Madagascar is one of the most diverse areas of the world and harbours numerous endemic species. A new genus of ant-eating spiders, Suffascar, was discovered on the island, where it is apparently endemic, common and speciose (with 12 new species). It is well known that ant-eating spiders (Zodariidae) with femoral organs are specialised consumers of ants or termites, although the exact role of these glands, and their importance in a wider phylogenetic context, remains obscure.

The spiny trapdoor spiders of Australia are an iconic and highly diverse component of the Australasian ground-dwelling spider fauna, renowned for their longevity and conservation significance. Following detailed molecular analysis, we present a monographic revision of the family Idiopidae in Australia at the generic level, including an illustrated key to genera, molecular diagnoses for all higher taxa, along with live habitus and burrow images to assist in field identification. This work provides a single reference point for the identification of Australasian Idiopidae and lays the phylogenetic and morphological foundations for future species-level analyses.

How much do we know about biodiversity in the ocean? Too little. Even common organisms, such as jellyfish, have many more species to be discovered. Exploration of the Tropical Eastern Pacific and adoption of modern methods revealed 22 new species – a tenfold increase in regional diversity. Genetic and morphological diversity of these species suggests considerable hidden ecological and functional diversity. Photograph by L. Gómez Daglio.