taxonID	type	description	language	source
03C387AFFFFBFFB2FACE9837CDE1F85B.taxon	materials_examined	Type species: Trachelas minor O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872, by original designation.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFFBFFB2FACE9837CDE1F85B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The name Trachelas was first used by L. Koch (1866) in an identification key, but as no type species had been described in the genus, it was considered a nomen nudum. Subsequently, O. Pickard-Cambridge (1872) described Trachelas minor, formalizing the recognition of the genus. L. Koch (1872) provided a more detailed description of the genus, with its authorship being attributed to him.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFFBFFB2FACE9837CDE1F85B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Trachelas sensu stricto differs from other Afrotropical genera that lack leg spines and ventral cusps on the anterior legs in males, i. e. Coronarachne Haddad & Lyle, 2024, Falcaranea Haddad & Lyle, 2024, Fuchiba Haddad & Lyle, 2008, Fuchibotulus Haddad & Lyle, 2008, Mushimane Haddad, 2025 and Trachycymbius Haddad & Lyle, 2024, by the very coarse carapace integument (shared with Fuchiba and Fuchibotulus), the presence of a male palpal patellar apophysis and the absence of a tibial apophysis (except T. scutatus sp. nov.), and by the distinct, sclerotized oval atria or curved ridges of the epigyne that are situated close to the midline.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFFBFFB2FACE9837CDE1F85B.taxon	description	Description (Trachelas sensu stricto). Small spiders, 1.76 – 4.72 mm in length; carapace bright yellow to deep red-brown; oval, broadest at coxae II, gradually narrowed towards eye region (Figs 1 A, F, 2 A, 6, 7); fovea distinct, a short broad slit; posterior margin distinctly concave (Figs 6, 7); convex in lateral profile, strongly elevated from clypeus to approximately 1 / 3 carapace length, slightly convex in midsection, with steeper slope in posterior 1 / 3 (Fig. 1 B, G); carapace surface coarsely granulate, with each seta accompanied by posterior transverse ridge and pair of deep depressions (Fig. 2 B). All eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved in anterior view (Fig. 2 C), slightly recurved in dorsal view (Fig. 2 D); clypeus usually slightly smaller to slightly larger than AME diameter at AME, AME very slightly larger than ALE; PER slightly recurved in dorsal view (Fig. 2 D); PLE usually very slightly larger than PME; MOQ narrower anteriorly than posteriorly, posterior width slightly larger than length. Chilum absent; cheliceral promargin with three teeth (Fig. 2 E), retromargin with two teeth, usually on common base (Fig. 2 F); fang with distinct serrula (Fig. 2 F); posterior surface of paturon with field of long setae, single modified short seta and field of pores posterior to retromarginal teeth (Fig. 2 G, H); endites converging slightly distally, lateral margins not parallel, mesal margins with longitudinal groove and dense maxillar hair tuft (Fig. 2 I), distal margins with distinct serrula comprising elongate denticles with sharp tips (Fig. 2 J); labium trapezoidal, narrower distally than proximally, length less than proximal width, distal margin with slight concavity (Fig. 2 I). Pleural bars sclerotised, isolated (Fig. 1 G); sternum shield-shaped, slightly longer than broad, broadest at coxa II (Fig. 1 C, H), surface smooth centrally, covered in long straight setae with more pronounced tuberculate bases towards borders (Fig. 2 K); precoxal triangles present, intercoxal sclerites short but usually present between all coxal pairs. Leg formula 4123 or 1423, sparsely covered in fine setae (Fig. 3 B – K); leg I and II only slightly thickened compared to legs III and IV (Figs 1 A – C, F – H, 6, 7); dorsal femoral surface almost straight, very slightly concave at ½ its length, ventral surface very slightly convex (Fig. 1 D, I); all femora strongly constricted proximally (Fig. 1 D, I); patellar indentation on retrolateral side narrow, with lyriform organ at proximal end (Fig. 3 B, C); legs I and II of both sexes without ventral cusps on tibiae, metatarsi or tarsi, only with weak scopulae (Fig. 3 D – K); all tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi with sparse dorsal trichobothria (Fig. 3 H, I, 4 B, C); metatarsi with short metatarsal stopper (Figs 3 J, K, 4 A), metatarsi III and IV with weak ventral preening brush and comb at distal end (Figs 3 F, 4 A); tarsi with sparse tactile hairs, few dorsal trichobothria and chemosensory setae (Fig. 3 G, K); trichobothria with slightly lowered distal plate, distal margin of hood overlapping plate, hood with four to six roughly concentric curved ridges (Fig. 4 B, C); tarsal organ at approximately 4 / 5 tarsus length (Fig. 3 K), flush with integument, surface finely wrinkled, opening oval and distally placed (Fig. 4 D); paired tarsal claws short, with eight teeth and dense tenant setae forming claw tufts in between (Figs 3 G, K, 4 E, F). Abdomen oval, sometimes uniformly coloured, otherwise with mottled grey markings or chevrons on creamy-grey background (Figs 1 A – C, F – H, 6, 7); dorsal scutum usually in males only, only in female of T. scutatus sp. nov. (Fig. 7 E), covering most of dorsum; dorsum covered in scattered short fine setae, with two pairs of sigilla in both sexes; venter without large sclerites, with paired rows of indistinct tiny sclerites from epigastric furrow to spinnerets, covered in scattered short fine setae (Fig. 1 C, H). Spinnerets short, conical, in compact group, spigots only studied in detail in both sexes of T. canariensis: ALS of males with one MAmp, six Pi, a single Nu and single Ta (Fig. 4 G), of females with one MAmp, seven Pi and single Ta (Fig. 4 J); PMS of males only with single mAmp and five Ac (Fig. 4 H), of females with one mAmp, four Cy and six Ac (Fig. 4 K); PLS of males with one mAmp and six Ac (Fig. 4 I), of females with two Cy and seven Ac (Fig. 4 L). Male palpal femur with distinct distal ventral concavity (Fig. 5 A; see also Bosselaers et al. 2009: fig. 4; Jin et al. 2017: fig. 3 D); patella with triangular or hook-like retrolateral PA, with ventral patellar indentation with lyriform organ at its base (Fig. 5 B – E); palpal tibiae without apophyses (except T. scutatus sp. nov., with rounded RTA), sometimes only with distal retrolateral sclerotized ridge; TE generally oval in ventral view, as broad as CY, with distinct distal TA (Fig. 5 E); EM base broad, originating prodistally or distally, EM forming simple distal coil or loop (Fig. 5 E). Female palpal claw simple, slightly bent distally, without teeth (Fig. 2 A). Epigyne quite heavily sclerotized, with CO in oval AT or curved ridges near midline in anterior half (Fig. 5 F), without hood; CD usually directed anteriorly, often looping, with terminal swelling with narrow stalk entering almost round ST II near centre (see Ramírez 2014: fig. 179 D) [ST II often break off during ultrasonic cleaning of epigyne]; Cd usually looping before running posteriorly near midline of epigyne before entering oval or bilobed posterior or posterolateral ST I; Cd usually with thickened section prior to entering ST I. Composition. Based on the current study and a review of the literature, the following species should be considered as Trachelas sensu stricto: T. canariensis Wunderlich, 1987 (Canary Islands, Spain, and East, Central and southern Africa), T. chamoli Quasin, Siliwal & Uniyal, 2018 (India), T. chubbi Lessert, 1921 (Central and East Africa), T. costatus O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1885 (Pakistan and India), T. crewsae Marusik & Fomichev, 2020 (Tajikistan), T. falsus sp. nov. (Central, West and southern Africa), T. himalayensis Biswas, 1993 (India), T. humus sp. nov. (southern Africa), T. leggi sp. nov. (South Africa), T. longinquus sp. nov. (Central African Republic), T. minor O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872 (Europe, West Asia, North Africa), T. oreophilus Simon, 1906 (India and Sri Lanka), T. pusillus Lessert, 1923 (Central and southern Africa), T. quisquiliarum Simon, 1906 (Sri Lanka), T. russellsmithi sp. nov. (Ethiopia), T. scutatus sp. nov. (Ghana and Nigeria), T. smithi sp. nov. (Kenya), T. sylvae Caporiacco, 1949 (Central and East Africa), T. tanasevitchi Marusik & Kovblyuk, 2010 (far eastern Russia), T. uniaculeatus Schmidt, 1956 (Canary Islands) and T. vulcani Simon, 1896 (China, Indonesia and Japan). The New World fauna, currently including 62 described species (World Spider Catalog 2025), represents a phylogenetically distinct lineage from Trachelas sensu stricto (Fig. 23; Pett et al. unpublished data) and is thus not considered further here. Several Asian species, i. e. the Chinese T. alticolus Hu, 2001, T. bomiensis Jin & Mi, 2024 (Liu et al. 2024), T. brachialis Jin, Yin & Zhang, 2017, T. gaoligongensis Jin, Yin & Zhang, 2017, T. gigapophysis Jin, Yin & Zhang, 2017, T. nanyueensis Yin, 2012 (Yin et al. 2012) and T. sinensis Chen, Peng & Zhao, 1995, as well as T. japonicus Bösenberg & Strand, 1906 from far eastern Russia, China, Japan and Korea, are likely misplaced and may belong to a new genus. Males of most of these species have ventral cusps on the anterior legs (except T. alticola and T. sinensis, apparently absent, and T. nanyuensis, not indicated in description) and a well-developed palpal tibial apophysis (often basal and posteriorly directed). Their females have an epigyne with a very different internal structure to Trachelas sensu stricto, particularly the usually elongate lateral ST II (more oval in T. japonicus) and long connecting ducts originating laterally, curving in an arch mesally then posteriorly (e. g. Zhang et al. 2009; Yin et al. 2012; Jin et al. 2017; Jin & Mi 2024; Tang et al. 2024). Furthermore, the Chinese T. fanjingshan Zhang, Fu & Zhu, 2009, T. fasciae Zhang, Fu & Zhu, 2009, T. kavanaughi Tang, Yan, Zhao & Peng, 2024, T. shilinensis Jin, Yin & Zhang, 2017, T. ventriosus Tang, Yan, Zhao & Peng, 2024 and T. zhui Li, Wang, Zhang & Chen, 2019, all known only from females, have a similar internal epigyne structure to that of the Asian species referred to above and are thus also likely to be misplaced, but confirmation of this requires discovery of their males. Trachelas devi Biswas & Raychaudhuri, 2000 (Bangladesh) has a procurved PER and very different somatic morphology and genitalia to Trachelas sensu stricto (Biswas & Raychaudhuri 2000: figs 15 – 21), so is likely not a trachelid and should be transferred to another family.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF5FFB6FACE9D9ACC00FB0C.taxon	description	Figs 2 – 5, 6 A, B, 8	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF5FFB6FACE9D9ACC00FB0C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The male of this species is most similar to that of T. humus sp. nov. in sharing an embolus with a long slender distal section but can be distinguished by the narrower proximal section (almost as broad as the tegulum in T. humus sp. nov.) and the tip of the embolus being directed at 1 o’clock as opposed to 11 o’clock in the latter species (cf. Figs 8 A and 13 A). The female of this species can be distinguished from other Afrotropical congeners by the funnel-shaped copulatory ducts that rapidly narrow after the copulatory opening (Fig. 8 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF5FFB6FACE9D9ACC00FB0C.