A revision of the African wolf spider genus Amblyothele Simon

Abstract

The African lycosid genus Amblyothele Simon is revised and its subfamily placement clarified. A diagnosis is provided for the genus in relation to other genera in the subfamily Piratinae. The type species, Amblyothele albocincta Simon, 1910, is redescribed as is A. togona Roewer, 1960. Six new species, Amblyothele atlantica sp. n. (female), A. ecologica sp. n. (female), A. hamatula sp. n. (male), A. kivumba sp. n. (male), A. latedissipata sp. n. (male female) and A. longipes sp. n. (male female) are described. Amblyothele jaundea Roewer, 1960 is removed from the genus and transferred to Pardosa. An illustrated key to the species is provided.