Summary: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 87, 211­232. With 12 figures
© 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 87, 211­232 211
Blackwell Publishing LtdOxford, UKBIJBiological Journal of the Linnean Society0024-4066The Linnean Society of London, 2006? 2006
87?
211232
Original Article
ASYMMETRIC SPIDER EPIGYNA
I. AGNARSSON
*E-mail: ingi@zoology.ubc.ca
Asymmetric female genitalia and other remarkable
morphology in a new genus of cobweb spiders
(Theridiidae, Araneae) from Madagascar
INGI AGNARSSON*
Systematic Biology ­ Entomology, E-530, Smithsonian Institution, NHB-105, PO Box 37012, Washington,
D.C. 20013-7012, and The University of British Columbia, Departments of Botany and Zoology, 3529­
6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4, Canada.
Received 21 September 2004; accepted for publication 9 March 2005
Symmetry is such a conspicuous feature of life that asymmetries draw our immediate attention. While not uncom-
mon in bilateral organisms in general, asymmetry in spiders is rare. Here I report the first case of antisymmetry in
external female genitalia in spiders, in the new genus Asygyna (Theridiidae: Araneae) from Madagascar. In the

Source: Agnarsson, Ingi - Department of Biology, Universidad de Puerto Rico

Collections: Biology and Medicine