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 1.00 – 1.60, CW 0.83 – 1.38, AL 1.00 – 2.50, AW 0.80 – 1.38, TL 1.90 – 3.60, FL 0.03 – 0.13, SL 0.65 – 0.90, SW 0.58 – 0.90, AME – AME 0.10, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.35, PME – PME 0.25, PME – PLE 0.08, PLE – PLE 0.55. Length of leg segments: I 4.23 (1.30, 0.55, 1.05, 0.80, 0.53); II 3.98 (1.13, 0.55, 0.95, 0.83, 0.52); III 2.81 (0.85, 0.38, 0.60, 0.65, 0.33); IV 3.99 (1.13, 0.48, 0.98, 1.00, 0.40). Carapace reddish-orange; eye region darker, with brown rings around eyes (Fig. 6 A, B); AME and ALE approximately equal in size; clypeus height equal to approximately AME diameter; AME separated by about one diameter; AME separated from ALE by about 0.2 × AME diameter; PLE slightly larger than PME; PME separated by approximately 1.25 × their diameter; PME separated from PLE by approximately 0.5 × PME diameter. Chelicerae orange, pale orange towards fang base, endites and labium slightly lighter; three promarginal teeth, median tooth largest, distal tooth smallest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum pale yellow, light brown towards borders. Abdomen creamy white to pale yellow dorsally, mottled brown over last 3 / 4 of abdomen (Fig. 6 A, B); first pair of sigilla pale brown, anterior to midpoint, second pair slightly darker, posterior to midpoint of abdomen. Legs pale yellow to pale brown; legs I and II more robust, slightly darker than III and IV. Palp pale yellow to brown; retrolateral PA large, triangular, slightly curved; CY pear-shaped; TE oval, slightly more than 1 / 2 CY length; SP gradually curved, with sharp proximal bend; EM originating prodistally, with proximal section approximately half the width of TE, distal section long, curving clockwise, prodistally from its base, with tip directed at 1 o’clock (Figs 5 A – E, 8 A, B). Female. Measurements: CL 1.25 – 1.75, CW 1.10 – 1.48, AL 1.70 – 2.40, AW 1.20 – 1.80, TL 2.95 – 4.15, FL 0.05 – 0.10, SL 0.78 – 0.90, SW 0.73 – 0.83, AME – AME 0.08, AME – ALE 0.05, ALE – ALE 0.28, PME – PME 0.13, PME – PLE 0.08, PLE – PLE 0.45. Length of leg segments: I 3.56 (1.11, 0.48, 0.83, 0.62, 0.52); II 3.28 (1.00, 0.50, 0.78, 0.60, 0.40); III 2.68 (0.80, 0.38, 0.55, 0.65, 0.30); IV 3.97 (1.13, 0.48, 0.98, 0.98, 0.40). Carapace reddish-brown; eye region brown, dark brown to black rings around eyes (Fig. 6 B); AME and ALE equal in size; clypeus height equal to approximately AME diameter; AME separated by distance equal to 0.4 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approximately 0.2 × AME diameter; PME slightly larger than PLE; PME separated about one diameter; PME separated from PLE by about 0.7 × PME diameter. Chelicerae pale brown, endites and labium slightly lighter; three promarginal teeth, median tooth largest, distal tooth smallest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum pale brown, darker towards border. Abdomen with pale yellow to pale grey dorsum, with pale brown mottling over surface, darker posteriorly above spinnerets [in Ethiopian specimens, with grey sides and chevrons in posterior half; Fig. 6 C, D]. Legs I to IV uniform pale yellow to pale brown; anterior legs slightly more robust, slightly darker than posteriors. Epigyne weakly sclerotised, with broad, arched, anteriorly directed AT housing CO; CD directed anteriorly, bending back sharply before entering large, circular, medially situated ST II, separated by 3 / 4 their diameter; Cd directed mesally, then posteriorly along midline, making complete loop in thickened posterior section before diverging posterolaterally, entering oval ST I near epigastric fold on their anteromesal margins; ST I separated by about their diameter (Figs 5 F, 8 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF5FFB6FACE9D9ACC00FB0C.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. ANGOLA: Centro de Estudes de Cela [11 ° 12 ' S, 15 ° 18 ' E], 16. IV. 1972, leg. M. K. P. Meyer (strawberries), 1 ♂ (NCA 76 / 1887). BOTSWANA: Maun, Boronyane, 19 ° 55 ' S, 23 ° 25 ' E, 6. IX. 1975, leg. A. Russell-Smith (in rushes in shallow water), 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (BMNH); Maun, Government Camp, House 36, 19 ° 59 ' S, 23 ° 25 ' E, I – II. 1977, leg. A. Russell-Smith, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (BMNH); Maun, Island Safari Lodge, 19 ° 55 ' S, 23 ° 31 ' E, 29. IX. 1975, leg. A. Russell-Smith (riverine forest), 2 ♀ (BMNH); Maun, Maphaneng Pan, 19 ° 56 ' S, 23 ° 25 ' E, III. 1976, leg. F. Wanless & A. Russell-Smith (edge of riverine woodland, ground layer), 3 ♂ 3 ♀ (BMNH); Maun, N of Maphaneng Pan, 19 ° 56 ' S, 23 ° 25 ' E, 21. II. 1976, leg. F. Wanless & A. Russell-Smith (riverine wood, ground layer), 1 ♀ (BMNH); Maun, Okavango, side of Thalamakane River, 19 ° 59 ' S, 23 ° 30 ' E, 24. VIII. 1975, A. Russell-Smith, 1 ♀ (BMNH); Maun, Thamalakane River, 19 ° 59 ' S, 23 ° 30 ' E, III. 1976, leg. F. Wanless & A. Russell-Smith (floodplain grassland), 5 ♂ 2 ♀ (BMNH); Same locality, 13. III. 1971, leg. A. Russell-Smith (Setaria grassland), 11 ♂ (BMNH), 1 ♂ (BMNH); Same locality, 5. II. 1976, leg. A. Russell-Smith (Setaria grassland), 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (BMNH); Same locality, 11. IX. 1976, leg. A. Russell-Smith (Setaria grassland), 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (BMNH); Same locality, 25. VII. 1975, leg. A. Russell-Smith (grazed Setaria grassland), 13 ♂ 12 ♀ (BMNH); Same locality, 7. III. 1976, leg. F. Wanless & A. Russell-Smith, 2 ♂ 5 ♀ (BMNH); Maxwee, Okavango Delta floodplain, 19 ° 28 ' S, 23 ° 39 ' E, 1. IV. 1975, leg. A. Russell-Smith (grassland), 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (BMNH); Mbomba Lagoon, Okavango Delta, 19 ° 10 ' S, 23 ° 18 ' E, 19. XI. 1972, leg. A. Russell-Smith (moist Hyparrhenia grassland), 2 ♀ (BMNH); Moremi Lagoon, 19 ° 11 ' S, 23 ° 16 ' E, 30. VI. 2003, leg. A. Russell-Smith (sweep net), 1 ♀ (BMNH); Pom Pom, Okavango Delta, 19 ° 35 ' S, 22 ° 50 ' E, 18. VIII. 2001, leg. M. Dangerfield (dry riparian vegetation, pit trap 4), 1 ♂ (NCA 2001 / 419). D. R. CONGO: Bikara, 18 km S of Lubero, Lubéro-Goma Road, 00 ° 15 ' S, 29 ° 12 ' E, 2100 m a. s. l., XII. 1976, leg. M. Lejeune (dans vieilles tiges de lobélies), 1 ♂ (MRAC 159839); Face N du Ruwenzori, camp de Kikura, 00 ° 35 ' N, 29 ° 57 ' E, 2000 m a. s. l., VII – VIII. 1974, leg. M. Lejeune, 1 ♂ (MRAC 154732); Kivu, Kambaila, 00 ° 10 ' N, 29 ° 10 ' E, VI. 1973, leg. M. Lejeune, 1 ♂ (MRAC 145812); Route Lubero-Butembo, région de Lukanga, forêt de Vukengete, 05 ° 01 ' S, 14 ° 18 ' E, 2210 m a. s. l., XII. 1974 – I. 1975, leg. M. Lejeune (mousses couverte de graminés), 1 ♂ (MRAC 168091); Sake, 01 ° 34 ' S, 29 ° 02 ' E, V. 1937, leg. J. Ghesquière, 2 ♂ 2 ♀ 1 imm. (MRAC 174292). ETHIOPIA: 16 km S of Addis Ababa [ca. 08 ° 50 ' N, 38 ° 46 ' E], leg. A. Russell-Smith, 20. VI. 1987 (grass tussocks, stream course), 1 ♀ (BMNH); Wondo Genet, near Awassa [ca. 07 ° 04 ' N, 38 ° 37 ' E], 21. I. 1984, leg. A. Russell-Smith (marshy area near hot springs), 1 ♀ (BMNH). KENYA: Mt. Kenya, Sirimon track, 00 ° 10 ' S, 37 ° 20 ' E, 2550 m a. s. l., 25. VII. 1975, leg. R. Bosmans (montane rainforest), 1 ♂ (MRAC 161902). LESOTHO: Sehlabathebe National Park, 2364 m a. s. l., 29 ° 52.931 ' S, 29 ° 07.144 ' E, 10. XI. 2002, leg. C. Haddad (under sandstone rocks, montane grassland), 1 ♂ (NCA 2006 / 1342). RWANDA: Lulana, lac Ihema, 01 ° 55 ' S, 30 ° 45 ' E, 6. VI. 1969, leg. R. Kiss, 1 ♂ (MRAC 159694); Bugesera, rives lac Tsohoa, 02 ° 06 ' S, 30 ° 00 ' E, X. 1957, leg. N. Leleup, 1 ♀ (MRAC 97145). SOUTH AFRICA: Eastern Cape: 17 km NE of Cookhouse, 32 ° 38.160 ' S, 25 ° 53.755 ' E, 23. IV. 2010, leg. C. Haddad (base of grass tussocks, roadside), 2 imm. 1 ♀ (TMSA 23756). Free State: Bloemfontein, Bloemendal Estate, 29 ° 03.209 ' S, 26 ° 12.312 ' E, 1382 m a. s. l., leg. SCSA members, 18. II. 2023, 1 ♂ (NCA 2021 / 1284); Same locality, Free State National Botanical Gardens, 29 ° 02 ' S, 26 ° 12 ' E, 5. V. 2008, leg. C. Luwes (base of grass tussocks), 1 ♀ (NCA 2008 / 2887); Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, 28 ° 30.431 ' S, 26 ° 48.547 ' E, 28. II. 2006, leg. C. Haddad (at base of Themeda grass), 1 ♂ (NCA 2006 / 671); Same locality, Site 7, rocky hillside, 28 ° 29.629 ' S, 26 ° 48.323 ' E, 30. IX – 28. X. 2009, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler (pitfall traps), 1 ♂ (NCA 2009 / 3603); Same locality, Site 8, Themeda grassland, 28 ° 29.804 ' S, 26 ° 48.503 ' E, 30. IX – 28. X. 2009, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler (pitfall traps), 1 ♂ (NCA 2009 / 3606); Same locality, Site 8, Themeda grassland, 28 ° 29.804 ' S, 26 ° 48.503 ' E, 31. VIII – 30. IX. 2009, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler (pitfall traps), 1 ♂ (NCA 2009 / 3656); Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve, 29 ° 31 ' S, 25 ° 17 ' E, 9. IV. 2008, leg. L. Lotz (sweeping grass), 1 ♀ (NMBA 12080). Gauteng: Bronkhorstspruit district, Farm Witfontein, 25 ° 51.982 ' S, 28 ° 57.895 ' E, 3. IV. 2003, leg. H. Roux (koppie slope, hand collecting), 1 ♂ (NCA 2009 / 683), 1 ♀ (S. E. M. preparations); Cullinan, Leeufontein Nature Reserve, 25 ° 21.845 ' S, 28 ° 36.737 ' E, 15. II. 2002, leg. H. Roux (pan trap, koppie slope, open woodland), 1 ♀ (NCA 2010 / 2883); Pretoria / Tshwane, Meyerspark, 25 ° 44 ' S, 28 ° 18 ' E, 31. VIII. 2002, leg. C. Haddad (on table in garden), 1 ♂ (NCA 2006 / 1335); Same locality, Rietondale, ARC — Plant Protection Research Institute [25 ° 43 ' S, 28 ° 14 ' E], 3. IV. 2001, leg. A. Russell-Smith (in rough grassland), 1 ♂ (BMNH). KwaZulu-Natal: Coastal Cashews, near KwaNgwanase / Manguzi, 27 ° 12 ' S, 32 ° 35 ' E, 85 m a. s. l., 12. I. 2002, leg. C. Haddad (beats, cashew trees), 1 ♂ (NCA 2006 / 1336); Drakensberg Mountains, Cathedral Peak Hotel, 28 ° 56.806 ' S, 29 ° 12.683 ' E, 1430 m a. s. l., 4. X. 2020, leg. R. Booysen & R. Steenkamp (hand collecting, at hotel gate), 1 ♂ (NCA 2021 / 1106); Hluhluwe Reserve, 28 ° 05 ' S, 32 ° 02 ' E, 900 ft a. s. l., 1. VI. 1985, leg. C. E. Griswold, 1 ♂ (NMSA); Loteni Nature Reserve, 29 ° 28 ' S, 29 ° 31 ' E, 24. XII. 1978, leg. A. S. Dippenaar-Schoeman (sweeping), 1 ♂ (NCA 2006 / 1518), 2 ♂ (S. E. M. preparations); Ndumo Game Reserve, South Boundary Fence, 26 ° 55.6 ' S, 32 ° 19.0 ' E, 13. VI. 2005, leg. C. Haddad (Commiophora harveyi bark), 1 ♂ (NCA 2006 / 1337); Tembe Elephant Park, Pioneer grassland, 27 ° 01.470 ' S, 32 ° 24.346 ' E, 5. XII. 2009, leg. C. Haddad (base of grass tussocks), 3 ♂ 1 ♀ (TMSA 23732); 75 km WSW of Estcourt, Cathedral Peak Forest Station, Meteorological station, Little Berg [28 ° 56 ' S, 29 ° 13 ' E], 1860 m a. s. l., 21 – 31. XII. 1979, leg. S. & J. Peck (Malaise trough, veld), 1 ♂ (AMNH). Limpopo: Sterkfontein [25 ° 02 ' S, 29 ° 36 ' E], 10. IV. 1976, leg. A. Russell-Smith (marshy areas near stream), 1 ♀ (BMNH); Tuinplaas, Springbokvlakte, Settlers Lodge, 24 ° 54 ' S, 28 ° 43 ' E, 29. V. 2001, leg. M. van Jaarsveld (grass, pitfalls), 1 ♂ (NCA 2003 / 1358); 5 km from Warmbaths, 24 ° 53 ' S, 28 ° 17 ' E, 17. II. 1977, leg. I. Vosloo (sweepnet, grass), 1 ♂ (NCA 77 / 471). Mpumalanga: Badplaas, Emboleni Game Reserve, 25 ° 56 ' S, 30 ° 33 ' E, 28. III. 2001, leg. A. Russell-Smith (in litter in woodland), 1 ♀ (S. E. M. preparations); Delmas district, Farm Rietvallei, 26 ° 05 ' S, 28 ° 32 ' E, 28. IV. 2005, leg. M. van Jaarsveld (pitfall traps, Bacillus thuringiensis maize), 1 ♂ (NCA 2006 / 1558); Same locality, 26 ° 05 ' S, 28 ° 34 ' E, 28. IV. 2005, leg. M. van Jaarsveld (pitfall traps, unsprayed maize), 1 ♀ (NCA 2006 / 1556); Marble Hall, 24 ° 57 ' S, 29 ° 17 ' E, 3. V. 2002, leg. M. Mellett (Bacillus thuringiensis cotton survey, pit traps), 1 ♀ (NCA 2004 / 1334). Northern Cape: Douglas Holiday Resort, 29 ° 01 ' S, 23 ° 53 ' E, 15. IV. 1997, leg. E. van den Berg et al. (veldgrass), 1 ♂ (NCA 97 / 494); Green Valley Nuts, Prieska, 29 ° 35 ' S, 22 ° 56 ' E, 20. IX. 2001, leg. C. Haddad (under cut grass, ground covers), 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2002 / 480); Same locality, 28. I. 2001, leg. C. Haddad, 2 ♂ 3 ♀ (NCA 2009 / 656). North West: Hartebeespoort Navigation Station, 25 ° 44 ' S, 27 ° 51 ' E, 28. XI. 1984, leg. E. Ueckerman (on grass), 1 ♂ (NCA 85 / 92); Brits, 25 ° 37 ' S, 27 ° 46 ' E, I – II. 1988, leg. A. van den Berg (cotton, whole plant method), 1 ♂ 3 ♀ (NCA 89 / 550). Western Cape: Riviersonderend, 34 ° 09 ' S, 19 ° 55 ' E, leg. A. J. Prins (in cow dung), 1 ♂ (SAMC ENW-C 003370). UGANDA: Rukungiri district, Kitahurita Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, 00 ° 15 ' S, 29 ° 41 ' E, ca. 1740 m a. s. l., 18 – 20. IX. 1996, leg. C. E. Griswold, 1 ♂ (CAS).