The batuensis -group

Diagnosis: Small to medium-sized spiders (carapace length of males 4.42-6.46, carapace width 4.02- 5.87). Distinguished from species of other groups by males with a strongly reduced proximal edge on the tegulum (Figs 19H, 21B, 23I) and with an elongated prodorsal-apical lobe on the cymbium (Figs 19C, 21H, 23J). Females similar to those of the linang -group in possessing a vulval plate with reduced pigmentation and sclerotisation, distinguished by a relatively wider vulval plate with the poreplate only partially connected to the large and wide posterior stalk or separated by a short distance (Figs 20, 22, 24).

Species included: Liphistius batuensis, L. tempurung and L. priceae sp. nov.

Relationships: The reduced pigmentation and sclerotisation of the vulval plate and the reduced posterior edge of the tegulum point to a close relationship with the linang -group, but a loss or reduction is only a weak indication for common ancestry. At present the relationships of the batuensis - group with other groups are unclear, but there is strong morphological evidence for close relationship among the species of the batuensis -group. Moreover, all three species have a strong association with caves (much more so than in species of the tioman -group).

Distribution: Western and central part of peninsular Malaysia (Fig. 1, localities 15-18). All species are known exclusively from limestone caves.