Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics

Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics

Additions to the spider fauna (Araneae) of Algeria: first records of five species from the northern Sahara

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Badreddine Dekkoumi 1
Youcef Alioua 2
Salim Meddour 2
1 Mathematics and Applied Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Ghardaïa, BP 455, 47000 Ghardaïa, Algeria
2 Laboratoire de Valorisation et Conservation des Ecosystèmes Arides (LVCEA). Faculty of Natural, Life and Earth Sciences, University of Ghardaïa, BP 455, 47000 Ghardaïa, Algeria
10.48311/jibs.12.01.109
Abstract
The spider fauna of the Algerian Sahara remains poorly studied despite its vast arid landscapes and unique ecological conditions. In this study, we report five spider species newly recorded from Algeria, based on material collected in the region of El Meghaier, northern Sahara. These are Rhysodromus lepidus (Blackwall, 1870) (Philodromidae), Pellenes hedjazensis Prószyński, 1993 (Salticidae), Theridion jordanense Levy & Amitai, 1982 (Theridiidae), Ozyptila furcula (Koch, 1882), and Thomisus zyuzini Marusik & Logunov, 1990 (both Thomisidae). Additionally, O. furcula, P. hedjazensis and T. zyuzini are recorded from Africa for the first time, and the genus Rhysodromus Schick, 1965, is newly reported from Algeria. Photographs of the habitus and copulatory organs are provided, along with a distribution map illustrating both known and newly recorded occurrences, and notes on the ecological conditions of the collection sites.

Graphical Abstract

Additions to the spider fauna (Araneae) of Algeria: first records of five species from the northern Sahara
Keywords
Agroecosystem
Arid land
El Meghaier
Philodromidae
Salticidae
Theridiidae
Thomisidae
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Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics

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