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF5FFB6FACE9D9ACC00FB0C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Widely distributed in central, eastern and southern Africa (Fig. 9). Considering the species has not yet been recorded in West Africa, it is plausible that it may have been introduced from continental Africa to the Canary Islands, from where it was originally described (Wunderlich 1987), or vice versa.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF6FFA8FACE99FFCCE7F94C.taxon	description	Figs 1, 6 E, F, 10	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF6FFA8FACE99FFCCE7F94C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. This species is most similar to T. sylvae, as males of both species share an embolus that is inverted 6 - shaped in lateral view and a small distal patellar apophysis, but it can be recognised by the narrow profile of the embolus in ventral view (broad in T. sylvae) and the broader proximal bend of the spermophor (vs narrow) (cf. Figs 10 A, B and 19 A, B). The female of this species can be recognised by the almost round atria that are as broad as long (larger and distinctly oval in T. sylvae) and the small subtriangular secondary spermathecae, vs oval (cf. Figs 10 C, D and 19 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF6FFA8FACE99FFCCE7F94C.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 1.44 – 2.24, CW 1.20 – 1.76, AL 1.65 – 2.40, AW 1.10 – 1.92, TL 2.60 – 4.72, FL 0.08 – 0.12, SL 0.86 – 1.10, SW 0.80 – 1.04, AME – AME 0.08, AME – ALE 0.04, ALE – ALE 0.37, PME – PME 0.18, PME – PLE 0.12, PLE – PLE 0.65. Length of leg segments: I 5.30 (1.69, 0.73, 1.31, 0.94, 0.63); II 4.71 (1.43, 0.65, 1.12, 0.86, 0.65); III 3.70 (1.12, 0.45, 0.78, 0.94, 0.41); IV 4.92 (1.41, 0.59, 1.10, 1.31, 0.51). Carapace reddish-brown (Fig. 6 E); eye region reddish-brown, with darkened, almost black rings around eyes; AME and ALE approximately equal; clypeus height equal to 1.2 × AME diameter; AME separated by half their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PME and PLE equal in size; PME separated by approximately 1.2 × their diameter; PME separated from PLE by PLE diameter. Chelicerae reddish-brown, endites and labium brown; three promarginal teeth, proximal tooth largest, distal tooth smallest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum orange, brown towards borders. Abdomen uniform grey dorsally (Fig. 6 E), rarely with traces of faint grey chevron marking; scutum covering entire dorsum; paired sigilla indistinct; surface covered with fine setae. Legs I to IV pale brown, with incomplete bands; anterior legs more robust, slightly darker than posteriors; femora I and II with distal incomplete band, patellae with none, tibiae with two incomplete bands, one distal and one proximal, metatarsi with one incomplete proximal band, tarsi with none. Palp pale brown to brown in colour; PA small, distal, curved proximally, with sharply pointed tip; CY roughly pear-shaped, distal end subtriangular; TE oval, about 3 / 5 CY length; SP S-shaped, with strong proximal and distal bends; EM originating prolaterally, proximal section looping behind TA, distal section short, twisting with rounded tip; inverted 6 - shaped in lateral view, somewhat laterally compressed in ventral view (Fig. 10 A, B). Female. Measurements: CL 1.18 – 1.92, CW 0.98 – 1.16, AL 1.84 – 3.04, AW 1.41 – 2.08, TL 2.70 – 4.88, FL 0.01 – 0.06, SL 0.76 – 1.08, SW 0.69 – 1.02, AME – AME 0.08, AME – ALE 0.04, ALE – ALE 0.37, PME – PME 0.14, PME – PLE 0.12, PLE – PLE 0.65. Length of leg segments: I 4.59 (1.41, 0.71, 1.02, 0.86, 0.59); II 4.59 (1.37, 0.67, 1.10, 0.90, 0.55); III 3.76 (0.94, 0.59, 0.90, 0.86, 0.47); IV 4.60 (1.49, 0.63, 1.10, 1.06, 0.32). Carapace surface reddish-brown; eye region brown, with black rings around eyes (Fig. 6 F); AME larger than ALE; clypeus height equal to twice AME diameter; AME separated by approximately 0.5 their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance equal to 0.25 ALE diameter; PME slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by distance equal to 1.4 their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance equal to PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, endites and labium yellow-brown; three promarginal teeth, median tooth largest, distal tooth smallest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum orange, brown towards border. Abdomen with mottled grey dorsum, with faint traces of chevron marking; paired sigilla indistinct. Legs I to IV pale yellow to pale brown, with incomplete bands; anterior legs pairs more robust, slightly darker than posteriors; femora I and II with incomplete distal band, patellae without bands, tibiae with two incomplete bands, one distal and one proximal, metatarsi with one incomplete proximal band, tarsi with none. Genital area relatively strongly sclerotised, brown to dark brown; AT almost circular, as long as wide, with CO at anterior margin; CD looping anteriorly, then mesally and posteriorly before entering adjoining transverse oval ST II near centre of epigyne; Cd very short, entering small subtriangular ST II on their anteromesal margin; ST I separated by less than 1 / 2 their width (Fig. 10 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF6FFA8FACE99FFCCE7F94C.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined: BURUNDI: Forêt de Rwegura, 02 ° 55 ' S, 29 ° 31 ' E, 2200 m a. s. l., 10. IV. 2002, leg. B. Nzigidahera (versant est, by hand), 1 ♀ (MRAC 214149). CAMEROON: Northwest Province: Menchum Division, Near Lake Oku, 06 ° 12 ' N, 10 ° 27 ' E, ca. 2150 m a. s. l., leg. C. Griswold et al., 7 – 13. II. 1992 (litter, forest), 1 ♀ (ZMUC). D. R. CONGO: Bikara, 18 km S of Lubéro, Lubéro-Goma Road, 00 ° 15 ' S, 29 ° 12 ' E, 2100 m a. s. l., XII. 1976, leg. M. Lejeune (feuilles sèches de lobélies), 1 ♂ (MRAC 159934); Same locality, XII. 1976, leg. M. Lejeune (dans vieilles tiges de lobélies), 1 ♀ (MRAC 221588); Same locality, 1200 m a. s. l, XII. 1976, leg. M. Lejeune (littière), 1 ♂ (MRAC 159810); Kivu, Mt. Lubwe, S. E. de Butembo, 00 ° 02 ' N, 29 ° 18 ' E, 2400 m a. s. l., 13. IV. 1971, leg. M. Lejeune (dans mousse), 1 ♂ (MRAC 138905); Kivu, volcan Karisimbi Rweru [01 ° 30 ' S, 29 ° 26 ' E], 2700 m a. s. l., leg. R. P. M. Lejeune (dans bambusetum), 1 ♀ (MRAC 138498); 9. VIII. 1970, Rutshuru, 01 ° 11 ' S, 29 ° 27 ' E, V. 1937, leg. J. Ghesquière, 1 ♀ (MRAC 174313). KENYA: 1.5 km S of Castle Forest Lodge, 00 ° 23 ' S, 37 ° 18 ' E, 1985 m a. s. l., 21. IV. 2004, leg. R. Jocqué et al. (mountain forest, beating), 2 ♂ 2 ♀ 2 imm. (MRAC 215131), 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (MRAC 215136); Kakamega Forest, Ileho, 00 ° 13 ' N, 34 ° 54 ' E, 22. IX. 2002, leg. D. Shilabira Smith (Malaise trap), 1 ♀ (MRAC 220199); Same data but 14. IX. 2002, 1 ♀ (MRAC 220239); Same data but 28. IX. 2002, 1 ♀ (MRAC 220255); Same data but 22. VI. 2002, 1 ♀ (MRAC 220261); Same data but 29. VI. 2002, 1 ♀ (MRAC 220483); Same data but 20. VI. 2002, 1 ♀ (MRAC 220502); Nairobi, Karura Forest, 01 ° 14 ' S, 36 ° 49 ' E, 8. XII. 1979, leg. P. Reavell (dense edge trees and climbers), 1 ♀ (NMSA 13405). TANZANIA: Arusha Region: Hanang Mountain, south slope, 04 ° 26 ' S, 35 ° 24 ' E, 2200 – 2300 m a. s. l., 24 – 25. V. 1957, leg. P. Basilewsky & N. Leleup (forêt avec Cupressus, gorge du Himit), 1 ♀ (MRAC 111723). Iringa Region: Uzungwa Mountains, Mufindi, Kigogo Forest Reserve [08 ° 35 ' S, 35 ° 17 ' E], 1700 m a. s. l., 8 – 10. X. 1984, leg. N. Scharff (pitfall traps, montane rain forest), 1 ♂ (ZMUC); Uzungwa Mountains, Uzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve, 11 km SE of Masisiwe, Kihanga Stream, 08 ° 22 ' 05.7 " S, 35 ° 58 ' 41.6 " E, 1800 m a. s. l., 17 – 27. V. 1997, leg. ZMUC & USNM expedition (understory), 5 ♀ (ZMUC); Same data but canopy, 4 ♂ 3 ♀ (ZMUC). Kilimanjaro Region: Kilimanjaro: Marangu, 03 ° 17 ' S, 37 ° 31 ' E, 1550 m a. s. l., 27. II. 1956, leg. N. Leleup & J. Leleup, 1 ♀ (MRAC 112233); Mkomazi Game Reserve, 03 ° 58 ' S, 37 ° 48 ' E, 1. II. 1996, leg. A. Russell-Smith (roadside, in grass litter), 2 ♀ (BMNH); Same locality, top of Ibaya Hill, 04 ° 00 ' S, 38 ° 00 ' E, 29. I. 1996, leg. A. Russell-Smith (dry Spirostachys forest), 2 ♂ (MRAC 211322). Morogoro Region: Uluguru Mountains, Lupanga, West [06 ° 52 ' S, 37 ° 42 ' E], 1900 m a. s. l., 1. VII. 1981, leg. M. Stoltze & N. Scharff, 1 ♀ (ZMUC); Same data but I – VII. 1981 (pitfall trap), 1 ♂ (ZMUC). Tanga Region: East Usambara Mountains, Amani, 05 ° 05 ' S, 38 ° 37 ' E, 1000 m a. s. l., 20. VII. 1980, leg. M. Scholtze & N. Scharff, 1 ♂ 4 ♀ (ZMUC); East Usambara Mountains, Amani Forest, 05 ° 05.7 ' S, 38 ° 38.0 ' E, 950 m a. s. l., 27. X – 9. XI. 1995, leg. C. E. Griswold et al., 8 imm. 2 ♂ 4 ♀ (CAS); East Usambara Mountains, Amani, Mbomole Hill, 05 ° 05.7 ' S, 38 ° 37.0 ' E, 1000 m a. s. l., 5 – 8. XI. 1995, leg. C. E. Griswold et al., 28 imm. 10 ♀ (CAS); East Usambara Mountains, Dodwe Stream [05 ° 05.3 ' S, 38 ° 36.3 ' E], 900 m a. s. l., 10. VII. 1980, leg. M. Stoltze & N. Scharff, 1 ♂ (ZMUC); East Usambara Mountains, Sangarawe Forest, 05 ° 06.5 ' S, 38 ° 35.7 ' E, 990 m a. s. l., 5 – 6. XI. 1995, leg. C. E. Griswold et al., 2 imm. 1 ♂ (CAS); West Usambara Mountains, Lushoto District, Mazumbai Forest Reserve, 04 ° 49 ' S, 38 ° 31 ' E, 1370 – 1435 m a. s. l., 4. XII. 1995, leg. S. McKamey et al. (fog 31), 4 ♂ (ZMUC); Same locality, 04 ° 49 ' S, 38 ° 30 ' E, 1400 – 1800 m a. s. l., 10 – 20. XI. 1995, leg. C. E. Griswold et al., 24 imm. 4 ♂ 5 ♀ (CAS); Same locality, 04 ° 49 ' S, 38 ° 29 ' E, 1800 – 1900 m a. s. l., 10 – 20. XI. 1995, leg. C. E. Griswold, N. Scharff & D. Ubick, 12 imm. 1 ♂ 2 ♀ (CAS); West Usambara Mountains, Mazumbai, 04 ° 49 ' S, 38 ° 31 ' E, 1600 m a. s. l., 1. VIII. 1980, leg. M. Stoltze & N. Scharff, 1 ♂ (ZMUC).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFF6FFA8FACE99FFCCE7F94C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Widely distributed in equatorial Africa, as far west as Cameroon (Fig. 9).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE8FFADFACE9A3FCC8DFE00.taxon	description	Figs 6 G, H, 11	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE8FFADFACE9A3FCC8DFE00.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species name is taken from the Latin for “ mistaken or misled ”, which refers to the historical misidentification of this species in Africa as T. minor.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE8FFADFACE9A3FCC8DFE00.