Latest Articles from Evolutionary Systematics Latest 42 Articles from Evolutionary Systematics https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 09:49:03 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Evolutionary Systematics https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/ Application of extended depth of field 3D imagery to tackle the challenges of cryptic species: a use case in the genus Betiscoides Sjöstedt, 1924 (Orthoptera, Caelifera, Lentulidae) and its taxonomic implications https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/117735/ Evolutionary Systematics 8(1): 65-90

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.117735

Authors: Daniela Matenaar

Abstract: Discovering and handling cryptic diversity among species challenges taxonomists around the world. This is particularly true for the most diverse animal class – the insects – with cryptic diversity, apart from vast species numbers, being one of the main factors that hamper the description of new species. The biodiversity hotspot Cape Floristic Region of South Africa harbors many endemic and yet undescribed insect species, inter alia, Orthoptera. In this study, extended depth of field and 3D imagery enabled for a novel assessment of the external morphological characteristics used for defining and describing the genetically highly diverse genus Betiscoides Sjösdtedt, 1924, leading to a new definition of the genus’ characteristics as well as a revision of character traits of the known species. Two new species are described and a key to all five recognized Betiscoides species is provided. Application standards are derived to enable replicable and reliable image acquisition and measuring. These findings shall contribute to promote efforts being made to establish image based taxonomic identification for researchers worldwide. High-resolution images provide the basis to train deep learning algorithms/ tools, to detect the smallest differences in highly morphologically alike species, and to implement this knowledge in global species monitoring and conservation action to prevent further species loss.

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Research Article Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:41:06 +0200
Two new species of the spider genus Loxosceles (Araneae, Sicariidae) from the Ecuadorian Andes https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/107213/ Evolutionary Systematics 8(1): 1-14

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.107213

Authors: Nadine Dupérré, Danilo Harms, Verónica Crespo-Pérez, Elicio Tapia

Abstract: Two new species of the spider genus Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae) from the Ecuadorian Andes are described: Loxosceles guayllabamba sp. nov. (male, female) and Loxosceles binfordae sp. nov. (male, female). Both species are part of the second most speciose “laeta” group, which include twenty-four described species. Only three species are known to occur on mainland Ecuador, and one species in the Galapagos. The synonymy of L. alicea under L. rufescens is rejected, detailed SEM of the female internal genitalia and a map of all the species from mainland Ecuador are presented.

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Research Article Wed, 10 Jan 2024 18:27:19 +0200
Venomius, a new monotypic genus of Australian orb-weaving spiders (Araneae, Araneidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/110022/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(2): 285-292

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.110022

Authors: Giullia de F. Rossi, Pedro de S. Castanheira, Renner L. C. Baptista, Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: A new monotypic Australian genus in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described, Venomius gen. nov., with V. tomhardyi sp. nov. as type species. Somatically, Venomius gen. nov. is similar to the typical leaf-curling orb-weaving spiders, such as Phonognatha Simon, 1894 or Leviana Framenau & Kuntner, 2022, due to a similar elongate cylindrical abdomen and colouration; however, the genital morphology of the new genus is very different. Most unusual are the presence of two strong macrosetae on the male pedipalp tibia. Male pedipalp sclerites are complex, with diagnostic characters including the tibial macrosetae and a keeled median and a rounded basal process on the stipes. The epigyne of females is wholly covered by the scape that has a short median process. Venomius tomhardyi gen. nov. et sp. nov. has been collected in southern Australia, from Tasmania to Western Australia, where it builds a circular, vertical orb-web. Spiders often hide in silk-lined hollows in branches of trees when disturbed during the day.

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Research Article Mon, 4 Sep 2023 10:30:09 +0300
The smallest stag beetles (Coleoptera, Lucanidae): hidden paleodiversity in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from northern Myanmar https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/104597/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(2): 211-235

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.104597

Authors: Shûhei Yamamoto

Abstract: The fossil record of stag beetles (Lucanidae), especially in Mesozoic amber, is sparse. Four additional fossil lucanids preserved in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from northern Myanmar are here reported. All of these species are included in the primitive subfamily Aesalinae, and have been identified as: Protonicagus mandibularis sp. nov. (tribe Nicagini); Cretognathus minutissimus gen. et sp. nov. (tribe Ceratognathini); Ceratognathini gen. et sp. indet. 1 (provisional assignment); and Ceratognathini gen. et sp. indet. 2 (provisional assignment). Except for Protonicagus mandibularis sp. nov., the stag beetles appear to be connected to the continent of Gondwana, as with the Kachin amber paleofauna. More interestingly, these species have significantly smaller bodies than the extant species, with three of them measuring less than 3 mm, which makes them the smallest known species of Lucanidae. This finding is congruent with a trend toward miniaturization in several unrelated lineages of Kachin amber beetles, and it shows hidden paleodiversity of stag beetles during the Cretaceous.

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Research Article Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:55:57 +0300
Revision of Saalmulleria Mabille, 1891 (Lepidoptera, Metarbelidae) from Madagascar with the description of three new genera and fifteen new species https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/85204/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 133-182

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.85204

Authors: Ingo Lehmann, Thure Dalsgaard

Abstract: This is the first publication of any genus of Metarbelidae Strand, 1909 for Madagascar since 1891. Here, the genus Saalmulleria Mabille, 1891 is revised comprising three species including descriptions of two new species. Three new genera are presented: first, an African-Madagascan sister genus-group, namely Shimbania gen. nov. and Morondavania gen. nov. The genus Morondavania is monotypic and comprises one new species, while Shimbania comprises 13 species, of which 11 species are new to science. Lebedodes wichgrafi (Grünberg, 1910) and L. durbanica Hampson, 1910 are treated as valid species and are moved to the new genus Shimbania. Secondly, the monotypic Eberhardfischeria gen. nov. that shares one synapomorphy with Saalmulleria. The species S. dubiefi (Viette, 1974) is excluded from Saalmulleria, since it most probably represents another undescribed genus. Species of Shimbania occur along the eastern coast of the African mainland up to about 540 km inland from the Indian Ocean, with one record from the Atlantic Ocean coast in Nigeria (Central Africa). The other three genera are endemic to Madagascar.

