Araneus aureolus Clerck, 1757 from Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, Russia (Europe to Central Asia and Middle Siberia), Kazakhstan, Iran, Central Asia, Mongolia, China, Korea, Japan.

See Dondale and Redner (1976).

Philodromus is the type genus of Philodromidae and currently includes 214 extant species that are found worldwide except for the Polar Regions (mainly distributed in the Old World and North America, except three from Australia and only one recorded in South America respectively) (WSC 2025), 21 species of which have been recorded from China. This genus is one of the largest of Philodromidae and comprises 41% of the total number of species of the family (WSC 2025).

Although Philodromus is rather well known for its high species diversity, the genus remains inadequately studied, and the species diversity is still insufficiently known (mostly related to its alpha taxonomy). The possible reasons include, but are not limited to the following: almost half of the species are described based on a single sex or juveniles (15 from males only, 79 from females only, eight from juveniles only) (WSC 2025); for many species described in earlier studies, original descriptions are rather brief, and illustrations are absent or inadequate (Long et al. 2022; WSC 2025); and the lack of available molecular data – we can obtain COI sequences for only 45 species through NCBI (2025).

The insufficiency of fundamental information in alpha taxonomy poses a significant obstacle to the advancement of beta taxonomy (i.e., phylogenetic studies). Several major taxonomic studies on a regional scale have been conducted, e.g., Dondale (1961, 1963), and Dondale and Redner (1968, 1969, 1975, 1976, 1978) for the North American species, Muster and his coauthors (Muster and Thaler 2004; Muster et al. 2007; Muster 2009), and Wunderlich (2012) for the European species; however, these revisionary studies often exclude species from Asia (potentially due to the aforementioned lack of foundational taxonomic information), and the debate on the group’s limits and internal structure of this family remains open (WSC 2025). According to the quite diverse copulatory structures of both sexes, different camouflage behaviours and habitat preferences, Philodromus sensu lato has been regarded as paraphyletic and needs to be split (Wunderlich 2012). However, we agree with Muster (2009) that the elevation of an autapomorphic species group would render Philodromus paraphyletic and in need of an extensive, large-scale review of the genus. Consequently, the present study follows the WSC (2025), and places all treated species in Philodromus sensu lato. We provide only the fundamental information on these species (such as detailed descriptions, supplementary illustrations, and DNA barcodes) for species delimitation, matching of sexes and future use. A review of the genus is not within the scope of this work.

China: Guizhou Province: • 1♂, 1♀, Guiyang City, Huaxi District, Huaxi Wetland Park; 26.46°N, 106.67°E; 1140 m a.s.l.; 7 August 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♂, 1♀ (YHGY452 and YHGY490 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Guiyang City, Huaxi District, University Town; 26.38°N, 106.65°E; 1173 m a.s.l.; 10 August 2024; Q. Jiang et al. leg. • 1♀, Tongren City, Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Yinjiang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Ziwei Town, Fengxiangping Village; 27.96°N, 108.58°E; 664 m a.s.l.; 19 June 2021; H. Yu et al. leg.

See Paik (1979), Song and Zhu (1997), Yin et al. (2012) and Kim and Lee (2017). Habitus as in Figs 5A–C, 6A–C. Male palp as in Fig. 5D–F, epigyne as in Fig. 6D, E.

Figure 5. 

Philodromus auricomus, male, habitus (A–C) and left palp (D–F) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D prolateral view E ventral view F retrolateral view. Abbreviations: aSDL = ascending part of sperm duct loop; Con = conductor; Cy = cymbium; dSDL = descending part of sperm duct loop; Em = embolus; EmB = embolic base; EmT = embolic tip; IR = intertegular retinaculum; pCon = prolateral part of conductor; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; RTP = retrolateral tegular projection; SD = sperm duct; tCon = tip of conductor; Te = tegulum; VTA = ventral tibial apophysis. Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C); 0.2 mm (equal for D–F).

Figure 6. 

Philodromus auricomus, female, habitus (A–C) and epigyne (D, E) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D ventral view E dorsal view. Abbreviations: A = atrium; cCD = course of copulatory duct (red line); CD = copulatory duct; CO = copulatory opening; EA = epigynal arch; FD = fertilisation duct; GM = glandular mound; IA = internal sclerotised arch; MS = median septum; R = receptaculum; rMS = rim of median septum (teal green line); rSEF = rim of sclerotised epigynal fold (blue line); SEF = sclerotised epigynal fold. Scale bars: 2 mm (equal for A–C); 0.2 mm (equal for D, E).

Russia (Far East), China (Sichuang, Hebei, Shandong, Liaoning, Guizhou; distribution records in Guizhou as in Fig. 23A), Korea, Japan.

The species was reported as a new record for Guizhou by Long et al. (2022) based on materials from Huaxi District in Guiyang City. New specimens examined indicate its distribution in the Fanjingshan Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province as well (Fig. 23A).

China: Guizhou Province: Holotype • ♂ (YHGY213 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Guiyang City, Kaiyang County, Longgang Town, Pingshan Village, Zijiang Rift Scenic Area; 26.93°N, 107.07°E; 812 m a.s.l.; 10 June 2022; H. Yu & Q. Lu leg. Paratype • 1♂, the same data as the holotype.

