Species of the genus Meotipa Simon, 1895 with descriptions of two new species from Sri Lanka and one from China (Araneae: Theridiidae)
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Long-legged Theridiidae of the genus Meotipa Simon, 1895, characterized by distinctive flattened black spines on the abdomen and legs, are commonly found in the foliage of tropical rainforests across the Oriental region, including Sri Lanka and China. In this work, we describe three new species: Meotipa sujii Benjamin & Tharmarajan sp. nov. (♂♀), Meotipa kudawaensis Benjamin & Tharmarajan sp. nov. (♀), both endemic to Sri Lanka, and Meotipa wuzhishanensis Benjamin sp. nov. (♂♀) found only in China. These species align with the diagnostic characters provided by Deeleman-Reinhold (2009), supporting the distinct status of Meotipa from Chrysso O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1882. Notably, the spiniventris-group, marked by black spines on the abdomen and/or legs, appears morphologically distinct from larger-bodied Meotipa species, with potential differentiation in genital structures.
Authors: Benjamin, Suresh P., Tharmarajan, Mathura
Institution: National Institute of Fundamental Studies
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6930420600