An unusual new wolf spider species from the Erg Chebbi Desert in Morocco (Araneae: Lycosidae: Evippinae)

Abstract

A new species of the lycosid subfamily Evippinae is introduced and preliminarily assigned to the genus Evippomma Roewer, 1959. It was found in the Erg Chebbi Desert in Morocco. Evippomma rechenbergi sp. nov. is a wolf spider with unusual morphological and behavioural features, c.g., having exceptional scales on most of its body and carrying sand by interconnecting sand grains with silk threads. A detailed description and delimitation of this species is given. Its genus-affiliation is found uncertain. We conclude that a comprehensive revision and phylogenetic study of all African genera of the subfamily Evippinae are needed to enable unambiguous identification (including unambiguous genus identification) and for a better understanding of phylogenetic relationships among these genera.

Synopsis of the Evippinae (Araneae, Lycosidae) of Israel, with description of a new species

“…The species inhabit deserts, grasslands and savannas. Evippomma rechenbergi is known to construct silk-lined burrows in sand (Bayer, Foelix & Alderweireldt 2017), as we recorded for E. simoni as well (Fig. 2D).…”

“…Zyuzin (1985) described Xerolycosa as found in dry conifer forests, steppes and arable land, while Evippa inhabits flood plains, semideserts and deserts, often as a sole representative of Lycosidae. They are largely presumed vagrant (Alderweireldt & Jocqué 2017), although burrow construction behavior is known from species of Xerolycosa (Marusik et al 2011) and Evippomma (Bayer et al 2017). Both diurnal and nocturnal activity has been observed (Zyuzin 1985; I.…”

“…Seven species are included: Evippomma albomarginatum Alderweireldt, 1992; E. evippiforme (Caporiacco, 1935); E. evippinum (Simon, 1897); E. plumipes (Lessert, 1936); E. rechenbergi Bayer et al, 2017;E. simoni Alderweireldt, 1992;and E. squamulatum (Simon, 1898).…”

Contribution to the knowledge of the spider fauna of Morocco (Arachnida: Araneae) – First note – On new records of cave spiders

“…Given the location of the country in the Mediterranean basin, a global biodiversity hotspot, this low number explains why many spider species (including species new to science) are added to the national checklist every year (e.g. Bayer et al 2017, Benhalima & Bosmans 2020, Massa & Ribera 2021). The poor knowledge of the Moroccan spider fauna is especially reflected in cave environments, a traditionally understudied habitat that yielded several species new to science over the last years (e.g.…”