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Research Article Wed, 3 May 2023 10:52:06 +0300
Malleusocoris, a new South American genus of Myodochini (Hemiptera, Rhyparochromidae) with modified antennae, along with some new synonymies and new combinations for misplaced taxa https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/100968/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 117-122

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.100968

Authors: Pablo M. Dellapé, María C. Melo

Abstract: The new monotypic genus Malleusocoris is described to accommodate the new species M. minimus sp. nov. from Argentina and Brazil. Its relationship with other genera of the tribe Myodochini (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) is discussed. Moreover, the taxonomic allocation of Ptochiomera chilensis Spinola, 1852 and Plociomera annulicollis Berg, 1894 are discussed. Ptochiomera chilensis Spinola, 1852 is considered a junior synonym of Bergidia polychroma (Spinola, 1852) (Ozophorini); and Plociomera annulicollis Berg, 1894 is transferred to the genus Neopamera Harrington, 1980.

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Research Article Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:39:39 +0300
Abba, a new monotypic genus of orb-weaving spiders (Araneae, Araneidae) from Australia https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/98015/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 73-81

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.98015

Authors: Pedro de S. Castanheira, Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: A new monotypic genus in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described from Australia: Abba gen. nov., with Abba transversa (Rainbow, 1912) comb. nov. as the type species. It differs from all other genera in the family by somatic characters, specifically a patch of approximately five long spines on the prolateral surface of the first leg in males and an abdominal colouration with a pair of two central spots dorsally on a creamy-white surface. Specimens of A. transversa comb. nov. have been collected in Queensland and New South Wales, where the species is largely summer-mature. We also provide a genus level summary of all Australian Araneidae, currently consisting of 230 described species and eight subspecies in 46 genera.

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Research Article Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:17:37 +0200
Five new Indian species of the genus Dasyhelea Kieffer (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) with a key to the adult males https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/90973/ Evolutionary Systematics 7(1): 51-66

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.90973

Authors: Shubhranil Brahma, Somnath Chatterjee, Niladri Hazra

Abstract: Five new species of biting midges, Dasyhelea (Dasyhelea) incisura sp. nov., D. (D.) quasifulcillata sp. nov., D. (D.) trigona sp. nov., D. (Sebessia) falxa sp. nov. and D. (S.) folia sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on adult males. The new species are compared and contrasted to their congeners; important morphological characters are displayed. All specimens were collected from the Deltaic Proper of Gangetic West Bengal, India. An illustrated key to the adult males of the subgenera Dasyhelea s.str. and Sebessia from India is presented. Short accounts on ecological notes of the midges are also provided.

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Research Article Tue, 3 Jan 2023 10:14:27 +0200
Five new species of the long-jawed orb-weaving spider genus Tetragnatha (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) in South America, with a key to the species from Argentina and Brazil https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/91418/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(2): 175-210

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.91418

Authors: Pedro de Souza Castanheira, Renner Luiz Cerqueira Baptista, Francisca Sâmia Martins Oliveira

Abstract: Five new species in the long-jawed orb-weaving spider genus Tetragnatha Latreille, 1804 are described from South America: Tetragnatha amazonica sp. nov. (Venezuela); T. cristata sp. nov. (Argentina and Brazil); T. didorata sp. nov. (Brazil); T. oncognatha sp. nov. (Brazil); and T. pradoi sp. nov. (Argentina and Brazil). A key to the 21 species of Tetragnatha from Argentina and Brazil is provided, completing the revision of the genus for these countries. The female of T. cladognatha Bertkau, 1880 is redescribed and a neotype is proposed, and its male is described for the first time. Additionally, we update the taxonomic status of the following six South American species: Tetragnatha labialis Nicolet, 1849 and T. americana Simon, 1896 are considered new junior synonymies of T. nitens (Audouin, 1826); and Tetragnatha bishopi Caporiacco, 1947, T. linearis Nicolet, 1849, T. similis Nicolet, 1849 and T. sternalis Nicolet, 1849 are proposed as nomina dubia due to missing or juvenile type-material.

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Research Article Fri, 21 Oct 2022 10:54:12 +0300
New data on Gnaphosidae (Arachnida, Araneae) of Iraq https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/87158/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(2): 143-150

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.87158

Authors: Alireza Zamani, Ghassan A. Ali Al-Yacoub, Shurooq Abdullah Najim

Abstract: New faunistic data are provided on the ground spiders (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) of Iraq. Three genera (Haplodrassus Chamberlin, 1922; Minosiella Dalmas, 1921; Odontodrassus Jézéquel, 1965) and six species (Haplodrassus dalmatensis (L. Koch, 1866); Minosiella intermedia Denis, 1958; Odontodrassus aravaensis Levy, 1999; Odontodrassus mundulus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872); Pterotricha dalmasi Fage, 1929; Zelotes fagei Denis, 1955) are reported in Iraq for the first time, and the previously unknown female of Pterotricha kovblyuki Zamani & Marusik, 2018 is described. In addition, a list of all gnaphosids reported from Iraq (16 spp.) is provided.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Jul 2022 21:19:58 +0300
The new Australian leaf-curling orb-weaving spider genus Leviana (Araneae, Araneidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/83573/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(2): 103-133

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.83573

Authors: Volker W. Framenau, Matjaž Kuntner

Abstract: The new Australian orb-weaving spider genus Leviana gen. nov. is described to include five species, all known from both sexes: Leviana dimidiata (L. Koch, 1871) comb. nov. (type species) (= Epeira sylvicola Rainbow, 1897 syn. nov.), L. cincinnata sp. nov., L. folium sp. nov., L. minima sp. nov. and L. mulieraria (Keyserling, 1887) comb. nov. Male pedipalp morphology, specifically the presence of a single patella spine and the median apophysis forming an arch over the radix, place Leviana gen. nov. in the informal Australian ‘backobourkiine’ clade; however, the genus differs from all other genera of this group by the presence of a spine inside the basal median apophysis arch of the male pedipalp, an epigyne that is wider than long with a scape that is approximately as long as the epigyne (but often broken off) and a lack of humeral humps on the elongate ovoid abdomen. In addition, unlike any other backobourkiine, Leviana gen. nov. incorporate a rolled leaf as retreat into the periphery of their web. Leviana gen. nov. species exhibit only a moderate sexual size dimorphism with female to male ratios between 1.3 and 1.7. Leviana gen. nov. occurs in eastern Australia from northern Queensland in the north to Victoria in the south, with a single tropical species, L. mulieraria comb. nov., spreading into northern Western Australia.

