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A taxonomical revision and
phylogenetic analysis of the orb weaver spider genus Acusilas
Simon, 1895 (Araneae, Araneidae)
Acusilas is a small araneid genus, currently comprising six
species. Five of these occur in the oriental region, while only one is
found in Africa. There is considerable sexual size dimorphism in the
genus; the females are five times longer than the males. The web is a
regular orb-web, but with a retreat made by a curled-up leaf placed at
the hub.
Phylogenetically, Acusilas may be sister to the cyrtophorines.
Adding Acusilas to the morphological character matrix of Scharff
and Coddington (1997), without adding any new characters, resultet in a
sistergroup relationship between Acusilas and 'cyrtophorines'.
My investigation into this genus has so far resulted in only male
characters defining the genus and the discovery of some new species and
a previously undescribed male.
I will revise the genus taxonomically, describe the new species, provide
a species level phylogeny and a key to the included species. |
