Integrative taxonomy reveals first record of Loxoscelesrufescens (Dufour, 1820) (Araneae, Sicariidae) in the Philippines

Aimee Lynn A Barrion-Dupo; Ireneo L Lit Jr; Camille Faith D Duran; Ma Francia Kyla M Cammayo; Marnelli S Alviola; Sheila Mae Q Mercado; Cecille Ann L Osio; Orlando L Eusebio; Cristian C Lucañas; Alberto T Barrion

doi:10.3897/BDJ.12.e117072

Integrative taxonomy reveals first record of Loxoscelesrufescens (Dufour, 1820) (Araneae, Sicariidae) in the Philippines

Biodivers Data J. 2024 Feb 19:12:e117072. doi: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e117072. eCollection 2024.

Affiliations

¹ Entomology Section, Museum of Natural History, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines Entomology Section, Museum of Natural History, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Los Baños, Laguna Philippines.
² Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Los Baños, Laguna Philippines.
³ Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Taft, Manila, Philippines Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University Taft, Manila Philippines.

Abstract

Background: The spider family Sicariidae Keyserling, 1880 represented by the synanthropic Mediterranean recluse spider, Loxoscelesrufescens (Dufour, 1820), is reported in the Philippines for the first time, based on morphological and molecular data. The introduced spider was observed in a small cave (Kamantigue Cave) in Lobo, Batangas Province. Considering the medical importance of this spider, the proximity of its habitat to human habitation and tourist sites poses a potential public health concern.

New information: This study reports on the first record of the family Sicariidae in the Philippines and the fourth recorded occurrence of L.rufescens in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Loxoscelesrufescens; Mediterranean recluse; caves; loxoscelism.

Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo, Ireneo L. Lit, Jr., Camille Faith D. Duran, Ma. Francia Kyla M. Cammayo, Marnelli S. Alviola, Sheila Mae Q. Mercado, Cecille Ann L. Osio, Orlando L. Eusebio, Cristian C. Lucañas, Alberto T. Barrion.

Grants and funding

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development (NICER)