A revision of the spider family Stenochilidae (Arachnida, Araneae). American Museum novitates ; no. 2556

Abstract

"Stenochilidae Thorell, previously considered a subfamily of Palpimanidae, is again established as a valid family. The presence of a shared derived character (prolateral leg scopulae), as well as numerous differences in carapace shape, number of thoracic grooves, eye pattern, cheliceral dentition, labial structure, extent of the abdominal scutum, number of spinnerets, relative leg segment lengths, and genitalia establish Palpimanidae and Stenochilidae as sister groups of equivalent rank and familial status. major differences in genitalia and carapace shape are used to construct a probable phylogeny and reclassification of Stenochilidae. The genus Metronax Simon is placed as a junior synonym of Stenochilus O.P.-Cambridge. Two specific names are newly synonymized: Stenochilus raudus Simon with S. hobsoni O.P.-Cambridge, and Metronax laetus Thorell with Colopea pusilla (Simon). Two new species are described: Stenochilus scutulatus from northern India and Colopea tuberculata from Fiji. Genitalic and somatic characters of the group are illustrated in detail for the first time"--P. 3.