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The male of this species is most similar to T. leggi sp. nov., as they share a similar embolus shape, but it can be recognised by the proximal section of the embolus being directed retroproximally rather than retrodistally and by the position of the patellar apophysis, which is located distally as opposed to medially on the patella (cf. Figs 11 A, B and 14 A, B). It also differs from T. minor, which has a retrodistally orientated proximal section of the embolus and a medially positioned patellar apophysis, similar to T. leggi sp. nov. (see Bosselaers et al. 2009: figs 10, 11 and Jin et al. 2017: fig. 3). The female of this species also resembles that of T. minor in the general epigyne shape, particularly the oval anterior atria, but can be recognised by the relatively larger size of the atria (almost half the length of the epigynal plate) compared to those of T. minor, which are only approximately a quarter of the length of the epigynal plate (cf. Fig. 11 C with Bosselaers et al. 2009: figs 13 and Jin et al. 2017: fig. 2 G).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE8FFADFACE9A3FCC8DFE00.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 0.86 – 1.10, CW 0.74 – 0.88, AL 0.82 – 1.33, AW 0.71 – 1.10, TL 1.76 – 2.31, FL 0.06 – 0.08, SL 0.53 – 0.61, SW 0.53 – 0.57, AME – AME 0.06, AME – ALE 0.02, ALE – ALE 0.22, PME – PME 0.04, PME – PLE 0.06, PLE – PLE 0.33. Length of leg segments: I 2.30 (0.78, 0.41, 0.43, 0.31, 0.37); II 2.25 (0.61, 0.27, 0.57, 0.47, 0.33); III 1.85 (0.55, 0.27, 0.37, 0.41, 0.25); IV 2.62 (0.80, 0.29, 0.55, 0.69, 0.29). Carapace brown to reddish-brown; eye region orange to brown, with dark brown to black rings around eyes (Fig. 6 G); AME and ALE equal in size; clypeus height equal to distance slightly more than AME diameter; AME separated by distance equal to 0.7 their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance equal to 0.4 AME diameter; PME and PLE equal in size; PME separated by distance equal to their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance equal to 0.7 PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, endites and labium slightly lighter; three promarginal teeth, median tooth largest, distal tooth smallest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum pale brown, darker towards border. Abdominal dorsum pale creamy-yellow to pale grey (Fig. 6 G), with faint yellow dorsal scutum; two pairs of pale brown sigilla present. Legs I to IV pale yellow-brown. Palpal CY oval, gradually narrowed distally; retrolateral PA small, sharply pointed, positioned distally on patella; TE oval, SP with gradual median curve and distinct narrow proximal loop; EM originating prodistally, with proximal section broad, forming single narrow coil, distal section short, stout, directed distally (Fig. 11 A, B). Female. Measurements: CL 0.86 – 1.06, CW 0.86 – 1.76, AL 1.15 – 1.61, AW 0.47 – 1.22, TL 1.90 – 2.74, FL 0.04 – 0.08, SL 0.53 – 0.65, SW 0.55 – 0.60, AME – AME 0.04, AME – ALE 0.02, ALE – ALE 0.22, PME – PME 0.08, PME – PLE 0.06, PLE – PLE 0.33. Length of leg segments: I 2.31 (0.73, 0.29, 0.55, 0.41, 0.33); II 2.13 (0.63, 0.29, 0.49, 0.41, 0.31); III 1.76 (0.51, 0.25, 0.37, 0.39, 0.24); IV 2.68 (0.78, 0.29, 0.65, 0.67, 0.29). Carapace reddish-brown; eye region brown, with black rings around eyes (Fig. 6 H); AME and ALE are equal in size; clypeus height slightly more than AME diameter; AME separated by 0.7 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by about 0.2 × AME diameter; PME separated by their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 0.5 × PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, endites and labium dark yellow-brown; three promarginal teeth, median tooth largest, proximal tooth smallest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum pale brown, darker towards border. Abdominal dorsum creamy yellow, with mottled grey marking above spinnerets (Fig. 6 H); two pairs of sigilla, first pair pale brown, anterior to midpoint, second pair darker, posterior to midpoint. Legs I to IV pale yellow to pale brown. Epigyne with oval AT anteriorly, almost half the length of epigynal plate; CO small, located posteriorly in AT, partly overlapping large, round ST II; CD curling around atrial perimeter before entering ST II, separated by their diameter; Cd running along midline before abruptly bending at almost perpendicular angle posteriorly, entering subpentagonal ST I on their mesal margin; ST I separated by approximately their width (Fig. 11 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE8FFADFACE9A3FCC8DFE00.taxon	materials_examined	Type material: Holotype: ♂: CÔTE D’IVOIRE: Bouaké, F. - Foro, 07 ° 41 ' N, 05 ° 02 ' W, 26 – 28. VIII. 1974, leg. G. Couturier (piège coloré) (MRAC 216452). Allotype: ♀: same data as holotype (MRAC 216359). Paratypes: CÔTE D’IVOIRE: Bouaflé, Klébo, 06 ° 52 ' N, 06 ° 08 ' W, I. 1981, leg. J. Everts (pièges), 1 ♂ (MRAC 166407); Bouaflé, Koudougou, 05 ° 56 ' N, 05 ° 40 ' W, II. 1981, leg. J. Everts (pièges), 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (MRAC 166259); Bouaké, F. - Foro, 07 ° 41 ' N, 05 ° 02 ' W, 26 – 28. VIII. 1974, leg. G. Couturier (piège coloré), 2 ♀ (MRAC 216482), 1 ♀ (MRAC 216383). SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: Drakensberg Mountains, near Tendele Camp [28 ° 42 ' S, 28 ° 56 ' E], 11. XI. 2014, leg. A. Russell-Smith (in Protea savanna), 1 ♀ (BMNH); Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, 30 ° 43.079 ' S, 30 ° 16.381 ' E, 315 m a. s. l., 13. I. 2011, leg. C. Haddad (base of grass tussocks, open grassland patch), 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (TMSA 23990). Other material examined: CÔTE D’IVOIRE: Bouaflé, 06 ° 59 ' N, 05 ° 45 ' W, 29. I. 1981, leg. J. Everts (pitfalls), 1 ♂ (MRAC 173993); Bouaflé, Klébo, 06 ° 52 ' N, 06 ° 08 ' W, I. 1981, leg. J. Everts (piéges), 1 ♂ (MRAC 166407); Bouaflé, Koudougou, 05 ° 56 ' N, 05 ° 40 ' W, III. 1980, leg. J. Everts (piéges), 1 ♀ (MRAC 166253). NIGERIA: Ibadan, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (I. I. T. A.), 07 ° 14 ' N, 03 ° 30 ' E, 24. V. 1981, leg. A. Russell-Smith (sweeping ground layer and shrubs, secondary forest), 1 ♀ (MRAC 177308); Same locality, 12. VI. 1981, leg. A. Russell-Smith (beaten from shrub layer, bush plots, corp site), 1 ♀ (MRAC 177312); Same locality, 23. V. 1974, leg. A. Russell-Smith (corp. plots, 04), 1 ♀ (BMNH); Same locality, 28. VII. 1974, leg. A. Russell-Smith (corp site, fallow bush), 5 ♂ 6 ♀ (BMNH). SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: eThekwini / Durban, Buffelsdraai Township, 29 ° 38 ' S, 30 ° 58 ' E, 14. IV. 2019, leg. S. P. Mntambo (hand collecting, Chromolaena odorata eradication project), 1 ♀ (NCA 2019 / 959); Ithala Game Reserve, Onverdacht picnic site, 27 ° 31.967 ' S, 31 ° 18.984 ' E, 29. I. 2014, leg. C. Haddad (base of grass tussocks), 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2013 / 5091); Ndumo Game Reserve, Southern boundary, 26 ° 53.204 ' S, 32 ° 10.641 ' E, 10. XII. 2009, leg. C. Haddad (grass litter, Acacia tortilis savanna), 3 ♂ 2 ♀ (TMSA 23651); Same data as previous but leg. C. Haddad, R. Lyle & V. Butler, 4. VII. 2009, 1 imm. 1 ♂ 3 ♀ (TMSA 23563); Underberg, Sani Pass transect, 29 ° 41 ' S, 29 ° 31 ' E, 20. I. 2008, leg. University of Pretoria students (pitfall traps), 1 imm. 1 ♀ (NCA 2009 / 681). TANZANIA: Mkomazi Game Reserve, Kikolo plot, 04 ° 00 ' S, 38 ° 00 ' E, 25. I. 1996, leg. A. Russell-Smith (thick grass below Commiphora trees), 2 ♂ 2 ♀ (MRAC 211321).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE8FFADFACE9A3FCC8DFE00.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Widespread in the Afrotropical Region, but only known from Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania (Fig. 12). It is likely that all previous records of T. minor occurring in West Africa, including those from Senegal (Simon 1897: 183) and Sierra Leone and Liberia (Simon 1932: 977; Ramírez 2014: 373), refer to this new species, as their embolus structures are the most similar among the Trachelas sensu stricto and we found no specimens matching the genitalic morphology of T. minor, as illustrated in several recent papers (e. g. Bosselaers et al. 2009; Marusik & Kovblyuk 2010; Jin et al. 2017), among the specimens examined in this study. Unfortunately, we were unable to examine any material from those three countries to confirm this. Incidentally, the scanning electron micrographs of the vulva of T. minor by Ramírez (2014: fig. 179 D) were based on specimens from Algeria, which match the epigyne illustrations of Mediterranean populations of T. minor (Bosselaers et al. 2009: figs 13 – 15) and not T. falsus sp. nov. (Fig. 11 C, D), so we can definitively confirm that T. minor at least occurs in North Africa. As such, we conclude that T. minor does not occur in the Afrotropical Region and that its distribution is restricted to the Palaearctic Region, extending from the Mediterranean (including North Africa) to Central Asia.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEDFFAFFACE9B0ACD14FBD0.taxon	description	Figs 6 I, J, 13	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEDFFAFFACE9B0ACD14FBD0.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species name is derived from Latin for “ ground ”, which refers to the habitat of this species. Noun in apposition.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEDFFAFFACE9B0ACD14FBD0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The male of this species shares with T. canariensis the slender distal section of the embolus but can be distinguished by it curving towards the prodistal side, with the tip directed at 11 o’clock (Fig. 13 A), whereas that of T. canariensis curves towards the retrodistal side, with the tip directed at 1 o’clock (Fig. 8 A). The female is distinctive among Afrotropical Trachelas by the broad, transverse primary spermathecae, which are twice as wide as long (Fig. 13 C).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEDFFAFFACE9B0ACD14FBD0.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 1.08, CW 0.93, AL 1.30, AW 0.95, TL 2.20, FL 0.08, SL 0.65, SW 0.60, AME – AME 0.05, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.24, PME – PME 0.08, PME – PLE 0.05, PLE – PLE 0.35. Length of leg segments: I 3.63 (1.05, 0.40, 0.98, 0.70, 0.50); II 2.84 (0.83, 0.33, 0.73, 0.55, 0.40); III 2.17 (0.63, 0.30, 0.33, 0.63, 0.28); IV 3.28 (1.00, 0.33, 0.85, 0.75, 0.35). Carapace bright orange-brown (Fig. 6 I); eye region brown, with dark brown rings around eyes; AME and ALE equal in size; clypeus height 1.7 × AME diameter; AME separated by their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PME slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by slightly more than their diameter; PME separated from PLE by about 0.5 × PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, endites and labium slightly lighter; two promarginal teeth, proximal tooth largest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum pale brown, darker towards borders. Abdomen creamy-yellow dorsally, with faint grey mottled patch in posterior half; dorsal scutum pale yellow; first pair of sigilla very pale, anterior to midpoint; second pair darker, posterior to midpoint. Legs pale yellow-brown, femora of legs I and II dark yellow-brown. Palp yellow-brown, with PA finger-like, slightly curved towards proximal side; CY conical in distal half, gradually narrowed distally; TE oval, slightly more than 1 / 2 CY length; EM with proximal section nearly as broad as TE, curving clockwise, distal section slender, elongate, curving towards prodistal side, with tip directed at 11 o’clock (Fig. 13 A, B). Female. Measurements: CL 1.00 – 1.13, CW 0.93 – 0.95, AL 1.25 – 1.78, AW 0.85 – 1.35, TL 2.23 – 2.70, FL 0.05 – 0.08, SL 0.63 – 0.70, SW 0.53 – 0.63, AME – AME 0.08, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.23, PME – PME 0.10, PME – PLE 0.05, PLE – PLE 0.38. Length of leg segments: I 3.18 (0.95, 0.40, 0.75, 0.63, 0.45); II 2.75 (0.85, 0.35, 0.65, 0.53, 0.37); III 2.31 (0.63, 0.45, 0.43, 0.50, 0.30); IV 3.51 (1.00, 0.38, 0.85, 0.88, 0.40). Carapace orange-brown; eye region brown, with