Robust Trapdoor Tarantula Haploclastus validus Pocock, 1899: notes on taxonomy, distribution and natural history (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Thrigmopoeinae)

Authors

  • Z.A. Mirza
  • R.V. Sanap
  • M. Siliwal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2627.2109-19

Abstract

The genus Haploclastus is endemic to India and is represented by six species. One of the species H. validus Pocock, 1899 was described from Matheran and has remained poorly known in terms of its natural history and distribution. During recent surveys the species was for the first time found again since its description nearly 110 years ago. Based on the new material collected it is redescribed and data on its natural history and distribution are added. It is the first record of an Indian theraphosid spider, which closes its burrow with a trapdoor.

Author Biographies

Z.A. Mirza

Zeeshan A. Mirza is a student currently perusing a bachelor’s degree in science. He is interested in the study of mygalomorph spider, scorpions and reptiles. He is currently working on the biodiversity documentation of Aarey Milk Colony. He has described several new species of scorpions and trapdoor spiders.

R.V. Sanap

Rajesh V Sanap is a graduate student interested in the study of mygalomorph spiders and scorpions. He is currently working on the biodiversity documentation of Aarey Milk Colony. He has described several new species of scorpions and trapdoor spiders.

M. Siliwal

Manju Siliwal is an arachnologist and currently is working as Research Associate at Wildlife Information Liaison Development Society, Coimbatore. Her expertise is on mygalomorph (primitive) spiders and has described many new species of spiders including trapdoor spiders and tarantulas.

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Published

26-10-2011

Issue

Vol 3, No 10 (2011)

Section

Communications

License

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