The genus Lycosoides Lucas, 1846 in the Maghreb region, with the description of five new species (Araneae: Agelenidae)

Abstract

North African species of the genus Lycosoides Lucas, 1846 are revised. Five new species are described: L. incisofemoralis Bosmans, sp. n. (♂♀) from Algeria, L. kabyliana Bosmans, sp. n. (♂♀) from Algeria, L. murphyorum Bosmans, sp. n. (♂♀) from Morocco, L. robertsi Bosmans, sp. n. (♂) from Tunisia, and L. saiss Bosmans, sp. n. (♂♀) from Morocco. Previously unknown sexes are first described for two species: L. leprieuri (Simon, 1875) from Algeria (♀) and L. parva (Denis, 1954) from Morocco (♂). One synonym is proposed: Lycosoides subfasciata (Simon, 1870) with L. flavomaculata (Lucas, 1843), syn. n. An identification key to all Lycosoides species of the Maghreb is provided. A complicated shape of the palpal conductor, with distinct dorsal and ventral branches, appears to be an important diagnostic character for the genus Lycosoides.