Psalmopoeinae Samm & Schmidt, 2010

Huesser, Martin, 2018, A first phylogenetic analysis reveals a new arboreal tarantula genus from South America with description of a new species and two new species of Tapinauchenius Ausserer, 1871 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae), ZooKeys 784, pp. 59-93 : 59

Psalmopoeinae Samm & Schmidt, 2010

Included genera.

Ephebopus , Psalmopoeus , Pseudoclamoris , Tapinauchenius

Diagnosis.

The subfamily Psalmopoeinae is diagnosed by following synapomorphies as defined by Samm and Schmidt (2010), altered to fit the results presented here:

Psalmopoeinae can be distinguished from other new world subfamilies (save Aviculariinae ) by their scopulae on anterior tarsi and metatarsi being extended laterally, giving a spatulate appearance and the absence of leg spines on tibiae and metatarsi. They differ from Aviculariinae (except females of Pachistopelma and Iridopelma marcoi Bertani, 2012), as well as Theraphosinae by the lack of urticating setae on the opisthosoma. Females can further be distinguished from Schismatothelinae by their completely separated spermathecae. Males can easily be distinguished from those of Aviculariinae by the presence of two tibial apophyses on leg I.

Description.

Legs aspinose or with few apical spines on ventral tibiae and metatarsi; metatarsi and tarsi with scopulae very extended laterally, mainly on anterior legs, giving a spatulate appearance. Spermathecae consisting of two completely separated stalks. Male palpal bulb with long embolus without keels. Males with two tibial apophyses distally on the leg I. Type V urticating setae on prolateral palpal femur present ( Ephebopus ), or absent (all others). Stridulatory organ present ( Psalmopoeus , Pseudoclamoris ) or absent (all others). Legs weakly spined or aspinose, tarsi as broad as, or broader than metatarsi. Arboreal ( Psalmopoeus , Pseudoclamoris , Tapinauchenius ) and fossorial ( Ephebopus , fossorial only as adults) species.

Distribution.

Mexico, Central America, north of South America and the Caribbean Islands.