Corresponding author: Hannah M. Wood (
Academic editor: S. Foord
An endemic genus of Madagascan spiders (
Wood HM, Scharff N (2018) A review of the Madagascan pelican spiders of the genera
Archaeid spiders, commonly called pelican or assassin spiders, are an ancient, paleoendemic group that has existed since Pangaean times (
The morphological interspecific diversity in the carapace and chelicerae shape seems to relate to their global distribution and diversification patterns. Archaeid spiders have distinct Northern Hemisphere lineages, now extinct and known only from fossils dated from the Eocene to the Jurassic (
Phylogenetic analysis of molecular and morphological data by
Total evidence phylogeny from Bayesian analysis of molecular and morphological data, from
Specimens examined in this study were primarily from the California Academy of Sciences collection. Additional material was borrowed from the museums referred to in Table
Diagram showing several measured morphological traits, lateral view of archaeid habitus.
List of instituition abbreviations used in the text.
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List of anatomical abbreviations used in the text and figures.
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anterior portion of embolus |
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anterior median eye |
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conductor |
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carapace tilt height |
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embolus |
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female sclerotized genital plate |
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lateral eye |
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membranous area on male pedipalpal bulb |
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median apophysis |
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posterior portion of embolus |
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posterior bar |
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poreplates |
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additional sclerite on male pedipalpal bulb in |
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pedipalpal bulb sclerite, likely a part of the conductor |
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wings, lateral projections on |
Ecribellate, haplogyne, araneomorph spiders, three claws, with peg teeth, with cheliceral and pedicel stridulatory systems; modified carapace that wraps around the base of the chelicerae forming a constricted neck; extant genera with set of anterior booklungs and pair of posterior spiracles (configuration unknown in fossil archaeids). For complete description see Forster & Platnick (1984).
While archaeids have a substantial fossil record (12 genera;
Distinguished from the Australian genera by lacking spermathecae in the female genitalia, and instead having a bursa with secretory poreplates and a
Total length 1.64–6.72. Carapace reddish-to-orangish brown with many white setae on small tubercules, organized in branching rows (see figs 5D, 6B in
Abdomen rounded in the “
Spinnerets surrounded by ring; rudimentary-to-fleshy colulus present. The following spinneret description is taken from examining published images of
Legs reddish or orangish to light brown, often with dark brown bands throughout, but especially on the tibia; covered sparsely with setae; ratio 1-2-4-3 or 1-4-2-3, typically 1-2-4-3 for species found in vegetation and 1-4-2-3 for species found in forest litter; one or two anterior rows of scopulae present on leg I, sometimes also present on leg II, and sometimes with a posterior row as well; metatarsus III and IV with a ventral cluster of modified hairs; femur IV distinctly curved (see fig. 7D in
Male pedipalpal femur, patella, tibia and cymbium without apophyses, however a cluster of spine like setae with enlarged bases occurs on the distal retrolateral side of the femur in some “
Female genitalic bursa height in “
Included species: 6 described species
Madagascar.
