A new subfamily of spiders with grate-shaped tapeta from Australia and Papua New Guinea (Araneae: Stiphidiidae: Borralinae)

Abstract

Five new genera of stiphidiid spiders are described from forest habitats in Australia and Papua New Guinea. They include Couranga n.gen. (C. kioloa n.sp., C diehappy n.sp.), Jamberoo n.gen. (J. johnnoblei n.sp., J. boydensis n.sp., J. actensis n.sp. J. australis n.sp.) and Elleguna n.gen. (E. major n.sp., E. minor n.sp.) from eastern Australia; Karriella n.gen. (K. treenensis n.sp., K. walpolensis n.sp.) from southwestern Australia; Asmea n.gen. from Papua New Guinea (A. akrikensis n.sp., A. hayllari n.sp., A. capella n.sp., A. mullerensis n.sp.). A new subfamily, the Borralinae, characterized by the presence of grate-shaped tapeta in all posterior eyes, is proposed. It includes the 5 genera described here plus Therlinya (Gray & Smith, 2002), Borrala and Pillara (Gray & Smith, 2004). The relationships of these putative stiphidiid genera are briefly discussed and the Kababininae is provisionally referred from the Amphinectidae to the Stiphidiidae. Observations on epigynal mutilation as a post-mating sperm protection mechanism are presented. Differences in visible tapetal structure between borraline spiders and Stiphidion are figured and discussed. © Australian Museum, Sydney 2008.