New and interesting spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) from Vashlovani National Park and Chachuna Managed Reserve (Georgia)

Abstract

Spiders collected individually between 19–23 May 2024 during a trip to Vashlovani National Park and Chachuna Managed Reserve were determined, resulting in 24 species, of which two species are described as new: Synema inexpectata sp. nov. (Thomisidae) and Prodidomus trihelicoides sp. nov. (Prodidomidae). Ten species - Acanthinozodium parysatis Zamani & Marusik, 2021 (Zodariidae), Berlandina nabozhenkoi Ponomarev & Tsvetkov, 2006, Cryptodrassus helvolus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872), Synaphosus palearcticus Ovtsharenko, Levy & Platnick, 1994, Synaphosus turanicus Ovtsharenko, Levy & Platnick, 1994, Talanites involutus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1885), Turkozelotes attavirus Chatzaki, 2019 (all Gnaphosidae), Evarcha armeniaca Logunov, 1999 (Salticidae), Lycosa soboutii Shafaie, Nadolny & Mirshamsi, 2022 (Lycosidae), Rhysodromus rikhteri (Logunov & Huseynov, 2008) (Philodromidae), and Sardinidion blackwalli (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1871) (Theridiidae) are recorded in Georgia for the first time, of which six species and three genera are new to the Caucasus region. The male of L. soboutii is described for the first time. Diagnostic drawings of preserved specimens and first photos of several preserved and alive species are provided along with the detailed collecting data.