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Research Article Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:08:30 +0300
A new species of Langelurillus Próchniewicz, 1994 (Araneae, Salticidae, Aelurillina) from western India https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/81259/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 65-70

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.81259

Authors: Rajesh V. Sanap, John T.D. Caleb

Abstract: A new jumping spider species, Langelurillus tertius sp. nov. (♂♀), is described from the Ajanta and Sathmala hill ranges of the Deccan plateau in Maharashtra (India). Detailed description, illustrations, and a map showing the distribution of all known Indian congeners are provided.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:21:31 +0300
First record of the invasive true bug (Heteroptera) Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) from Hamburg with other records from Northern Germany and possible implications for its range expansion https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/80744/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 57-64

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.80744

Authors: Viktor Hartung, Martin Heller, Martin Husemann

Abstract: The invasive pentatomid true bug Halyomorpha halys is reported for the first time from the German state of Hamburg, along with records from several other locations in Northern Germany. Specimens collected by scientists were evaluated along with records from citizen science platforms. DNA barcode sequences of several H. halys specimens from Hamburg were evaluated along with 42 sequences of the species from across the world in a haplotype network analysis demonstrating that all specimens studied from Hamburg had the haplotype H3. The present state of distribution of H. halys in Germany, patterns of range extension, invasiveness, and possible economic impacts are discussed.

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Research Article Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:12:05 +0200
Taxonomic notes on Barinas: a new generic synonym, a new cave-dwelling species, and new records from Colombia (Arachnida, Opiliones, Agoristenidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/78123/ Evolutionary Systematics 6(1): 1-7

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.6.78123

Authors: Andrés F. García, Daniela Ahumada-C.

Abstract: Barinas guanenta sp. nov. is described from a cave in Santander, central Andes of Colombia. The new species is recognized by the pedipalps and chelicerae entirely pale yellow and without variegated pattern, the areas I-IV with variegated coloration pattern and the straight stylus of the penis. The monotypic genus Vimina González-Sponga, 1987 is synonymized with Barinas, resulting in Barinas virginis (González-Sponga, 1987) comb. nov. New records of Barinas piragua Ahumada-C. & García, 2020 in La Guajira, Northern Colombia, are given. A key for the species of Barinas is given together with an updated distribution map.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:49:15 +0200
A new species of Draconarius Ovtchinnikov, 1999 (Araneae, Agelenidae) from northeastern Pakistan https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/76987/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 359-362

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.76987

Authors: Alireza Zamani

Abstract: A new species of agelenid spiders, Draconarius nathiagalicus sp. nov., is described and illustrated on the basis of two male specimens collected in Nathia Gali, northeastern Pakistan. This is the fourth species of the genus reported from this country, all belonging to the venustus species-group.

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Research Article Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:21:43 +0200
Taxonomic revision of the new spider genus Hortophora, the Australasian Garden Orb-weavers (Araneae, Araneidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/72474/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 275-334

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.72474

Authors: Volker W. Framenau, Renner L. C. Baptista, Francisca Sâmia M. Oliveira, Pedro de S. Castanheira

Abstract: The new genus Hortophora in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is established to include 13 species from the Australasian-Pacific region, with ten species known from Australia (five of which new to science): Hortophora biapicata (L. Koch, 1871), comb. nov. (type species) (= Araneus biapicatifera Strand, 1907, syn. nov.; = Epeira frosti Hogg, 1896, syn. nov.); H. cucullus sp. nov.; H. lodicula (Keyserling, 1887), comb. nov. (= Epeira scutigerens Hogg, 1900, syn. nov.); H. megacantha sp. nov.; H. porongurup sp. nov.; H. tatianeae sp. nov.; H. transmarina (Keyserling, 1865), comb. nov.) (also known from Papua New Guinea); H. urbana (Keyserling, 1887), comb. nov.; H. walesiana (Karsch, 1878), comb. nov. (= Epeira rhombocephala Thorell 1881, syn. nov.; = Epeira lutulenta Keyserling, 1886, syn. nov.); and H. yesabah sp. nov. The following species of Hortophora gen. nov. are recognised from the Pacific region but not revised in detail due to a lack of material, specifically mature males: Hortophora capitalis (L. Koch, 1871), comb. nov. (removed from synonymy with H. transmarina comb. nov.) from Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu; H. flavicoma (Simon, 1880), comb. nov. from New Caledonia (incl. Loyalty Islands) and H. viridis (Keyserling, 1865), comb. nov. (removed from synonymy with H. transmarina comb. nov.) from Samoa. Epeira thyridota Thorell, 1870 is here removed from synonymy with H. transmarina comb. nov. and transferred to Backobourkia Framenau, Dupérré, Blackledge & Vink, 2010, B. thyridota (Thorell, 1870), comb. nov. Hortophora gen. nov. includes medium-sized to large, nocturnal orb-weaving spiders typically with subtriangular to ovoid abdomen bearing humeral humps. The tibiae of the second leg in males is usually enlarged with numerous strong spines and an apico-ventral megaspur carrying a large spine in some species. Male pedipalps generally have an elongated, transverse median apophysis ending in a bifid tip in most species, a sinuous to straight embolus and a bubble-shaped terminal apophysis. The female epigyne scape is highly elongated and does not have a terminal pocket. Genital mutilation, i.e. breaking off the epigyne scape during copulation, is common in some species. Hortophora gen. nov. include the most frequently collected nocturnal orb-weaving spiders in Australia.

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Research Article Tue, 2 Nov 2021 13:31:50 +0200
An illustrated catalogue of the type specimens of Lepidoptera housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH): Part II. superfamily Papilionoidea https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/63435/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 193-261

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.63435

Authors: Reza Zahiri, Vazrick Nazari, Hossein Rajaei, Martin Wiemers, Maryam Fatahi, Matthias Seidel, Thure Dalsgaard, Martin Husemann

Abstract: We provide an updated catalogue of the type material of the lepidopteran superfamily Papilionoidea deposited in the Zoological Museum of Hamburg (ZMH). We report 414 specimens labelled as “types” belonging to nine species (all of valid names), 74 subspecies (44 valid names and 30 synonyms), 59 invalid infrasubspecific names under the ICZN code, and 23 specimens of 16 “in litteris” (= unavailable) names. Out of the 414 specimens labelled as “types”, 171 specimens are primary types (8 holotypes/lectotypes and 163 syntypes) and 80 are secondary types; 120 specimens are infrasubspecific and hence invalid and are considered as “original specimens”; and 43 specimens are treated here as “Non-type” specimens (topotype). We present a full bibliography of the original descriptions and illustrations for all of these taxa, aiming to provide a comprehensive taxonomic guide to this collection.

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Research Article Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:05:11 +0300
A new species of Chalepides Casey, 1915 (Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae, Cyclocephalini) from the Pantanal of Brazil https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/70944/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(2): 189-192

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.70944

Authors: Brett C. Ratcliffe, Matthias Seidel

Abstract: Chalepides pantanalensis Ratcliffe & Seidel is described as a new species from the Pantanal region in Brazil. A description, diagnosis for distinguishing the species, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided. The new species is morphologically compared with C. howdenorum Joly & Escalona and C. osunai Joly & Escalona.