China: Guizhou Province: • 1♂, 1♀ (1♀, MYHPHI001 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Tongren City, Mayanghe National Nature Reserve, Yanhe County, Huangtu Town; 28.69°N, 108.16°E; 1194 m a.s.l.; 8 August 2023; Y. Zhou et al. leg.

Females resemble those of P. subaureolus in having the similarly bell-shaped MS which is not delimited to SEF, but can be recognised by: (1) A comma-shaped (vs elongate-oval, nearly funnel-shaped) (cf. Fig. 8C, D, F and Fig. 11D); (2) anterior keel of MS relatively wider, ~ 1/5–1/4 epigyne width (vs distinctly narrower, ~ 1/10–1/8 epigyne width) (cf. Fig. 8D and Fig. 11D); (3) CD heavily sclerotised, not looped, distinctly thick and short, almost as thick as R, length ~ 1/2 epigyne (vs weakly sclerotised, distinctly thinner and longer, with a long cCD forming two loops before entering R, their thickness no more than 1/2 the diameter of R, length longer than epigyne) (cf. Fig. 8E, G and Fig. 11E); (4) R elongate-oval, anteriorly separated by ~ 0.5 × diameters, posteriorly separated by ~ 1.3 × diameters (vs nearly spherical, separated by ~1 diameter) (cf. Fig. 8E, G and Fig. 11E). Males of P. guiyang are also similar to those of P. subaureolus by the similar, blade-shaped VTA, lamellar RTA with a bifurcated tip, spine-shaped IR, and the more or less S-shaped SDL, but can be distinguished from the latter by: (1) Em claw-shaped, distinctly shorter, originating at the 10 o’clock position, terminating at the ~ 1 o’clock position (vs filiform, distinctly longer, originating at 8 o’clock position, terminating at ~ 1 o’clock position) (cf. Fig. 9A, C, D and Fig. 10D–F); (2) Con distinctly shorter, enveloping the second half of Em, the coverage ranges from the 11 o’clock to the 1 o’clock position (vs distinctly longer, almost enveloping the entire Em, the coverage ranges from the 9 o’clock to the 1 o’clock position) (cf. Fig. 9A, C, D and Fig. 10D–F); (3) in retrolateral view, the middle section of RTA distinctly narrower than its base and tip (vs not distinctly narrowed, the entire RTA is almost uniform in width) (cf. Fig. 9D and Fig. 10F); and (4) vRTA noticeably prominent, distinctly longer and sharper than dRTA (vs vRTA small, both branches of RTA are similar in size and shape) (cf. Fig. 9D and Fig. 10F).

Female. Total length 4.05. Carapace 1.62 long, 1.57 wide. Abdomen 2.65 long, 1.82 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.07, ALE 0.07, PME 0.06, PLE 0.08, AME–AME 0.19, AME–ALE 0.10, PME–PME 0.36, PME–PLE 0.21, MOQL 0.31, MOQA 0.32, MOQP 0.48, CH 0.22. Sternum 0.89 long, 0.80 wide. Measurements of legs: I 6.50 (1.85, 2.38, 1.40, 0.87), II 7.88 (2.24, 2.92, 1.71, 1.01), III 5.42 (1.72, 1.88, 1.20, 0.62), IV 5.57 (1.77, 1.91, 1.25, 0.64). Leg formula: II-I-IV-III. Cheliceral furrow with one promarginal tooth.

Colouration in ethanol (Figs 7A–C, 8A). Carapace nearly pear-shaped, ocular region distinctly narrowed, tegument relatively smooth, with numerous hair bases (all hairs detached); lateral bands dark brown, ~ 1/6 of carapace width, respectively; median band wide, ~ 2/3 of carapace width, bright yellowish-brown and distinctly delimited to lateral bands, centrally with V-shaped white stripe starting from behind PLE, almost reaching indistinct cervical groove; radial furrows and fovea indistinctly marked. Cheliceral base coloured slightly darker than median band, with pale brown fangs. Sternum uniformly yellowish-white. Endites and labium coloured as cheliceral base, both with dense scopulae on anterior margins. Legs yellowish-brown, without distinct markings, and covered by short spines. Abdomen elongate-oval, dorsum with a narrow, purplish median band starting from behind pedicel, reaching 1/2 of abdomen length; posteriorly with numerous purplish-black streaks interspersed with many pale brown spots, forming a reticulated pattern; ventral abdomen uniformly pale brownish.

Figure 7. 

Philodromus guiyang, female (A–C) and male (D–F), habitus A, D dorsal view B, E ventral view C, F lateral view. Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C, equal for D–F).

Figure 8. 

Philodromus guiyang, female (A, C–G) and male (B), frontal view of carapace (A, B) and epigyne (C–G) A female B male C intact, ventral view D macerated, ventral view E macerated, dorsal view F macerated and embedded in arabic gum, ventral view G macerated and embedded in Arabic gum, dorsal view. Abbreviations: A = atrium; CD = copulatory duct; CO = copulatory opening; FD = fertilisation duct; GM = glandular mound; MS = median septum; R = receptaculum; rMS = rim of median septum (teal green line); rSEF = rim of sclerotised epigynal fold (blue line); SEF = sclerotised epigynal fold. Scale bars: 0.5 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (equal for C–G).

