A team of scientists from institutions in China and Singapore has conducted a study that has resulted in the discovery of three new species of spiders of the genus “Songthela,” found at several sites in the Chinese province of Hunan.
The spiders are animals of the order “Araneae” that have previously been classified into three different suborders. Migalomorphs are the first suborder, characterized by heavy bodies and, in some cases, hairy legs, such as funnel-web spiders and tarantulas. The second suborder is made up of the araneomorphs, which are distinguished by their chelicerae, appendages with sharp, pincer-like edges that cross diagonally downward. These arachnids use their silk to wrap eggs and line burrows, but not for hunting.
The last suborder is the Mesothelae, considered the most primitive of the living spiders. These arthropods have segmented abdomens usually covered with plates and are small in size (1 to 2 centimeters long). They usually inhabit small environments in parts of Asia, such as groves, caves, and mountain folds.
In this new study, recently published in the journal ZooKeys, three new mesothelial species, scientifically named “Songthela zhongpo,” “Songthela longhui,” and “Songthela anhua,” have been identified and described. These arachnids were named for the genus and the regions of Hunan Province where they were found. The scientists collected live sub-adult specimens from various sites, such as parks, fields, and other areas, and brought them to the laboratory for the purpose of rearing them to maturity. According to those responsible for the research, one of the surest ways to identify mesothelial spiders is to compare their sexual organs (male palp and female genitalia), something that is only possible in mature specimens.
Most Mesothelian species are at risk because they inhabit limited geographic areas, so it is important to search for and identify them before they disappear as a result of human activities. The accurate description and classification of these three new spider species is an important step in understanding the diversity and distribution of mesothelae spiders and could be useful for the conservation and protection of these endangered species.