Myrmarachnine jumping spiders of the new subtribe Levieina from Papua New Guinea (Araneae, Salticidae, Myrmarachnini)

Abstract

A previously unreported radiation of myrmarachnine jumping spiders from New Guinea is described, which, although having few known species, is remarkably diverse in body forms. This clade is the new subtribe Levieina, represented by seven new species in three new genera. WithinLevieagen. n.are three new species,L.herbertisp. n.,L.lornaesp. n., andL.francesaesp. n., all of which are unusual among the myrmarachnines in appearing as typical salticids, not antlike.Papuamyrgen. n.superficially resemblesLigonipesKarsch, 1878 orRhombonotusL. Koch, 1879 as a compact antlike spider, but lacks their laterally-compressed palp and bears an ectal spur on the paturon of the chelicera. Two species ofPapuamyrgen. n.are described,Papuamyromhifosgasp. n.andP.pandorasp. n.Agorioidesgen. n., containingA.cherubinosp. n.andA.papagenasp. n., is antlike, with the carapace sunken inwards (concave) between the posterior lateral and posterior median eyes. Phylogenetic analysis of data from the 28S, 16SND1, and COI gene regions of 29 species of myrmarachnines shows that the three new genera form a clade that is sister to the subtribe Myrmarachnina (Myrmarachnesensu lato), with the subtribe Ligonipedina less closely related.