Molecular and morphological species delimitation suggest a single species of the beetle-spider genus Ballus in Sri Lanka (Araneae: Salticidae)

A comprehensive genetic and morphological analysis of the beetle-spider genus Ballus in Sri Lanka reveals that only one species, B. segmentatus, exists on the island, contrary to previous taxonomic records. The study, using nuclear (28S rRNA, H3) and mitochondrial (COI) DNA sequences alongside morphological traits, found no genetic or structural distinctions among specimens from type localities in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Consequently, B. sellatus is proposed as a junior synonym, while B. clathratus remains unrecognized due to insufficient description. This finding underscores the need for revised conservation strategies tailored to the single confirmed species, highlighting the importance of integrative taxonomy in biodiversity assessment.

Bopearachchi, D. P., Eberle, J., & Benjamin, S. P. (2022). Molecular and morphological species delimitation suggest a single species of the beetle-spider genus Ballus in Sri Lanka (Araneae: Salticidae). The Journal of Arachnology, 50(3). https://doi.org/10.1636/joa-s-21-040