Published December 20, 2024 | Version v1

Palp-footed spiders of Sri Lanka with descriptions of six new species (Araneae: Palpimanidae)

  • 1. Alexander Koenig Research Museum of Zoology, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany

Description

Palpimanidae Thorell, 1870 is a diverse family of nocturnal, leaf litter, or bark-dwelling spiders native to the tropics. In this paper, I describe six species new to science: Boagrius silindui sp. nov., Steriphopus ritigalensis sp. nov., S. punchimenikae sp. nov., S. woolfi sp. nov., S. hinnihamiae sp. nov., and S. spiralus sp. nov. I also redescribe Palpimanus vultuosus Simon, 1897, Sarascelis chaperi Simon, 1887 and Steriphopus macleayi (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1873). Further, the following taxonomic act is proposed: Boagrius raffrayi (Simon, 1893) comb. nov. (transferred from Sarascelis). A key is provided for all Sri Lankan species. I conclude that many of the new species live in disturbed or vulnerable habitats and should be prioritised for conservation.

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Benjamin 2024 ZN40 Sri Lanka Palpimanidae.pdf

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Additional details

Funding

European Commission
SYNTHESYS PLUS - Synthesis of systematic resources 823827
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
National Institute of Fundamental Studies