The “
1 | In males and females, abdomen triangular, with a single tubercule on the dorsal side (Fig. |
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– | Abdomen rounded in both sexes, without a tubercle (Fig. |
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“ |
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2 | Male |
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– | Female: females are indistinguishable except for |
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3 | Conductor split (Fig. |
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– | Conductor triangular (Fig. |
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4 | Anterior side of the pedipalpal bulb with a large bump (Fig. |
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– | Anterior side of pedipalpal bulb smooth or only slightly rounded (Fig. |
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5 | Abdomen with green patches on the lateral and posterior sides (sometimes faded in preserved specimens) (Fig. |
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– | Abdomen lacking the green patches (Fig. |
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6 | Median apophysis with trifurcation: with one deep bifurcation, and the prolateral piece of that bifurcation with an additional shallow bifurcation (Fig. |
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– |
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7 | Abdomen pattern typical (Fig. |
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– | Abdomen pattern distinctive with undulating brown ‘rings’ (Fig. |
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8 | Bursa in posterior view with sclerotized projection that forms a “T” shape (Fig. |
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– | Bursa in posterior view with a membranous projection that is not “T” shaped (Fig. |
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9 | Abdomen with green patches on the lateral and posterior sides (sometimes faded in preserved specimens) (Fig. |
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– | Abdomen pattern usually distinctive with undulating brown ‘rings’ (Fig. |
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“ |
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11 | Male pedipalpal bulbs with apical conductor encircling a pit-like cavity (Figs |
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– | Male pedipalpal bulbs with a large embolus, encircled by conductor, with a white membraneous sac of cuticle that sits close to the base of the embolus (Figs |
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“ |
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12 | In males, embolus is long and narrow, wire-like (Figs |
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– | In males, embolus is wide (Figs |
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13 | In males, embolus broadly curved (Fig. |
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– | In males, embolus tip with two curves making an “s” shape (Fig. |
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14 | In male pedipalpal bulb, the apical portion of the tegulum, where the conductor swirls around, is elongated so that the bulb is almost twice as long as it is wide (Fig. |
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– | In males, apical portion of the tegulum not as elongated (Fig. |
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“ |
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15 | In both males and females, posterior pair of spines on the apex of the cephalon on large protrusions (Figs |
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– | Posterior spines on cephalon not on large protrusions (Fig. |
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16 | In males and females, coxa I with pointed protrusions (Fig. |
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– | Coxa I rounded and without pointed protrusions in both sexes; in males, basal triangular piece of conductor with numerous small bumps and pores (Fig. |
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17 | Sternum completely fused to carapace, cephalon triangular in shape (Fig. |
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– | In males and females, sternum not fused to carapace; cephalon not triangular in shape (Figs |
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18 | In males, sharp point on posterior side of pedipalpal tegulum (Fig. |
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– | Posterior side of male pedipalpal tegulum rounded (Fig. |
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19 | On male pedipalpal bulb, conductor with distal membranous region (Fig. |
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– | Conductor lacking distal membranous region (Figs |
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20 | In males and females, cheliceral seta projecting perpendicular to the cheliceral cuticle (Fig. |
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– | In both sexes, cheliceral seta downward pointing (Figs |
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21 | In males, pedipalpal bulb shape with the embolus and conductor originating from the posterior portion of the bulb (Fig. |
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– | Male pedipalpal bulb shape with the embolus and conductor originating from the center of the bulb (Fig. |
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22 | Male pedipalpal bulb posterior half-moon shaped, although there is variation in degree (compare tegulum shape in Fig. |
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– | Posterior edge of male pedipalpal bulb more rounded (Fig. |
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– | Males unknown; in females, |
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Male holotype: Madagascar, Antsiranana Prov., Parc National Montagne d’Ambre, 3.6 km 235° SW of Joffreville,
MADAGASCAR: Female paratype, same data as holotype, but collected by L.J. Boutin (
The specific name is a noun in apposition and commemorates King Andriamanelo, the founder of the Merina Kingdom.
Males and females are considered part of the “
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 3.98–5.17 (males; n=5), 4.47–5.31 (females; n=5); Carapace length 1.58–1.97 (males; n=5), 1.55–1.90 (females; n=5); Femur I 5.38–6.48 times the length of carapace in males (n=5) and 3.80–4.25 times the length of carapace in females (n=5).
Specimen were collected in montane rainforest, rainforest and tropical dry forest, by beating low vegetation, by beating and sweeping forest understory, and by general collecting day and night. Specimens occur from 30–1300 m in elevation.
Northern to central western Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: Madagascar, Toamasina, Montagne d’Anjanaharibe, 18 km 21° NNE Ambinanitelo, 15°11'18"S, 49°36'54"E, el. 470 m., rainforest, EC30 beating low vegetation, 8–12 Mar 2003, C. Griswold, B. Fisher et al. (deposited in
MADAGASCAR: 1M, together with holotype (
The specific name is a noun in apposition and commemorates King Andrianampoinimerina, who unified the Merina Kingdom.