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Research Article Thu, 5 Aug 2021 18:48:21 +0300
An illustrated catalogue of the type specimens of Lepidoptera (Insecta) housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH): Part I. superfamilies Hepialoidea, Cossoidea, and Zygaenoidea https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/62003/ Evolutionary Systematics 5(1): 39-70

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.5.62003

Authors: Reza Zahiri, Gerhard Tarmann, Konstantin A. Efetov, Hossein Rajaei, Maryam Fatahi, Matthias Seidel, Birgit Jaenicke, Thure Dalsgaard, Marcy Sikora, Martin Husemann

Abstract: Zoological collections remain the main archive of animal biodiversity on Earth, and especially in times of large-scale declines of many groups represent important resources for biodiversity and conservation research. The most important individuals of these collections are the type specimens, which represent the original and unique reference for a species. While a full digitization of most museum collections currently remains utopic, lists of types are an essential resource for researchers to perform taxonomic revisions. Here, we provide an updated type catalogue of the lepidopteran superfamilies Hepialoidea, Cossoidea and Zygaenoidea deposited in the Zoological Museum of Hamburg (ZMH). In this paper, we report 259 specimens labelled as “types” belonging to 36 infrasubspecific taxa (invalid under the ICZN codes), 34 subspecies (16 of valid status) and 13 species (all of valid status). We present a full bibliography of the original descriptions and illustrations for all taxa, aiming to provide a comprehensive taxonomic guide to this collection.

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Research Article Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:22:01 +0200
New subgenera and species of Agraeciini (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Conocephalinae) from South Asia found in historical insect collections https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/60525/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(2): 119-132

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.60525

Authors: Sigfrid Ingrisch

Abstract: Based on specimens collected in historical times and stored in the insect collections of the Natural History Museum London and the Zoological Museum Hamburg two new subgenera are established Robustacca subgen. nov. of the genus Peracca Griffini, 1897 and Indoliara subgen. nov. of the genus Liara Redtenbacher, 1891. Five new species are described: Peracca (Robustacca) nigrifrons sp. nov. from Sumatra, Liara (Acanthocoryphus) durata sp. nov. from Hongkong, Liara (Indoliara) dividata sp. nov. from South India, Pseudosubria assamensis sp. nov. from Assam and Depressacca kinabalu sp. nov. from Sabah. The species Odontoconus robustus Karny, 1923 is newly combined as Peracca (Robustacca) robustus (Karny, 1923) comb. nov. An extended and updated key to the subgenera of the genus Peracca Griffini, 1897 is provided. All specimens are deposited in the original collections.

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Research Article Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:51:20 +0200
A new species of Sacada Walker, 1862 from Thailand (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae, Pyralinae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/59893/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(2): 71-77

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.59893

Authors: Markku J. Pellinen, Reza Zahiri, Pasi Sihvonen

Abstract: A new species of Sacada from northern Thailand is described: S. chaehomensis sp. nov. Pellinen & Zahiri (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Pyralinae). Morphological characters and DNA barcode data are provided for the new species, with a morphological comparison to S. dzonguensis and S. umtasorensis, and a DNA-barcode comparison to S. ragonotalis and S. albioculalis, respectively. After this addition, the current number of valid species in the genus Sacada is 43.

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Research Article Mon, 16 Nov 2020 12:39:46 +0200
An updated checklist of type material of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH), Germany https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/48407/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(1): 53-60

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.48407

Authors: Meik Henningsen, Gabriele Peitzner, Peter Peitzner, Martin Husemann

Abstract: We present an updated checklist of type specimens of dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera) and damselflies (Odonata: Zygoptera) housed in the collection of the Zoological Museum of Hamburg (ZMH), part of the Centrum für Naturkunde (CeNak), Hamburg, Germany. We list all types currently housed in the dry and wet collections of the museum and compare the current holdings to the previous catalogues provided by Weidner (1962, 1977). In total, the collection of the ZMH currently houses 84 type specimens belonging to 44 species (38 of which are still valid species); these include 17 holotypes, 7 syntypes, 4 lectotypes, 33 paratypes, and 23 paralectotypes. We here provide an updated list of Odonata types in the ZMH, which includes any changes in taxonomy, but also corrects mistakes of previous catalogues.

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Research Article Wed, 20 May 2020 10:07:16 +0300
The northernmost record of the Asian hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/47358/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(1): 1-4

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.47358

Authors: Martin Husemann, Andreas Sterr, Swen Maack, Rudolf Abraham

Abstract: For the first time the Asian hornet Vespa velutina has been found in Hamburg (Northern Germany). So far this is the northernmost occurrence of this originally SE-Asian species in Europe and in the world. It remains unclear whether this is a single accidentally translocated specimen or one of a population already reproducing. The find may suggest that the species will possibly spread much faster than previously anticipated and modelled.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Feb 2020 15:06:40 +0200
On three new species of jumping spiders of the genera Habrocestum Simon, 1876, Stenaelurillus Simon, 1886 and Tamigalesus Żabka, 1988 (Araneae, Salticidae) from Sri Lanka https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/47578/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(1): 5-19

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.47578

Authors: Nilani Kanesharatnam, Suresh P. Benjamin

Abstract: Three new species of litter-dwelling jumping spiders, Habrocestum liptoni sp. nov., Stenaelurillus ilesai sp. nov., and Tamigalesus fabus sp. nov. are described from Sri Lanka. In addition, T. munnaricus is redescribed based on the new material from Sri Lanka.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Feb 2020 14:31:33 +0200
The phylogeny of Empis and Rhamphomyia (Diptera, Empididae) investigated using UCEs including an over 150 years old museum specimen https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/49537/ Evolutionary Systematics 4(1): 21-33

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.4.49537

Authors: Caroline Rhodén, Emma Wahlberg

Abstract: The genera Empis Linneus, 1758 and Rhamphomyia Meigen, 1822 (Empidoidea, Empididae Latreille, 1809) are two large genera of flies commonly named dagger flies. They are widely distributed in the world with most species described from the Palearctic Region. Empis comprises about 810 described species and Rhamphomyia comprises about 610 described species, together they represent one third of the known species diversity in Empididae. Two recent studies on the phylogeny of the two genera using Sanger sequencing on a few genetic markers, did not support monophyly of them. In this study high throughput sequencing of target enriched molecular data of ultraconserved elements or UCEs was used to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of included representatives of the genera. This method has proven useful on old and dry museum specimens with high amounts of degraded DNA, which was also tested herein. For this purpose, a commercially synthesized bait kit has previously been developed for Diptera which this study was the first one to test. Three out of nine old and dry museum specimens were successfully sequenced, one with an age of at least 154 years. Higher DNA concentration yielded a greater number of reads. Analyses conducted in the study confirmed that both Empis and Rhamphomyia are non-monophyletic.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Feb 2020 12:10:15 +0200
An annotated catalogue of the scorpion types (Arachnida, Scorpiones) held in the Zoological Museum Hamburg. Part I: Parvorder Iurida Soleglad & Fet, 2003 https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/37464/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(2): 109-200

