Systematics of the Mygalomorph spider genus Masteria (Masteriinae : Dipluridae : Arachnida)

Abstract

Masteria is regarded as the senior subjective synonym of Accola and Antrochares, and is recognized as a subfamily in the Dipluridae. Further figures of Masteria hirsuta, Accola lucifuga and Antrochares macgregori are provided. Masteria toddae, sp. nov., from northern Australia is described. A phylogeny of males of Masteria species is shown to require a further character to eliminate ambiguity. Masteria is regarded as the sister-group of the Macrotheline tribe Evagrini, consisting of Evagrus, Allothele, Cethegus and Phyxioschaema. The occurrence of the paraembolic apophysis or its proposed homologue, the conductor, in mygalomorphs suggests that it has undergone parallel derivation.