A review of the nebulosa-group of Pardosa Koch 1847 in Africa, a complex with some highly variable species (Araneae Lycosidae)

Abstract

The African representatives of the Pardosa nebulosa-group are revised. This group now includes 10 species, five of which are new: P. alticola, P. kavango, P. nostrorum, P. paleata and P. thompsoni. The other five are P. gefsana Roewer 1959, P. injucunda (O.P.-Cambridge 1876), P. lusingana Roewer 1959, P. messingerae (Strand 1916), P. naevia (L. Koch 1875). P. lycosina Purcell 1903, only known from females, is a possible additional species. All the species are described and much attention is paid to intraspecific variability. In P. injucunda the high variability is thought to reflect the existence of different biospecies. An illustrated key to the males is provided. The generic placement of the group and the taxonomic level of the taxa it contains, are discussed. © 1992 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.