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.37464

Authors: Lionel Monod, Nadine Duperre, Danilo Harms

Abstract: Scorpions have always inspired fear and fascination because of the potency of their venoms. Although this ancient arachnid group is relatively small (ca. 2400 species) and has been continuously studied for the past century, the taxonomy is still in a state of flux and the correct identification of species often remains difficult. With more than 725 species and 9000 specimens, the Zoological Museum in Hamburg (ZMH) holds one of the largest and most significant scorpion collections in the world. This collection also contains many historical types described by Karl Kraepelin in the early 20th century. In order to contribute to a more stable scorpion taxonomy and to assist future scorpion researchers, we present an illustrated and annotated catalogue of the ZMH scorpion collections. The type specimens of 89 species belonging to 10 families are documented, imaged and assessed alongside their primary data. For practical reasons, only the taxa belonging to the parvorder Iurida Soleglad et Fet, 2003 are presented here whilst the Parvorder Buthida Soleglad et Fet, 2003 will be catalogued in a second publication.

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Research Article Tue, 10 Dec 2019 08:31:33 +0200
The genus Syrrhoe (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Synopiidae) from the North Atlantic https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/35737/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(1): 85-108

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.35737

Authors: Luisa Fuchs, Charles Oliver Coleman, Anne-Nina Lörz

Abstract: Three species of the amphipod genus Syrrhoe are described from the North Atlantic. The differences between these species are primarily the patterns of serration of the posterior margins of pleonite 3 and urosomite 1 and 2: Syrrhoe affinis has a wide convex space on the posterior margin between the epimeron 3 and the dorsal serration. In Syrrhoe crenulata and Syrrhoe anneheleneae sp. nov. there is only a small notch on the posterior margin of pleonite 3. Syrrhoe anneheleneae sp. nov., otherwise similar to S. crenulata, has an additional serration on the posterior margin of urosomite 1. The inter- and intraspecific distances analyzed from COI confirm the morphological species concept of North Atlantic Syrrhoe.

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Research Article Wed, 26 Jun 2019 10:10:19 +0300
Generic and family transfers, and numina dubia for orb-weaving spiders (Araneae, Araneidae) in the Australasian, Oriental and Pacific regions https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/33454/ Evolutionary Systematics 3(1): 1-27

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.33454

Authors: Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: As part of a current revision of the Australasian and Pacific orb-weaving spider fauna (family Araneidae Clerck, 1757), a number new combinations are proposed in the genera Acroaspis Karsch, 1878 (3 species), Carepalxis L. Koch, 1872 (1 species), Cyclosa Menge, 1866 (5 species), and Neoscona Simon, 1864 (7 species): Acroaspis lancearia (Keyserling, 1887), comb. n., A. mamillana (Keyserling, 1887), comb. n., A. scutifer (Keyserling, 1886), comb. n., Carepalxis furcifera (Keyserling, 1886), comb. n.; Cyclosa anatipes (Keyserling, 1887), comb. n.; Cyclosa apoblepta (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n.; Cyclosa argentaria (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n.; Cyclosa lichensis (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n.; Cyclosa poweri (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n.; Neoscona decolor (L. Koch, 1871), comb. n.; Neoscona enucleata (Karsch, 1879), comb. n.; Neoscona flavopunctata (L. Koch, 1871), comb. n.; Neoscona floriata (Hogg, 1914), comb. n.; Neoscona granti (Hogg, 1914), comb. n.; Neoscona inusta (L. Koch, 1871), comb. n.; and Neoscona notanda (Rainbow, 1912), comb. n. The following two Australian species, currently placed in Araneus, are not Araneidae but comb-footed spiders (family Theridiidae Sundevall, 1833): Anelosimus dianiphus (Rainbow, 1916), comb. n. and Theridion xanthostichus (Rainbow, 1916), stat. and comb. n. The following six species are considered numina dubia as their type material is immature or otherwise unidentifiable (e.g. partly destroyed): Araneus acachmenus Rainbow, 1916; Araneus agastus Rainbow, 1916; Araneus exsertus Rainbow, 1904; Araneus suavis Rainbow, 1899; Carepalxis coronata (Rainbow, 1896); and Heurodes turritus Keyserling, 1886. Heurodes fratellus (Chamberlin, 1924) is considered a nomen dubium and Heurodes porcula (Simon, 1877) is returned to Eriovixia Archer, 1951, Eriovixia porcula (Simon, 1877). Type material of predominantly Australian species described by E. v. Keyserling (1 species), W. J. Rainbow (10 species), A. T. Urquhart (8 species), and C. A. Walckenaer (2 species) is here considered destroyed or otherwise lost. As it is impossible to identify these species from their original descriptions and considering the known spider fauna from their respective type localities, they are all considered numina dubia: Anepsia crinita Rainbow, 1893; Epeira diabrosis (Walckenaer, 1841); Epeira diversicolor Rainbow, 1893; Epeira ficta Rainbow, 1896; Epeira hamiltoni Rainbow, 1893; Epeira lacrymosa (Walckenaer, 1841); Epeira leai Rainbow, 1894; Epeira mortoni Urquhart, 1891; Epeira notacephala Urquhart, 1891; Epeira obscurta Urquhart, 1893; Epeira phalerata Urquhart, 1893; Epeira pronuba Rainbow, 1894; Epeira rara Keyserling, 1887; Epeira singulara Urquhart, 1891; Epeira sub-flavida Urquhart, 1893; Epeira similaris Rainbow, 1896 (= Araneus urquharti Roewer, 1942 replacement name); Epeira ventriosa Urquhart, 1891; and Epeira viridula Urquhart, 1891.

