Assessing the taxonomic resolution of southern African trapdoor spiders (Araneae: Ctenizidae; Cyrtaucheniidae; Idiopidae) and implications for their conservation

Engelbrecht, Ian; Prendini, Lorenzo

doi:10.1007/s10531-011-0115-z

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 52 publications

(44 reference statements)

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“…However, based on examination of numerous specimens during this study, we conclude that females exhibit limited morphological variation, with few discrete qualitative characters for species delimitation, compared to adult males. The limits of species known only from females should therefore be reevaluated; some may be species complexes and others may need to be synonymized (Engelbrecht and Prendini, 2011). However, species should not be described or synonymized in the absence of adult males.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cryptic Diversity of South African Trapdoor Spiders: Three New Species ofStasimopusSimon, 1892 (Mygalomorphae, Ctenizidae), and Redescription ofStasimopus robertsiHewitt, 1910

Engelbrecht

Prendini

2012

American Museum Novitates

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Three new species of Stasimopus Simon, 1892, are described from the Gauteng and North West provinces of South Africa. They are readily distinguished from all other known Stasimopus species by the presence of spinules in the tarsal scopulae on the first two pairs of legs of adult males. The only described species recorded in the vicinity, Stasimopus robertsi Hewitt, 1910, which appears to be endemic to northern Gauteng Province, is redescribed. The four species are comprehensively illustrated, a key to identify the adult males from those of other new species in the region is provided, and their conservation status discussed. Available evidence suggests that many Stasimopus species remain to be discovered and described, but significant effort will be required to obtain adult males, considered important for accurate species delimitation in the genus.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cryptic Diversity of South African Trapdoor Spiders: Three New Species ofStasimopusSimon, 1892 (Mygalomorphae, Ctenizidae), and Redescription ofStasimopus robertsiHewitt, 1910

Engelbrecht

Prendini

2012

American Museum Novitates

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“…These spiders live in retreats comprising vertical burrows or chambers under rocks or on trees which are lined with silk (Dippenaar-Schoeman 2002). The females lead sedentary lifestyles, only exiting the burrow to capture prey within reach of the burrow entrance (Engelbrecht andPrendini 2011, Satler et al 2013). However, the males are nomadic in nature, spending time wandering to locate females and are the drivers of dispersal.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Teratological cases of the ocular patterns in the South African endemic trapdoor spider genus Stasimopus Simon (1892) (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Stasimopidae)

2020

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Teratology is the science that deals with the causes and patterns of deformities, abnormalities and defects in the physical development of animals. Teratological occurrences can be due to genetic or environmental conditions. Ocular teratologies are common in hypogean spiders. This communication reports on the occurrence of ocular teratologies of the South African endemic spider family, Stasimopidae.Various museum collections resulting in 181 spiders were examined for cases of ocular teratologies. Six females and one male were found to display some form of teratology. The species found to exhibit these were, Stasimopus patersonae, S. robertsi, S. insculptus peddiensis, S. griswoldi, and three unidentified specimens.The teratologies range from reduced eye size to numerous additional eyes. The exact cause of the teratologies is unknown. They could, however, be linked to embryonic trauma or developmental issues, juvenile injury, or unusual environmental conditions during embryonal development. The spiders all survived to adulthood as in hypogeal spiders, eye sight is not the most relied on sense. Understanding the causes of teratologies is important as it may enable researches to predict the effect of increasing chemical use and global climate change on the embryology of spiders.

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“…For instance, ants have been found to have a role as bioindicators of land-management types (Chen et al 2011); ground beetle assemblages may reflect soil perturbations (Ö dman et al 2011); and dung beetle assemblages can also be linked to human influences (Carpaneto et al 2011). Other papers discuss invertebrate and vertebrate diversity in pampas vegetation (Medan et al 2011); the conservation of the always fascinating trapdoor spiders (Engelbrecht and Prendini 2011); and parasitism in a bog-inhabiting butterfly (Schtickzelle and co-workers 2011).…”

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confidence: 99%

Biodiversity and conservation of insects and other invertebrates

Hawksworth

2011

Biodivers Conserv

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The thematic issue of Biodiversity and Conservation devoted to the biodiversity and conservation of insects and other invertebrates is introduced. The issue comprises 23 original research papers covering diverse habitats from forests to grasslands, ponds and rivers to coasts, and the tropics to boreal regions. Amongst the organisms discussed are ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, crabs, microgastropods, millipedes, spiders, and weevils. Some of the difficulties of conserving the most species-rich groups of eukaryotes, in the face of ignorance as to their identities and positions in ecological processes, are noted and the precautionary principle is seen as a pragmatic and responsible approach.The insects, and other speciose groups of invertebrates, pose particular challenges for understanding and conserving biodiversity. Not only do they constitute the vast proportion of all eukaryotes so far recognized, huge numbers of insect species (perhaps 85% or more) have yet to be formally named. This situation is only marginally better than that in the even more poorly known fungi. As a result of generations of collecting and documenting by both naturalists and professional entomologists, the inventories of some insect groups, such as butterflies and orthopterans, are much more complete; these are, however, the exception.Yet the extent to which such taxa can serve as surrogates for other insects in conservation action plans, has to be questioned because of the disparate ecological niches occupied. A major challenge for conservationists is the protection of little-known, or unknown organisms, responsible for key ecological processes that are critical to the maintenance of Earth's ecosystems. These range from agricultural lands to tropical forests

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Assessing the taxonomic resolution of southern African trapdoor spiders (Araneae: Ctenizidae; Cyrtaucheniidae; Idiopidae) and implications for their conservation

Abstract: Taxonomic classifications simultaneously represent hypotheses of taxon identity and relationships to taxonomists, and real, unchanging entities to users of taxonomic information. Taxonomic changes, while representing scientific progress, can be a source of frustration for users.

Cited by 8 publications

References 52 publications

Cryptic Diversity of South African Trapdoor Spiders: Three New Species ofStasimopusSimon, 1892 (Mygalomorphae, Ctenizidae), and Redescription ofStasimopus robertsiHewitt, 1910

Cryptic Diversity of South African Trapdoor Spiders: Three New Species ofStasimopusSimon, 1892 (Mygalomorphae, Ctenizidae), and Redescription ofStasimopus robertsiHewitt, 1910

Teratological cases of the ocular patterns in the South African endemic trapdoor spider genus Stasimopus Simon (1892) (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Stasimopidae)

Biodiversity and conservation of insects and other invertebrates

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