Males and females are considered part of the “
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 3.24–4.32 (males; n=5), 3.50–4.67 (females; n=5); Carapace length 1.16–1.46 (males; n=5), 1.36–1.86 (females; n=5); Femur I 6.17–6.39 times the length of carapace in males (n=5) and 3.71–4.35 times the length of carapace in females (n=5).
Specimens were collected in montane rainforest, rainforest, and montane shrubland, by beating low vegetation, beating vegetation, sweeping, raking, and by general collecting day and night. Specimens were collected from 195–2000 m in elevation.
Northeastern Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: Madagascar, Antananarivo, Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohitantely, Forêt d’Ambohitantely, 20.9 km 72° NE Ankazobe,
MADAGASCAR: 3F, together with the holotype (
The specific name is a noun in apposition and commemorates Queen Rafohy.
Males and females are considered part of the “
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 3.39–4.73 (males; n=4), 4.32–4.86 (females; n=6); Carapace length 1.50–1.80 (males; n=4), 1.57–1.75 (females; n=6); Femur I 5.10–5.72 times the length of carapace in males (n=4) and 3.48–3.88 times the length of carapace in females (n=6).
Specimens have been collected in montane rainforest through general collecting, beating vegetation, sweeping, raking, cryptic searching, and among fallen logs and litter in altitudes from 1300–1638 m above sea level. One specimen was collected with a hatched eggsac.
Known only from Antananarivo Province in central Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Ranomafana, Vohiparara, Piste Touristique,
MADAGASCAR, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Ranomafana: Female paratype, Vatoharanana River, 4.1 km 231° SW Ranomafana,
The specific name is a noun in apposition and commemorates Queen Ranavalona III, the last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar before it became a French colony.
Males and females are considered part of the “
Male holotype (CALENT9010047, from Parc Nationale Ranomafana, Madagascar). Total length 3.53, carapace 1.48 long, 1.28 wide. Abdomen 1.93 long, 2.23 high, with a dorsal hump. Carapace tilt angle 75.1°, tilt height (
Female paratype (
Total length 3.49–3.68 (males; n=5), 3.34–3.86 (females; n=4); Carapace length 1.35–1.43 (males; n=5), 1.24–1.49 (females; n=4); Femur I 5.25–5.65 times the length of carapace in males (n=5) and 3.53–4.10 times the length of carapace in females (n=4).
Specimens have been collected in montane rainforest and evergreen secondary rainforest through beating vegetation, including clumps of dead, dry foliage, by beating low vegetation, and general collecting day and night. Specimens were collected from 900–1200 m above sea level.
Known only from Ranomafana National Park in southwestern Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: Madagascar, Antananarivo, NE outskirts Antananarivo, Ambohimanga Village, 27 Jul 1992, cryptic searching, V. & B. Roth (deposited in
MADAGASCAR: Female paratype, Fianarantsoa, Forêt d’Atsirakambiaty, 7.6 km 285° WNW Itremo,
The specific name is a noun in apposition and commemorates Queen Rangita.
Males and females are considered part of the “
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 3.70–4.17 (males; n=3), 4.30–4.84 (females; n=5); Carapace length 1.47–1.66 (males; n=3), 1.63–1.94 (females; n=5); Femur I 4.3–4.39 times the length of carapace in males (n=3) and 3.22–3.55 times the length of carapace in females (n=5).
Specimens have been collected in montane rainforest through general collecting day and night, ‘cryptic searching’, and within a fallen palm frond, at altitudes of 1050–1550 m above sea level. Several specimens have been collected with separate eggsacs that are almost the size of the spider and contains 30–40 relatively large white eggsacs wrapped in thin transparent silk. A couple of hatched eggsacs have also been collected.
Known only from central Madagascar (Fig.
