 |
A, B, C: Brachypelma boehmei
D: Tliltocatl kahlenbergi,
F: Tliltocatl schroeder
in Mendoza & Francke, 2020.
|
Abstract
The tarantula genus Brachypelma includes colourful species that are highly sought after in the commercial pet trade. They are all included in CITES appendix II. We present phylogenetic analyses using molecular and morphological characters to revise Brachypelma, in which we include all currently known species. Our results agree with a previous study that shows the non-monophyly of Brachypelma. Both phylogenies strongly favour the division of Brachypelma into two smaller genera. The first clade (Brachypelma s.s.) is formed by B.albiceps, B. auratum, B. baumgarteni, B. boehmei, B. emilia, B. hamorii, B. klaasi and B. smithi. The species included in the second clade are transferred to the new genus Tliltocatl and is formed by T. albopilosum comb. nov., T. epicureanum comb. nov., T. kahlenbergi comb. nov., T. sabulosum comb. nov., T. schroederi comb. nov., T. vagans comb. nov. and T. verdezi comb. nov. Both genera can be differentiated by their coloration and the shape of the genitalia. We transfer to Tliltocatl: T. alvarezi, T. andrewi and T. aureoceps, but should be considered as nomina dubia. In addition, we transfer B. fossorium to Stichoplastoris. We discuss the implications of these taxonomical changes for CITES and for the Mexican Laws for wildlife protection.
Keywords: distribution, geography, genus revision, mitochondrial DNA, new genera, phylogenetic nomenclature, phylogenetics
 |
| Distribution map of formerly known Brachypelma redleg (s.s.) and red rump (s.l.) species complex with more accurate distribution areas based on museum specimens. Biogeographic regions of distribution for Mexican species is indicated. Circles = red leg complex; squares = red rump complex; diamond = Brachypelma fossorium, which actually does not belong to any of the mentioned groups. |
 |
| Figure 22. A–C, Brachypelma boehmei, habitus; D, habitat. A, male; B, female with black around ocular area; C, female with black lateral areas on ocular regions; D, deciduous forest and shrubland in the habitat of B. boehmei.
Photos: A, B, D, J. Mendoza; C, E. Goyer.
|
 |
| Figure 42. A–F, Tliltocatl spp, habitus. A–B, Tliltocatl epicureanum: A, male from type locality (Yucatán); B, female from type locality (Yucatán). C–D, Tliltocatl kahlenbergi: C, female (Veracruz); D, male (Oaxaca); E–F, Tliltocatl schroeder: E, female (Oaxaca); F, male (Oaxaca). Photos: J. Mendoza. |
Tliltocatl Mendoza & Francke, gen. nov.
Etymology: The genus gender is masculine. The name is a noun
in apposition comprising the Nahuatl words Tlil,
which means ‘black’, and tocatl, which means ‘spider’,
referring to the black coloration of species in the genus.
Jorge Mendoza and Oscar Francke. 2020. Systematic Revision of Mexican Threatened Tarantulas Brachypelma (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae), with A Description of A New Genus, and Implications on the Conservation. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 188(1); 82–147. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz046
