Phylogenetics - Animals

Australasian wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Wolves in Northern Hemisphere clothing:
Phylogenetic relationships of Australasian wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) based on 12S ribosomal DNA sequences
C. J. Vink, A. D. Mitchell, A. M. Paterson

A sequence dataset of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene subunits from ten Australasian wolf spider species (six New Zealand species and four Australian species) was analysed. Two of the species examined are undescribed and the other eight are currently placed in Northern Hemisphere genera. Phylogenetic relationships for the species were obtained. The relationships of the Australasian species to European wolf spiders were examined. Analysis revealed that Australasian species form clades that are distinct from European species and provides further evidence against the placement of Australasian species in Northern Hemisphere genera. At least one genus is found in both New Zealand and Australia. Possible relationships to South American species (genera) are discussed.