A new species of the genus Leptorchestes Thorell, 1870 from the Pantalica Natural Reserve (Sicily, Italy) (Araneae: Salticidae)

Abstract

A new species of ant-mimicking jumping spider, Leptorchestes elisae sp. nov., is described from the Pantalica Natural Reserve in Sicily, Italy. This species belongs to the genus Leptorchestes Thorell, 1870 (Araneae, Salticidae), a group characterized by morphological adaptations for myrmecomorphy. The new species is diagnosed based on both male and female genital morphology, with the male exhibiting different characters including a short, straight embolus and a small, non-serrated tibial apophysis, while the female displays an M-shaped posterior epigynial notch and laterally positioned copulatory openings. These traits distinguish L. elisae sp. nov. from its related species, particularly L. peresi, L. mutilloides, and L. berolinensis. The discovery of both sexes at the same locality allows for confident species attribution, a critical factor in a genus where identifications based on females can lead to taxonomic ambiguities. A revised identification key for the genus Leptorchestes is provided, along with distributional data. The new species is likely endemic to Sicily but may be more widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of the genus and underlines the importance of regional faunistic surveys in revealing hidden biodiversity.