in lateral view ( |
|
23 (22) | RTA smooth, embolus beginning at 5 o'clock, terminating at 11 o'clock, MA with a long, finger-like process partially covering conductor ( |
|
– | RTA a ridge, embolus beginning at 6 o'clock, terminating at 11 o'clock, long, finger-like process of MA does not reach conductor ( |
|
24 (21) | RTA with a stalk, terminating in a very large triangular process covering much of the cymbium in lateral view ( |
|
– | RTA smaller, or without stalk and large distal process | 25 |
25 (24) | RTA small and simple, ventral branch pointed in lateral view, dorsal branch truncate in lateral view, MA long and hook-like ( |
|
– | Ventral branch of RTA distally rounded and directed toward lateral branch in ventral view (Valdez-Mondragon 2007, |
|
26 (21) | Embolus very small, arising near center of bulb and terminating just above, MA located proximally ( |
|
– | Embolus and MA otherwise | 27 |
27 (26) | Embolus curved around or toward lateral edge of cymbium ( |
28 |
– | Embolus directed distally, not curving around edge of cymbium ( |
34 |
28 (27) | RTA very large and curving laterally, lateral branch with a small process arising basally ( |
|
– | RTA otherwise | 29 |
29 (28) | MA with a large base, tapering abruptly ( |
30 |
– | MA more uniform, tapering gradually ( |
32 |
30 (29) | Embolus curving around edge of the cymbium, RTA truncate in lateral view ( |
|
– | Embolus not reaching edge of cymbium, RTA otherwise | 31 |
31 (30) | Base of MA conical, tapering to a small hook, RTA with distally pointed processes in lateral view ( |
|
– | Base of MA ovoid, tapering to a large hook, RTA quadrangular with a small pointed process in lateral view directed ventrally ( |
|
32 (29) | RTA very small, arising distally on palpal tibia ( |
|
– | RTA larger, arising basally on palpal tibia | 33 |
33 (32) | Dorsal branch of RTA truncate, only widening slightly distally, conductor forming an arch at lateral and medial connections to bulb ( |
|
– | Dorsal branch of RTA slightly sinuous, slanted, widening distally, conductor forming a circle at lateral and medial connections to bulb ( |
|
34 (27) | Conductor slightly hammer shaped, directed retrolaterally ( |
|
– | Conductor otherwise | 35 |
35 (34) | Embolus arising mediobasally and terminating just over halfway up palpal bulb, RTA quadrangular with one small distal pointed projection ( |
|
– | Embolus longer, RTA otherwise | 36 |
36 (35) | Conductor rounded at terminus ( |
|
– | Conductor pointed at terminus ( |
37 |
37 (36) | Embolus arising from a round base, abruptly truncate, conductor pointed, tip extending beyond edge of cymbium, RTA claw shaped in lateral view ( |
|
– | Embolus tapering gradually, RTA on a small stalk with a small quadrangular process distally ( |
|
38 (1) | Epigynum with a distinct median septum ( |
39 |
– | Epigynum without median septum, with central depression or openings ( |
55 |
39 (38) | Septum surrounded by sclerotized ring or square ( |
40 |
– | Septum not surrounded by sclerotized ring or square (23, 51, 55) | 41 |
40 (39) | Septum surrounded by sclerotized ring, epigynal plate triangular in shape overall ( |
|
– | Septum surrounded by sclerotized quadrangular area, epigynal plate squarish overall ( |
|
41 (39) | Median septum located distally ( |
|
– | Median septum located medially or proximally ( |
42 |
42 (41) | Median septum hyaline, with epigynal pockets located laterally ( |
43 |
– | Median septum sclerotized ( |
45 |
43 (42) | Median septum extending downward, touching sclerotized area where epigynal pockets are located ( |
44 |
– | Median septum located medially, not extending downward to epigynal pockets ( |
|
44 (43) | Spermathecae oval fertilization ducts located laterally, posterodorsal fold rectangular ( |
|
– | Spermathecae oblong, posterodorsal fold medially depressed, forming a u-shape ( |
|
45 (42) | Median septum extending beyond epigastric furrow (Valdez-Mondragon, 2007, |
|
– | Median septum not extending beyond epigastric furrow | 46 |
46 (45) | Median septum extending to edge of epigynal plate ( |
47 |
– | Terminus of median septum located more medially, or covered medially by lateral lobes ( |
52 |
47 (46) | Proximal edge of epigynum sinuous, with raised areas laterally ( |
|
– | Proximal edge of epigynum not sinuous, lateral raised areas absent | 48 |
48 (47) | Lower margin of epigynal plate extended laterally and upwards, sclerotized sides extend as far distally as median septum ( |
|
– | Epigynal plate not extended laterally and distally | 49 |
49 (48) | Internal copulatory organs with two long slender spermathecae ( |
50 |
– | Spermathecae small and compact ( |
51 |
50 (49) | Spermathecae with two branches on each side, directed distally ( |
|
– | Spermathecae with one branch on each side, directed laterally ( |
|
51 (49) | Median septum small and narrow, internal ducts branched once ( |
|
– | Median septum large and wide, internal ducts with two branches ( |
|
52 (46) | Internal ducts coiled ( |
53 |
– | Internal ducts otherwise | 54 |
53 (52) | Median septum seemingly covered by lateral lobes, located in center of plate, right lobe overlapping left ( |
|
– | Median septum not covered, located in the lower third of plate, lateral lobes not overlapping ( |
|
54 (52) | Median septum ovoid, lateral lobes conspicuous proximally ( |
|
– | Median septum quadrangular to angular, lateral lobes not obvious ( |
|
55 (38) | Epigynum with v-shaped median area, genital openings located at lateral margins of v ( |
56 |
– | Median area and genital openings otherwise ( |
59 |
56 (55) | Internal ducts coiled extensively ( |
|
– | Internal ducts otherwise | 57 |
57 (56) | Lateral lobes fused, not obvious ( |
|
– | Lateral lobes distinct | 58 |
58 (57) | Large posterodorsal fold covering spermathecae ( |
|
– | Posterodorsal fold absent ( |
|
59 (55) | Median area an anteriorly projecting lobe ( |
60 |
– | Median area otherwise | 61 |
60 (59) | Lateral lobe separation extending the length of anteriorly projecting lobe, posterodorsal fold extending less than 1/3 length of epigynal plate ( |