Originally named
Juvenile holotype: Madagascar, T. Workman (examined, deposited in
1M,1F, MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana, Parc National de Marojejy, Manantenina River, 28.0 km 38° NE Andapa,
MADAGASCAR: 2F, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Ranomafana, Vohiparara, 3.6 km W Ranomafana,
Males and females are considered part of the “
Male (based on
Female (based on
Total length 3.45–5.27 (males; n=5), 3.89–6.72 (females; n=5); Carapace length 1.37–2.17 (males; n=5), 1.45–2.40 (females; n=5); Femur I 5.09–6.10 times the length of carapace in males (n=5) and 3.75–4.04 times the length of carapace in females (n=5).
Specimens have been collected in montane and lowland rainforest through general collecting, beating vegetation, sweeping, raking, cryptic searching, and among fallen logs and litter at altitudes of 26–1200 m above sea level. Several specimens were collected with eggcases that look similar to eggcases from other “
Widely distributed in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar from north to south (Fig.
The holotype is a juvenile. We assume it to be the species we are describing because this species is the most widespread common species of the “
There were many "
Female holotype:
Other material examined: MADAGASCAR: 1M, Fianarantsoa, Reserve Andringitra, 38 km S Ambalavo,
Males are distinguished from other “
Female holotype (
Male paratype (
Total length 2.69–2.38 (females; n=2); Carapace length 1.11–1.17 (females; n=2); Femur I 1.48–1.55 times the length of carapace in females (n=2).
Specimens were collected in rainforest in the leaf litter from 1200–1990 m in elevation.
Known only from around Andringitra Massif in southeast Madagascar (Fig.
Distributions of
Male holotype: MADAGASCAR, Toliara, Réserve Naturelle Intégrale d’Andohahela, parcel 1, 15.0 km NW Eminiminy, camp 4,
Female paratype, same data as holotype, except 20.0 km SE Andranondambo, camp 5,
The specific name is a patronym to honor Dr. Steven Goodman, who collected the specimens and for his extensive work on Madagascar’s biodiversity.
Males are distinguished from other “bourgini-group” species except
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
no other known material.
Specimens were collected in rainforest from 1500–1875 m in elevation.
Known only from Réserve Naturelle Intégrale d’Andohahela in southeast Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, Massif Andringitra, 43 km S Ambalavo,
MADAGASCAR: Female paratype, same data as holotype, (
The specific name is a patronym to honor Dr. Mark Harvey for his work on the Australian archaeids.
Males are distinguished from other “
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 2.05–2.12 (males; n=2); Carapace length 0.87–0.92 (males; n=2); Femur I 1.57–1.64 times the length of carapace in males (n=2).
Specimens were collected in rainforest in the leaf litter from 825–900 m in elevation.
Known only from around Andringitra Massif in southeast Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: MADAGASCAR, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Befotaka-Midongy, Papango, 28.5 km S Midongy-Sud, Mount Papango,
Female paratype, MADAGASCAR: Toliara, Réserve Spéciale Kalambatritra, Ampanihy,
The specific name is a patronym to honor Jörg Wunderlich, for his work documenting fossil archaeids.
Males are distinguished from other “
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
no other known material.
Specimens were collected in montane rainforest from 1250–1270 m in elevation by sifting litter.
Known only from southeast Madagascar (Fig.
The male and female of
As
Material described and other material examined: 3M,5F,4Juvs, MADAGASCAR: Antananarivo, Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohitantely, Forêt d’Ambohitantely, 20.9 km 72° NE Ankazobe,
Males and females are distinguished from other
Male (based on
Female (based on
Total length 1.76–1.94 (males; n=5), 1.89–2.15 (females; n=5); Carapace length 0.73–0.79 (males; n=5), 0.74–0.81 (females; n=5); Femur I 2.54–2.71 times the length of carapace in males (n=5) and 2.45–2.75 times the length of carapace in females (n=5).