Figure 9. 

Philodromus guiyang, male, left palp A ventral view B dorsal view C prolateral view D retrolateral view. Abbreviations: aSDL = ascending part of sperm duct loop; Con = conductor; CP = cymbial process; Cy = cymbium; dRTA = dorsal branch of RTA; dSDL = descending part of sperm duct loop; Em = embolus; EmB = embolic base; EmT = embolic tip; IR = intertegular retinaculum; pCon = prolateral part of conductor; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; SD = sperm duct; tCon = tip of conductor; Te = tegulum; vRTA = ventral branch of RTA; VTA = ventral tibial apophysis. Scale bar: 0.2 mm (equal for A–D).

Figure 10. 

Philodromus subaureolus, male, habitus (A–C) and left palp (D–F) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D prolateral view E ventral view F retrolateral view. Abbreviations: aSDL = ascending part of sperm duct loop; Con = conductor; Cy = cymbium; dRTA = dorsal branch of RTA; dSDL = descending part of sperm duct loop; Em = embolus; EmB = embolic base; EmT = embolic tip; IR = intertegular retinaculum; pCon = prolateral part of conductor; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; SD = sperm duct; tCon = tip of conductor; Te = tegulum; vRTA = ventral branch of RTA; VTA = ventral tibial apophysis. Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C); 0.2 mm (equal for D–F).

Figure 11. 

Philodromus subaureolus, female, habitus (A–C) and epigyne (D, E) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D ventral view E dorsal view. Abbreviations: A = atrium; cCD = course of copulatory duct (red line); CD = copulatory duct; CO = copulatory opening; FD = fertilisation duct; GM = glandular mound; MS = median septum; R = receptaculum; rMS = rim of median septum (teal green line); rSEF = rim of sclerotised epigynal fold (blue line); SEF = sclerotised epigynal fold. Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C); 0.2 mm (equal for D, E).

Epigyne (Fig. 8C–G). Epigynal field slightly longer than wide; anterior and lateral margins not delimited, posterior margin rebordered; the arrangement of the various parts of the vulva (CD and R) are distinctly visible through integument. A small, located at anterior part of epigynal plate, divided by anterior keel of MS, represented by two comma-shaped cavities; the two cavities separated by ~ 1 diameter. MS bell-shaped, broad; anteriorly narrowed abruptly, ~ 1/5 epigyne width, with distinct edges and distinctly delimited to A; posteriorly widen gradually, ~ 1/2 epigyne width, with indistinct lateral rMS alongside with rSEF. SEF anteriorly and posteriorly narrowed, medially widened, ~ 1/3 epigyne width, not delimited to MS. CO indistinct, located at basolateral atrial borders, leading to CD which extend to connect with R. CD distinctly thick and heavily sclerotised, almost as thick as R, ~ 1/4 epigyne width; anteriorly convergent on the central axis, posteriorly descend obliquely, separated by ~ 1 diameter, finally connected to R at midlength of epigyne. R elongate-oval, ~ 1/2 epigyne length and 1/4 epigyne width, arranged obliquely; anteriorly separated by ~ 0.5 × diameter, posteriorly separated by ~ 1.3 × diameter. GM distinctly small, represented by small humps that locate at the antero-lateral surfaces of R. FD membranous and acicular, large, ~ 2/3 of R length, originating from the posterior surface of R, anterolaterally extending.

Male. Total length 3.25. Carapace 1.49 long, 1.42 wide. Abdomen 1.76 long, 1.15 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.07, ALE 0.06, PME 0.06, PLE 0.08, AME–AME 0.16, AME–ALE 0.08, PME–PME 0.30, PME–PLE 0.19, MOQL 0.30, MOQA 0.30, MOQP 0.41, CH 0.19. Sternum 0.89 long, 0.81 wide. Measurements of legs: I 7.78 (1.99, 2.66, 1.92, 1.21), II 9.70 (2.59, 3.27, 2.37, 1.47), III 6.05 (1.87, 2.01, 1.41, 0.76), IV 5.23 (1.79, 1.88, 1.03, 0.53). Leg formula: II-I-III-IV. Cheliceral furrow with one promarginal teeth. Colouration in ethanol as in females, but body slightly paler (Figs 7D–F, 8B; see Long et al. (2022) for others described).

