Selenopidae Simon, 1897

Crews, Sarah C. & Harvey, Mark S., 2011, The spider family Selenopidae (Arachnida, Araneae) in Australasia and the Oriental Region, ZooKeys 99, pp. 1-104 : 4-6

Family Selenopidae Simon, 1897

Selenopinae Simon 1897: 23. Type genus Selenops Latreille, 1819.

Definition.

Benoit (1968) clearly defined the family Selenopidae . Here, we revise this definition to accommodate new species and new genera within the family. All members of the Selenopidae are extremely dorsoventrally flattened, have two tarsal claws and laterigrade legs. They are ecribellate, entelegynes, with eight eyes in two rows; with six in the first row and two in the second row (see also Jocqué and Dippenaar-Schoeman 2006).

Description.

Selenopidae are a variety of colors including various shades of grey, brown, yellow, and orange, with darker markings on the cephalothorax and spots or mottling on the abdomen, and annulations on the legs of most species. Chelicerae robust with 2 to 4 cheliceral teeth on each margin. Clypeus is low and chilum absent. Most genera have a longitudinal fovea with lateral radiations, 3 on each side. Labium wider than long, or as long as wide. Endites with dense terminal scopulae. Sternum oval to round with a posterior indentation; sternum extending between coxae IV. Six spinnerets; colulus absent. The legs are long and robust, with the tibiae and metatarsi of legs I and II with paired spines; these spines are the primary character that we use to separate genera. Tarsal scopulae present or absent in both males and females. Tarsal claws variable, prolateral claw is toothed and retrolateral claw is smooth in several species, but in several instances they are both toothed, with prolateral claw having more teeth than the retrolateral claw, or both claws can be smooth. Like in most spider groups, species of selenopids are differentiated by the copulatory organs, thus, the copulatory organs are variable. In many species the epigynum has a median septum and lateral lobes, however there are exceptions. Spermathecae highly sclerotized and occur in various shapes and sizes, from simple to complex (Figs 2-3). Male palps with RTA that is 2-3 branched in many species, with dorsal and ventral branches, or dorsal, median, and ventral branches (Figs 5-6, 83-84); conductor present, often sclerotized (Figs 5-6, 83-84).

Distribution.

The Selenopidae occur worldwide and are primarily tropical and subtropical, though several species are found in deserts, and can be found from sea level to over 2500 meters.

Key to genera of Selenopidae

Females (those of Godumops gen. n.are unknown)

Males (those of Amamanganops gen. n.and Pakawops gen. n. are unknown)