dark brown rings around eyes (Fig. 6 J); ALE slightly larger than AME; clypeus height slightly more than AME diameter; AME separated by their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PME slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by slightly more than their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 0.7 × PME diameter. Chelicerae, endites and labium orange; three promarginal teeth, distal tooth largest, proximal tooth smallest; three retromarginal teeth, median tooth largest, distal tooth smallest. Sternum pale brown, darker towards borders. Abdomen with dorsum pale yellow, with pale grey mottling (Fig. 6 J); first pair of sigilla very pale brown, anterior to midpoint; second pair darker, posterior to midpoint. Legs uniform pale brown; legs I and II slightly more robust and darker than legs III and IV. CO situated posteriorly in oval AT next to midline, their long axes converging anteriorly; CD initially as broad as CO, tapering rapidly while curving laterally and anteriorly, forming complete spiral terminating in small lollipop-shaped ST II anterolaterally; ST II separated by almost 10 × their diameter; Cd converging anteromesally, bending backwards, running along midline before entering broad, transversely oval ST I posterolaterally; ST I twice as broad as long, separated by approximately 1 / 6 their width (Fig. 13 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEDFFAFFACE9B0ACD14FBD0.taxon	materials_examined	Type material: Holotype ♂ and 6 ♀ paratypes: SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Eastern Shores Nature Reserve, 29 ° 05.726 ' S, 26 ° 09.435 ' E, 3. VII. 2007, leg. C. Haddad (leaf litter) (NCA 2007 / 2896). Paratypes: NAMIBIA: Caprivi Strip, Kwando [17 ° 41 ' S, 23 ° 28 ' E], 24. III. 1976, leg. F. Wanless & A. Russell-Smith (river Phragmites and Papyrus), 1 ♀ (BMNH). SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: Drakensberg Mountains, Royal Natal National Park, 40.6 km W of Bergville, 28 ° 41.369 ' S, 28 ° 56.243 ' E, 1480 m a. s. l., 21. I. 2011, leg. H. Wood et al. (general collecting, montane grassland and plantation), 1 ♀ (CAS, CASENT 9043415); Same locality, Thendele Camp, 28 ° 42.701 ' S, 28 ° 56.052 ' E, 1600 m a. s. l., 17. X. 2015, leg. C. Haddad (grass tussocks, alpine grassland), 5 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2015 / 2078); Drakensberg Mountains, Cathedral Peak Hotel, 28 ° 56.806 ' S, 29 ° 12.683 ' E, 1430 m a. s. l., 4. X. 2020, leg. R. Booysen & R. Steenkamp (hand collecting, at hotel gate), 1 ♂ (NCA 2021 / 1105); iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Eastern Shores Nature Reserve, 29 ° 05.726 ' S, 26 ° 09.435 ' E, 3. VII. 2007, leg. C. Haddad (leaf litter), 1 ♂ (MACN-Ar 12922, CJG- 03050), 1 ♀ (MACN-Ar 12924, CJG- 03051). Mpumalanga: Badplaas, Embuleni Nature Reserve, 26 ° 02 ' S, 30 ° 34 ' E, 28. III. 2001, leg. Y. M. Marusik, 1 ♀, together with 2 non-type imm. (ZMUM). Other material examined: SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: Drakensberg Mountains, Monk’s Cowl [29 ° 04 ' S, 29 ° 20 ' E], 16. XI. 2014, leg. A. Russell-Smith (grass tussock in Protea savanna), 1 ♂ (BMNH); Drakensberg Mountains, Royal Natal National Park, Cascade Falls pathway, 28 ° 41.373 ' S, 28 ° 56.246 ' E, 1485 m a. s. l., 21. I. 2011, leg. C. Haddad (base of grass tussocks), 2 ♀ (TMSA 23982); Ndumo Game Reserve, Nyamiti Pan, 26 ° 53.350 ' S, 32 ° 17.717 ' E, 53 m a. s. l., 17. X. 2020, leg. R. Booysen & R. Steenkamp (hand collecting), 1 ♀ (NCA 2021 / 1301).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEDFFAFFACE9B0ACD14FBD0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known from several localities in eastern South Africa and northeastern Namibia (Fig. 154).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEFFFA1FACE99C3CC1AFBBC.taxon	description	Figs 6 K, L, 14 A – D	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEFFFA1FACE99C3CC1AFBBC.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species is named after Robert Legg, who collected the holotype.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEFFFA1FACE99C3CC1AFBBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Males of this species share with T. falsus sp. nov. the short, transversely coiled embolus with a short, stout, distally directed tip, but can be distinguished from it by the broad proximal bend of the sperm duct (vs with closed proximal loop), the retrodistally directed proximal section of the embolus (vs retroproximally) and the medial position of the small patellar apophysis (vs distal). Females are most similar to T. russellsmithi sp. nov., as they have similarly sized copulatory openings directed mesally, but can be distinguished by the copulatory openings being separated by two diameters (vs equal to their diameter), the secondary spermathecae being positioned near the middle of the epigyne (vs anteriorly) and the abdomen being uniformly grey (vs with a narrow pale anterior stripe in T. russellsmithi sp. nov.).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEFFFA1FACE99C3CC1AFBBC.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 0.88, CW 0.70, AL 1.00, AW 0.65, TL 1.90, FL 0.03, SL 0.53, SW 0.50, AME – AME 0.03, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.15, PME – PME 0.05, PME – PLE 0.05, PLE – PLE 0.25. Length of leg segments: I 2.39 (0.68, 0.25, 0.55, 0.48, 0.43); II 1.86 (0.55, 0.20, 0.40, 0.38, 0.33); III 1.47 (0.43, 0.18, 0.28, 0.35, 0.23); IV 1.92 (0.55, 0.23, 0.43, 0.43, 0.28). Carapace yellow-orange, with dark brown mottling (Fig. 6 K); eye region brown, with dark brown rings around eyes; ALE larger than AME; clypeus height equal to AME diameter; AME separated by 0.5 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PME and PLE equal in size; PME separated by their diameter; PME separated from PLE by PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, paler towards fang base, endites and labium yellow-brown; two promarginal teeth, distal tooth largest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum brown, darker towards borders. Abdominal dorsum mottled grey, with dark brown undertones; scutum distinct, covering most of abdomen (Fig. 6 K). Legs uniform pale brown; legs I and II slightly more robust and darker than III and IV. Palp pale yellow-brown; PA small, rounded, medially situated; CY elongate-oval; TE oval, more than 1 / 2 CY length; SP with broad, U-shaped proximal bend; EM short, originating prodistally, with narrow, retrodistally directed proximal section in clockwise coil and short, distally directed tip (Fig. 14 A, B). Female. Measurements: CL 1.03, CW 0.92, AL 1.40, AW 1.11, TL 2.45, FL 0.06, SL 0.62, SW 0.59, AME – AME 0.06, AME – ALE 0.01, ALE – ALE 0.20, PME – PME 0.08, PME – PLE 0.05, PLE – PLE 0.33. Length of leg segments: I 2.37 (0.70, 0.37, 0.54, 0.43, 0.33); II 2.19 (0.62, 0.32, 0.49, 0.44, 0.32); III 1.79 (0.52, 0.29, 0.32, 0.42, 0.24); IV 2.59 (0.76, 0.31, 0.60, 0.63, 0.29). Specimen slightly faded; carapace yellow-orange, cream on posterior slope behind fovea; ocular region slightly darker, with black rings around eyes (Fig. 6 L); AME and ALE subequal; clypeus height 1.25 × AME diameter; AME separated by 1.2 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.17 × AME diameter; PLE very slightly larger than PME; PME separated by their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 0.6 × PME diameter. Chelicerae yellow-orange, endites and labium slightly lighter; three promarginal teeth, proximal tooth smallest, median and distal teeth subequal; two retromarginal teeth on common base, proximal tooth slightly larger. Sternum pale yellow, with darker border. Abdomen pale creamy-grey dorsally and ventrally, with faint grey mottling (Fig. 6 L). Legs uniform creamy-yellow. Epigyne with strongly curved, mesally directed ridges separated by twice their diameter; CD initially directed mesally and anteriorly, forming complete coil, narrowing terminally, with narrow channel leading to round ST II, separated by 1.2 × their diameter; Cd very narrow, looping laterally then mesally and posteriorly along midline, thickened posteriorly before looping back and forming narrow channel that enters round posterolateral ST I, separated by 1.3 × their diameter (Fig. 14 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEFFFA1FACE99C3CC1AFBBC.taxon	materials_examined	Type material: Holotype: ♂: SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape: Cape Peninsula, dunes north of Muizenberg, 34 ° 06 ' S, 18 ° 27 ' E, 21. IV – 5. V. 1991, leg. R. Legg (MRAC 173691). Paratype: SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape: Cape Town, Signal Hill [33 ° 55 ' S, 18 ° 24 ' E], 13. VIII. 1978, leg. A. Russell-Smith (under stones), 1 ♀ (BMNH). Other material examined. None.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFEFFFA1FACE99C3CC1AFBBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from the vicinity of Cape Town, South Africa (Fig. 12).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE1FFA0FACE996FCB21FF78.taxon	description	Figs 7 A, 14 E, F	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE1FFA0FACE996FCB21FF78.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species name is derived from Latin longus for “ long ”, which refers to the long embolus of the male.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE1FFA0FACE996FCB21FF78.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The male of this species can be easily recognised from congeners by the simple, curved, elongate embolus that is as long as the tegulum and the small, triangular retrolateral patellar apophysis pointing ventrally (Fig. 14 E, F), whereas directed ventrolaterally or laterally in other species. Female unknown.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE1FFA0FACE996FCB21FF78.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 1.50, CW 1.33, AL 1.90, AW 1.48, TL 3.30, FL 0.10, SL 0.85, SW 0.83, AME – AME 0.08, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.35, PME – PME 0.15, PME – PLE 0.10, PLE – PLE 0.55. Length of leg segments: I 3.79 (1.18, 0.50, 0.90, 0.73, 0.48); II 3.65 (1.13, 0.48, 0.83, 0.73, 0.48); III 2.68 (0.80, 0.38, 0.55, 0.65, 0.30); IV 3.66 (1.10, 0.43, 0.85, 0.93, 0.35). Carapace reddish-brown (Fig. 7 A); eye region dark brown, with black rings around eyes; AME and ALE subequal in size; clypeus height equal to AME diameter; AME separated by 0.5 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PLE slightly larger than PME; PME separated by 1.5 × their diameter; PME separated from PLE by PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, endites and labium dark yellow-brown; two promarginal teeth, distal tooth largest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum brown, darker towards border. Abdomen pale yellow, with brown scutum covering almost entire length of abdomen dorsally (Fig. 7 A); first pair of sigilla indistinct, anterior to midpoint of abdomen, second pair brown, elongate, posterior to midpoint. Legs uniform pale brown; legs I and II slightly darker, more robust than posteriors; tibiae of legs I and II with long, erect ventral setae. Palp dark yellow-brown, PA small, triangular, positioned distally, with tip directed ventrally; palpal tibia with shallow, rounded retrolateral ridge; CY rounded proximally, narrow distally; TE oval, SP curving transversely across tegulum; EM originating retrolaterally, simple, elongate, curved proventrally (Fig. 14 E, F).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE1FFA0FACE996FCB21FF78.