Palp (Fig. 9A–D). Tibia relatively long, ~ 2/3 of Cy length, with two apophyses arising distally from tibia. Both tibial apophyses are lamellar and almost equal in length, nearly as long as palpal tibia length, including: a weakly sclerotised VTA, blade-shaped in ventral view and finger-shaped in lateral views; and a more sclerotised RTA which with wide base, narrowed middle section, and more or less biforked tip; both branches of RTA nearly triangular, vRTA heavily sclerotised, surface and edges smooth, apex angle is approximately 30°, dRTA hyaline, surface rough and with several scratch-like textures, distal edge jagged, apex angle is approximately 90°. Cy distinctly longer than tibia, basoretrolaterally with an indistinct CP. Te oval, ~ 1.37 longer than wide, proximally slightly swollen, prolatero-apically slightly excavated to accommodate Em and Con. SD sinuate, originating at distal portion of Te, aligning clockwise along the tegular retrolateral margin, forming a S-shaped SDL in ventral view, finally terminating at the ~ 10 o’clock position, and entering EmB. Em claw-shaped, EmB thick, inserted prolatero-apically (approximately 10 o’clock relative to Te), gradually tapering toward apex; EmT sharp and retrolaterally pointed, terminating at ~ 1 o’clock position. Con membranous, axe-shaped, aligning transversely on apical part of the Te, enveloping the second half of Em. IR distinctly small, spine-shaped, located at the ~ 2 o’clock position.

China (Fujian, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi; distribution records in Guizhou as in Fig. 23A).

Long et al. (2022) described the holotype male of P. guiyang in Chinese in the original paper. Wang et al. (2024) later described the female of the species for the first time but did not provide a diagnosis and redescription for the male. Therefore, to date, the male of this species lacks an English description. Here we diagnose and describe the male in English for the first time. Newly available specimens indicate that the species is also distributed in Mayanghe National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province (Fig. 23A).

China: Guizhou Province: • 1♀, Guiyang City, Huaxi District, Gao po Miao Town, Soupo Village; 26.26°N, 106.83°E, 1358 m a.s.l.; 21 May 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♂, Guiyang City, Huaxi District, Gao po Miao Town, Sanchahe Village; 26.27°N, 106.80°E; 1162 m a.s.l.; 20 May 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♂ (YHGY254 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Guiyang City, Huaxi District, University Town; 26.38°N, 106.65°E; 1173 m a.s.l.; 9 June 2023; Q. Jiang et al. leg. • 1♂, Guiyang City, Yunyan District, Luchongguan Forest Park; 26.63°N, 106.70°E; 1310 m a.s.l.; 4 June 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♂, Guiyang City, Wudang District, Panlongshan Forest Park; 26.74°N, 106.88°E; 1172 m a.s.l.; 2 June 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♂, Guiyang City, Wudang District, Xinpu Buyi Town, Xiangzhigou Scenic Area, Guodijing canyon; 26.79°N, 106.91°E; 1059 m a.s.l.; 31 May 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 3♀, Guiyang City, Wudang District, Pianpo Buyi Town; 26.66°N, 106.93°E; 1308 m a.s.l.; 8 August 2021; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♀, Guiyang City, Wudang District, Baoli Park; 26.63°N, 106.75°E; 1310 m a.s.l.; 5 June 2017; H. Yu et al. leg. • 3♂, 3♀ (1♀, YHGY253 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Tongren City, Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Yinjiang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Guantai Mountain; 27.98°N, 108.69°E; 1025 m a.s.l.; 20 July 2021; H. Yu et al. leg.; Hubei Province: • 1♂, 1♀, Xianning City, Jiugongshan National Nature Reserve, , Yunzhonghu Scenic Area; 29.39°N, 114.65°E; 480 m a.s.l.; 3 July 2020; Q. Lu et al. leg. • 1♂, 1♀, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Qizimeishan National Nature Reserve, Xuanen County, Shadaogou Town, Meijiaya Village; 29.71°N, 109.76°E; 1155 m a.s.l.; 12 August 2019; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♀, Yichang City, Zigui County, Guizhou Town, Jiuling Mountain; 31.03°N, 110.81°E; 150 m a.s.l.; 12 June 2019; H. Yu et al. leg.

See Paik (1979), Song and Zhu (1997), Yin et al. (2012), and Kim and Lee (2017). Habitus as in Figs 10A–C, 11A–C. Male palp as in Fig. 10D–F, epigyne as in Fig. 11D, E.

Mongolia, China (Zhejiang, Chongqing, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hebei, Gansu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Shandong, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Guizhou; distribution records in Hubei and Guizhou in Fig. 23), Korea, Japan.

The species was reported as a new record for Guizhou by Long et al. (2022) based on materials from several districts in Guiyang City. New specimens examined also indicate its distribution in the Fanjingshan Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province (Fig. 23A). Many earlier studies, such as Song and Zhu (1997), Song et al. (1997), and Song et al. (1999) et al., recorded that this species was distributed in Hubei Province. However, only Song et al. (1997) specify its distribution in Jiuling Mountain (located within the current Yichang City), while the other studies did not provide specific distribution points or coordinates. Our recent survey, which included a re-investigation of the Jiuling Mountain area, shows that this species is distributed in at least three locations in Hubei Province: Jiuling Mountain, Qizimei Mountain, and Jiugong Mountain (Fig. 23B). This species is widely widespread in China (occurring in several provinces across the country), so it is likely that there are more distribution points for this species within the province. This will require further investigation to clarify.

