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26 June 2015 The Goblin Spider Genus Khamisia and Its Relatives (Araneae, Oonopidae)
Norman I. Platnick, Lily Berniker
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Abstract

The goblin spider genus Khamisia Saaristo and van Harten was based on a single female from Yemen characterized by large lateral extensions of the sternum that widely separate coxae II and III. Three new species, including the first known males of the genus, are described: K. hayer from the United Arab Emirates, K. atlit from Israel, and K. holmi from Kenya. All these species are united by having only two trichobothria on the palpal tibia; K. hayer has apparently been introduced into Cape Verde. Other specimens with a similarly modified sternum have been found in Africa, Madagascar, and the Virgin Islands, but differ in having the normal set of three trichobothria on the palpal tibia. The new genus Khamisina is established for three new species that also differ in having an abdominal color pattern, a punctate sternum, and uniquely shaped cheliceral setae: K. kivu from DR Congo, K. kilifi from Kenya, and K. ibadan from Nigeria. A second new genus, Khamiscar, is established for six new species from Madagascar in which the sternum is widened posteriorly and bears marginal radiating ridges, and the tarsal organs have only a single raised receptor: K. anta, K. maro, K. tola, K. kiri, K. baly, and K. ambi. A third new genus, Khamisoides, is established for three bizarre new species from the Virgin Islands (K. muchmorei from St. Croix; K. edwardsi and K. calabash from St. John) that differ in having only two eyes, fused posterior median spinnerets, and female genitalia with a pair of lateral receptacula and anteriorly directed apodemes.

Copyright © American Museum of Natural History 2015
Norman I. Platnick and Lily Berniker "The Goblin Spider Genus Khamisia and Its Relatives (Araneae, Oonopidae)," American Museum Novitates 2015(3837), 1-68, (26 June 2015). https://doi.org/10.1206/3837.1
Published: 26 June 2015
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