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: ♂: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Sangha-Mbaéré Prefecture, Réserve Spéciale de Forét Dense de Dzanga-Sangha, 12.7 km 326 ° NW Bayanga, 03 ° 00 ' 18 " N, 16 ° 11 ' 36 " E, 420 m, 10 – 17. V. 2001, leg. B. L. Fisher (rainforest, beating low vegetation, BLF 4087) (CAS). Other material examined. None.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE1FFA0FACE996FCB21FF78.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 12).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE0FFA2FACE9C47CC26FCB8.taxon	description	Figs 7 B, 15	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE0FFA2FACE9C47CC26FCB8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The male of this species is distinctive among Afrotropical congeners and can be easily recognised by the embolus looping on the longitudinal axis of the palp in ventral view and the hatchet-shaped patellar apophysis in lateral view (Fig. 15 A, B). The epigyne of the new species is most similar to that of T. leggi sp. nov. but can be distinguished by the small copulatory openings that are separated by about three diameters (Fig. 15 C) vs copulatory openings larger and separated by two diameters (Fig. 14 C).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE0FFA2FACE9C47CC26FCB8.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 0.90, CW 0.74, AL 1.06, AW 0.75, TL 1.93, FL 0.04, SL 0.52, SW 0.46, AME – AME 0.04, AME – ALE 0.01, ALE – ALE 0.18, PME – PME 0.71, PME – PLE 0.03, PLE – PLE 0.28. Length of leg segments: I 2.04 (0.60, 0.27, 0.46, 0.38, 0.33); II 1.86 (0.55, 0.24, 0.40, 0.35, 0.32); III 1.48 (0.42, 0.22, 0.29, 0.34, 0.21); IV 2.17 (0.62, 0.25, 0.48, 0.55, 0.27). Carapace bright orange, eye region slightly darker, with black rings around eyes (Fig. 7 B); AME very slightly larger than ALE; clypeus height 1.1 × AME diameter; AME separated by 0.5 × times their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.1 × AME diameter; PME very slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by about 0.85 × their diameter; PME separated from PLE by about 0.4 × PME diameter. Chelicerae bright orange, endites and labium slightly lighter; three promarginal teeth, proximal tooth smallest, median tooth largest; two retromarginal teeth on common base, subequal in size. Sternum bright orange, with darker border, covered in faint grey mottling, concentrated around border. Abdominal dorsum cream in anterior half, dark grey in posterior half, with broad orange scutum covering ¾ of abdomen, covered in grey mottling (Fig. 7 B); venter uniform cream. All legs uniform creamy-yellow. Palp pale yellow-brown; PA hatchet-shaped, small, with broad base, narrowing near middle into ventrally directed point; CY oval, tapering to sharp point distally; TE oval, with prolateral protrusion proximally, almost 3 / 4 length of CY; SP simple, oblique, with gradual proximal bend; EM originating distally on tegulum behind broad TA, forming single simple loop on longitudinal axis of palp, with tip directed retrodistally (Fig. 15 A, B). Female. Measurements: CL 1.00 – 1.20, CW 0.95 – 1.08, AL 1.50 – 1.58, AW 1.08 – 1.20, TL 2.50 – 2.70, FL 0.03 – 0.10, SL 0.63 – 0.70, SW 0.60 – 0.70, AME – AME 0.08, AME – ALE 0.13, ALE – ALE 0.26, PME – PME 0.10, PME – PLE 0.05, PLE – PLE 0.33. Length of leg segments: I 2.91 (0.88, 0.40, 0.63, 0.53, 0.45); II 2.53 (0.70, 0.38, 0.55, 0.50, 0.40); III 2.15 (0.63, 0.33, 0.43, 0.48, 0.28); IV 2.96 (0.93, 0.35, 0.70, 0.70, 0.28). Carapace brown to reddish-brown; eye region brown to reddish-brown, with black rings around eyes; AME and ALE equal in size; clypeus height slightly larger than AME diameter; AME separated by 1.4 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.4 × AME diameter; PME and PLE equal in size; PME separated by 1.7 × their diameter; PME separated from PLE by PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, endites and labium yellow-brown; three promarginal teeth, median tooth largest, distal tooth smallest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum pale brown to brown, darker towards border. Abdomen pale yellow dorsally, darkening to grey posteriorly. Legs uniformly pale brown; legs I and II slightly more robust, slightly darker than legs III and IV. Epigyne with small, mesally directed ridges, with CO separated by three diameters; CD forming complete compact coil, with short narrow stalk entering round ST II in anterior half of epigyne [both ST II broken off during ultrasonic epigyne clearing]; Cd slender, converging near midline, looping back posteriorly before forming thickened oblique stalk entering oval posterolateral ST I, separated by slightly less than their diameter (Fig. 15 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE0FFA2FACE9C47CC26FCB8.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. LESOTHO: Mohale Dam, Island 3, 29 ° 25.396 ' S, 28 ° 05.903 ' E, 2040 m a. s. l., 16. XII. 2003, leg. C. Haddad (under rocks, montane grassland), 1 ♀ (NCA 2006 / 1338). SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZuluNatal: Tembe Elephant Park, 10. IV. 1998, leg. A. Leroy (leaf litter), 1 ♀ (NCA); Tembe Elephant Park, Viewing Tower, 27 ° 02.226 ' S, 32 ° 24.906 ' E, 115 m a. s. l., 5. XII. 2019, leg. C. Haddad & R. Booysen (base of grass tussocks), 1 ♂ (NMBA 18810). Western Cape: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Koppie Alleen, 34 ° 28 ' S, 20 ° 30 ' E, 6. IX. 2007, leg. C. Haddad (hand collecting), 1 ♀ (NCA 2007 / 119); George, Elsenberg [33 ° 58 ' S, 22 ° 25 ' E], 8. V. 1972, leg. Volschenk (grazing), 1 ♀ (NCA 76 / 1097); Stellenbosch, 28 Cluver Road [33 ° 55 ' S, 18 ° 52 ' E], 28. VIII. 1979, leg. H. Lombaard, 1 ♀ (NCA 2007 / 1329); Swellendam, Bontebok National Park, 34 ° 04 ' S, 20 ° 27 ' E, 30. X. 1987, leg. Entomology staff (various methods), 1 ♀ (NMBA 15002); same locality, 34 ° 02.990 ' S, 20 ° 28.890 ' E, 119 m a. s. l., 15. X. 2011, leg. L. Almeida et al. (general collecting, fynbos and grassland), 2 imm. 4 ♂ 3 ♀ (CAS, CASENT 9043374).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE0FFA2FACE9C47CC26FCB8.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Widely distributed in central, eastern and southern Africa (Fig. 16).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE2FFA2FACE9E6BCB28F870.taxon	description	Figs 7 C, 17 A, B	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE2FFA2FACE9E6BCB28F870.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species is named after Tony Russell-Smith, who collected the type series, in recognition of his contributions to African arachnology.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE2FFA2FACE9E6BCB28F870.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. This species closely resembles T. leggi sp. nov. in genitalic morphology, particularly in the size of the curved ridges surrounding the copulatory openings of the epigyne, but can be distinguished by the dark abdomen with a narrow pale median stripe in the anterior half of the abdomen (cf. Figs 7 C and 6 L) and by the more anterior position of the secondary spermathecae, in the same plane as the copulatory openings (Fig. 17 A) vs near the centre of the epigyne (Fig. 14 C). Male unknown.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE2FFA2FACE9E6BCB28F870.taxon	description	Female. Measurements: CL 0.99 – 1.10, CW 0.87 – 0.97, AL 1.40 – 1.52, AW 0.97 – 1.13, TL 2.53 – 2.72, FL 0.05 – 0.06, SL 0.62 – 0.66, SW 0.54 – 0.61, AME – AME 0.05, AME – ALE 0.01, ALE – ALE 0.21, PME – PME 0.08, PME – PLE 0.04, PLE – PLE 0.34. Length of leg segments: I 2.51 (0.76, 0.35, 0.56, 0.48, 0.36); II 2.38 (0.71, 0.33, 0.52, 0.47, 0.35); III 1.95 (0.59, 0.27, 0.38, 0.44, 0.27); IV 2.95 (0.87, 0.31, 0.68, 0.76, 0.33). Carapace bright yellow-orange (Fig. 7 C), paler on posterior slope behind fovea; eye region slightly darker, with black rings around eyes; ALE very slightly larger than AME; clypeus height equal to 1.44 × AME diameter; AME separated by 0.65 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.1 × AME diameter, almost touching; PME slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by slightly less than their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 0.5 × PME diameter. Chelicerae yellow-orange, endites and labium slightly lighter; three promarginal teeth, proximal tooth smallest, distal tooth largest; two subequal retromarginal teeth on common base; endites creamy-yellow; labium yellow-brown proximally, creamy-yellow distally. Sternum bright yellow-orange, borders orange-brown. Abdomen mottled dark grey dorsally, with narrow cream stripe in anterior half and eight fine recurved transverse chevrons in posterior half (Fig. 7 C); venter cream, with faint grey mottling. Legs pale yellow-brown, distal ends of femora and entire patellae creamy-yellow. Epigyne with strongly curved, mesally directed ridges near anterior edge of epigynal plate; CD short, forming incomplete coil, initially directed mesally, then anteriorly, folding back laterally before entering round anterolateral ST II, separated by ther diameter; Cd narrow, curving anteromesally before running along midline of epigyne, thickened posteriorly, folding back and looping laterally before entering transverse oval ST I on their anterior margin; ST I separated by 1.2 × their diameter (Fig. 17 A, B).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE2FFA2FACE9E6BCB28F870.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype ♀ and 2 ♀ paratypes: ETHIOPIA: 51 km E of Addis Ababa [ca. 09 ° 00 ' N, 39 ° 20 ' E], 18. VI. 1988, leg. A. Russell-Smith (under stones, dry hillside) (BMNH). Other material examined. None.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE2FFA2FACE9E6BCB28F870.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from the type locality (Fig. 16)	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE5FFA4FACE9D9ACB5DFAD4.taxon	description	Figs 7 D, E, 17 C – G	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE5FFA4FACE9D9ACB5DFAD4.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species name is derived from the Latin for the “ scutum ”, which refers to the abdominal scutum being present in both males and females.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE5FFA4FACE9D9ACB5DFAD4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The male of this species can be easily recognised from congeners by the long embolus with two loops along its course and the presence of a rounded retrolateral tibial apophysis (Fig. 17 C, D). The female is unique among Afrotropical congeners in the presence of a dorsal scutum that covers the entire abdomen (Fig. 7 E), as well as the small adjacent copulatory openings at the centre of the epigyne that lead to looping copulatory ducts that are initially directed anteriorly (Fig. 17 E – G).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE5FFA4FACE9D9ACB5DFAD4.