Revision of recluse spiders (Araneae: Sicariidae: Loxosceles) preserved in Dominican amber and a total-evidence phylogeny of Scytodoidea reveal the first fossil Drymusidae

Recluse or violin spiders in the genus Loxosceles (Scytodoidea: Sicariidae) are a diverse group (~140 extant species) including medically important species and distributed mainly Americas, Africa, Mediterranean region. In addition, this includes three fossil from Miocene Dominican amber. Here we revise taxonomy of these by examining, imaging re-describing their type specimens. We find that L. defecta Wunderlich, 1988 deformis bona fide members report additional characters overlooked original descriptions. further study holotype aculicaput 2004 using synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography to reveal previously unknown morphological details hidden fissures found several inconsistent with but consistent Drymusa (false spiders; Scytodoidea: Drymusidae), such as claws, well-developed podotarsite, broad colulus. This suggests is misplaced . To test hypothesis, estimated total-evidence phylogeny superfamily Scytodoidea taxa, data, traditional molecular markers, sequences ultra-conserved elements. The results show unambiguously belongs close relative inhabiting Greater Antilles. Therefore, here transfer , establishing new combination family assignment. comb. nov. represents first known Drymusidae shows crown already existed Miocene.