Systematics of the palisade trapdoor spiders (Euoplos) of south-eastern Queensland (Araneae:Mygalomorphae:Idiopidae): four new species distinguished by their burrow entrance architecture
File version
Author(s)
Rix, Michael G
Raven, Robert J
Schmidt, Daniel J
Hughes, Jane M
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Within the spiny trapdoor spider genus Euoplos Rainbow exists a group of species from south-eastern Queensland that create unusual ‘palisade’ burrow entrances. Despite their intriguing burrows, the group was only recently circumscribed, and all species within it were undescribed. In this study, by undertaking a molecular phylogenetic analysis of two mitochondrial markers and seven nuclear markers, we confirm that the palisade trapdoor spiders, here formally named the ‘turrificus-group’, are monophyletic. We further recognise four species based on morphological, molecular and behavioural characters: E. crenatus, sp. nov., E. goomboorian, sp. nov., E. thynnearum, sp. nov. and E. turrificus, sp. nov. Morphological taxonomic data for each species are presented alongside information on their distribution, habitat preferences and burrow architecture. A key to species within the turrificus-group is also provided. The unusual burrow entrances of these spiders, which project out from the surrounding substrate, are found to exhibit structural autapomorphies, which allow species-level identification. Consequently, we include features of burrow architecture in our key and species diagnoses. This provides a non-intrusive method for distinguishing species in the field. Finally, we conclude that all species within the turrificus-group are likely to represent short-range endemic taxa.
Journal Title
Invertebrate Systematics
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
33
Issue
2
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
DOI
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Evolutionary biology
Zoology
Ecology
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Arachnida
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Wilson, JD; Rix, MG; Raven, RJ; Schmidt, DJ; Hughes, JM, Systematics of the palisade trapdoor spiders (Euoplos) of south-eastern Queensland (Araneae:Mygalomorphae:Idiopidae): four new species distinguished by their burrow entrance architecture, Invertebrate Systematics, 2019, 33 (2), pp. 253-276