On Afromygale, a new mygalomorph spider genus from East Africa (Araneae: Pycnothelidae)

Abstract

A new Afrotropical mygalomorph, Afromygale n. gen., is established for two newly discovered species, the type species A. rukanga n. sp. (Kenya) and A. pinnipalpis n. sp. (Tanzania); both described from single males. The diagnoses, illustrated descriptions and the presently available data on the relationships and distribution of these species are provided. Despite having some ambiguous features, the new genus is tentatively assigned to the Pycnothelidae. Like the known pycnothelid genera, Afromygale lacks the cheliceral rastellum and the metatarsal preening combs and has a reduced unpaired claws on tarsi I–IV. Males of Afromygale differ from other pycnothelid males in having a characteristic pterygoid keel at the base of the embolus.

To cite: Zonstein, Sergei L. 2020. On Afromygale, a new mygalomorph spider genus from East Africa (Araneae: Pycnothelidae). Israel Journal of Entomology 50 (1): 131–146.

http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4392942
http://zoobank.org/References/bad84167-2f90-4ea1-9780-fae9734b396e