|
– | Lateral lobes do not extend the length of anteriorly projecting lobe, posterodorsal fold huge, more than ? the length of epigynal plate ( |
|
61 (59) | Genital openings located anteriorly ( |
62 |
– | Genital openings located elsewhere | 65 |
62 (61) | Epigynal pockets located medially ( |
|
– | Epigynal pockets located elsewhere or absent | 63 |
63 (62) | Posterodorsal fold absent, genital openings located beneath a small slit ( |
|
– | Posterodorsal fold present | 64 |
64 (63) | Genital openings located behind a small circular area, posterodorsal fold not entirely covering spermathecae, epigynal pockets small ( |
|
– | Genital openings located in a large crescent shaped area, posterodorsal fold completely covering spermathecae, epigynal pockets large ( |
|
65 (61) | Median field a keyhole-shaped area ( |
|
– | Median field otherwise | 66 |
66 (65) | Internal copulatory organs coiled anteriorly to posteriorly ( |
|
– | Internal copulatory organs otherwise | 67 |
67 (66) | Posterior margin of epigynum extending downward into two points ( |
68 |
– | Posterior margin of epigynum otherwise | 69 |
68 (67) | Lateral lobes indistinct, spermathecae large and round, located medially ( |
|
– | Lateral lobes distinct, spermathecae small, oval, located laterally ( |
|
69 (67) | Posterodorsal fold absent ( |
70 |
– | Posterodorsal fold present | 73 |
70 (69) | Median field a large, heart-shaped area, spermathecae huge ( |
|
– | Median field otherwise | 71 |
71 (70) | Genital openings located behind sinuous medial margin ( |
|
– | Genital openings located elsewhere | 72 |
72 (71) | Lateral lobes distinct, not touching medially, spermathecae small and round ( |
|
– | Lateral lobes indistinct, median area pinched anteriorly to posteriorly, spermathecae large ( |
|
73 (69) | Median field quadrangular, epigynal pockets absent ( |
|
– | Median field otherwise | 74 |
74 (73) | Posterodorsal fold completely covers spermathecae ( |
|
– | Posterodorsal fold not as extensive | 75 |
75 (74) | Spermathecae ovoid, sperm ducts coiling twice ( |
|
– | Spermathecae and sperm ducts otherwise | 76 |
76 (75) | Genital openings located along the margins of a median depression ( |
77 |
– | Genital openings located beneath a straight to sinuous medial margin ( |
81 |
77 (76) | Median depression round to quadrangular, anterior to small epigynal pockets ( |
|
– | Median depression otherwise | 78 |
78 (77) | Median depression extending to nearly lateral margins of epigynal plate, lateral lobes come together medially, then curve outwards laterally ( |
|
– | Median depression not extending to lateral margins of epigynal plate | 79 |
79 (78) | Posterior margin of median field sinuous, internal ducts coiled ( |
|
– | Posterior margin of median field smooth, median field u-shaped | 80 |
80 (79) | Lateral lobes distinct, internal ducts strongly sclerotized, small round spermathecae located laterally ( |
|
– | Lateral lobes indistinct, internal ducts strongly coiled ( |
|
81 (76) | Median margin extending to lateral margins of epigynal plate ( |
|
– | Median margin not extending to lateral margins of epigynal plate | 82 |
82 (81) | Median margin sinuous, lateral lobes fused in center of plate giving a pinched appearance to the openings and median margin ( |
|
– | Median margin angular to straight, lateral lobes indistinct | 83 |
83 (82) | Median margin nearly straight, ducts not touching anteriorly, posterodorsal fold small ( |
|
– | Median margin angular, ducts touching anteriorly, posterodorsal fold large, centrally nearly half the length of the epigynal plate ( |
Species are arranged by molecular phylogenetic similarity (see
Holotype female: near Gran Tonel in valley Rooi Coashati, Arikok National Park, Aruba,
Bringamosa, house of R. Croes,
The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Arikok National Park, and should be treated as a noun in apposition.
This species is most similar to
Even though only two adult female specimens have been collected, some variation is seen in the shape of border of the median field of the epigynum. In the holotype it is wider anteriorly, and more quadrangular in general, while in the other specimen, the median field is more rounded, and not wider anteriorly than it is posteriorly.
Collected under rocks, bark, and debris on the ground, both near and away from human dwellings. The egg sac is a flat, white disc attached to the substrate and guarded by the female (
Known only from the island of Aruba (
Holotype male from, CarMaBI (Caribbean Marine Biology Institute), Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, H. Campbell, IX.1963 (MCZ, examined). Paratypes. Female from Piscadera Baai building, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, H. & L. Levi, 18–30.XII.1962 (MCZ, examined).
Altamira Ungu, along dirt road,
The females of this species most closely resemble
This species has been collected under wood, rocks, cactus and other debris on the ground, as well as on, in, and near buildings, including houses. In houses it is common at night around the ceiling molding where it hides during the day. It has been found in dry, thornscrub habitat, dominated by
Netherlands Antilles islands of Curaçao and Bonaire (
The holotype of
Chaguaramas, trails above Bay View Resort,
Males of this species can be distinguished from others by the small, finger-like MA directed distally, located distally on the palpal bulb (
The male of
In
Found under bark of
Mara and Bolívar in Venezuela, as well as Trinidad, including Gaspar Grande, Monos, Huevos and Chacachacare Islands (
The male holotype of
Males can be distinguished from other species by the sclerites which obscure the cymbium laterally, and the RTA is directed lateroventrally, and the very small, finger-like, distally directed MA (
The female of
Found under the bark of
Little Tobago and Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago (
Holotype male: Barro Colorado, Canal Zone, Panamá, 26.VII(no year), N. Banks, (MCZ, examined). Paratypes: Male, same data as holotype (MCZ).
