Public DNA barcoding data resolve the status of the genus Arboricaria (Araneae: Gnaphosidae)

Abstract

An analysis of public DNA barcoding data confirms that the extraction of Arboricaria Bosmans, 2000 from the genus Micaria Westring, 1851 would require the division of Micaria into at least five (and probably more) individual genera, to restore the monophyly of Micaria sensu stricto. Such an excessive splitting of a homogenous and well-defined genus would be neither desirable nor practical, and consequently Arboricaria should be considered a subjective junior synonym of Micaria, as suggested earlier (syn. conf.).

Keywords

• Araneae
• DNA barcoding
• cladistics
• phylogenetic systematics
• paraphyly
• spider