Trapdoor spiders of the genus Misgolas (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae) in the Illawarra and South Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

This paper reports on species of the idiopid trapdoor spider genus Misgolas Karsch, 1878 found in the Illawarra and South Coast Regions of New South Wales, Australia. They comprise eight new species: M. horsemanae n.sp., M. gwennethae n.sp., M. phippsi n.sp., M. kampenae n.sp., M. paulaskewi n.sp., M. rowelli n.sp., M. tannerae n.sp. and M. shawi n.sp. Four species dealt with in Wishart (1992) and one in Wishart (2006) are also included in the region covered by this work: M. rapax (synonymous with M. hubbardi), M. dereki, M. kirstiae, M. robertsi (Main & Mascord, 1974) and M. gracilis respectively. M. elegans (Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918) is retained here but is regarded as a nomen dubium. Evidence is provided supporting the species status of M. montanus (Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918). A key for males of the species within the region is presented, as well as distribution map and comments on taxonomy and natural history.