SPIDER SPECIES BELONGING TO THE GENUS ZELOTES GISTEL, 1848 (ARANEAE: GNAPHOSIDAE) IN UZBEKISTAN
Abstract
Spiders of the genus Zelotes (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) are predatory arthropods widely distributed in the arid and mountainous regions of Uzbekistan, playing a crucial role in local ecosystems. This paper analyzes the systematics, morphological characteristics, and distribution of Zelotes species in Uzbekistan based on the works of Charitonov (1946) and subsequent research. Six species (Z. aerosus, Z. arnoldii, Z. bucharensis, Z. caucasius, Z. fuscimanus, Z. turanicus) have been recorded in Uzbekistan, primarily inhabiting rocky and sandy areas. The key diagnostic feature for species identification is the sexual dimorphism evident in their genital structures, with males having modified palps and females exhibiting distinct epigynal morphology. Zelotes species are predominantly nocturnal hunters that feed on insects.
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Abstract
Spiders of the genus Zelotes (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) are predatory arthropods widely distributed in the arid and mountainous regions of Uzbekistan, playing a crucial role in local ecosystems. This paper analyzes the systematics, morphological characteristics, and distribution of Zelotes species in Uzbekistan based on the works of Charitonov (1946) and subsequent research. Six species (Z. aerosus, Z. arnoldii, Z. bucharensis, Z. caucasius, Z. fuscimanus, Z. turanicus) have been recorded in Uzbekistan, primarily inhabiting rocky and sandy areas. The key diagnostic feature for species identification is the sexual dimorphism evident in their genital structures, with males having modified palps and females exhibiting distinct epigynal morphology. Zelotes species are predominantly nocturnal hunters that feed on insects.
