The tetragnathid spider genus Orsinome is presently recognized by 17 species, mostly known from Asian tropics, many with singular records and restricted distribution. Although a valid genus, its diagnostic characters have remained unedited since over 120 years.… Read More »Systematics and biogeography of the leucaugine spider genus Orsinome (Araneae, Tetragnathidae)
Amblypygi (whip spiders) and Solifugae (camel spiders) [both are not spiders, really!] are the last remaining groups in Chelicerata with foundational hypothesis about their evolutionary relationships. We developed a global collaboration to gather specimens from… Read More »First global phylogenies of the “neglected arachnid cousins”
In female spiders, the second pair of appendages, pedipalps serves as a sensory organ and in males they are modified as secondary reproductive organs. Interestingly, females of miniature spiders (Anapidae and Symphytognathidae) have reduced palp while… Read More »How did spiders become smaller?: tracing the palp size reduction and its loss
Patu digua, the smallest known spider (0.37 mm long) on the planet belongs to the family of miniature spiders, Symphytognathidae. The informal group of symphytognathoids comprise the families Anapidae, Mysmenidae, Symphytognathidae and Theridiosomatidae. Two recent… Read More »How did the smallest orb-weaving spiders cross the Pacific ocean?