Specimens were collected at 1410 m in elevation in montane rainforest by beating vegetation.
Known only from central-eastern Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Andrigitra, 34 km S Ambalavao,
Female paratype, same as holotype except general collecting day (
The specific name is a patronym to honor Dr. Luke Macaulay for his help collecting palpimanoid spiders.
Male is distinguished from other “
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 2.17–3.09 (females; n=5); Carapace length 1.01–1.06 (females; n=5); Femur I 2.37–2.55 times the length of carapace in females (n=5).
Specimens were collected in leaf litter, in and under logs and through beating vegetation in primary rainforest from 1580–1830 m in elevation.
Known only from Parc National Andrigitra in southeast Madagascar (Fig.
Female holotype: as
MADAGASCAR: male paratype, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Ranomafana, Vohiparara, 3.6 km W Ranomafana,
Males and females are distinguished from other
Female holotype (MCZ, from Parc National Ranomafana, Madagascar). Total length 1.91, carapace 0.74 long, 0.69 wide. Abdomen 1.06 long, 1.24 high. Carapace tilt angle 64.4°, tilt height (
Male paratype (
no other known material.
Male specimen was collected at 1150 m in elevation. Both specimens were collected in montane rainforest by general sifting, or sifting dead ferns on the ground.
Known only from Parc National Ranomafana in central-eastern Madagascar (Fig.
Female holotype: MADAGASCAR, Toliara, Parc National Andohahela, Col du Sedro, 3.8 km 113° ESE Mahamavo, 37.6 km 341° NNW Tolagnaro,
MADAGASCAR: 1F,1Juv, same locality and data as holotype, general collecting at night (
The specific name is a patronym for Mila Jane Macaulay in the hope that one day she will go to Andohahela to find this spider.
Females of
Female holotype (
Male: unknown.
Total length 2.33–2.38 (females; n=2); Carapace length 0.94–0.95 (females; n=2); Femur I 2.99–3.02 times the length of carapace in females (n=2).
The two known adult specimens were caught in montane rainforest through beating vegetation and general collection at night from 900 m in elevation.
Known only from the type locality in Parc National Andohahela in southeast Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: MADAGASCAR, Toliara, Parc National Andohahela, Parcelle I, Manangotry, off Rte. 118, 34 km N Taolagnaro,
Female paratype, 1 eggcase, same data as holotype (
The specific name is a patronym to honor Dr. Jacques Millot for his work describing Madagascan archaeids.
Males distinguished from other “
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 1.78–1.89 (males; n=5), 1.94–1.99 (females; n=5); Carapace length 0.88–0.91 (males; n=5), 0.94–0.99 (females; n=5); Femur I 2.73–2.82 times the length of carapace in males (n=5), 2.55–2.64 in females (n=5);
In primary rainforest from 20–640 m in elevation. Collected day and night, turning over dead palm frond bases on the ground, in litter, and on tree trunks.
Known only from Parc National Andohahela and surroundings in the southeastern part of Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: as
No other material examined.
Male is distinguished from other “
Male holotype (
Female: The female paratype at
No other known material.
Specimens collected at 1800 m elevation.
Known only from the type locality, Andohahelo, in southeast Madagascar (Fig.
In
Male holotype: as
MADAGASCAR, Toamasina: female paratype and 1juv, Ambatovy, 12.4 km NE Moramanga,
Males and females are distinguished from other
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 1.67–1.70 (males; n=3), 1.70–2.47 (females; n=3); Carapace length 0.75–0.80 (males; n=3), 0.82–0.87 (females; n=3); Femur I 1.82–1.98 times the length of carapace in males (n=3), 1.63–1.75 in females (n=3);
In montane and primary rainforest from 450–1080 m in elevation, collected by sifting litter.
Known only from central-eastern Madagascar (Fig.
