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
PSEUDICIINES
by Jerzy Prószyński
Version December 31st, 2015
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. Afraflacilla Berland & Millot, 1941 (30 species)

Type species Afraflacilla bamakoi Berland, Millot, 1941
ETYMOLOGY. Name combines cores of words Africa and Flacilloides, the later being unused synonym, grammar gender assumed feminine.
DIAGNOSIS. Share mutual diagnostic characters of PSEUDICIINES: peculiar stridulatory apparatus "femur I-carapace" with striking lateral, subocular row of about 10 short bristles on protuberances, modified tibia of robust leg I, flattened body and characteristic color pattern. Differs by very complicated internal structure of epigyne, consisting of a tight group of coils running antero-posteriorly, beginning from relatively anterior copulatory opening and initial loop of duct, next passing into several coils of different size and then passing indistinctly into final loop, longest and broadest, being apparently spermatheca, with spine covered internal wall. There is characteristic, chimney like tube, branching off from initial coil of ducts and ending with small opening atop, being presumably modified equivalent of scent opening's armature and duct in other genera. All these coils take posterior half of epigyne, prominent external pair of pockets is located anteriorly, in front of the above described group of coils. Some Australian species (A. grayorum, huntorum, yeni) have different looking coils and spermathecae, these deserve, presumably, separation into genus of their own. Male palps with elongate oval bulbus, embolus arising from a broad base in mid-length of bulbus, or its posterior end, running parallel to bulbus and gently inclined in front of it. In some species bulbus is broader and embolus is longer, encircling it. Tibial apophysis single and long, originates at the mid-length of tibia, broadly bent initially. Legs I with oversized, much broadened femur, patella and tibia. Female. Abdomen light with two darker streaks broken into 3 pairs of near-rectangular spots, there is a pair of lighter gray spots anteriorly, and a diamond-shaped, contrasting black spot at the posterior end of the abdomen. Drawings below constitute integral part of the genus definition.
REMARKS. The genus contains majority of species originally classified to Pseudicius, to which is so similar by habitus that after original description of two species as Afraflacilla by Berland & Millot, 1941, it was re-synonymized by Clark [1974. P. 22] but revived again by Zabka [1993: 280], the decision sustained now, after prolonged discussion.
DISTRIBUTION. Documented all over Africa, South East Asia, some species occurring on Pacific Islands and in Australia. Three species entering Southern Europe.