A revision and phylogenetic analysis of the spider genus Coptoprepes Simon (Araneae: Anyphaenidae, Amaurobioidinae)

Abstract

We review the spider genus Coptoprepes Simon, endemic of the southern forests in Chile and Argentina, and present a phylogenetic analysis of the 10 known species of the genus together with other 91 representatives of the family Anyphaenidae. Coptoprepes is confirmed as a member of the tribe Amaurobioidini. The sister group of Coptoptepes is the genus Negayan Ramírez. Both genera are united by having contiguous spermathecae and a notch retrolateral to the cymbial conductor, where the median apophysis fits. The synapomorphies of Coptoprepes (the tegulum being displaced basally, the copulatory openings on or close to the epigastric furrow, and the lacking of some leg macrosetae) are homoplasious in the tribe Amaurobioidini. Most intergeneric branches within the tribe, as well as between species of Coptoprepes have low support values in the cladogram. This is probably related to Coptoprepes species being heterogeneous in characters usually constant in spider genera, such as the presence of retrolateral tibial apophysis in the male palp, the copulatory ducts being wrapped along an axis, or the spherical shape of spermathecae. We describe six new species: Coptoprepes ecotono n. sp., Coptoprepes bellavista n. sp., Coptoprepes casablanca n. sp., Coptoprepes contulmo n. sp., Coptoprepes eden n. sp., and Coptoprepes recinto n. sp. We provide additional records, illustrations, and reviewed diagnosis of the four previously known species: Coptoprepes flavopilosus Simon, Coptoprepes nahuelbuta Ramírez, Coptoprepes campanensis Ramírez, and Coptoprepes valdiviensis Ramírez.