Multilocus genetic and morphological phylogenetic analysis reveals a radiation of shiny South Asian jumping spiders (Araneae, Salticidae)

By

Kanesharatnam, Nilani
Benjamin, Suresh P.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

839

Pages

Jan-81

Subjects

Chrysillini , cryptic species , ecomorphs , India , monophyly , new genera , parsimony , synapomorphies

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.839.28312

 

Abstract

This study presents a systematic revision of South Asian members of the Tribe Chrysillini Simon, 1901. Genetic and morphological variations were analysed of a “similar-looking” group of species that were initially identified as members of the jumping spider generaChrysillaThorell, 1887 andPhintellaStrand, in Bösenberg and Strand 1906 to determine their phylogenetic relationships. Results suggest that the assessed morphospecies complex constitute of three evolutionary lineages, two previously unrecognised, which are described and diagnosed as two new genera:Phintelloidesgen. n.andProszynskiagen. n.The third lineage,Phintella, is sister to these proposed genera. The following new species are described:Phintelloidesalboreasp. n.,P.brunnesp. n.,P.flavovirisp. n.,P.flavumisp. n.,P.orbisasp. n.,Phintellaargenteasp. n., andP.jaleelisp. n.Sri Lanka is rich in biodiversity but currently has one of the highest rates of deforestation. Lack of clarity on diversity and distribution of the islands’ biodiversity can lead to underestimations during threat assessments and thus downgrading of conservation needs of individual species.