A first step towards the revision of Cicurina: redescription of type specimens of 60 troglobitic species of the subgenus Cicurella (Araneae: Dictynidae), and a first visual assessment of their distribution

Abstract

The intraspecific variability recently documented in the genus Cicurina strongly suggests a reassessment of the taxonomy, particularly for the troglobitic members. Adult troglobitic Cicurina (subgenus Cicurella) are rare and most of the 60 nominal species of troglobitic Cicurina (Cicurella) were originally described upon the examination of only one or two females, resulting in numerous species differing only in minor variations of the female genitalia. In many cases, such morphological differences could also be interpreted as intraspecific variability. We present the first step of the taxonomic revision of the genus with the redescription of all troglobitic species of the subgenus Cicurella based on type specimens to provide a reliable and comparable morphological basis: Cicurina bandera Gertsch 1992, C. bandida Gertsch 1992, C. baronia Gertsch 1992, C. barri Gertsch 1992, C. browni Gertsch 1992, C. brunsi Cokendolpher 2004, C. bullis Cokendolpher 2004, C. buwata Chamberlin & Ivie 1940, C. caliga Cokendolpher & Reddell 2001, C. caverna Gertsch 1992, C. coahuila Gertsch 1971, C. coryelli Gertsch 1992, C. cueva Gertsch 1992, C. delrio Gertsch 1992, C. ezelliGertsch 1992, C. gruta Gertsch 1992, C. holsingeri Gertsch 1992, C. hoodensis Cokendolpher & Reddell 2001, C. leona Gertsch 1992, C. loftini Cokendolpher 2004, C. machete Gertsch 1992, C. madla Gertsch 1992, C. maya Gertsch 1977, C. mckenziei Gertsch 1992, C. medina Gertsch 1992, C. menardia Gertsch 1992, C. mirifica Gertsch 1992, C. mixmaster Cokendolpher & Reddell 2001, C. neovespera Cokendolpher 2004, C. obscura Gertsch 1992, C. orellia Gertsch 1992, C. pablo Gertsch 1992, C. pastura Gertsch 1992, C. patei Gertsch 1992, C. platypus Cokendolpher 2004, C. porteri Gertsch 1992, C. puentecilla Gertsch 1992, C. rainesi Gertsch 1992, C. reclusa Gertsch 1992, C. reddelli Gertsch 1992, C. reyesi Gertsch 1992, C. russelli Gertsch 1992, C. sansaba Gertsch 1992, C. selecta Gertsch 1992, C. serena Gertsch 1992, C. sheari Gertsch 1992, C. sprousei Gertsch 1992, C. stowersi Gertsch 1992, C. suttoni Gertsch 1992, C. travisae Gertsch 1992, C. troglobia Cokendolpher 2004, C. ubicki Gertsch 1992, C. uvalde Gertsch 1992, C. venefica Gertsch 1992, C. venii Gertsch 1992, C. vespera Gertsch 1992, C. vibora Gertsch 1992, C. wartoni Gertsch 1992, C. watersi Gertsch 1992 and C. wiltoni Gertsch 1992. We provide, in a series of maps, a first visual assessment of the distribution of these troglobites. Several problems became evident from our examination of the data, including potential synonymies, conflicting distributions, damaged types, potential mislabeling, species known only from one sex, misevaluation of intraspecific variability, and unknown location of type localities. A reliable taxonomic basis for the eyeless members of this genus is particularly important for cave conservation and management because the particular conservation status of these troglobites, particularly for four species that are included on the U.S. Federal list of endangered species.

High‐stakes species delimitation in eyeless cave spiders (Cicurina, Dictynidae, Araneae) from central Texas

“…A priori specimen identification was based on geographic location and/or genetic affiliation as follows: Cicurina buwata – sample including eyeless immature specimens from three caves (Buttercup Creek Cave, Marigold Cave, and Testudo Tube) that are known locations for C. buwata (Paquin & Dupérré ). Eyeless immature and/or adult specimens from eight additional caves were identified as C. buwata based on consistent placement into a C. buwata genetic clade (see Results); C. wartoni – three eyeless immature specimens from the type locality (Pickle Pit) were tentatively identified as this species, as no other eyeless Cicurina have been recorded from this cave; C. travisae – sample including eyeless immature and/or adult specimens from five caves (McDonald Cave, Amber Cave, Kretschmarr Double Pit, North Root Cave, Tooth Cave = type locality) that are known locations for C. travisae (Paquin & Dupérré ); C. reddelli – an adult female and immature male specimen from Cotterell Cave, the type and only known locality for C. reddelli ; A priori unidentified – both immature and adult specimens from nine caves geographically situated between Cotterell Cave and McDonald Cave (Fig. , Appendix ) are genetic members of the clade of interest (see Results), but are from caves without previous records for adult Cicurina .…”

“…, Appendix ) are genetic members of the clade of interest (see Results), but are from caves without previous records for adult Cicurina . Adult females are available from some of these caves, but because C. travisae , C. reddelli and C. wartoni have very similar female epigynal morphologies (Paquin & Dupérré , fig. 131), these specimens were not identified to species a priori.…”

“…A remarkable radiation of completely eyeless, cave‐obligate spider species has been described from limestone cave habitats of Texas. The subgenus Cicurella (genus Cicurina ) includes about 80 species, over 50 of which are eyeless and restricted to Texas caves (Gertsch ; Paquin & Dupérré ); available evidence suggests monophyly of this group (Paquin & Hedin ; Paquin & Dupérré ). Species delimitation in eyeless Cicurina is challenging for several reasons beyond the generalities discussed above.…”

A synthesis on cave-dwelling spiders in Europe

“…In comparison with other temperate regions, in European subterranean habitats, some families are well represented while others are not. A clear example can be found in the family Dictynidae, which had notable radiations in the North American (e.g., Hedin, ; Paquin & Dupérré, ) and Asian karstic areas (e.g., Li & Wang, ), while they are almost lacking in European subterranean habitats.…”

Comparative transcriptomics of Entelegyne spiders (Araneae, Entelegynae), with emphasis on molecular evolution of orphan genes

“…These genera represent both the Araneoidea and RTA clades, and differ in ecology. Nesticus (Nesticidae) and Cicurina (Dictynidae) prefer sheltered microhabitats, such as in caves or under rocks in forests ([37,38]), while Habronattus jumping spiders (Salticidae) are active open-habitat visual hunters ([39,40]). Cicurina and Habronattus are both members of the RTA clade, while Nesticus is found within Araneoidea.…”