China: Guizhou Province: • 1♂, 1♀, Guiyang City, Wudang District, Dongfeng Town, Guizhou Education University; 26.64°N, 106.80°E; 1071 m a.s.l.; 25 May 2015; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♀ (YHGY325 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Guiyang City, Kaiyang County, Longgang Town, Pingshan Village, Zijiang Rift Scenic Area; 26.93°N, 107.07°E; 812 m a.s.l.; 10 June 2022; H. Yu & Q. Lu leg.; Hubei Province: • 1♂, 1♀ (1♂, YHPHI005 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Xianning City, Jiugongshan National Nature Reserve, Yunzhonghu Scenic Area; 29.39°N, 114.65°E; 480 m a.s.l.; 3 July 2020; Q. Lu et al. leg.

See Jang et al. (2024a). Habitus as in Figs 12A–C, 13A–C. Male palp as in Fig. 12D–F, epigyne as in Fig. 13D, E.

Figure 12. 

Philodromus paiki, male, habitus (A–C) and left palp (D–F) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D prolateral view E ventral view F retrolateral view (teal green dashed lines represent the contours of DTA, RTA and VTA). Abbreviations: aSDL = ascending part of sperm duct loop; Con = conductor; Cy = cymbium; dSDL = descending part of sperm duct loop; DTA = dorsal tibial apophysis; Em = embolus; EmB = embolic base; EmT = embolic tip; IR = intertegular retinaculum; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; SD = sperm duct; Te = tegulum; VTA = ventral tibial apophysis. Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C); 0.5 mm (equal for D–F).

Figure 13. 

Philodromus paiki, female, habitus (A–C) and epigyne (D, E) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D ventral view E dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; EG = epigynal groove; FD = fertilisation duct; MS = median septum; R = receptaculum; rMS = rim of median septum (teal green line); rSEF = rim of sclerotised epigynal fold (blue line); SEF = sclerotised epigynal fold. Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C); 0.2 mm (equal for D, E).

China (Guizhou, Hubei; Fig. 23), Korea.

This species is easily confused with P. spinitarsis due to its similar genital morphology. Jang et al. (2024a) described it as a new species based on specimens from Korea and pointed out that previous records of P. spinitarsis in Korea in multiple studies were likely misidentifications, most of which should be attributed to P. paiki. It appears that many records of P. spinitarsis in Chinese literature may also be misidentifications. However, since we have not examined the original specimens, our study is currently based on materials from Guizhou and Hubei provinces.

Long et al. (2022) reported P. spinitarsis as a new record for Guizhou Province based on specimens from Guiyang City but did not provide diagnostic illustrations. Upon re-examining the specimens from Long et al. (2022), we determined that they should all belong to P. paiki. Therefore, there is currently no confirmed record of P. spinitarsis in Guizhou. The newly available specimens indicate that this species is also distributed in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province (Fig. 23A).

Several studies have recorded the presence of P. spinitarsis in Hubei, such as Zhao (1993), Song and Zhu (1997), Song et al. (1999), Zhu and Zhang (2011), Yin et al. (2012), Zhang et al. (2022), but did not provide specific distribution points or coordinates. Additionally, the diagnostic illustrations provided are relatively crude and were not based on specimens from Hubei. Therefore, the reported distribution of P. spinitarsis in Hubei remains questionable. Our various field trips in Hubei have not yielded any P. spinitarsis specimens. In contrast, paired specimens of P. paiki were obtained from Jiugongshan National Nature Reserve (Fig. 23B). This paper represents the first formal report of the distribution of P. paiki in Hubei Province.

China: Guizhou Province: • 1♀, Guiyang City, Wudang District, Baoli Park; 26.63°N, 106.75°E; 1310 m a.s.l.; 5 June 2017; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♂, 1♀ (YHGY510 and YHGY511 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Guiyang City, Huaxi District, University Town; 26.38°N, 106.65°E; 1173 m a.s.l.; 15 July 2024; Q. Jiang et al. leg. • 1♂, 2♀ (1♀, YHGY304 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Guiyang City, Huaxi District, Dangwu Town, Xiaba Village; 26.38°N, 106.60°E; 1138 m a.s.l.; 19 May 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♀, Guiyang City, Huaxi District, Gao po Miao Town, Diba Village; 26.26°N, 106.85°E; 1216 m a.s.l.; 21 May 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♀, Tongren City, Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Yinjiang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Guantai Mountain; 27.98°N, 108.69°E; 1025 m a.s.l.; 20 July 2021; H. Yu et al. leg.; Hubei Province: • 1♂, 1♀, Xianning City, Jiugongshan National Nature Reserve, Yunzhonghu Scenic Area; 29.39°N, 114.65°E; 480 m a.s.l.; 3 July 2020; Q. Lu et al. leg.

See Paik (1979), Song and Zhu (1997), Yin et al. (2012) and Jang et al. (2024b). Habitus as in Figs 14A–C, 15A–C. Male palp as in Fig. 14D–F, epigyne as in Fig. 15D, E.

Figure 14. 

Philodromus rufus, male, habitus (A–C) and left palp (D–F) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D prolateral view E ventral view F retrolateral view. Abbreviations: aSDL = ascending part of sperm duct loop; Con = conductor; Cy = cymbium; dSDL = descending part of sperm duct loop; Em = embolus; EmB = embolic base; EmT = embolic tip; pCon = prolateral part of conductor; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; RTP = retrolateral tegular projection; tCon = tip of conductor; Te = tegulum; VTA = ventral tibial apophysis. Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C); 0.2 mm (equal for D–F).

