On afromygale, a new mygalomorph spider genus from east africa (Araneae: Pycnothelidae)

Sergei L. Zonstein*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A new Afrotropical mygalomorph, Afromygale n. gen., is established for two newly discovered species, the type species A. rukanga n. sp. (Kenya) and A. pinnipalpis n. sp. (Tanzania); both described from single males. The diagnoses, illustrated descriptions and the presently available data on the relationships and distribution of these species are provided. Despite having some ambiguous features, the new genus is tentatively assigned to the Pycnothelidae. Like the known pycnothelid genera, Afromygale lacks the cheliceral rastellum and the metatarsal preening combs and has a reduced unpaired claws on tarsi I–IV. Males of Afromygale differ from other pycnothelid males in having a characteristic pterygoid keel at the base of the embolus.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)131-146
Number of pages16
JournalIsrael Journal of Entomology
Volume50
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 31 Dec 2020

Keywords

  • Afrotropical
  • Biodiversity
  • Kenya
  • Mygalomorphae
  • New genus
  • New species
  • Tanzania
  • Taxonomy

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