One male specimen (
Male holotype: Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Ranomafana, Vohiparara, Piste Touristique,
Female paratype, same data as holotype, except 12 and 14 Apr 1998 (
The specific name is a patronym to honor Dr. Michael Rix for his work describing Australian archaeids and examining their biogeographic patterns and evolutionary relationships.
Males are distinguished from other “
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
no other specimens known.
Specimens were collected at 1000 m in elevation, likely in rainforest, although not specified on the label.
Known only from Parc National Ranomafana in eastern Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: MADAGASCAR, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Ranomafana, Talatakely,
Female paratype, MADAGASCAR, Fianarantsoa, 29 km SSW Ambositra, Ankazomivady,
Males and females are distinguished from other “
The specific name is a noun in apposition; ‘
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
no other known material.
Female specimen was collected at 1700 m in elevation in forest by sifting litter.
Known only from central-eastern Madagascar (Fig.
Nomenclatural remarks: The male holotype and female paratype of
Male holotype: MADAGASCAR, Toamasina, Parc National Masoala, 2 hour hike from Tompolo, 39 km SE Maroantsetra,
MADGASCAR: Female paratype, Toamasina, Mikira forest, 2.5 hour hike from Andaparaty, 29 km N Maroantsetra,
The specific name is a noun in apposition; ‘
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 1.79–1.80 (males; n=3); Carapace length 0.72–0.75 (males; n=3); Femur I 2.54–2.72 times the length of carapace in males (n=3) and 2.54 times the length of the carapace in females (n=1).
Specimens were collected from 195–700 m in elevation in rainforest by beating vegetation and general collecting.
Known only from areas around Parc National Masoala in northeastern Madagascar (Fig.
The name refers to the Madagascan distribution and is feminine in gender.
Distinguished from all other archaeids by the presence of six protrusions, each with a small spine, on the crown of the cephalon, and by the presence of a retrolateral apophysis on the male pedipalpal patella.
See
14 described species
Madagascar
We elevate the “
When using the identification key from
1 | Embolus bifurcation shallow, both parts of bifurcation roughly equal thickness (Fig. |
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– | Embolus with a deeper bifurcation, both parts of bifurcation different thickness (Figs |
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2 | Anterior portion of embolus bifurcation thinner than the posterior part, and jutting out past the conductor in the ventral view (see fig. 21 in |
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– | Anterior portion of embolus bifurcation broad, posterior portion not extending past conductor, and posterior portion with a bifurcation (Fig. |
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3 | Anterior portion of embolus bifurcation thick and blunt at tip (Fig. |
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– | Anterior portion of embolus bifurcation tapering off to a point (Fig. |
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When using the identification key from
1 | In males and females, cephalon crown rounded (Figs |
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– | Cephalon crown not as round in both sexes (Fig. |
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2 | In males, pedipalpal bulb, with a sclerotized rod-shaped piece on embolus (Fig. |
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– | Embolus lacking heavily sclerotized rod-shaped piece (Figs |
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Male holotype: MADAGASCAR, Toamasina, Ivoloina Parque Zoologique, 12 km from Tamatave,
MADGASCAR: Female paratype, same data as holotype (
The specific name is a noun in apposition; ‘
Distinguished from all other archaeids, except
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 1.67–1.97 (females; n=2); Carapace length 0.71–0.75 (females; n=2); Left and right femur I missing in one female (
Specimens were collected in disturbed and undisturbed rainforest from 26–950 m in elevation by general collecting.
Known only from northeastern and central-eastern Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: as
MADAGASCAR: Female paratype, same data as holotype (
Distinguished from all other archaeids, except
Male (based on
Female (based on
Total length 1.46–1.67 (males; n=5), 1.81–2.02 (females; n=5); Carapace length 0.66–0.77 (males; n=5), 0.76–0.82 (females; n=5); Femur I 3.01–3.66 times the length of carapace in males (n=5), 2.71–3.05 in females (n=5);
Specimens were collected in montane rainforest from 915–1200 m in elevation by beating clumps of dead, dry foliage, by sifting litter, in yellow pan traps, and by general collecting day and night.
