Domitius Culsu sp. nov. (Araneae, Nestici-dae), a new troglobiont spider from Italy with notes on Italian nesticids of the genus Domitius Ribera, 2018

A new troglobiont spider species, Domitius culsu sp. nov., has been discovered in the caves of Northern Apennines, Italy. This finding expands the known diversity of the genus Domitius Ribera, 2018, which is characterized by its restricted distribution along the Apennine mountain chain and deep adaptation to cave life. Molecular and morphological analyses confirm the validity of D. culsu sp. nov. and reveal its close relationship with other Italian Domitius species, as well as a notable affinity with species from the Iberian Peninsula. The discovery is significant for conservation due to the spider's potential susceptibility to external disturbance and its extremely limited distribution.

Ballarin, F. (2020). Domitius Culsu sp. nov. (Araneae, Nestici-dae), a new troglobiont spider from Italy with notes on Italian nesticids of the genus Domitius Ribera, 2018. Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, 82(2), 82–94. https://doi.org/10.4311/2019lsc0103