[Arachnida • 2019] The Brushed Jumping Spiders (Araneae, Salticidae, Jotus L. Koch, 1881) from Eastern Australia

Jotus karllagerfeldi 

Baehr, Schubert & Harms, 2019

 DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.34496

Abstract

The Australian fauna of Jumping spiders (family Salticidae) is highly diverse and includes iconic lineages such as the peacock spiders (genus Maratus Karsch, 1878) that are well-known for their vibrant colours and fascinating behaviours. Many other jumping spiders in Australia are also highly attractive but almost nothing is known about their diversity and taxonomic identity. Here, we describe and illustrate eight species of ‘brushed’ jumping spiders (genus Jotus L. Koch, 1881). Three of these were described more than 140 years ago and are redescribed and illustrated here: Jotus auripes L. Koch, 1881, J. braccatus L. Koch, 1881 and J. minutus L. Koch, 1881. Five new species are also described: Jotus albimanus sp. nov., J. fortiniae sp. nov., J. karllagerfeldi sp. nov., Jotus moonensis sp. nov., and J. newtoni sp. nov. While Jotus is a diverse and frequently observed genus in Australia, specimens are strangely rare in museum collections. A comprehensive revisionary framework including targeted field work and molecular methods will be required to fully document this charismatic and attractive group of spiders.

Key Words: new species, Euophryinae, Karl Lagerfeld, Museum Godeffroy, taxonomy

Figure 1. Life images: A–C Jotus karllagerfeldi sp.n.: A front view; B back view; C side view (Photos: Mark Newton);
D, E Jotus auripes L. Koch, 1881: D front view; E side view (Photos: Joseph Schubert).

 Figure 2. Life images: A–C Jotus fortiniae sp. nov.: A side view; B front view; C back view (Photos: Robert Whyte);
D, E Jotus spp. (unidentified species): D front view; E front view (Photos: Michael Doe).

 Barbara C. Baehr, Joseph Schubert and Danilo Harms. 2019. The Brushed Jumping Spiders (Araneae, Salticidae, Jotus L. Koch, 1881) from Eastern Australia. Evolutionary Systematics. 3(1): 53-73. DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.3.34496

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