New records for Parasteatoda tepidariorum (C.L. Koch, 1841) (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Southern Chile

Abstract

Theridiidae is one of the most diverse families of spiders, including 2472 species classified in 124 genera (World Spider Catalog, 2016). Spiders on this family are widely known for having several synanthropic and cosmopolitan species (Levi, 1967a); as well as species of medical importance (Faúndez & Tellez, 2016b). Parasteatoda tepidariorum (C.L. Koch, 1841) (Figs. 1-2), is a cosmopolitan species of Theriididae, which is usually associated with humans (Levi, 1955, 1967a). This species is believed to have a tropical South American origin, because is the only place on which it has been found unassociated with humans (Levi, 1967a). This species has neurotoxic venom; however its bite has been described as considerably less severe than black widow bite effects (Isbister & Gray, 2003). In Chile, there is little information on this species, and it has been recorded from Antofagasta to Santiago (Taucare-Ríos et al. 2013). The purpose of this contribution is to provide new record for this species from Southern Chile: