Tarık Danışman

External Morphology of the Male Harvestman Phalangium opilio (Arachnida: Opiliones)

Abstract In opilionids, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies are necessary to identify the characters of taxonomic and systematic importance. Such studies are needed especially for understanding the functional anatomy and morphology of opilionids. In Turkey, Phalangium opilio L., Phalangium pareissi Roewer, Phalangium punctipes (L. Koch), Phalangium savignyi Audouin, and Phalangium strandi Nosek are known. There are no SEM studies on P. opilio. In this study, cuticular setae, hairs, and denticles on the segments of legs, pedipalpus, and chelicerae of P. opilio are described. Also, the description and SEM pictures of the dorsal integument and articulations, chelicerae, pedipalpus, and legs of the male specimens are given. Some of these structures will probably prove to be of diagnostic value for P. opilio.

The Spider Genus Mazax (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae) Newly Recorded from South America, with the Description of a New Species

Abstract The spider genus Mazax O. P.-Cambridge, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae) is reported from South America for the first time. A new species, M. ramirezi sp. nov., is described and illustrated, and SEM images of the genus Mazax are presented here for the first time. The exclusive morphology of the secondary spermathecae (not oval and lung-shaped) indicates that the specimens described herein clearly belong to a new species of Mazax. An updated dichotomous key to the known species of the genus is provided.

Three new genus records of the spider fauna of Turkey (Araneae: Salticidae).

ABSTRACT New records of 3 genera and 3 species of Salticidae from Turkey are presented for Bianor albobimaculatus (Lucas, 1846), Dendryphantes rudis (Sundevall, 1833) and Hyllus insularis Metzner, 1999. Their morphology is briefly described and illustrated. Current knowledge on diversity of Salticidae in Turkey is also reviewed. Total number of Salticidae species recorded from Turkey now is 102.

A new species of the genus Hersiliola Thorell, 1870 from Turkey

Abstract A new species of Hersiliola Thorell, 1870 is described from Antalya Province, Turkey. Differences between the new species and related species are discussed.

Morphological characterization of the venom apparatus in the wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis (Laxmann, 1770)

The wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis (Laxmann, 1770) (Lycosidae: Araneae) is distributed throughout central and eastern Europe, including Russia, Kazakhistan and Turkey. This study describes the venom apparatus morphology of L. singoriensis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its structure follows the general architecture observed in other spiders. Generally, a venom apparatus is composed by a pair of venom glands and chelicerae. L. singoriensis chelicerae are robust and consist of a stout basis and a movable apical segment (fang). The fang rests in a groove on the basal segment that is covered by different types of hair. L. singoriensis venom glands present equal size and measure about 4 mm in length. Each gland is enclosed by irregular muscular layers.

FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE VENOM APPARATUS OF THE FUNNEL SPIDER, AGELENA GRACILENS (ARANEAE: AGELENIDAE) FROM TURKEY

ABSTRACT The funnel-web spider, Agelena gracilens Koch C. L., 1841 is widely distributed throughout Middle Europe, Mediterranean countries, and Middle Asia. The aim of this study is to describe the functional morphology of the venom apparatus in A. gracilens using scanning electron microscopy. The organization of the venom apparatus of A. gracilens follows the general structure of the venom apparatus of other spiders. The venom apparatus is situated anteriorly in the prosoma and it is composed of a pair of chelicerae and venom glands. Each chelicera consists of a stout basal and a movable apical (fang) segments. The fang rests in a furrow on the basal segment and it narrows apically. There are parallel fine grooves on the surface of the fang. To eject the venom, a venom pore is located on the subterminal part of the fang. The venom glands of A. gracilens are of equal size and tubular. Each gland is surrounded by a bulky muscular layer. Also, neurons innervate the surface of the venom gland by SEM.

Two New Spider Species of the Family Dysderidae (Araneae) from Turkey

ABSTRACT: Two new species of the spider family Dysderidae, Harpactea forceps sp. n. and Dysdera furcatus sp. n. are described from the west Black Sea region of Turkey. Detailed morphological descriptions and diagnoses are presented. Photographs and electron micrographs are included. The two new species are compared with closely related species.

A New Species of Zodarion Walckenaer, 1826 (Araneae: Zodariidae) from Turkey

ABSTRACT: A new species, Zodarion tireboluensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on material collected in the Giresun Province of Turkey. Differences between the new species and the closely related Zodarion aurorae Weiss, 1982 are discussed. An updated dichotomous key to the known species of the “germanicum” group is provided.

A New Species of Tegenaria Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Agelenidae) from Turkey

ABSTRACT: A new species, Tegenaria vanensis sp.n. is described based on males from Van Province in Turkey. The current number of Tegenaria species in Turkey is increased to 31.

Orchestina topcui sp. n., a new spider from Turkey (Araneae: Oonopidae)

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