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Research Article Tue, 16 Apr 2019 08:54:51 +0300
The wolf spider genus Artoria in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia (Araneae, Lycosidae, Artoriinae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/30778/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(2): 169-241

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.30778

Authors: Volker W. Framenau, Barbara C. Baehr

Abstract: The wolf spider (Lycosidae Sundevall, 1833) genus Artoria Thorell, 1877 is revised for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia, to include 34 species, 21 of which are new to science: A. albopilata (Urquhart, 1893), A. alta Framenau 2004, A. beaury sp. n., A. barringtonensis sp. n., A. belfordensis sp. n., A. berenice (L. Koch, 1877), A. bondi sp. n., A. booderee sp. n., A. comleroi sp. n., A. corowa sp. n., A. equipalus sp. n., A. extraordinaria sp. n., A. flavimana Simon, 1909, A. gloriosa (Rainbow, 1920), A. grahammilledgei sp. n., A. helensmithae sp. n., A. howquaensis Framenau, 2002, A. kanangra sp. n., A. kerewong sp. n., A. lineata (L. Koch, 1877), A. maroota sp. n., A. mckayi Framenau, 2002, A. mungo sp. n., A. munmorah sp. n., A. myallensis sp. n., A. quadrata Framenau, 2002, A. slatyeri sp. n., A. strepera sp. n., A. taeniifera Simon, 1909, A. terania sp. n., A. triangularis Framenau, 2002, A. ulrichi Framenau, 2002, A. victoriensis Framenau, Gotch & Austin, 2006, and A. wilkiei sp. n. Lycosa pruinosa L. Koch, 1877, currently listed in Artoria, is considered a nomen dubium. Artoria are largely forest dwellers, although some species have preferences for more open areas such as riparian or coastal environments or grasslands. Consequently, the genus mainly occurs east and west along the Great Dividing Range, although some species can be found into the Riverina, Cobar Peneplain and Darling Riverine Plains IBRA regions to the west.

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Research Article Mon, 31 Dec 2018 12:00:38 +0200
The spider genus Pterotricha Kulczyński, 1903 (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) in the United Arab Emirates https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/29981/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(2): 151-161

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.29981

Authors: Alireza Zamani

Abstract: Spiders of the gnaphosid genus Pterotricha Kulczyński, 1903 occurring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are surveyed on the basis of a large collection deposited in the American Museum of Natural History. Within the examined material, six species were recognized, four of which are described as new to science: P. arabica sp. n. (♂♀), P. esyunini sp. n. (♂), P. nadolnyi sp. n. (♂) and P. stevensi sp. n. (♂), and two are newly recorded for the fauna of the UAE: P. dalmasi Fage, 1929 (hitherto known from Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and possibly Iran) and P. kovblyuki Zamani & Marusik, 2018 (hitherto known only from Iran). Illustrations for all treated species and a map of collection localities are provided.

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Research Article Fri, 9 Nov 2018 11:03:16 +0200
New species of tube web spiders of the genus Ariadna from South Australia (Araneae, Segestriidae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/29172/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(2): 137-149

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.29172

Authors: Jessica R. Marsh, Barbara C. Baehr, Richard V. Glatz, Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: Two new species in the tube-web spider genus Ariadna Audouin, 1826 (Segestriidae Simon, 1893) are described from South Australia based on morphological features of both males and females. Ariadna clavata sp. n. and Ariadna tangara sp. n. are widespread and sympatric on eastern Kangaroo Island, where they are found beneath bark, in borer holes in dead wood, and in short burrows under rocks. They have also been found in south-eastern mainland South Australia and bring the total number of described Australian Ariadna to 13 species. We showcase intraspecific variation in both species based on a significant number of specimens, including substantial size variation in females and variations in patterns of leg spination. For male Ariadna, we also establish the previously unknown functions of apophyses and spines on the metatarsi and tibiae on the first legs, which are used during mating to clasp the female.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Nov 2018 10:07:23 +0200
An annotated catalogue of the types of bush-crickets and crickets (Orthoptera, Ensifera) housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/27030/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 115-124

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.27030

Authors: Lara-Sophie Dey, Martin Husemann

Abstract: Types represent the ultimate taxonomic information of a species and hence represent the most important specimens in museums. The entomological collections of the Zoological Museum Hamburg (now part of the Centrum für Naturkunde) hold several thousand primary types of insects. However, despite their importance currently no type database exists and catalogues have not been updated since almost 50 years and are only available in German. Following the publication of our catalogue of Caelifera types, we here present an updated catalogue for the Ensifera types held in the collection in English language. 74 species are represented as types with 105 specimens; of these 44 are name-bearing types: 36 holotypes, 3 lectotypes, 4 syntypes and 1 neotype. The remaining specimens are para- (55), paralecto- (4), allo- (1) and neoallotypes (1). Most of the species were described by Max Beier (18), Tevfik Karabak (13), Josef Redtenbacher (13) and the former curator of the collection Herbert Weidner (10). In his catalogues in 1966 and 1977 Weidner recorded types of 73 species present in the collection and an additional 65 as potentially lost in the war; 71 of the types recorded by Weidner were still present, whereas two could not be found (Xiphidium geniculare Redtenbacher, 1891; Xiphidium longipes Redtenbacher, 1891); one species recorded as lost by Weidner was found (Lezina acuminata Ander, 1938) and one species (neoallotype of Paradecolya inexspectata Chopard, 1957) and one additional type individual (paratype of Choeroparnops forcipatus Beier, 1949) are newly reported for the collection.

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Research Article Wed, 18 Jul 2018 13:11:40 +0300
Phylogeography, species delimitation and population structure of a Western Australian short-range endemic mite harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones: Pettalidae: Karripurcellia) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/25274/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 81-87

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.25274

Authors: Martin Schwentner, Gonzalo Giribet

Abstract: The mite harvestmen of the genus Karripurcellia Giribet, 2003 are endemic to the tall, wet eucalypt forests of south-western Western Australia, a region known as a hotspot for biodiversity. Currently, there are two accepted species, K. peckorum Giribet, 2003 and K. sierwaldae Giribet, 2003, both with type localities within the Warren National Park. We obtained 65 COI mtDNA sequences from across the entire distributional range of the genus. These sequences, falling into two to three geographically separate groups, probably correspond to two species. Morphologically, all of the studied specimens correspond to K. peckorum, suggesting cryptic speciation within that species. A few common haplotypes occur in more than one population, but most haplotypes are confined to a single population. As a result, populations are genetically differentiated and gene flow after initial colonization appears to be very limited or completely lacking. Our study provides another example of short-range endemism in an invertebrate from the south-western mesic biome.