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 1.30 – 1.50, CW 1.13 – 1.15, AL 1.30 – 1.50, AW 1.08 – 1.13, TL 2.60 – 2.80, FL 0.08 – 0.10, SL 0.70 – 0.80, SW 0.63 – 0.80, AME – AME 0.03, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.25, PME – PME 0.08, PME – PLE 0.05, PLE – PLE 0.38. Length of leg segments: I 3.46 (1.08, 0.53, 0.85, 0.65, 0.35); II 3.28 (1.05, 0.45, 0.75, 0.65, 0.38); III 2.44 (0.68, 0.35, 0.53, 0.50, 0.38); IV 3.07 (0.98, 0.35, 0.68, 0.78, 0.28). Carapace reddish-brown (Fig. 7 D); eye region slightly darker, with black rings around eyes; ALE larger than AME; clypeus height about 1.25 AME diameter; AME separated by 0.5 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PLE slightly larger than PME; PME separated by their diameter; PME separated from PLE by about 0.5 × PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, endites and labium dark yellow-brown; two promarginal teeth, distal tooth largest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum brown, darker towards border. Abdomen pale yellow dorsally; dorsal scutum brown, covering almost entire length of abdomen (Fig. 7 D); anterior pair of sigilla anterior to midpoint, paler than posterior pair, situated posterior to midpoint. Legs uniformly pale brown, legs I and II more robust, darker than legs III and IV. Palp dark yellow-brown; PA small, triangular, with pointed tip; tibia with rounded RTA; CY broad proximally, narrowed abruptly at midpoint, with shallow retrolateral ridge at EM tip; TE oval, slightly more than 1 / 2 the length of CY; proximal section of EM broad, initially looping in transversal plane, bending clockwise distally then laterally, with tip along retrolateral side of cymbium, directed distally (Fig. 17 C, D). Female. Measurements: CL 1.00 – 1.10, CW 0.88 – 1.00, AL 1.30 – 1.60, AW 0.98 – 1.30, TL 2.40 – 2.70, FL 0.08 – 0.10, SL 0.55 – 0.63, SW 0.50 – 0.65, AME – AME 0.03, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.20, PME – PME 0.08, PME – PLE 0.05, PLE – PLE 0.33. Length of leg segments: I 2.59 (0.88, 0.35, 0.60, 0.43, 0.33); II 2.43 (0.80, 0.30, 0.53, 0.50, 0.30); III 1.89 (0.58, 0.28, 0.38, 0.45, 0.20); IV 2.56 (0.80, 0.28, 0.60, 0.65, 0.23). Carapace reddish-brown (Fig. 7 E); eye region brown, with black rings around eyes; ALE slightly larger than AME; clypeus height equal to AME diameter; AME separated by 0.7 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PLE larger than PME; PME separated by their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 0.7 × PME diameter. Chelicerae reddish-brown, endites and labium brown; two promarginal teeth, proximal tooth largest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum orange, darker towards border. Abdomen pale grey dorsally, with brown dorsal scutum covering almost entire length of abdomen (Fig. 7 E). Legs uniformly pale yellow, anterior legs slightly more robust than posteriors. Epigyne with median CO, CD initially directed anteriorly, looping laterally, anteriorly then posteriorly before entering teardrop-shaped lateral ST II on anterior margin; ST II separated by their diameter; Cd short, narrow, entering oval posteromesal ST I on anteromesal margin; ST I separated by slightly less than 1 / 2 their width (Fig. 17 E – G).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE5FFA4FACE9D9ACB5DFAD4.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype ♂ and allotype ♀, with one non-type juvenile: NIGERIA: Lagos Colony, Agege [06 ° 37 ' N, 03 ° 19 ' E], 5. XII. 1948, leg. B. Malkin (CAS). Paratypes: GHANA: Kakum Forest, 05 ° 20 ' N, 01 ° 23 ' E, 17. XI. 2005, leg. R. Jocqué et al. (secondary forest, fogging), 1 ♂ 7 ♀ (MRAC 218262), 2 ♂ 3 ♀ (MRAC 218271). Other material examined. None.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE5FFA4FACE9D9ACB5DFAD4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Forests in Ghana and Nigeria (Fig. 16).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE4FFA7FACE98C7CB28FA11.taxon	description	Figs 7 F, 18	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE4FFA7FACE98C7CB28FA11.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species is named after Dominic Shilabira Smith, who collected the entire type series.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE4FFA7FACE98C7CB28FA11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. This species resembles T. falsus sp. nov. in the structure of the epigyne, particularly the adjacent oval atria that extend approximately half the length of the epigynal plate, but it can be distinguished by the distinct chevron markings on the abdomen (vs uniformly coloured with grey posterior patch; cf. Figs 6 H and 7 F) and the bilobed secondary spermathecae (Fig. 18), vs round (cf. Figs 18 and 11 C, D). Male unknown.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE4FFA7FACE98C7CB28FA11.taxon	description	Female. Measurements: CL 1.60 – 1.73, CW 1.48 – 1.65, AL 2.18 – 2.40, AW 1.68 – 1.95, TL 3.80 – 4.28, FL 0.05 – 0.10, SL 0.90 – 1.03, SW 0.93 – 1.05, AME – AME 0.08, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.35, PME – PME 0.15, PME – PLE 0.10, PLE – PLE 0.38. Length of leg segments: I 5.33 (1.65, 0.65, 1.25, 1.08, 0.70); II 4.81 (1.40, 0.63, 1.25, 0.93, 0.60); III 3.66 (1.00, 0.53, 0.75, 0.93, 0.45); IV 5.21 (1.55, 0.53, 1.25, 1.38, 0.50). Carapace reddish-brown (Fig. 7 F); eye region darker, with black rings around eyes; AME slightly larger than ALE; clypeus height slightly less than AME diameter; AME separated by 0.5 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PLE slightly larger than PME; PME separated by 1.2 × their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 0.7 × PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, endites and labium yellow-brown; two promarginal teeth, distal tooth largest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum mottled brown, darker towards borders. Abdomen pale creamy-yellow, with dark grey chevron markings dorsally and longitudinal patches laterally, connected in posterior half of abdomen (Fig. 7 F); both pairs of sigilla pale brown, either side of midpoint. Legs pale brown, femora darker; legs I and II slightly more robust, darker than legs III and IV. Epigyne with adjacent oval AT anteriorly, extending almost half length of epigynal plate; CD following path of AT, entering bilobed mediolateral ST II on anterior margin; ST II separated by about 1 / 3 their width; Cd running along midline of epigyne, thickened and looping back posteriorly, then laterally, entering oval ST I on anteromesal margins; ST I separated by their width (Fig. 18).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE4FFA7FACE98C7CB28FA11.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype: ♀: KENYA: Kakamega Forest, 00 ° 13 ' N, 34 ° 54 ' E, 1654 m a. s. l., leg. D. Shilabira Smith, 3 – 10. III. 2002 (Malaise trap) (MRAC 212720). Paratypes: KENYA: Kakamega Forest, 00 ° 13 ' N, 34 ° 54 ' E, 1654 m a. s. l., leg. D. Shilabira Smith, 27. IV. 2002 (Malaise trap), 1 ♀ (MRAC 220271); Same locality, leg. D. Shilabira Smith, 13. IV. 2002 (pitfall traps), 1 ♀ (MRAC 220547). Other material examined. None.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE4FFA7FACE98C7CB28FA11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from the type locality (Fig. 16)	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE7FF99FACE9B03CB9BFBD0.taxon	description	Figs 7 G, H, 19	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE7FF99FACE9B03CB9BFBD0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The male of this species is most similar to T. chubbi but can be recognised by the sharply pointed embolus tip and the relatively broad profile of the embolus in ventral view (Fig. 19 A, B), vs a clearly narrower embolus with a broad, not sharp, tip (Fig. 10 A, B). The female of T. sylvae can be easily recognised from Afrotropical congeners by the massive oval atria that extend nearly 2 / 3 of the length of the epigynal plate and the very small posterior primary and secondary spermathecae (Fig. 19 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE7FF99FACE9B03CB9BFBD0.taxon	discussion	Remarks. While the types could only be examined from photographs, those images and Caporiacco’s (1949: figs 76 a – b) drawings correspond most closely to the specimens we examined. In the absence of any other similar Afrotropical species, we are sure that our specimens represent T. sylvae.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE7FF99FACE9B03CB9BFBD0.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 1.30 – 1.33, CW 1.08 – 1.15, AL 1.30 – 1.80, AW 0.85 – 1.13, TL 2.60 – 2.80, FL 0.03 – 0.05, SL 0.73 – 0.80, SW 0.70 – 0.75, AME – AME 0.05, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.20, PME – PME 0.10, PME – PLE 0.10, PLE – PLE 0.44. Length of leg segments: I 3.44 (0.93, 0.45, 0.88, 0.70, 0.48); II 3.19 (0.90, 0.40, 0.78, 0.68, 0.43); III 2.43 (0.70, 0.30, 0.53, 0.60, 0.30); IV 3.39 (0.98, 0.38, 0.78, 0.90, 0.35). Carapace reddish-brown (Fig. 7 G); eye region brown, with dark rings around eyes; ALE and AME equal in size; clypeus height approximately AME diameter; AME separated by 0.7 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PME and PLE equal in size; PME separated by 1.4 × their diameter; PME separated from PLE by PME diameter. Chelicerae pale brown, endites and labium brown; two promarginal teeth, distal tooth largest; two retromarginal teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum pale yellow, orange towards border. Abdomen pale yellow, with yellow-brown scutum covering entire dorsum, with brown to grey chevron markings dorsally (Fig. 7 G); median line extending to middle of abdomen, with numerous lateral chevrons in posterior half, connected to grey lateral stripe. Legs uniform pale yellow to pale brown, with incomplete bands; legs I and II more robust than III and IV; femora I and II with incomplete distal band; patellae without bands; tibiae with two incomplete bands, one distal and one proximal; metatarsi I with incomplete proximal band; tarsi without bands. Palp brown; PA very short, tooth-like, situated distally; CY oval, distal third slightly twisted retrolaterally on its axis; TE oval, about 2 / 3 CY length; SP S-shaped, with pronounced proximal and distal bends; EM originating prodistally, looping behind weak TA, distal section broad and stout in ventral view, inverted 6 - shaped with sharp tip in retrolateral view (Fig. 19 A, B). Female. Measurements: CL 1.60 – 1.98, CW 1.48 – 1.63, AL 2.65 – 2.80, AW 2.15 – 2.33, TL 4.35 – 4.78, FL 0.08 – 0.13, SL 0.98 – 1.10, SW 0.88 – 1.00, AME – AME 0.08, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.33, PME – PME 0.15, PME – PLE 0.10, PLE – PLE 0.58. Length of leg segments: I 5.09 (1.58, 0.65, 1.23, 0.98, 0.65); II 4.88 (1.45, 0.60, 1.23, 1.00, 0.60); III 3.67 (1.08, 0.50, 0.78, 0.88, 0.43); IV 5.03 (1.43, 0.55, 1.20, 1.35, 0.50). Carapace reddish-brown (Fig. 7 H); eye region brown, with black rings around eyes; AER slightly recurved, almost straight; ALE slightly larger than AME; clypeus height equal to AME diameter; AME separated by their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.2 × AME diameter; PLE slightly larger than PME; PME separated by 1.25 × their diameter; PME separated from PLE by PME diameter. Chelicerae reddish-brown, endites and labium slightly lighter; two promarginal tooth, distal tooth largest; retromargin with two subequal teeth. Sternum orange, brown towards border. Abdomen pale yellow, mottled grey dorsally; faint chevron marking present, with dark grey median line extending to midpoint of abdomen, with numerous lateral branches (Fig. 7 H). Legs uniformly brown, with incomplete bands; legs I and II more robust, slightly darker than III and IV; femora I and II with incomplete distal band; patellae without bands; tibiae with incomplete distal and proximal bands; metatarsi I with incomplete proximal band; tarsi without bands. Epigyne with large, oval AT that extend 2 / 3 the length of epigynal plate, with anterolateral CO; CD broad, curving anteriorly, then mesally and posteriorly before entering oval posterolateral ST II, separated by 4 × their width; connecting ducts short, with simple thickened posterior loop before entering oval posteromedian ST I, separated by less than their diameter (Fig. 19 C, D).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE7FF99FACE9B03CB9BFBD0.