Figure 15. 

Philodromus rufus, female, habitus (A–C) and epigyne (D, E) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D ventral view E dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; EG = epigynal groove; FD = fertilisation duct; GH = glandular head; MS = median septum; R = receptaculum; rMS = rim of median septum (teal green line); rSEF = rim of sclerotised epigynal fold (blue line); SEF = sclerotised epigynal fold. Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C); 0.2 mm (equal for D, E).

North America, Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, Russia (Europe to Far East), Kazakhstan, Iran, Central Asia, Mongolia, China (Fujian, Yunnan, Sichuan, Xizang, Shanxi, Hebei, Gansu, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Jilin, Guizhou, Ningxia, Shandong, Shaanxi; distribution records in Guizhou and Hubei as in Fig. 23), Korea, Japan.

This species is widely distributed and has been reported from several countries and regions across the Palearctic (WSC 2025). In China, the species has distribution records in multiple provinces, but there were no formal records of its presence in Guizhou Province before 2022, and no formal records in Hubei to date. Long et al. (2022) reported it as a new record for Guizhou based on specimens from Guiyang but did not provide diagnostic illustrations. Newly available specimens indicate that the species is also distributed in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province and Jiugongshan National Nature Reserve in Hubei Province (Fig. 23). This paper represents the first formal report of the species’ distribution in Hubei Province.

Sinodromus fujianensis Yao & Liu, 2024 from Fujian and Jiangxi provinces, China.

See Wang et al. (2024).

China: Hubei Province: Holotype • ♂: Xianning City, Xianan District, Hubei University of Science and Technology, the bamboo forest on the hill behind Lanyue Lake; 29.85°N, 114.34°E; 22 March 2023; Y. Zhong & Q. Lu leg. (Inventory number: MGNU-2025-PHISL001). Paratypes • 1♂, 1♀ (Inventory number: MGNU-2025-PHISL002~003), the same data as the holotype.

1♂, 1♀ (YHPHI008 and YHPHI009 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), the same data as the holotype.

The species name is derived from the type locality; noun in apposition.

Males of the new species are easily distinguished from Sinodromus fujianensis Yao & Liu, 2024 (only congener with described male) by the following combination of morphological characteristics: (1) TA shaped like a cock’s head, with a hump-like, not folded basal apophysis (vs horn-shaped, with a lamellar, folded basal apophysis) (cf. Figs 16A, 17A, B, 18A, C, D and Wang et al. 2024: figs 4B–E, 5C, G, I, K) ; and (2) Con wider than TA, surface relatively smooth (vs narrower than TA, with many scaly serrations) (cf. Figs 16A, 17A, B, 18A–D and Wang et al. 2024: figs 4B–E, 5C, G, I, K). Females of the new species resemble those of S. perbrevis Yao & Liu, 2024 in having a similar MS and endogyne but can be recognised by: (1) ET axe-shaped, distinctly widened, wider than midsection of SEF (vs ear-shaped, not widened, nearly as wide as midsection of SEF) (cf. Fig. 19A, C, E and Wang et al. 2024: figs 7C, 8C); and (2) R oval, close together (vs globular, widely separated) (cf. Fig. 19B, D and Wang et al. 2024: fig. 7D).

Figure 16. 

Sinodromus lanyue sp. nov., holotype male, left palp A ventral view B dorsal view. Abbreviations: Con = conductor; CP = cymbial process; Cy = cymbium; Em = embolus; SDL = sperm duct loop; TA = tegular apophysis; Te = tegulum; VPTA = ventro-prolateral tibial apophysis; vRTA = ventral branch of RTA. Scale bar: 0.2 mm (equal for A, B).

Figure 17. 

Sinodromus lanyue sp. nov., holotype male, left palp A prolateral view B retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Con = conductor; CP = cymbial process; Cy = cymbium; dRTA = dorsal branch of RTA; EmT = embolic tip; SD = sperm duct; SDL = sperm duct loop; TA = tegular apophysis; Te = tegulum; VPTA = ventro-prolateral tibial apophysis; vRTA = ventral branch of RTA. Scale bar: 0.2 mm (equal for A, B).

Figure 18. 

Sinodromus lanyue sp. nov., holotype male, left palpal bulb A ventral view B dorsal view C prolateral view D retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Con = conductor; Em = embolus; SD = sperm duct; SDL = sperm duct loop; TA = tegular apophysis; Te = tegulum. Scale bar: 0.2 mm (equal for A–D).

Figure 19. 

Sinodromus lanyue sp. nov., paratype female (A–E, G) and holotype male (F), epigyne (A–E) and frontal view of carapace (F, G) A macerated, ventral view B macerated, dorsal view C macerated and embedded in arabic gum, ventral view D macerated and embedded in arabic gum, dorsal view E intact, ventral view F male G female. Abbreviations: A = atrium; cCD = course of copulatory duct (red line); CD = copulatory duct; CO = copulatory opening; ET = epigynal tooth; FD = fertilisation duct; GM = glandular mound; MS = median septum; R = receptaculum; rMS = rim of median septum (teal green line); rSEF = rim of sclerotised epigynal fold (blue line); SEF = sclerotised epigynal fold. Scale bars: 0.2 mm (A–E); 0.5 mm (equal for F, G).

