Rapid development in karst-rich regions of the US state of Texas has prompted the listing of four Cicurina species (Araneae, Dictynidae) as US Federally Endangered. A major constraint in the management of these taxa is the extreme rarity of adult specimens, which are required for accurate species identification. We report a first attempt at using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences to accurately identify immature Cicurina specimens. This identification is founded on a phylogenetic framework that is anchored by identified adult and/or topotypic specimens. Analysis of approximately 1 kb of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (CO1) mtDNA data for over 100 samples results in a phylogenetic tree that includes a large number of distinctive, easily recognizable, tip clades. These tip clades almost always correspond to a priori species hypotheses, and show nonoverlapping patterns of sequence divergence, making it possible to place species names on a number of immature specimens. Three cases of inconsistency between recovered tip clades and a priori species hypotheses suggest possible introgression between cave-dwelling Cicurina, or alternatively, species synonymy. Although species determination is not possible in these instances, the inconsistencies point to areas of taxonomic ambiguity that require further study. Our molecular phylogenetic sample is largest for the Federally Endangered C. madla. These data suggest that C. madla occurs in more than twice the number of caves as previously reported, and indicate the possible synonymy of C. madla with C. vespera, which is also Federally Endangered. Network analyses reveal considerable genetic divergence and structuring across caves in this species. Although the use of DNA sequences to identify previously 'unidentifiable' specimens illustrates the potential power of molecular data in taxonomy, many other aspects of the same dataset speak to the necessity of a balanced taxonomic approach.

We tested the effects of different preservatives and temperatures on the yield of spider and scorpion DNA useable for PCR amplification. Our experiment was designed to simulate conditions in the field and laboratory over a six-week time period, testing the preservatives RNAlater®, propylene glycol, and various ethanol concentrations. Three replicates of each preservation treatment were stored at five different temperature treatments; –80°C, –20°C, 2–4°C, 19–24°C, and 40°C. DNA was extracted and quality was assessed by electrophoresis on mini-gels, and by PCR amplification of high copy mitochondrial DNA fragments (cytochrome oxidase subunit I) and low copy nuclear DNA fragments (actin). Results show that RNAlater® and propylene glycol are significantly better than the other preservatives for high quality DNA preservation and that tissue is best stored at –80°C or –20°C. Storage in 95% ethanol is appropriate if specimens are stored at –20°C or –80°C. We believe our results can help guide biologists in choosing preservatives and temperatures for DNA-based research on arachnids, other arthropods and invertebrates in general.

The intraspecific variability recently documented in the genus Cicurina strongly suggests a reassessment of the taxonomy, particularly for the troglobitic members. Adult troglobitic Cicurina (subgenus Cicurella) are rare and most of the 60 nominal species of troglobitic Cicurina (Cicurella) were originally described upon the examination of only one or two females, resulting in numerous species differing only in minor variations of the female genitalia. In many cases, such morphological differences could also be interpreted as intraspecific variability. We present the first step of the taxonomic revision of the genus with the redescription of all troglobitic species of the subgenus Cicurella based on type specimens to provide a reliable and comparable morphological basis: Cicurina bandera Gertsch 1992, C. bandida Gertsch 1992, C. baronia Gertsch 1992, C. barri Gertsch 1992, C. browni Gertsch 1992, C. brunsi Cokendolpher 2004, C. bullis Cokendolpher 2004, C. buwata Chamberlin & Ivie 1940, C. caliga Cokendolpher & Reddell 2001, C. caverna Gertsch 1992, C. coahuila Gertsch 1971, C. coryelli Gertsch 1992, C. cueva Gertsch 1992, C. delrio Gertsch 1992, C. ezelliGertsch 1992, C. gruta Gertsch 1992, C. holsingeri Gertsch 1992, C. hoodensis Cokendolpher & Reddell 2001, C. leona Gertsch 1992, C. loftini Cokendolpher 2004, C. machete Gertsch 1992, C. madla Gertsch 1992, C. maya Gertsch 1977, C. mckenziei Gertsch 1992, C. medina Gertsch 1992, C. menardia Gertsch 1992, C. mirifica Gertsch 1992, C. mixmaster Cokendolpher & Reddell 2001, C. neovespera Cokendolpher 2004, C. obscura Gertsch 1992, C. orellia Gertsch 1992, C. pablo Gertsch 1992, C. pastura Gertsch 1992, C. patei Gertsch 1992, C. platypus Cokendolpher 2004, C. porteri Gertsch 1992, C. puentecilla Gertsch 1992, C. rainesi Gertsch 1992, C. reclusa Gertsch 1992, C. reddelli Gertsch 1992, C. reyesi Gertsch 1992, C. russelli Gertsch 1992, C. sansaba Gertsch 1992, C. selecta Gertsch 1992, C. serena Gertsch 1992, C. sheari Gertsch 1992, C. sprousei Gertsch 1992, C. stowersi Gertsch 1992, C. suttoni Gertsch 1992, C. travisae Gertsch 1992, C. troglobia Cokendolpher 2004, C. ubicki Gertsch 1992, C. uvalde Gertsch 1992, C. venefica Gertsch 1992, C. venii Gertsch 1992, C. vespera Gertsch 1992, C. vibora Gertsch 1992, C. wartoni Gertsch 1992, C. watersi Gertsch 1992 and C. wiltoni Gertsch 1992. We provide, in a series of maps, a first visual assessment of the distribution of these troglobites. Several problems became evident from our examination of the data, including potential synonymies, conflicting distributions, damaged types, potential mislabeling, species known only from one sex, misevaluation of intraspecific variability, and unknown location of type localities. A reliable taxonomic basis for the eyeless members of this genus is particularly important for cave conservation and management because the particular conservation status of these troglobites, particularly for four species that are included on the U.S. Federal list of endangered species.

This checklist records the occurrence of 1413 species of spiders (Araneae) in 43 families in Canada and Alaska. Distributions of species are given by state, territory and province. Each species name is presented in its original combination, followed by primary synonyms, if any. The list is dominated by members of the family Linyphiidae (39.5% of total species). Highest numbers of species are recorded for Ontario (746), British Columbia (700) and Québec (677). We record 69 species that are thought to be introduced from elsewhere and 321 that are known in the Palaearctic.

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