Barro Colorado Island, II.2008, R. Duncan, 2 imm. (EME sel_1000-1001);
This species can be distinguished from all others by its yellowish and white abdomen with a darker foliate pattern, in addition to genitalic characteristics. The copulatory organs are most similar to
This species, at least as an adult male, appears to live in the canopy, as it has only been collected by fogging. It is seemingly widespread, but has only rarely been collected. Juveniles have been collected from under bark.
Occurs from Panamá, south to Peru and east to Guyana (
Holotype male: Laudat, Dominica, 13.VII.1911, F.E. Lutz, (AMNH, examined). Paratypes: Same data as holotype (AMNH, examined).
19.VII.1911, F.E. Lutz, 1♀ (AMNH);
Males can be distinguished from all other species by the very long palpal tibia, the very short embolus, the small RTA and the distal hook of the MA being almost as long as the rest of the MA (
Found under the bark of various trees in rainforests, transitional rainforests and dry forests (
Southern Lesser Antilles from Dominica, south to Mayreau in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (
This species was found on the bromeliad
Known from the type locality only (
Holotype male: Ayotzinapa, Guerrero, México, 11.I.1941, (AMNH, examined). Paratypes: Female, Taxco, Guerrero, México, IV.1946, L. Isaacs (AMNH, examined).
Jiquilpan,
This species is similar to
There is some variation in the external female copulatory organs. In all specimens viewed thus far, the posterormedial margin is always pointed, and internally, the ducts are all identical, unbranched, with an identically shaped rectangular posterodorsal fold.
No data.
South central México, from Michoacan to Guerrero (
Holotype female: Mun. Zapotitlan de las Salinas, Puebla, México,
Cuernavaca, Colonia Chamilpa, University of Morelos,
The specific epithet comes from the Nahua goddess Malinalxochitl, the goddess of desert-dwelling snakes and arthropods, and refers to the type locality and the indigenous Nahua people of this species' distribution. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
This species is most similar to
As in other closely related species, there is some epigynal variation. The internal ducts and posterodorsal fold are uniform across specimens examined.
Collected under rocks and on the walls of human habitations.
The south central Mexican states of Morelos and Puebla (
Holotype male (
Cali, 1000 m, 1973–1974, W. Eberhard, 1♂ (MCZ).
This species is most similar to
Several species are synonymized with
There is some variation as might be expected in such a widespread species. Genitalic details reveal consistency in males in the RTA, MA and embolus, as well as in the internal copulatory organs in the female. Though the RTA may not be as long as in the holotype specimen (
It is clear that other closely related species may yet be discovered (e.g. the female of
This species appears to be able to escape detection on produce or landscape plants and has been introduced into the US and St. Maarten. In St. Maarten, a male and young female were collected on a palm that had been shipped from Florida, via México, indicating the species is well-suited for travel. In most areas where it has been found in the US, such as Wisconsin and Washington, climate would likely not allow the spider to become established. In Florida or St. Maarten, the climate is similar to the native range and the species may be able to become established. This could be detrimental to local or endemic species, such as
This species has been found under rocks, bark, concrete blocks and other debris, on fence posts, in houses, on trees (
This species is one of the most widespread species of selenopids, naturally occurring from northern México, south to northern South America and the Galápagos Islands (
Holotype female: Tizapan, Jalisco, México, 6.I.1946, F. Bonet (AMNH, examined).
Manzanillo, Mun. Manzanillo, 1.2–1.4 km East of La Central, 1♀ (CNAN sel_1004); Mun. Ixtlahuacán, Tamala, 1 imm. (EME sel_1013);
This species can be distinguished from others by the inconspicuous lateral lobes, and the triangular epigynal plate, with a central v-shape (
Collected from lower elevations up to 1200 m.
Found in southwestern México from Nayarit to Michoacán (
Collected in and around the entrance to a cave, under limestone rocks, in tropical deciduous forest (Valdez-Mondragón pers. comm.).
Known only from the type locality (
Lectotype male (here designated) and male and female paralectotypes (here designated): Omilteme, Guerrero, México, Godman and Salvin (BMNH 680, examined).
Examination of the specimens described by F. O.
same data as the lectotype, 1♂, 1p♂, 2p♀ (BMNH 1905.4.28-10-13).
Males can be differentiated from other species by the embolus which has a round base, and is bladelike distally. Embolus located more medially than laterally. Also, MA with quadrangular base and strongly hooked distally (
In the illustration of the ventral view of the palp of the male by F. O. Pickard-Cambridge (1900: fig. 15), the MA looks somewhat different than on the lectotype. Everything else looks exactly the same. It is my conclusion that the MA was articulated differently, and that the equipment used to view the palp such a long time ago was perhaps not as sophisticated as equipment used today, and thus, this is definitely the same species. This species has been listed as occurring in Panamá (Nentwig et al. 1993), however, I believe this to be a misidentification.
No data.
Known only from the type locality (
Holotype male: Guatemala, Godman and Salvin (BMNH, examined). Paratypes: Female, same data as holotype (BMNH).
This species can be distinguished from others by a combination of characters, including the overall small size, elaborately patterned abdomen, and genitalic characteristics. In males, these characters are the embolus, which has a round base that tapers abruptly and is very narrow throughout its length, and the RTA, which is claw like laterally (
This species is listed by Nentwig et al. (1993) as being found in Panamá. This is because Banks (1929) included this in his list of spiders from Panamá, rather than based on a collection made by the former authors. Banks (1929) included no figure of this spider in his publication, and the spider has not been found in any collection examined. I regard Panamá as an erroneous locality for this species.
No data.
All that is known is that the species is found in Guatemala, which may have had different borders at the time the collection was made (
Lectotype male (designated here): Tepic, México, X-XI, Eisen and Vaslit (MCZ, examined). Female syntype has been lost or destroyed, and thus the female is unknown.
