A first look at the phylogeny of the Myrmarachninae, with rediscovery and redescription of the type species of Myrmarachne (Araneae: Salticidae)

摘要

Myrmarachne melanocephala MacLeay, 1839, type species of the genus Myrmarachne MacLeay, 1839, is rediscovered and redescribed, and a neotype is here designated. Five new synonyms of M. melanocephala are proposed: M. contracta (Karsch, 1880) [lectotypehere designated], M providens (Peckham & Peckham, 1892), M. ramosa Badcock, 1918, M albicrurata Badcock, 1918, and M lateralis Badcock, 1918. Myrmarachne melanocephala is shown to be a widespread species in southern Asia that mimics the ant Tetraponerarufonigra (Jerdon). Myrmarachne christae (Proszyhski, 2001) and Myrmarachne galianoae (Proszyhski, 2001) are transferred from Damoetas, new combinations. The latter results in a homonym with Myrmarachne galianoae Cutler, 1981: we rename the species Myrmarachne mariaelenae Edwards & Benjamin, replacement name. Further characterization of the species groups of Myrmarachne is presented, related genera are discussed, and a preliminary phylogeny of the Myrmarachninae is given.