A new combination involving Lithyphantes lepidus Cambridge 1897 and a new name for Teutana lepida Cambridge 1903 (Araneae,Theridiidae)

Abstract

O.P. Cambridge described a New Zealand theridiid as Lithyphantes lepidus (1897, Proceedings of the Zoological Society London: 681–703) and a South African theridiid from CapeTown as Teutana lepida (1903, Annals of the South African Museum 3 (5): 143–166). Since then Levi (1957, Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard 117: 367–424) has recognised both Lithyphantes Simon 1881 and Teutana Thorell 1869 as junior synonyms of Steatoda Sundevall 1883. Following this the earlier described L. lepidus becomes Steatoda lepida new combination. As the name S. lepida is thus unavailable T. lepida requires a new name. I hereby provide the name Steatoda capensis nomen novum to replace Teutana lepida Cambridge. This name recognises the origin of the spider, that is Cape Town, South Africa.