2 miles south of Imuris on Mex 15, 10.IV.1965, W. Shear, 1♂ (AMNH).
Males can be distinguished by the RTA with two small pointed, angular projections, and the MA, which has a large triangular base and is directed somewhat ventrally (
Nothing is known of this species' natural history, but based on collection locality data, it seems to span aridland and tropical thornscrub habitats.
Known from northwestern México and has an apparently broad distribution from northern Sonora to Nayarit (
Holotype male: México, E. Simon (1595 BMNH, examined).
Based on the original illustrations by Valdez-Mondragón (2010: figs 5–11), the holotype male of
Males can be distinguished from other species by the dorsal branch of the RTA which is a small stalk that abruptly widens to a small quadrangular structure distally (
Until very recently (
There also appear to be some erroneous locality records.
This species has been found in bromeliads growing on oak trees at 2000 m elevation (
Unfortunately I only know the type to be from México, but it is also possible this species is found near Antigua, Guatemala (see Remarks). Other specimens, including the female, are from Oaxaca (
Holotype female: 21 km west of Rizo de Oro, along ridge, southeast of Cerro El Bejucal, near Chiapas border, Oaxaca, México, 8.I.1973, 1615 m, within epiphytic
same data as holotype, 1♀, 1 imm.
This species is named after the word for spider, makimaki, in the indigenous Chimalapas Zoque language from the region of the type locality. The name is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
This species can be distinguished from all other species by the presence of a thin median septum, while the region surrounding the median septum is more heavily sclerotized, giving the appearance of a keyhole-shaped opening (
This species has been found within epiphytic
Known only from the type locality (
Holotype female: Mexcala, Guerrero, México, VIII.1946, C.J. Goodnight (AMNH, examined).
Mexcala, 2.VII.1941, L.I. Davis, 1♀ (AMNH);
Females can be separated from others by the lateral lobes which have the appearance of being fused and are pinched medially, and internally, the spermathecae are large and round, with two long, finger-like anteriorly directed processes (
Collected in deciduous thorn scrub (
Southern México from Guerrero to Oaxaca (
Holotype female: Cozumel, Quintana Roo, México, 25-27.I.1984, V. Roth (CAS).
The specific epithet comes from the name of the Mayan goddess Ix Chel for whom the type locality of Cozumel is sacred. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Females can be distinguished from other species by the median septum which is very narrow and somewhat diamond shaped, and the v-shaped internal ducts (
No data.
Known only from the type locality (
The following three descriptions are of the spiders that belong to what
0.5 mi S Las Virgenes, 2000', 9.IV.1969, S.C. Williams, 1 imm. (CAS); 2 mi S El Rosario on Mex Hwy 1 (dirt road) RB-3, 27.XI.1962, P.R. Craig, D. Dailey, 2 imm. (CAS); Isla Cedros, 14.III.1945, B.B. Osorio, 1 imm. (AMNH); Isla Cedros, Gran Cañon, 10.III.1945, B.O. Tafall, 2 imm. (AMNH); 42 miles south of Ensenada, 28.IV.1961, W.J. Gertsch, 1 imm. (AMNH); Isla San Esteban, 1.IV.1953, B. Firstman, 1 imm. (AMNH); Puertocitos, on wall of cabaña, 10.VI.1968, S.C. Williams, M.M. Bentzein, no abdomen (CAS); 1 mile north of Miller's Landing, 28.30 N, 114.00 W, 24.II.1966, V. Roth, 1 imm. (AMNH); Isla San Lorenzo, northern island, 16.III.1971, V.F. Lee, 3 imm. (CAS); Isla Cedros, Punta Norte, 15 m, 3.VII.1983, V.F. Lee, 1♀ (CAS); 44.1 mi N by Mex Hwy 1, of junction with road to Bahia de Los Angeles, 19.VII.1977, R. Seib, 1 imm. (CAS); Sierra Juarez, Tajo-Cantil Canyon system, 14-18.IV.1973, S.C. Williams, 1 imm. (CAS); Isla Raza, 31.III.1981, S.C. Williams, 1 imm. (CAS); Isla Cedros, trail from El Pueblo de Cerre de Cetros, 180 m, 26.IX.1984, D.B. Weissman, V.F. Lee, 1 exuvium (CAS); 11 mi SW Punta Prieta, 200', 15.IV.1969, S.C. Williams, 1 imm. (CAS); Isla Raza, 15.III.1971, V.F. Lee, 3 imm. (CAS); 10 mi N Domingo Landing, 27.VI.1938, A.E. Michelbacher, E.S. Ross, 1 imm. (CAS); 13.2 mi S of El Rosario on Mex Hwy 1, dirt road RB-3, 29.XI.1962, P.R. Craig, D.L. Dailey, 1 imm. (CAS); Isla Sal Si Puedes, 15.III1971, V.F. Lee 4 imm. (CAS); Isla San Jéronimo, 1.VI.1944, B. Osorio, several (AMNH).
Holotype male: San Carlos Bay, Sonora, México, 7.VII.1921, J.C. Chamberlin (CAS1435, examined).
Meling Ranch, 26.V.1981, V. Roth, 1♂ (AMNH).
Males can be distinguished from
Collected under rocks in the arid southwest (
Definitely found from Sonora, México, east to west Texas (
Neotype female designated by Muma (1953: 14): San Jose del Cabo, México, G. Eisen, F. Vaslit (MCZ, examined). The holotype, from the same location, was lost or destroyed.
Muma (1953: 14) also designated a male specimen from Oro Blanco Mountains, 12 miles from Nogales, Arizona, VII.1937, P. Steckler (AMNH), as an ‘allotype'. The neotype and Muma's ‘allotype' are in terrible shape and the descriptions differ from
El Rosario, under reeds along lagoon, hillsides, 5.V.1961, W.J. Gertsch, V. Roth, 1♀ (AMNH).
