Two new genera of Araneidae (Arachnida: Araneae)

Abstract

Araneus is a large genus containing many species with various features, and phylogenetic analysis has revealed it to be a polyphyletic group. It has been proposed that nine new genera should be established independently from Araneus. One example is a group that includes Araneus mitificus (Simon 1886) and Araneus praesignis (L. Koch 1872). In this study, we examined specimens from several species that are morphologically similar to them, and confirmed their close relationship by phylogenetic analysis using the data of five genes. All targeted species were united in a monophyletic clade, comprising two groups in detail. The epigynes and male palps of the species in these two groups were clearly distinguishable; therefore, we concluded that they should be recognized as two independent genera. Consequently, we describe two new genera, Aoaraneus n. gen. and Bijoaraneus n. gen. Additionally, previously identified Japanese Araneus mitificus specimens were reexamined and concluded to be misidentified. It is described as a new species under the name Bijoaraneus komachi n. sp. in this study.