Anelosimus studiosus (Hentz, 1850)

Agnarsson, Ingi, 2006, A revision of the New World eximius lineage of Anelosimus (Araneae, Theridiidae) and a phylogenetic analysis using worldwide exemplars, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 146 (4), pp. 453-593 : 471

publication ID

https://doi.org/ 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2006.00213.x

persistent identifier

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/236D8D66-FF86-FF87-2693-2833FA36604D

treatment provided by

Felipe

scientific name

Anelosimus studiosus
status

 

THE STUDIOSUS View in CoL GROUP – CLADE 5

F. O. P.- Cambridge (1902) described a variable and widespread A. studiosus , but commented that the variation could indicate several similar species (see quote at beginning of this chapter). Levi (1956) agreed with F. O. P.- Cambridge’s (1902) previously suggested synonymies, and added Enoplognatha dubia and A. fraternus . The species thus became even more variable and widespread, from Argentina to northeastern United States (e.g. Washington, DC), and from a wide range of altitudes (0–4000 m) and habitats (e.g. tropical forest, temperate scrub). In a section called ‘subspecies’ Levi (1956: 419) commented on, and illustrated, the considerable geographical variation in size and genitalic, especially palpal, morphology of his A. studiosus . Given the complexity of Anelosimus taxonomy, and virtual absence of behavioural data, Levi understandably preferred to treat all these taxa as one species. However, in addition to differences in morphology, recent studies indicate differences in behaviour (including different levels of sociality) and barriers to breeding (failed breeding experiments) between several geographically separated populations ( Brach, 1977; Furey, 1998; Jones & Parker, 2002; L. Avilés, pers. comm.). With access to much more material, and armed with new behavioural observations, it seems now that Levi’s (1956) A. studiosus is rather a species complex, including at least eight species. The studiosus group (see Fig. 59 View Figure 59 , clade 5) is here supported by two unambiguous synapomorphies: closely arranged sclerotized copulatory ducts (10 -1, Fig. 44D View Figure 44 ), and a snout-like Eb (75 -1, Figs 44A, F View Figure 44 , 49B, H, K, L View Figure 49 ).

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Arachnida

Order

Araneae

Family

Theridiidae

Genus

Anelosimus

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