Females can be distinguished from others by the combination of a wider median septum with parallel lateral margins, and long, cylindrical spermathecae directed anterolaterally (
The male was matched to the female neotype by
Found under rocks and logs in both arid regions (
Known from the southwest of North America, from southwestern New Mexico to Baja California, México (
Holotype male: Isla Tortuga, Baja California Sur, México, 11.V.1921, J.C. Chamberlin (CAS, examined). Paratypes: Female, same data as holotype (CAS, examined).
2 miles south El Rosario on Mex Hwy 1 (dirt road) RB-3, 26.XI.1968, P.R. Craig, D. Dailey, 1♂ (CAS); Isla Angel de la Guarda, Palm Cañon, under bark of Palo Verde, 3.V.1921, J.C. Chamberlin, 1♀ (CAS); Isla Raza, 21.IV.1921, J.C. Chamberlin, 1♀, 2 imm. (CAS); 11 mi SW Punta Prieta, 200' 15.IV.1969, S.C. Williams, 1♀ (CAS); Isla Cedros, 2nd Canyon, South of Punta Norte on east side of island, 2.VII.1983, V.F. Lee, 1♂ (CAS).
Males can be differentiated from all other species by the embolus, which originates at 6 o'clock, a long process on the MA, and the RTA, which is on a very long stalk and has a very large quadrangular process distally (
This species has been found under rocks (
Known from southwestern North America, from Baja California Sur and Sinaloa to Arizona (
Holotype male: Manzanillo, Colima, México, 17.VI.1941 L.I. Davis (AMNH, examined). Paratypes: Female from San Blas, Nayarit, México, 6.VIII.1947, C. M. Goodnight, B. Malkin (AMNH, examined).
San Juan Peyotan, 1-3.VIII.1955, B. Malkin, 1♀ (AMNH).
Males can be differentiated from all other species by having a very narrow base of the MA, and the lateral branch of the RTA is a large stalk with an immense triangular distal process (
This male and female were not collected together and it is presumed
No data.
Southwestern México, from Nayarit to Colima (
Holotype female: Chamela, Jalisco, México, 1.X.1989, sea level, W. Eberhard (AMNH).
This species is named after the type locality, Chamela, and is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Females can be separated from all other species by the epigynum which has a median septum and epigynal pockets, and internally, the ducts are coiled at least 5 times (
It is unclear whether this is a new species or is the female of
No data.
Known only from the type locality (
Holotype male: outside of Cueva Aktun Kan, Colonia del Bosque, Santa Elena de la Cruz, Petén, Guatemala,
The name of this species comes from a combination of words, Petén, referring to the type locality, and the word for spider, ajtoy, in Mopan Mayan, the language indigenous to the people of the region of the type locality. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Males can be separated from all other species by the large, hooked MA, and the small simple RTA (
This species has been found beneath bark on a large tree with at least one other species of selenopid present (
Known only from the type locality and immediate vicinity (
Holotype female: under concrete blocks, Las Golondrinas, Huixtla, Chiapas, México,
Pueblo Nuevo Solistahuacan, 17.IX.2004,
The specific epithet comes from a combination of words, huei=big and tocatl=spider, in the Nahau language, indigenous to the region where the spider is found, and refers to the large size of this species. The name is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Females can be distinguished from others by the large and posteriorly diamond-shaped median septum, the presence of epigynal pockets, and internally, the ducts are branched (
Collected under bark, rocks and concrete blocks in cloud forests (
Southern México in the state of Chiapas (
Holotype male: Oricuajo, Costa Rica, Biolley and Tristan (MCZ, examined).
The holotype female of
Palo Verde Field Station, vic. OTES office, hill behind office,
Males can be distinguished from other species by the large, bifurcated MA that somewhat resembles an articulating claw (
Found under rocks and other debris on the ground, under the bark of trees and on fence posts and around human dwellings in a variety of habitats (
Found from southeastern Guatemala to northwestern Costa Rica (
Holotype female from Taboga Island, Panamá, VI.1911, A. Busck (USNM, examined).
Females can be separated from all other species by the centrally located median lobe, the epigynal pockets, and the shape of internal ducts (
No data.
Known only from the island of Taboga in Panamá (
Holotype female: Oricuajo, Costa Rica, Biolley and Tristan (MCZ).
This species is named after the type locality, Oricuajo, and is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Females can be separated from other species by the epigynum which has a conspicuous angular median septum located in the center of the epigynal plate, and by the epigynal pockets, and the internal ducts which have two branches (
All that is known of this species' natural history is that it has been collected with
Known only from the type locality (
Holotype female: Bajura Empalme, Isla Mona, I.2007, A. Puente-Rolón (EME sel_847).
same data as holotype, 1 imm. (EME sel_846); Camino de los Cobros, VI.2006, A. Puente-Rolón, SCC06_059, under bark of
The specific name comes from the Taino word ‘amona', the indigenous name for the type locality. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Females can be separated from other species by the extensively coiled internal ducts (
Found under bark and rocks.
Known from Isla Mona and a single locality in western Puerto Rico (
Holotype female: Santa Maria Bay, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, under bark, 28.VII.1925 (MCZ).
Muma (1953: 35) designated a male specimen from Christiansted, St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands (MCZ) as an ‘allotype'.
Man O' War Bay,
Females can be separated from other species by the oval spermathecae arising from coiled ducts (
Despite the large distribution this species occupies, little to no variation was noticed in size or in genitalic morphology.
Found under bark (
Known from Eastern Hispaniola, Isla Mona, Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques, all of the Virgin Islands including many small cays, St. Kitts and Nevis, as well Great Inagua in the Bahamas (
Female holotype: Trinidad, Walckenaer (MNHN – likely an erroneous locality, and type is lost; see ‘Remarks' below), not examined. Neotype female (designated here) from Bahamas, Abaco Island, Ralph's Chimney, off Queen's (Abaco) Highway,
Abaco National Park,
Females can be separated from other species by the posterior margin of the epigynal plate which extends below the epigastric furrow and forms two points (
The specimen from Montgomery, Alabama is regarded as a likely importation, and it is unlikely this species is established there, especially in the winter.