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Research Article Tue, 26 Jun 2018 13:43:30 +0300
Taxonomic descriptions of nine new species of the goblin spider genera Cavisternum, Grymeus, Ischnothyreus, Opopaea, Pelicinus and Silhouettella (Araneae, Oonopidae) from Sri Lanka https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/25200/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 65-80

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.25200

Authors: U.G.S.L. Ranasinghe, Suresh P. Benjamin

Abstract: Nine new species of goblin spiders are described in six different genera: Cavisternum bom n. sp., Grymeus dharmapriyai n. sp., Ischnothyreus chippy n. sp., Opopaea spinosiscorona n. sp., Pelicinus snooky n. sp., P. tumpy n. sp., Silhouettella saaristoi n. sp., S. snippy n. sp. and S. tiggy n. sp. Three genera are recorded for the first time in Sri Lanka: Cavisternum, Grymeus and Silhouettella. The first two genera are reported for the first time outside of Australia. Sri Lankan goblin spider diversity now comprises 45 described species in 13 different genera.

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Research Article Thu, 21 Jun 2018 15:01:09 +0300
A new species of Charinus (Amblypygi: Charinidae) from Ghana, with notes on West African whip spiders https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/24505/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 45-53

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.24505

Authors: Danilo Harms

Abstract: The fauna of whip spiders (Amblypygi) in Western Africa is poorly known but probably diverse. Here, I describe the new species Charinus kakum sp. n. based on female morphology, and accompanied by DNA sequence data. The species is small and differs from other African species of Charinus in the low number of pseudosegments on leg IV, female genital features, spination patterns of the pedipalp, and small body size. It was collected from wet tropical rainforest in Kakum National Park, Ghana and is only the fourth species of Charinus to be recorded from the highly diverse Western African biodiversity hotspot. With a total body length of not even 6 mm it is also one of the smallest whip spiders in the world.

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Research Article Tue, 3 Apr 2018 10:59:42 +0300
Arachnids in Bitterfeld amber: A unique fauna of fossils from the heart of Europe or simply old friends? https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/22581/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 31-44

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.22581

Authors: Jason A. Dunlop, Ulrich Kotthoff, Jörg U. Hammel, Jennifer Ahrens, Danilo Harms

Abstract: Bitterfeld amber, sometimes referred to as Saxon or Saxonian amber, is a potentially significant but poorly known source of arthropod data for the Palaeogene of northern Europe. An important aspect is a long-standing controversy about the age of this amber: namely whether it is equivalent to, and perhaps merely a southerly extension of, the better-known Baltic amber, or whether it is a unique and geological younger deposit sampling a different fauna. Here, we briefly review the Bitterfeld arachnids with particular emphasis on how these data could be used to elucidate the age of this deposit. Five arachnid orders have been recorded from Bitterfeld amber: spiders (Araneae), acariform mites (Acariformes), parasitiform mites (Parasitiformes), harvestmen (Opiliones) and pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones). This is a lower diversity than Baltic amber, where scorpions (Scorpiones) and camel spiders (Solifugae) have also been recorded. Spiders are the most comprehensively studied group, with more than 75 described species. Other groups such as pseudoscorpions and mites appear to be very diverse, but are virtually undescribed. Morphological overlap is apparent in the arachnid fauna and 40 species are currently shared between Baltic and Bitterfeld amber whilst 50 species are unique to the Bitterfeld deposit. At the family level overlap is even higher, but in all groups Baltic amber appears more diverse than Bitterfeld. This overlap may be interpreted as evidence for temporal conspecifity of the Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers, albeit with the Bitterfeld and Baltic ambers possibly representing independent localities within a larger Eocene European amber area which also included the Rovno amber from the Ukraine. However, caution should be exercised because the taxonomic foundation for such assumptions is far from comprehensive, most of the material remains to be studied in detail using modern techniques of morphological reconstruction. There are further issues with date estimates because some arachnid groups show extraordinary morphological stasis over time, even at species level, which may bias the analyses available. Here, we review the available knowledge on Bitterfeld arachnids and discuss how a detailed assessment of this fauna, and other arthropod taxa, could be generated. Several natural history museums – including Hamburg and Berlin – as well as private collectors host major assemblages of Bitterfeld fossils which may help to clarify the debate about the age and provenance of the material, and the extent to which (morpho)-species were maintained both over geographical distances and potentially geological time.

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Research Article Mon, 26 Mar 2018 13:56:55 +0300
Raising the Dead: Rediscovery and redescription of some lost spider types (Araneae) described by Eugène Simon https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/24122/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 1-20

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.24122

Authors: Nadine Dupérré, Danilo Harms

Abstract: In this paper, we are redescribing type material from the Zoological Museum in Hamburg that was thought to be lost. These specimens were described in 1902 by Eugène Simon from material collected in Southern Patagonia and Fireland but the species were subsequently considered nomina dubia, or simply not considered at all. The rediscovery of this material leads to the revalidation of two genera and four species. The genera Clitistes and Zilephus are reinstated and the species Clitistes velutinus Simon, 1902 (Dictynidae), Zilephus granulosus Simon, 1902, Minyriolus australis Simon, 1902 (both Linyphiidae), and Lycosa michaelseni Simon, 1902 (Lycosidae) are redescribed. To avoid further confusion, we designate lectotypes for: Linyphiidae: Minyriolus australis Simon, 1902, Gongylidiellum uschuaiense Simon, 1902, Neriene fuegiana Simon, 1902, Clitistes velutinus Simon, 1902, Zilephus granulosus Simon, 1902; Amphinectidae: Rubrius radulifer Simon, 1902; Hahniidae: Hahnia michaelseni Simon, 1902, Bigois antarctica Simon, 1902 and Lycosidae: Lycosa michaelseni Simon, 1902. For all prior nomina dubia and newly designated lectotypes, the type specimens are re-described and properly illustrated for the first time.

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Research Article Mon, 19 Mar 2018 13:26:09 +0200
An annotated catalogue of the types of short-horned grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Caelifera) housed in the Zoological Museum Hamburg (ZMH) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/22127/ Evolutionary Systematics 2(1): 21-30

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.22127

Authors: Lara-Sophie Dey, Martin Husemann

Abstract: Zoological collections remain the main archive of animal life on earth, especially in times of mass extinctions. The most important animals of these collections are the type specimens, which represent the original reference for a species. While a full digitization of most museum collections currently remains utopic, lists of types are an essential resource for researchers to perform taxonomic revisions. Here, we provide an updated type catalogue of the short-horned grasshoppers (Caelifera) housed in the Zoological Museum of Hamburg (ZMH), now part of the Center for Natural History Hamburg (CeNak). This collection comprises 209 type specimens belonging to 128 species: 65 holotypes, three lectotypes, one syntype and a large number of paratypes. We also list topotypes of two species for reasons of completeness but note that they have no formal status. Overall, types of 13 species were added to the collection since the last catalogues in 1968 and 1977 and several corrections to the last catalogues were made. We provide a full bibliography for these species, aiming to provide a comprehensive taxonomic guide to this collection.

