Phylogenetic corroboration of superfamily Lycosoidae spiders (Araneae) as inferred from partial mitochondrial 12S and 16S ribosomal DNA sequences

The genetic variations of two cribellate spider families, the Psechridae an d Uloboridae, plus ecribellate spider families within the Araneomorphae, we re examined by analyzing their partial mitochondrial 12S and 16S rDNA seque nces, based on which phylogenetic closeness was tested. Using the Hexatheli dae (Macrothele hoist,) as an outgroup, the phylogenetic relationships of L ycosoidea superfamily spiders were investigated. The results indicate that cribellate spiders are polyphyletic. The reconstructed tree based on both m aximum parsimony and neighbor joining analyses clearly demonstrates that th e cribellate spider, Psechridae, is a member of the Lycosoidea clade that i s comprised of the Lycosidae, Pisauridae, and Oxyopidae. The study also rea ffirms that the cribellate funnel weavers, Psechridae, and orb weavers, Ulo boridae, are two distinct lineages. However, the topology within the Lycoso idea clade from our analysis differs from that as inferred by morphological , ecological, and behavioral characteristics.