There is some variation in size. In particular, the specimens from Stocking Island are larger than specimens from elsewhere. For example, one specimen from Stocking Island (sel_325) has a body length of 15.20, while one from Great Exuma (sel_324) has a length of 8.20.There is variation in the morphology of the epigynum. In some species it is wider and shorter vs. others where it is narrower and longer. There is also variation in the markings on the abdomen. In some specimens there is only a festoon present. Other specimens have a festoon and faint pairs of spots anteromedially, some with festoon, spots and chevrons, caudally. There were not enough male specimens to assess variation.
Found under the bark of several types of trees, in agave, and under rocks (
Found in the Florida Keys, the Bahamian islands of Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Great Exuma, Long Island, Staniel Cay, Stocking Island and San Salvador, as well as on the Greater Antillean island of Cuba (
Male holotype: Jamaica, 1935, L. Perkins (MCZ, examined).
The female holotype of
1934, L. Perkins (holotype of
Males can be separated from all other species by the palpus, which is similar to that of other Jamaican species in having a two-pronged embolus and a tibial apophysis with 3 branches instead of two, however, the dorsal branch of the RTA is wider distally, and the base of the MA is more quadrangular (
The female of this species was described by
This species has been collected in dry coastal limestone forests, as well as dry inland forests, from sea level to 500 m. It has been taken on
The female holotype of
Female holotype: Malvern, Santa Cruz Mountains, St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica (PM), not examined.
Blue Mountains National Park, Whitfield Hall,
While similar to
Collected under bark, including eucalypts, at both low and high elevations (
Endemic to Jamaica, and appears to be widespread there (
Holotype female: Hellshire Hills, St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica, ‘A2 Depression', (iguana site),
same data as types, 2♀, 4 imm. (IJNHM sel_376-380, 382).
This species is named in honor of the Wilmot family for their hospitality and preservation and expansion of Jamaican culture. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Females can be differentiated from other species by the sinuous margin and epigynal pockets (
This species has been found in dry forests under bark of
Endemic to Jamaica and known from the southeast coast (
Female holotype from South of Spanish Town, Hellshire Hills, St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica, 300–500 m,
Hellshire Hills, ‘A2 Depression', (iguana site),
The specific epithet is in honor of the spiders' collector, Professor Byron Wilson of the University of the West Indies, Mona, in acknowledgement of his work regarding Jamaican biodiversity and conservation. It is to be treated as a noun in appostion.
The epigynym of
The copulatory organs of this species differ substantially from other Jamaican selenopids. The male palpal organ has a huge, bifid dorsal RTA and large median apophysis, though the branched embolus is the same as other Jamaican endemics. In the female, the anteriorly extending lobe of epigynum differs from that of all other Jamaican selenopids. Although a considerable amount of time was spent collecting in the vicinity of the type locality, only one juvenile of this species has been recovered, and many more individuals of
Collected from a dry forest in limestone karst during the months of February-March at 500 m elevation.
Endemic to Jamaica and is known only from the type locality (
Holotype male from northern Dominican Republic, in amber (SMNHS).
Males can be distinguished from other species by the shape of the RTA and the location of the MA and embolus (
This species was first described by
This species is only known from a single fossil specimen, and thus, the natural history is unknown. However, as it was found in amber and many species of Caribbean
Known only from a single specimen in Dominican amber.
Female holotype: Puerto Rico (MCZ, examined).
taken on dead twig, excellent protective resemblance, N. Banks, 2♀ (MCZ).
This species is most similar in habitus to
It is likely this species isn't established in Jamaica, as both records were from Kingston, a major shipping port, and are quite old. Recent searching in Jamaica turned up no specimens of this species.
This species is very common and widespread. From historical records, it seems to travel easily on bananas. It is found under bark and rocks, in houses, on plants, often occurring in areas with other species of
Found in the Greater Antillean islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Mona and Puerto Rico. It has historically been collected in Jamaica (see Remarks). It is also found in southern Florida (
Female holotype: Puerto Rico (MCZ, examined).
taken on dead twig, excellent protective resemblance, N. Banks, 2♀ (MCZ).
This species is most similar in habitus to
It is likely this species isn't established in Jamaica, as both records were from Kingston, a major shipping port, and are quite old. Recent searching in Jamaica turned up no specimens of this species.
This species is very common and widespread. From historical records, it seems to travel easily on bananas. It is found under bark and rocks, in houses, on plants, often occurring in areas with other species of
Found in the Greater Antillean islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, Mona and Puerto Rico. It has historically been collected in Jamaica (see Remarks). It is also found in southern Florida (
Holotype female: El Aguacate, Neyba, Baoruco, Dominican Republic (IES), not examined.
El Banano, Rio Mulito,
Females can be separated from others by having only a lightly sclerotized median area, with a sinuous opening and large, round spermathecae (
This species has been collected under bark, in riparian areas and dry forests.
Endemic to the Dominican Republic and seems to have a range restricted to the south of the country (
Holotype female: from a rocky outcrop at night at kilometer 13 along Carretera ALCOA, Pedernales, Dominican Republic,
same data as holotype, 6 imm. (EME sel_148-149, 161-163, 165, 167); Boca de la Cañada off Hwy. Pedernales-Oviedo,
The specific epithet refers to a locality where the species is found, La Boca de la Cañada. It is to be treated as a noun in appostion.
The females of
Collected at night on rock outcrops and on and under rocks in the dryer part of the island from 64 -140 m.
Endemic to Hispaniola; known only from the Pedernales Peninsula in the Dominican Republic (
Holotype female: El Cajuil, Laguna Oviedo, Pedernales, Dominican Republic,
same data as holotype, 1♀, 1p♂, 7 imm. (MNHNSD sel_619, 621-622, 624-629); Boca de la Cañada off Hwy. Pedernales-Oviedo,
This specific epithet comes from the name of the type locality and is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Females can be separated from all others by the genital openings which are are located anteriorly, the epigynal pockets are large, and the rounded posterodorsal fold extends nearly half the length of the epigynal plate (
This species has been found under and on rocks, around the shores of a lake and in the forest (
Endemic to the Dominican Republic and has a limited distribution on the southern Pedernales peninsula (
Holotype male: Navassa Island, 1–9.I.1930, Clench, Schevill, Rehder (MCZ-B0045).