Male (MGNU-2025-PHISL001). Total length 3.64. Carapace 1.46 long, 1.29 wide. Abdomen 2.29 long, 0.93 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.05, ALE 0.05, PME 0.03, PLE 0.06, AME–AME 0.16, AME–ALE 0.10, PME–PME 0.23, PME–PLE 0.24, MOQL 0.21, MOQA 0.26, MOQP 0.29, CH 0.15. Sternum 0.87 long, 0.68 wide. Measurements of legs: I 6.03 (1.76, 2.23, 1.56, 1.38, 0.66), II 7.61 (2.18, 1.38, 2.03, 1.78, 0.89), III 4.94 (1.6, 1.67, 1.08, 0.59), IV 5.94 (1.91, 1.95, 1.43, 0.65). Leg formula: II-I-IV-III. Cheliceral furrow with one promarginal tooth.

Colouration in ethanol (Figs 19F, 20A–C). Carapace basically yellow-brown, nearly pear-shaped, ocular region distinctly narrowed, tegument relatively smooth; with three pairs of indistinct, brown, longitudinal stripes, each one including dense black spots: the central pair starting from PLE, extending obliquely at front and vertically at rear, forming a funnel shape, or shaped like capital letter ‘Y’; the second pair also starting from PLE and extending almost vertically; the third pair running along the edge of the carapace, slightly curved, resembling a pair of parentheses. Chelicerae coloured slightly paler than carapace, cheliceral base with sparse black spots. Sternum uniformly yellowish-white, laterally with many black dots. Endites and labium coloured as cheliceral base, both with dense scopulae on anterior margins. All legs proximally yellowish-white (coxae, trochanters, and femora), distally brown (patellae, tibiae, metatarsi, and tarsi), with many small black dots on dorsal and lateral surfaces, covered by short spines. Abdomen elongate-oval, dorsum brown, clothed with dense hairs and covered by countless black spots, with two pairs of longitudinal, white lines, reaching entire abdominal length: the central pair anteriorly long and widely separated, posteriorly short and convergent, shaped like a tuning fork; the lateral pair running along the edge of the abdomen, almost ascending parallel; ventral abdomen basically yellowish-white, marked with small dense black dots.

Figure 20. 

Sinodromus lanyue sp. nov., holotype male (A–C) and paratype female (D–F), habitus A, D dorsal view B, E ventral view C, F lateral view Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C, equal for D–F).

Palp (Figs 16A, B, 17A, B, 18A–D). Tibia relatively long, ~ 2/3 of Cy length, with two apophyses arising distally from tibia: VPTA relatively short, ~ 1/6–1/5 tibia length, subtriangular and nearly erect in ventral view, distinctly curved and dorsally toward posterior part of Te in prolateral view; RTA bifurcated, with a membranous, thumb-like dRTA and a relatively sclerotised, dagger-like vRTA, vRTA relatively long, ~ 1/3 tibia length, twice longer than dRTA. Cy ~ 1.9 × longer than wide, basoretrolaterally with an indistinct CP. Te egg-shaped, ~ 1.55 × longer than wide, proximally slightly swollen, prolatero-apically slightly excavated to accommodate Em and Con. SD sinuate, originating at retrolatero-distal portion of Te, proximally aligning clockwise along the tegular retrolateral margin, medially forming a S-shaped SDL in ventral view, with its distal end hidden behind Te and covered by Con, ultimately entering EmB. Em distinctly simplified and small, ~ 1/4 Te length, slightly curved, spine-like; EmT sharply pointed and directed retrolatero-distally, terminating at ~ 1 o’clock position. Con weakly sclerotised, with moderate size, ~ 1/3 Te length, basally columnar and slightly torqued along its length, apex triangular and terminating at ~ 1 o’clock position, covers Em. TA heavily sclerotised, shaped like a cock’s head, with a hump-like basal apophysis directed anteriorly and a sharp, beak-like apex pointing retrolaterally.

Female (MGNU-2025-PHISL002). Total length 3.93. Carapace 1.45 long, 1.31 wide. Abdomen 2.66 long, 1.14 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.05, ALE 0.05, PME 0.03, PLE 0.06, AME–AME 0.19, AME–ALE 0.11, PME–PME 0.28, PME–PLE 0.25, MOQL 0.21, MOQA 0.28, MOQP 0.34, CH 0.17. Sternum 0.88 long, 0.64 wide. Measurements of legs: I 4.73 (1.36, 1.81, 1.16, 0.99, 0.57), II 5.37 (1.64, 1.93, 1.31, 1.14, 0.66), III 4.32 (1.4, 1.50, 0.92, 0.5), IV 5.21 (1.73, 1.76, 1.14, 0.58). Leg formula: II-IV-I-III. Cheliceral furrow with one promarginal tooth. Colouration in ethanol as in males, but body slightly paler (Figs 19G, 20D–F).

