Phylogeny of Aphantochilinae and Strophiinae sensu Simon (Araneae; Thomisidae)

Abstract

This study tests the monophyly of ant‐mimicking Thomisidae (Aphantochilinae and Strophiinae sensu Simon), redefines the composition of these taxa, proposes tribes and discusses aspects of their myrmecomorphy and biogeography. The analysis is based on a matrix composed of 113 morphological characters and 37 terminal taxa (11 Aphantochilinae, 16 Strophiinae and 10 belonging to the out‐group). The 12 most parsimonious trees with 232 steps, obtained with equally weighted characters, support the monophyly of Aphantochilinae sensu Simon. Strophiinae emerges as a paraphyletic group divided into two clades: a basal clade that groups Strophius and Strigoplus (Strophiini new status) and another clade that includes Ceraarachne, Simorcus and Ulocymus (Ceraarachnini new status) as the sister group of Aphantochilus + Bucranium (Aphantochilini new status). Diagnoses are presented for the tribes and genera in this analysis. The synonymy between Bucranium and Aphantochilus is rejected. Majellula and Acracanthostoma are considered junior synonyms of Bucranium, and Synstrophius of Ceraarachne. The monophyly of Synstrophius is not recovered, S. blanci is transferred to Ceraarachne and S. muricatus is transferred to Ulocymus. Ant‐preying behaviour appears to be basal and has been documented for Strophiini and Aphantochilini species. Myrmecomorphy, which was documented for Aphantochilus, is presumably derived. The biogeographical analysis of Aphantochilinae and Strophiinae suggests an ancient relation between Neotropical, Afrotropical and Oriental species, with probable origin after the breakup of Gondwana, that is, in early Paleogene.