Males can be easily distinguished from other species by the large base and distal hook of the MA, and the small process on the distal end of the dorsal branch of the RTA (
The type was apparently not in great shape when
No data.
Known only from the type locality, and thus appears to be endemic to the mostly uninhabited, politically contested Navassa Island (
Holotype female: Cañada Miguel, Comendador, Elias Piña, Dominican Republic, 17.XII.1979, F. Marcano, (MNHNSD, A-515).
The species name comes from the indigenous Taíno word for the region, Duan, and is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Females can be separated from all other species by the lateral lobes which come together medially and form an anterior rounded projection that the genital openings are located behind (
No data.
Known only from the type locality, the center of Hispaniola, and is apparently endemic to the island (
Holotype male: Mata Grande, Santiago, Dominican Republic,
same data as holotype, 1♂, 1p♂, 4 imm. (MNHNSD sel_640, 642-646); Parque Nacional Armando Bermudéz, trailhead to Loma del Oro,
This species is named in honor of Denia Veloz for all of her work on arthropod biodiversity in the Dominican Republic. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Males can be separated from all other species by the conductor which arises anteromedially on a short stalk with a rounded projection. The conductor is directed opposite the RTA and is hammer shaped (
This species has been collected under bark and on buildings and fence posts at night, primarily at higher elevations (> 550 m).
Endemic to the Dominican Republic, though seems to be widespread across the country (
Holotype female: ranger's station at entrance to Loma de Isabel, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic,
same data as holotype, 2♀, 3. imm. (MNHNSD sel_598, CAS sel_600-601, 603-605).
This species is named in honor of Kelvin Guerrero for all of his work on the biodiversity of arthropods of the Dominican Republic, and is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
This species is most similar to
This species has been collected on tree trunks at night and under bark.
Endemic to the Dominican Republic and known only from the type locality (
Holotype female: Garden Pond Field Road, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands, 2414000 E, 19221000 N, 3.II.2007, S. Crews, B. Manco, high scrub, SCC07_004 (EME sel_678). Paratypes: Male, Turks and Caicos Islands, North Caicos, Wade's Green Plantation, 18808000 E, 2427000 N, 2.II.2007, S. Crews, B. Manco, tropical dry forest, SCC07_001 (EME sel _675).
The Bight,
The specific epithet comes from the name the indigenous people of the Turks and Caicos Islands used to refer to the Caicos Bank, Baweka, where this species is endemic. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
This species is similar to
This species has been found under bark and on trees at night in scrublands and tropical dry forests (
Endemic to the Caicos Bank (
Holotype female: East of Veranda Resort, Indian Town, Antigua,
The specific epithet refers to the indigenous name of the indigenous people that once inhabited several Caribbean islands, including the ones where this species is found. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
The females of
There is variation in the coloration of these species as some specimens are light and others are dark. There are also slight differences in the dorsal pattern of the abdomen.
This species has been collected from under the bark of Campeche,
Known from the islands of Antigua, Guadeloupe, including Les Saintes, and Montserrat (
Holotype female, Emilio Wilson Estate, St. Maarten,
The specific epithet comes from the indigenous word Souliga, for the island of St. Maarten, the type locality. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Females can be separated from all others by the median field of the epigynum, which is heart-shaped, and the huge spermathecae (
This species has been found under bark, under debris on the ground, under rocks, in the bases of tropical plants, on buildings, fences, and tree trunks at night (
Found in the northern Lesser Antilles on the islands of Anguilla, St. Maarten, and Saba (
Holotype female: La Laguna, carretera Baní-Manaclar, km 6.5, Peravia, Dominican Republic (IES), not examined.
La Descubierta, El Azufrada, north side of Lago Enriquillo,
Females can be separated from other species by the squarish lateral lobes, the sinuous opening which extends the width of the epigynal plate, and the internal genitalic structures; the sperm ducts and spermathecae are very small and simple (
The leg formulae are different than those given by
Collected from under rocks in dry forests.
Known only from the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola (
Holotype female: Grand'Anse, Haiti, Uhler (MCZ, examined).
along 4–5 km S caseta Gran Chorra, near Palmilla, 5.V.1992, 1♀ (MNHNSD); Punta Cana, Punta Cana Resort, 5-8 July 2006, sea level, S. Crews, under rock on egg sac, 1♀ (EME sel_528).
Though very similar to
This species is closely related to
This species has been found under rocks. The female guards the egg sac.
Endemic to the island of Hispaniola (
Holotype female: El Azufrada, La Descubierta, Lago Enriquillo, Prov. Independencia, Dominican Republic,
same data as the holotype, 2♀, 1 imm. (CAS sel_183, 185–186).
The specific epithet comes from the name of the cacique Enriquillo who rebelled against the invading Spanish. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
This species is very similar to
Although the male and female were not collected at the same time or from the exact same place, the overall similarity in habitus and the amount of collecting historically accomplished from the type locality indicate these are likely the same species. There is variation in the female copulatory organs, including how far posteriorly the lateral lobes extend beyond the epigastric furrow, how far apart or close together these extensions are, and the shape of the posterodorsal fold. Although one species was taken from Kingston, Jamaica, I do not believe this species naturally occurs there.
This species has been found under rocks and on tree trunks at night.
Endemic to Hispaniola (
Holotype male: Kenskoff, Haiti, 2.IX.1934, 4500-5500', P.J. Darlington (MCZ, examined).