Epigyne (Fig. 19A–E). Epigynal field slightly wider than long; anterior and lateral margins not rebordered, posterior margin delimited; CD and R obscured through epigynal plate in ventral view. A small, located at antero-lateral part of epigynal plate, divided by anterior keel of MS, represented by two C-shaped depressions; the two depressions separated by ~ five diameters. MS more or less U-shaped, or vase-shaped, broad; anterior keel slightly narrowed, ~ 2/5 epigyne width, with distinct edges and delimited to A; medial stem slightly widened, ~ 1/2 epigyne width; posterior base nearly as wide as anterior keel; both middle stem and posterior base with indistinct lateral rMS alongside with rSEF. SEF shaped like a pair of parentheses; anteriorly distinctly widened, forming axe-shaped ET; midsection narrowed, with distinct edges and delimited to A; posteriorly widened, rSEF not distinct and alongside with rMS. CO indistinct, located at antero-lateral borders of MS, leading to CD which looped to connect with R. CD relatively short, ~ 1/4 epigyne length, with a course forming one loop before entering R. R close together, oval, ~ 1.2 × longer than wide, ~ 1/2 epigyne length and 1/3 epigyne width; receptacular surface hyaline and smooth, inside pigmented, sclerotised and granular. GM distinctly small, slightly protruding, papilliform, located at the antero-lateral surfaces of R. FD membranous and acicular, moderately long, ~ 2/5 of R length, originating from the posterior surface of R, directing antero-laterally.

Known from the type locality in Hubei Province, China (Fig. 23B).

Aranea oblonga Walckenaer, 1802 from North America, Europe, North Africa, Turkey, Israel, Caucasus, Russia (Europe to Far East), Kazakhstan, Iran, Central Asia, Mongolia, China, Korea, Japan.

See Van den Berg and Dippenaar-Schoeman (1994) and Efimik (1999).

The genus has been widely considered as putatively monophyletic; it presents a distinct set of characters (Van den Berg and Dippenaar-Schoeman 1994; Efimik 1999; Jang et al. 2023), and its species composition is relatively stable (WSC 2025). However, some species have extraordinarily intraspecific morphological variation and low levels of interspecific variation, and together with the insufficiency of alpha taxonomic information (lacking high-quality illustrations, detailed descriptions, and molecular data), have hindered species recognition and has resulted in several wrong descriptions and misidentifications (Efimik 1999).

China: Guizhou Province: • 1♂, 1♀ (YHGY301 and YHGY303 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Guiyang City, Yunyan District, Luchongguan Forest Park; 26.63°N, 106.70°E; 1310 m a.s.l.; 4 June 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♀ (YHGY014 used for sequencing, GenBank accession numbers in Table 1), Guiyang City, Wudang District, Panlongshan Forest Park; 26.74°N, 106.88°E; 1172 m a.s.l.; 2 June 2022; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♂, 1♀, Tongren City, Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Yinjiang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Tianqing Temple; 28.00°N, 108.74°E; 1462 m a.s.l.; 21 July 2021; H. Yu et al. leg. • 1♀, Zunyi City, Xishui National Nature Reserve, Xishui County, Donghuang Town, Changqiangou Village; 28.40°N, 106.18°E; 981 m a.s.l.; 28 May 2022; H. Yu et al. leg.; Hubei Province: • 1♂, 1♀, Xianning City, Jiugongshan National Nature Reserve, Yunzhonghu Scenic Area; 29.39°N, 114.65°E; 480 m a.s.l.; 3 July 2020; Q. Lu et al. leg.

See Efimik (1999), Chen et al. (2003), Yin et al. (2012), and Jang et al. (2023). Habitus as in Figs 21A–C, 22A–C. Male palp as in Fig. 21 D–F, epigyne as in Fig. 22D, E.

Figure 21. 

Tibellus japonicus, male, habitus (A–C) and left palp (D–F) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D prolateral view E ventral view F retrolateral view. Abbreviations: aSDL = ascending part of sperm duct loop; Con = conductor; Cy = cymbium; dSDL = descending part of sperm duct loop; EmB = embolic base; EmT = embolic tip; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; SD = sperm duct; Te = tegulum. Scale bars: 1 mm (equal for A–C); 0.2 mm (equal for D–F).

Figure 22. 

Tibellus japonicus, female, habitus (A–C) and epigyne (D, E) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D ventral view E dorsal view. Abbreviations: CO = copulatory opening; FD = fertilisation duct; GM = glandular mound; MS = median septum; R = receptaculum. Scale bars: 2 mm (equal for A–C); 0.2 mm (equal for D, E).

Russia (Southern Sakhalin), China (Guizhou, Hubei; Fig. 23), Korea, Japan.

Figure 23. 

Distribution records of the philodromid species in Guizhou Province (A) and Hubei Province (B).

The species was reported as a new record for China by Chen et al. (2003) based on materials from Xishui National Nature Reserve in Guizhou. Subsequent literature has reported the distribution of this species in Henan and Hunan provinces (Zhu and Zhang 2011; Yin et al. 2012). Newly available specimens indicate that the species is also distributed in Guiyang City and Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province (Fig. 23A), as well as Jiugongshan National Nature Reserve in Hubei Province (Fig. 23B). This paper provides the first formal report of the species’ distribution in Hubei Province.