Abstract
We examine the internal morphology of the female genitalia of representatives of the three subfamilies of the spider family Ochyroceratidae (Ochyroceratinae, Psilodercinae and Theotiminae) by means of scanning electron microscope. Ochyroceratines have the uterus externus constricted into a narrow neck at its connection with the uterus internus, which, after comparison with other spider families, is proposed as a synapomorphy of the subfamily. We describe Ochyrocera diablo sp. nov. from Misiones province in northeastern Argentina. The measurements of their eggs and uterus externus indicate that the eggs must squeeze through a small duct 40 times smaller in diameter. We also propose that another synapomorphy for Ochyroceratinae is the insertion of the male palpal copulatory organ in a projecting pedestal at the base of the cymbium, and update the differential diagnosis of the subfamily. Finally, we recognize that Psilodercinae Deeleman-Reinhold, 1995 is a junior objective synonym and homonym of Psilodercinae Machado, 1951.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Zoologischer Anzeiger - A Journal of Comparative Zoology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