Sierra de Baoruco, 26 km north of Cabo Rojo, trail off side of road,
Males can be separated from others by the very small RTA, with a quadrangular lateral apophysis and a rounded ventral apophysis, and the embolus which does not curve around the edge of the cymbium (
The leg formula given by
This species is known only from high elevation cloud forests. It has been collected under bark and under rocks, as well as on stone walls and buildings at night.
This species appears to be endemic to the southern part of the island of Hispaniola (
Holotype female from El Morro, Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic, 19.89233°N, 71.65688°W, 8.X.2006, 20–40 m, S. Crews, under rocks, bark, SCC06_069, (EME sel_614). Paratypes: Male, El Morro, Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic, 19.89233°N, 71.65688°W, 22.VII.2006, 20–40 m, L. Mahler, under rock beside road, (EME sel_582).
same data as allotype, 1♀ (MNHNSD sel_580); same data as holotype, 2♀, 3 imm. (CAS sel_610, 615-616, 618).
The specific epithet comes from the name of the type locality. It is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
This small species is most similar to several endemic Cuban species, however females can be differentiated from all other spcies by a sinuous opening extending the width of the epigynal plate, and there appears to be epigynal pockets. These are separated and facing outward rather than facing one another as in other species (
Found under rocks and bark in dry thornscrub (
Endemic to Hispaniola and appears to be very narrowly distributed on the Monti Cristi Peninsula located in the central part of the North Coast of Hispaniola (
Holotype male: South Bimini Island, Bahamas, V.1951, W. Gertsch, M.A. Cazier (AMNH, examined). Paratypes: Female, same data as holotype (AMNH, examined).
2-9.VIII.1951, C.,P. Vaurie, 1♀, 1♂ (AMNH).
This species is similar to and can be difficult to separate from
This species has been taken under rocks and bricks in dry tropical forest, under bark, within epiphytes, in houses, on rocks and trees at night (
Known from mainland Cuba and the surrounding islands and cays, all of the Cayman Islands, and South Bimini and Rum Cay in the Bahamas (
Holotype female: Sierra de Casas, Isla de Piños, Cuba, 1915, Barbour, Brooks (MCZ, examined). Paratypes:Male from Soledad, Cuba, II.1925, G. Salt (MCZ).
International Field Station, North Blanket Sound,
This species is similar to
This species has been found under bark and rocks, on the trunks of trees at night and on the ceiling at the entrance to a cave, as well as inside houses (
This species is found in Cuba, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and southern Florida (
The author acknowledges the following people and institutions for helping with loans, permits, obtaining specimens and collecting: American Museum of Natural History – Norman I. Platnick and Louis Sorkin; Museum of Comparative Zoology – Laura Leibensperger; California Academy of Sciences – Charles Griswold and Darrell Ubick; United States National Museum – Jonathan Coddington; British Museum of Natural History – Janet Beccaloni; Peabody Museum at Yale – Raymond Pupedis, William Piel; Essig Museum of Entomology – Cheryl Barr; Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Santo Domingo – Sardis Medrano Cabral, Carmelo Nuñez; Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle – Christine Rollard; Staatliches Museeum für Naturkunde, Stuttgart – G. Bechley; Kelvin Guerrero, Denia Veloz, Erwing Monsanto, Eladio Fernandez, Alberto Puente-Rolón, Beverly Mae Nisbeth, Adriel Thibou, Germain George, Brian Riggs, Brian Manco, Margaret Jones, Renata Platenberg, Chris Niebuhr, Abel Pérez-González, G.B. Edwards, Oscar Francke, Alejandro Valdez-Mondragón, Mark da Silva, Facundo Franken, Roy Croes, Gijs Van Hoorn, Adolphe O. Debrot, Mark Vermeij, Fred the Abaco Caveman, Raveen Gibson, Daniel Palmer, Jim Starrett, Marshal Hedin, Nicole VanderSal, Sean Schoville, Luke Mahler, Uri García, Beto Mendoza, Adrian Nieto Montes de Oca, Rebecca Duncan, Jasmine Carver, Greta Binford, Giraldo Alayón-García, Pierre Paquin, Matthew Cottam, Jan den Dulk, Joey Slowik, Nicole Esteban, Arturo Herrera, Nancy Bottomley, Inilek Wilmot, Lauren Esposito, Stephen Touissant, Arlington James, Ferdinand Tripoli, Daniel Memia Zolo, Nouree-Yvon, Martín Ramírez, Caroline Chaboo, Cheryl Barr, Bill Shepard, C.J. Hayden, Aaron Abdel, Manuel Dierick, Nadine Dupérré for illustration advice, encouragement, and helping obtain many publications, Mark Harvey and Joel Ledford for answering several questions, Kip Will for use of the Microptics System, and Martin Hauser for helping with the transport of specimens. I also wish to thank Charles Griswold and Rosemary Gillespie for reviewing the manuscript, as well as the reviewers Yuri Marusik, Robin Leech and Dmitri Logunov for many important comments that greatly improved this work. Support for fieldwork was provided by the Exline-Frizzell Fund of the CAS, and the Schlinger Foundation and the Walker Fund at the University of California, Berkeley.
Map of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire (inset) showing the distribution of
Map of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago (inset) showing the distribution of
Map of Panamá and South America (inset) showing the distribution of
Map of Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada (inset) showing the distribution of
Map of México and Guatemala (inset) showing the distribution of several
Map of North, Central and northern South America (inset) showing the distribution of
Map of North America, including the United States and México (inset) showing the distribution of some members of the
Map of Central America (inset) showing the distribution of two species of
Map of the northern Caribbean (insets) showing the distribution of three species of
Map of southern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands (inset) showing the distribution of four species of
Map of Jamaica (inset) showing the distribution of endemic
Map of southern Florida, the Bahamas, and the Greater Antilles (inset) showing the distribution of two
Map of Hispaniola (inset) showing the distribution of endemic
Map of the northern Lesser Antilles (inset) showing the distribution of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Copulatory organs of
Habitats and natural history of some
Habitats and natural history of some
Habitats and natural history of some
Habitats and natural history of some
Habitats and natural history of some