Infection with mermithid nematodes causes the depriesteri morphology in Philodromus collinus (Araneae: Philodromidae)

Abstract

Two female Philodromus specimens were found with genital structures similar to those described for Philodromus depriesteriBraun, 1965, currently considered a nomen dubium. Molecular analysis revealed that the two specimens belong to the species Philodromus collinus C. L. Koch, 1835. The opisthosomas of both spiders each contained a parasitoid, and one of the worms was identified as a member of the nematode family Mermithidae. It is very likely that the parasitoids interfered with the development of the female genital organs, resulting in the characteristic depriesteri vulva structure. Consequently, we propose Philodromus depriesteriBraun, 1965 = Philodromus collinus C. L. Koch, 1835 syn. nov., thus releasing P. depriesteri from being considered a nomen dubium.