Gen. Rafalus Prószynski, 1999 (15 species)

Type species Rafalus christophori.
DIAGNOSIS. Confront to general characteristics of AELURILLINES which have the whole bulbus covered by opaque sclerotized tegulum and a coil of embolus hidden behind anterior part of tegulum, from where only its tip protrudes. Bulbus usually ends posteriorly by sharp pointed triangle, sometimes with narrow "tail". There is often also a small, conical protuberance ("bump") on tegulum. Tibial apophysis is short and robust, sometimes sclerotized and hook like, often accompanied dorsally by fleshy protuberance. Female epigyne, usually in a form of sclerotized flat plate, with indistinct, small copulatory openings, but often with sclerotized "wings" or edges, sclerotized chambers of spermathecae in a form of a pair of compact bodies with convoluted internal chambers, or a chain of irregular chambers. Copulatory ducts are sclerotized, or short and indistinct, even invisible.
More detailed features of the genus include bulbus narrower than in other genera, with its posterior, triangular part longer. Tibial apophysis single, narrow with pointed tip. Cymbium and palpal tibia covered by fur of long setae, mixed white and dark. Epigyne unusual for this group of genera, with translucent posterior median pocket, openings posterior, located at ends of narrow posterior depression. Ducts broad, thinwalled, in a form of broad semiarches, or "S" like, runs laterally along posterior half of epigyne. Spermathecae anterior, arranged transversally, heavily sclerotized, their shape resembles compressed letter "C". Color pattern seem more vivid than in other genera, with areas of yellow and reddish, apart from dark ones, clypeus contrasting, anterior surfaces of patella and tibia I are black, light reflecting (see color photo of Rafalus insignitus). Diagnostic drawings below are integral part of definition.

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