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Research Article Mon, 19 Mar 2018 10:16:26 +0200
The goblin spiders (Araneae, Oonopidae) of the OTONGA Nature Reserve in Ecuador, with the description of seven new species https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/14969/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 87-109

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.14969

Authors: Nadine Dupérré, Elicio Tapia

Abstract: The goblin spiders (Araneae, Oonopidae) of the Otonga Nature Reserve in the Chocó region of Ecuador are reviewed. A total of 1034 adult specimens were collected in 2014 and 23 morphospecies in eight different genera were identified from these collections. We describe seven new species: one in the genus Niarchos Platnick & Dupérré: Niarchos normani sp. n.; three in Scaphidysderina Platnick & Dupérré: Scaphidysderina chirin sp. n., S. lubanako sp. n., S. tsaran sp. n.; two in Bipoonops Bolzern: Bipoonops lansa sp. n., B. pilan sp. n.; and one in Reductoonops Platnick & Berniker: Reductoonops berun sp. n. The males of Niarchos baehrae Platnick & Dupérré, 2010 and Orchestina yanayacu Izquierdo, 2017 are described here for the first time. Natural history and collecting data are given for all morphospecies collected, including Niarchos barragani Platnick & Dupérré, 2010, Scaphidysderina cotopaxi Platnick & Dupérré, 2011, Scaphidysderina pinocchio Platnick & Dupérré, 2011, Orchestina otonga Izquierdo, 2017, Orchestina santodomingo Izquierdo, 2017, Orchestina truncata Wunderlich, 2004, Reductoonops otonga Platnick & Berniker, 2014, Reductoonops pichincha Platnick & Berniker, 2014, Paradysderina fusiscuta Platnick & Dupérré, 2011, Scaphiella pich Platnick & Dupérré, 2010 and Tinadyserina otonga Platnick et al., 2013. The data show that oonopid spiders are a major element of the arachnofauna present in the Chocó neotropical forests.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2017 16:10:20 +0200
Portacosa, a new genus for the south-east Australian Grey Wolf Spider (Araneae, Lycosidae, Lycosinae) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/14847/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 77-86

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.14847

Authors: Volker W. Framenau

Abstract: A new monotypic genus of Australian wolf spiders is proposed to accommodate the common south-east Australian Grey Wolf Spider, Portacosa cinerea gen. n. and sp. n. The genus includes large (total length 9.5–25.0 mm), uniformly grey-coloured wolf spiders with unique genital morphology, i.e. the ventral ridge of the tegular apophysis in the male pedipalp is comparatively sharp and situated towards its retrolateral edge, and the distinct anterior hood of the female epigyne is continuous with the inverted T-shaped median septum. Unlike most other members of the Lycosinae in Australia, the Grey Wolf Spider closes its burrow with a plug-like trapdoor. The species can be found in south-eastern mainland Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia) and Tasmania. It prefers compacted, open and often sun-exposed habitats such as road verges and river banks, but can also be found in open woodlands and grasslands.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2017 11:27:22 +0200
Comparative study of spinning field development in two species of araneophagic spiders (Araneae, Mimetidae, Australomimetus) https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/14765/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 47-75

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.14765

Authors: Mark A. Townley, Danilo Harms

Abstract: External studies of spider spinning fields allow us to make inferences about internal silk gland biology, including what happens to silk glands when the spider molts. Such studies often focus on adults, but juveniles can provide additional insight on spinning apparatus development and character polarity. Here we document and describe spinning fields at all stadia in two species of pirate spider (Mimetidae: Australomimetus spinosus, A. djuka). Pirate spiders nest within the ecribellate orb-building spiders (Araneoidea), but are vagrant, araneophagic members that do not build prey-capture webs. Correspondingly, they lack aggregate and flagelliform silk glands (AG, FL), specialized for forming prey-capture lines in araneoid orb webs. However, occasional possible vestiges of an AG or FL spigot, as observed in one juvenile A. spinosus specimen, are consistent with secondary loss of AG and FL. By comparing spigots from one stadium to tartipores from the next stadium, silk glands can be divided into those that are tartipore-accommodated (T-A), and thus functional during proecdysis, and those that are not (non-T-A). Though evidence was more extensive in A. spinosus, it was likely true for both species that the number of non-T-A piriform silk glands (PI) was constant (two pairs) through all stadia, while numbers of T-API rose incrementally. The two species differed in that A. spinosus had T-A minor ampullate and aciniform silk glands (MiA, AC) that were absent in A. djuka. First instars of A. djuka, however, appeared to retain vestiges of T-AMiA spigots, consistent with a plesiomorphic state in which T-AMiA (called secondary MiA) are present. T-AAC have not previously been observed in Australomimetus and the arrangement of their spigots on posterior lateral spinnerets was unlike that seen thus far in other mimetid genera. Though new AC and T-API apparently form throughout much of a spider’s ontogeny, recurring spigot/tartipore arrangements indicated that AC and PI, after functioning during one stadium, were used again in each subsequent stadium (if non-T-A) or in alternate subsequent stadia (if T-A). In A. spinosus, sexual and geographic dimorphisms involving AC were noted. Cylindrical silk gland (CY) spigots were observed in mid-to-late juvenile, as well as adult, females of both species. Their use in juveniles, however, should not be assumed and only adult CY spigots had wide openings typical of mimetids. Neither species exhibited two pairs of modified PI spigots present in some adult male mimetids.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2017 11:09:03 +0200
A new species of Mouse Spider (Actinopodidae, Missulena) from the Goldfields region of Western Australia https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/14665/ Evolutionary Systematics 1(1): 39-46

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.1.14665

Authors: Volker W. Framenau, Danilo Harms

Abstract: A new species of Mouse Spider (family Actinopodidae Simon, 1892), Missulena harewoodi, is described from near the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. It differs from all other Missulena species by the unusual light grey colouration of the abdomen in combination with small body size and shiny carapace. A phylogenetic analysis of a fragment (658 bp) of the COI barcoding gene places M. harewoodi sp. n. in a clade with four Missulena species from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, more than 900 km away. Missulena harewoodi sp. n. is one of the many species in this genus that are currently only known from a single, or a very limited number of specimen, highlighting the paucity of fauna collections in many arid regions of Australia and the difficulties in sampling these cryptic spiders.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Dec 2017 11:08:40 +0200