On the mysterious Seychellois endemic spider genus Cenemus (Araneae, Pholcidae)

The Pholcidae subfamily Smeringopinae has been revised extensively over the last decade, and most of its currently eight genera can now be placed with some confidence in phylogeny family. A notable exception endemic Seychellois genus Cenemus Saaristo, 2001. Morphologically, is mainly characterized by plesiomorphies, which resulted weakly supported unstable positions previous cladistic analyses. Molecular data have not previously available. Here we revise morphology type species culiculus (Simon, 1898), including first SEM photos, present molecular for genus. Morphology molecules continue to give conflicting results regarding sister taxon , but our analyses strongly support a position within northern group (Northern Africa Mediterranean India) rather than southern (Subsahara Africa). This supports idea that an ancient taxon, dating back breakup Gondwana, between separation Mascarene platform from Madagascar (~85 mya) India (~60 mya). In addition, recently established Maghreba Huber, 2022, consistently resolved as Crossopriza Simon, 1893; evidence polyphyly Holocnemus 1873, supporting morphological evidence; annotated list Seychelles, are supposedly recent human introductions.