ON THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN MODISIMUS AND HEDYPSILUS (ARANEAE, PHOLCIDAE), WITH NOTES ON BEHAVIOR AND NATURAL-HISTORY

Evidence is presented that the genera Hedypsilus Simon, 1893 and Modis imus Simon, 1893 are subjective synonyms. Precedence is given to Modis imus over Hedypsilus. The type species of both genera (M. glaucus Simo n, 1893 and H. culicinus Simon, 1893) are redescribed. Hedypsilus lawr encei Lessert, 1938 is synonymized with Hedypsilus culicinus Simon, 18 93. It appears to be a pantropical, synanthropic species. Preliminary notes on its natural history are presented. Two closely related new sp ecies are described, Modisimus simoni sp. n. (Venezuela) and Modisimus david sp, n. (Central America). Modisimus globosus Schmidt, 1956 (Col ombia?) is redescribed and illustrated for the first time. Notes on th e usefulness of the curvature of eye rows and of leg formulae for the systematics of pholcids are given. (C) 1997 The Norwegian Academy of S cience and Letters.