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. CAMEROON: Southwest Province, Meme Division, Mount Kupe, above Nyassossa, 04 ° 50 ' N, 09 ° 41 ' E, 1200 – 1600 m a. s. l., 16 – 19. II. 1992, leg. C. Griswold et al. (forest), 1 ♀ (ZMUC). D. R. CONGO: Bikara, 18 km S of Lubéro, route Lubéro-Gama, 00 ° 15 ' S, 29 ° 12 ' E, 1200 ft. a. s. l., XII. 1976, leg. M. Lejeune (feuilles sechea de fougères), 1 ♀ (MRAC 159861); Northern side of Mount Ruwenzori, Kikura Camp [00 ° 35 ' N, 29 ° 55 ' E], 2000 m a. s. l., VII – VIII. 1974, leg. M. Lejeune (fauchage), 2 ♂ 2 ♀ (MRAC 154142); Northern slope of Mount Ruwenzori, Kilindera Camp [00 ° 23 ' N, 29 ° 57 ' E], 2750 m a. s. l., VII – VIII. 1974, leg. M. Lejeune (intérieur de bambous morts), 1 ♂ (MRAC 155120); Cataractes, Route Lubero-Butembo, région de Lukanga, Vukengete Forest, 05 ° 01 ' N, 14 ° 18 ' E, 2210 m a. s. l., XII. 1974 – I. 1975, leg. M. Lejeune (mousses couverte de graminés), 1 ♀ (MRAC 168075). UGANDA: Ruwenzori [00 ° 22 ' N, 29 ° 52 ' E], 1952, leg. G. O. Evans, 3 ♂ 2 ♀ (BMNH).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFE7FF99FACE9B03CB9BFBD0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Scattered localities in equatorial Central Africa (Fig. 16).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFD9FF99FACE981BCC31F91A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Thysanina can be easily distinguished from Trachelas sensu stricto by the smooth rather than tuberculate carapace texture, the presence of ventral cusps and dense scopulae on the anterior tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi of males and females, respectively, and the consistent presence of chevron markings on the abdomen of both sexes (rare in Trachelas sensu stricto). However, Thysanina is itself probably polyphyletic, and may represent three different genera based on morphological and molecular data (Haddad et al. 2021; Haddad 2025). Despite a revision (Lyle & Haddad 2006), wherein a range of genitalic morphology between the six known species was presented, the composition of the genus needs to be revised in future, taking into consideration that more than 15 new species have been subsequently discovered and are awaiting description (C. H., unpublished data).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFD9FF9AFACE9A04CC0FF870.taxon	description	Figs 20, 21	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFD9FF9AFACE9A04CC0FF870.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Males can be easily distinguished from all congeners by the very long flattened embolus that forms three broad coils, with the tip directed proximally (Figs 20 B, C, 21 B, C), whereas the embolus is not coiled in the other species (Lyle & Haddad 2006). Females of this species can be distinguished by the broad, transversely oval posterior atrium containing the copulatory openings and the unique long copulatory ducts that spiral several times towards the anterior ST II, with the connecting duct bending back medially along the spiral axis before entering the posterolateral ST I (Figs 20 E, 21 D, E). In other Thysanina species, the atria containing the copulatory openings are paired and the copulatory ducts do not comprise multiple spirals (see Lyle & Haddad 2006).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFD9FF9AFACE9A04CC0FF870.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The transfer of this species to Thysanina is supported by the dense ventral scopulae on the anterior legs of females, the presence of ventral cusps on the tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi I and II of the males, the absence of leg spines, the smooth carapace texture and the characteristic abdominal chevron markings of the specimens examined. The female is redescribed and illustrated and the male described and illustrated for the first time here.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFD9FF9AFACE9A04CC0FF870.taxon	description	Male. Measurements: CL 1.37 – 1.40, CW 1.16 – 1.19, AL 1.49 – 1.58, AW 1.02 – 1.10, TL 2.63 – 2.73, FL 0.09 – 0.10, SL 0.78 – 0.81, SW 0.66 – 0.68, AME – AME 0.07, AME – ALE 0.01, ALE – ALE 0.24, PME – PME 0.08, PME – PLE 0.10, PLE – PLE 0.44. Length of leg segments: I 4.06 (1.22, 0.56, 0.97, 0.79, 0.52); II 3.51 (1.08, 0.48, 0.78, 0.71, 0.46); III 2.79 (0.78, 0.41, 0.56, 0.67, 0.37); IV 4.08 (1.19, 0.43, 0.98, 1.08, 0.40). Carapace deep yellow-brown, with mottled grey stripe along midline and radiating striae directed from fovea towards palps and legs, all but that directed at leg IV ending in dark transverse blotch (Fig. 20 A); surface finely wrinkled, covered in sparse short erect white setae; eye region slightly darker between median eyes, with black rings around eyes; clypeus height equal to AME diameter; AER slightly procurved, ALE slightly larger than AME; AME separated by 0.8 × their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.15 × AME diameter; PLE slightly larger than PME; PME separated by slightly more than their diameter; PME separated from PLE by PLE diameter. Chelicerae yellow-brown, with distinct boss; anterior surface quite rugose, with scattered long, fine setae; three slightly separated promarginal teeth, proximal tooth smallest, median tooth largest; two adjacent retromarginal teeth, proximal tooth slightly larger. Sternum yellow-brown, with darker borders and dense grey mottling, paler along midline and in stripes radiating from centre towards coxae, forming star-shaped paler marking; surface smooth, covered in scattered short, fine setae; precoxal triangles present; intercoxal sclerites present between all coxal pairs. Abdomen cream dorsally, with faint yellow scutum covering entire dorsum; two pairs of sigilla present, at 1 / 4 and 1 / 2 abdomen length; dorsum with black stripe along midline, undulating and partly broken in posterior half, accompanied by eight pairs of mediolateral black chevron markings in posterior half (Fig. 20 A); sides cream, with continuous broad black line from anterior margin to spinnerets; venter cream, with pair of mediolateral black stripes from epigastric furrow to spinnerets. Legs I and II pale yellow-brown, III and IV yellow; all femora and patellae with broad distal black band; all tibiae and metatarsi with narrow black band at 1 / 4 their length and broad black band distally; tarsi without markings; anterior legs more robust, surface covered with short, fine setae; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi of all legs; ventral cusps present on tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi I and II (Fig. 21 A); all legs spineless. Palp pale yellow-brown; femur and patella without apophyses, tibia with simple triangular RTA, directed dorsolaterally in ventral view and dorsally in lateral view; CY oval; TE round, providing base for very long, flattened EM, forming three complete coils radiating outwards from point of origin near centre of TE, with tip directed at palpal patella; TE mainly obscured by EM in ventral view; SP clearly visible along entire length of EM in lateral view (Figs 20 B, C, 21 B, C). Female. Measurements (eye and leg measurements from second largest specimen): CL 1.60 – 1.70, CW 1.33 – 1.53, AL 2.38 – 2.50, AW 1.68 – 1.95, TL 3.98 – 4.20, FL 0.08 – 0.13, SL 1.00 – 1.08, SW 0.87 – 0.88, AME – AME 0.08, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.30, PME – PME 0.10, PME – PLE 0.10, PLE – PLE 0.48. Length of leg segments: I 4.84 (1.48, 0.68, 1.13, 0.95, 0.60); II 4.16 (1.25, 0.63, 0.95, 0.83, 0.50); III 3.24 (1.00, 0.48, 0.65, 0.73, 0.38); IV 4.77 (1.45, 0.53, 1.18, 1.13, 0.48). Carapace brown (Fig. 20 D); first two thirds of carapace rounded, with steep decline in last third; surface texture smooth, covered with short, fine setae; fovea short, distinct, at two thirds CL; eye region brown with black rings around eyes; AER slightly recurved, almost straight; ALE larger than AME; clypeus height about AME diameter; AME separated by their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.4 × AME diameter; PME and PLE equal in size; PME separated by their diameter; PME separated from PLE by PME diameter. Chelicerae brown, anterior surface covered with scattered fine, dark, long setae; three promarginal teeth, proximal tooth largest, distal tooth smallest; two retromarginal teeth, equal in size. Sternum light brown, darker towards border, shield-shaped; surface smooth, covered in scattered short, fine setae. Abdomen dorsum pale yellow, with grey chevron; chevron with dark grey median line, extending to 2 / 3 abdomen length, with several branches extending laterally (Fig. 20 D); abdomen broad anteriorly, tapering posteriorly. Legs uniform pale brown, with distinct, incomplete grey bands on femora to metatarsi; femora with two closed distal bands, patellae covered almost entirely by single band; tibiae and metatarsi with single distal and proximal bands; relatively dense dark scopulae ventrally on metatarsi and tarsi; remaining leg segments with scattered fine, pale setae; regular leg spines, cusps absent. Epigyne weakly sclerotised, with transversely oval posterior AT, with CO situated anteriorly therein; CD broad, spiralling anteriorly, forming four complete spirals before entering anterior finger-like ST II; Cd directed posteriorly along spiral axis, diverging posteriorly before entering small, oblique elongate ST I posterolaterally, separated by 2 × their width; CD with clublike transverse accessory gland after one complete coil (Figs 20 E, 21 D, E).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFD9FF9AFACE9A04CC0FF870.taxon	materials_examined	Other material examined. SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape: Cederberg Wilderness Area, near Driehoek, 23 km 38 ° NE of Citrusdal, 32 ° 25.741 ' S, 19 ° 09.921 ' E, 945 m a. s. l., 10. X. 2011, leg. L. Almeida et al. (general collecting, shaded moist cliff in fynbos), 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (CAS, CASENT 9043358); Hermanus, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, 34 ° 23.815 ' S, 19 ° 16.256 ' E, 29. IX. 2007, leg. R. Lyle (beats, fynbos), 1 ♀ (NCA 2007 / 3837); Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, 1.79 km 238 ° WSW of Paarl, 33 ° 44.109 ' S, 18 ° 56.755 ' E, 404 m a. s. l., 7. X. 2011, leg. L. Almeida et al. (fynbos, general collecting), 4 ♀ (CAS, CASENT 9043262); Riversdale, Spioenkop Nature Reserve, 34 ° 00.127 ' S, 21 ° 24.420 ' E, 365 m a. s. l., 8. X. 2022, leg. C. Haddad et al. (sifting litter, fynbos), 1 ♀ (NMBA 19325); Vredendal, Farm Grootfontein 105, 32 ° 04 ' S, 18 ° 39 ' E, 21. X. 1987, leg. L. Lotz (beating), 1 ♀ (NMBA 1991).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFD9FF9AFACE9A04CC0FF870.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only known from the Western Cape Province, South Africa (Fig. 22).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
03C387AFFFDDFF9DFACE9918CA72FA1C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species was described from Senegal on the base of a juvenile female, as the original description indicates (translated) “ Unfortunately we only have one young female whose sexual characteristics are not developed. ” The type specimen could not be traced and is presumed lost. The original description is insufficient to identify the species, so we consider it a nomen dubium, taking into consideration that no other Trachelas sensu stricto reported in this paper have been collected in Senegal and the historical record of T. minor from the country could not be verified. The slightly larger size (4 mm) compared to most of the other species treated herein suggest that it could possibly belong to another genus.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Lyle, Robin (2025): A revision of the genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae: Trachelidae) in the continental Afrotropical Region. Zootaxa 5673 (4): 451-493, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5673.4.1
