Acanthinozodium odem (Levy, 2007)
Figs 15–16, 105
Zodarion odem Levy, 2007: 15, figs 38–39.
Zodarion kunti Coşar et al., 2021: 49, figs 5a–f, 6a–d, 7a–c, 8a–c, 9a–b, 10a–b. Syn. nov.
Acanthinozodium odem – Zonstein 2025: 392, figs 1–21.
Diagnosis
Refer to Zonstein (2025).
Type material examined
Holotype
ISRAEL • ♀; Odem Forest, Golan Heights (219/290 Is. Gr.); 950 m a.s.l.; May 1996; S. Rakefet leg.; HUJ 15220.
Other material examined
ISRAEL • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀, 5 juv.; same collection data as for holotype; 29 Mar. 2023; S. Pekár and V. Opatová leg.; CMU • 1 juv.; same collection data as for holotype; 4 May 2023; M. Řezáč leg.; CMU • 1 juv.; Har Hermon; 33.288° N, 35.764° E; 5 May 2023; M. Řezáč leg.; CMU .
SYRIA • 1 ♀; W of Homs, Krak de Chevaliers; Jul. 2002; T. Pigula leg.; CMU • 1 ♀; Hasaka, Al Batra; 3 Apr. 2003; CMU • 1 juv.; same collection data as for preceding; 21 Apr. 2003; CMU .
TURKEY • 1 ♂, 1 ♀ ( Z. kunti); Kahramanmaraş, Göksun; 37.626° N, 36.413° E; 1285 m a.s.l.; 2020; İ. Coşar and T. Danışman leg.; CMU • 1 ♂; Kahramanmaraş, Andiran, Geben, Çukurgöz; 37.622° N, 36.409° E; 1281 m a.s.l.; 25 Jun. 2008; O. Seyyar leg.; CMU .
Description
For a detailed description, refer to Levy (2007) and Zonstein (2025).
Remarks
A comparative examination of specimens of A. odem alongside both male and female representatives of the Turkish species Z. kunti has demonstrated a clear congruence in key diagnostic morphological features (cf. Figs 15–16 and Coşar et al. 2021: figs 5a–d, 7a–c, 8a–c, 10a–b). This morphological alignment strongly supports our hypothesis to synonymize Z. kunti under A. odem, thereby recognizing Z. kunti as a junior synonym.
Moreover, we noticed that the female of A. odem exhibits notable similarities to that of A. cirrisulcatum longispina Denis, 1952, as described and illustrated in the original paper (Denis 1952: 59–60, figs 3–4). Nonetheless, the limited detail and precision of the original description and illustrations, coupled with the unavailability of the type material of A. c. longispina, present significant constraints. In light of these limitations, we advocate further comprehensive investigation to rigorously assess the possibility of synonymy between these taxa.
Size variation
Total body length 3.33–4.37, carapace length/width 1.77–2.37/ 1.33–1.5 in males (N = 4). Total body length 4.69–5.6, carapace length/width 1.87–2.4/ 1.5–1.8 in females (N = 4).
Distribution
Acanthinozodium odem was formerly recorded in Israel. In our study, we have now documented its occurrence in both Syria and Turkey.