A new Masteria (Araneae: Dipluridae) from tropical hothouses in Denmark

Abstract

Abstract A newly discovered species of Masteria L. Koch, 1873 collected at two Danish tropical hothouses, Masteria boggildi sp. n., is described. It is the first member of Dipluridae (curtain-web spiders) known to have established breeding populations in Europe. The new species belong to a subgroup of Masteria species characterized by six eyes, piriform bulb, and short, unevenly sized inner and outer spermathecal lobes. Masteria boggildi sp. n. appears most closely related to Neotropical species, particularly to species found in Ecuador. Possible paths to its introduction are suggested.