Monograph of the Salticidae (Araneae) of the World 1995-2015. Introduction to alternative classification of Salticidae
Classification of the Salticidae genera of the World
group of genera
MYRMARACHNINES
by Jerzy Prószyński
Version October 10th, 2017
Note on illustrations. This introduction to classification of Salticidae includes only species defined by diagnostic illustrations in the taxonomic literature, arranged by similarities of embolus and spermophor. Images are displayed as thumbnails to save space and allow for rapid scanning of theoretically closely-related species. Thumbnails are small versions of illustrations in other parts of the monograph, whera are displayed together with particulars of their sources and permissions.

Gen. Emertonius Peckham & Peckham, 1892 (7 species)

Type species Emertonius exasperans Peckham & Peckham,1892.
DIAGNOSIS. Correspond with general characteristics of MYRMARACHNINES, which includes differences from several other ant-mimicking groups of Salticidae by exceptional "pipes-like" sclerotized spermathecae, stretching parallel along median axis of epigyne. Copulatory ducts, invisible without staining, make large membranous coils, running from almost indiscernible slit-like copulatory openings, pressed to median septum of epigyne, towards posterior end of spermathecae, near posterior rim of epigyne. Males have oval, or almost circular bulbus, encircled with coils of embolus inside semitranslucent sheath. Spermophor broad, runs along margin of bulbus, making additional loop, small and thin, before entering embolus. Tibial apophysis (RTA) short, twisted corkscrew-like, or straight. Male chelicerae usually disproportionately long, with row of tiny teeth individual row of separate along internal posterior edge, fang is very long. For details see drawings (below).
More detailed features include broader and relatively shorter "pipes" of spermathecae, bow-like bent, terminating anteriorly by globular swelling (Figs. 97-98), comparable to that in Myrmapana gen. n. (Fig. 29). Palps resembling Myrma by spermophor having no additional loop and by straight tibial apophysis, inclined but not twisted (Fig. 100-101). Type species differs from remaining genera of MYRMARACHNINES by shape of thorax and by striking color pattern of abdomen and carapace (Fig. 102), but coloration of other species is unknown.
DESCRIPTION. The cephalic part and anterior thorax in both sexes of the type species are flat, or almost flat, the posterior slope is high and step. Abdomen is oval, not constricted. Chelicerae in male are enlarged, dorsally flattened, stretches horizontally. Tibial apophysis slightly bent but not twisted. Windows in epigyne round, relatively small. Pipes of spermathecae as long as diameter of windows, bow-like bent, pass into almost round terminal swellings, which, however is not a discrete compartment. ATTENTION: spermathecae of some Toxeus are almost identical with some Emertonius, while their external appearance is strikingly different! Drawings below are integral part of the definition.
REMARKS. Clear original description and delimitation of the genus by Peckham & Peckham [ 1892: 54, pl. 4, fig. 8] was blurred by Wanless [1978c] who has overlooked taxonomic significance of internal structure of epigyne, of body shape and color pattern and reclassified it to the genus Myrmarachne. Opinion of Wanless was repeated by Edwards & Benjamin [2009: 22] and Edwards 2013: 4-5] without adding new evidences. The excellent photographs by D. Knowles of Emertonius, supported additionally by photographs of damaged specimen from Bali, confirm characters presented by Peckham & Peckham. Detailed analysis of properties of Emertonius was given by Prószyński & Deeleman-Reinhold [2010: 162-164, Figs 164-171].
REFERENCES. Prószynski J., Deeleman-Reinhold C.L. 2010. Vol. 19. N. 3: P. 162-164. Figs 164-167, 169-171.
Wanless F.R. 1978c. Vol. 33. N. 4. P. 235-238. Figs 1-2. 1a-f, 2a-e. Simon E. 1901-1903. P. 505.

b)/c)

+

+