Arachnological information
https://arages.de/en/journal/arachnology-lettersWegewitz V, Muster C & Astrin JJ
Infection with mermithid nematodes causes the depriesteri morphology in Philodromus collinus (Araneae: Philodromidae)
Die Infektion mit Mermithidae (Nematoda) verursacht das depriesteri-Erscheinungsbild bei Philodromus collinus (Araneae: Philodromidae)
Heft 64
Two female Philodromus specimens were found with genital structures similar to those described for Philodromus depriesteri Braun, 1965, currently considered a nomen dubium. Molecular analysis revealed that the two specimens belong to the species Philodromus collinus C. L. Koch, 1835. The opisthosomas of both spiders each contained a parasitoid, and one of the worms was identified as a member of the nematode family Mermithidae. It is very likely that the parasitoids interfered with the development of the female genital organs, resulting in the characteristic depriesteri vulva structure. Consequently, we propose Philodromus depriesteri Braun, 1965 = Philodromus collinus C. L. Koch, 1835 syn. nov., thus releasing P. depriesteri from being considered a nomen dubium.
DNA barcoding, new synonym, nomen dubium, parasitoid, Philodromus depriesteri, spider