Different, but still the same: integrative taxonomy confirms a new species of Eresus Walckenaer, 1805 (Araneae, Eresidae) from the South Caucasus

Abstract

<p> This study represents the first step toward a systematic revision of the velvet spider genus <em>Eresus</em> Walckenaer, 1805 in the Caucasus. Here, <em>Eresus transcaucasicus</em> sp. nov. is described using an integrative approach, based on male specimens collected from the South Caucasus. The species was previously reported as <em>E. kollari</em> Rossi, 1846 from Armenia and as <em>Eresus</em> sp. from Georgia. Intraspecific variations in both coloration patterns and conductor shape, which have been rarely documented in this genus, are illustrated. The validity of previous records of <em>E. kollari</em> in the region is discussed. <br></p>