Known only from Parc National Ranomafana in central eastern Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: MADAGASCAR, Antananarivo, 3 km 41° NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147° SSE Anjozorobe,
MADAGASCAR: Female paratype, same data as holotype except beating low vegetation (
The specific name is a noun in apposition and commemorates Gisèle Rabesahala, a Malagasy activist and politician.
Distinguished from all other archaeids, except
Male holotype (
Female paratype (CASENT903843). Total length 1.91, carapace 0.80 long, 0.67 wide. Abdomen 1.11 long, 1.55 high. Carapace tilt angle 62.3°, tilt height (
Total length 1.56–1.66 (males; n=5), 1.91–2.07 (females; n=4); Carapace length 0.72–0.75 (males; n=5), 0.74–0.81 (females; n=4); Femur I 2.69–2.86 times the length of carapace in males (n=5), 2.38–2.69 in females (n=4);
Specimens were collected in montane rainforest from 960–1300 m in elevation by beating low vegetation, by sifting litter, by beating and sweeping, and by general collecting.
Known only from central eastern Madagascar (Fig.
2 females, 1 juv: as
MADAGASCAR: 2M,1F, Toamasina, Res. Analamazaotra, Parc National Andasibe, 23 road km E Moramanga,
Distinguished from all
Male (based on
Female (based on
Total length 1.54–1.83 (males; n=5), 1.82–2.00 (females; n=5); Carapace length 0.64–0.76 (males; n=5), 0.74–0.78 (females; n=5); Femur I 2.60–3.06 times the length of carapace in males (n=5), 2.88–3.12 in females (n=5);
Specimens were collected in montane rainforest from 960–1300 m in elevation by beating low foliage, low vegetation, by beating and sweeping, by general collecting at night, and by hand collecting at night in vegetation.
Known only from central eastern Madagascar (Fig.
Previous work (
Male holotype: MADAGASCAR, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Ranomafana, 2.3 km N Vohiparara village,
MADAGASCAR, Fianarantsoa, Parc National Ranomafana: 3M, 7F, including female paratype, Talatakely,
The specific name is a patronym to honor Dr. Leon Lotz for his work in describing the South African and Madagascan archaeids.
Typically
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
Total length 1.53–1.61 (males; n=5), 1.70–1.96 (females; n=5); Carapace length 0.68–0.74 (males; n=5), 0.73–0.80 (females; n=5); Femur I 2.64–2.71 times the length of carapace in males (n=5), 2.66–2.89 in females (n=5);
Specimens were collected in montane rainforest from 900–1200 m in elevation by general collecting, beating and puffing, general collecting at night, beating vegetation, and beating clumps of dead, dry foliage.
Known only from Parc National Ranomafana in central eastern Madagascar (Fig.
Male holotype: MADAGASCAR, Toamasina, Mikira forest, 2.5 hour hike from Andaparaty, 29 km N Maroantsetra,
MADAGASCAR: female paratype, same data as holotype except beating vegetation 5–10 feet above ground (
The specific name is a noun in apposition; ‘mora mora’ means ‘easy easy’ in Malagasy.
Male holotype (
Female paratype (
no other specimens known.
Specimens were collected in montane rainforest at 925 m in elevation by general collecting in the day and by beating vegetation 5–10 feet above ground.
Known only from Mikira Forest in northeastern Madagascar (Fig.
We could not determine whether several female specimens were
Distinguished from all extant genera by the presence of a prominent keel on the
See
12 described species,
South Africa.
Phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data recovered a monophylectic
Regarding
Distribution map for
Distribution map for
Distribution map for
Distribution map for
Distribution map for
Distribution map for
This study was funded through a grant from the Danish National Research Foundation to the Center for Macroecology, Evolution, and Climate (DNRF96), and through a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (1202873). Access to and loan of specimens was made possible by Charles Griswold, Lauren Esposito and Darrel Ubick at