Three new subterranean species of the genus Speocera (Araneae, Ochyroceratidae) from caves of the Carajás area in the state of Pará, Brazil

Abstract

Three new species of the spider genus Speocera Berland, 1914, collected in ferruginous caves in the Carajás region of Pará state, Brazil are described: Speocera pinima sp. nov., S. babau sp. nov. and S. piquira sp. nov., all based on males and females. These are abundant species, which have morphological characteristics probably associated with isolation in the subterranean environment. Variation in the shape of the lateral eyes, which can be reduced, and in the eyes colloration bright or opalescent, were observed in all species in this study. These morphological variations may indicate that some populations are in the process of isolation and/or are distributed in different horizons of the subterranean environment, including the Milieu Souterrain Superficiel (MSS). An update of male and female genital structures and specializations to the subterranean environment are discussed.