On the monophyly of Porrhothele antipodiana (Porrhothelidae: Mygalomorphae) and a new species of Porrhothele from Banks Peninsula

Abstract

Porrhothele (Mygalomorphae: Porrhothelidae) is a genus of tunnelweb spider endemic to New Zealand. The most frequently encountered species, Porrhothele antipodiana, is widespread throughout New Zealand and it has been suggested that it might represent a cryptic species complex. A phylogenetic hypothesis was generated using sequences of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase 1 from specimens collected throughout New Zealand. The genetic evidence suggests that P. antipodiana comprises a single widespread species consistent with morphological evidence. However, additional novel lineages were revealed by the analysis for which morphology suggests the presence of undescribed species. One of these, Porrhothele peninsularis sp. nov. is described.