TAXONOMIC AND FAUNISTIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPIDER FAUNA OF IRAQ (ARANEAE)

Rana Abd Alameer; Hanan Askar Hussny; Azhar Mohammed Al-Khazali

doi:10.26842/binhm.7.2026.19.1.0275

Authors

Rana Abd Alameer Department of Sciences, College of Basic Education, University of Sumer, Thi-Qar, Iraq.
Hanan Askar Hussny *Department of Sciences, College of Basic Education, University of Sumer, Thi-Qar, Iraq.
Azhar Mohammed Al-Khazali Department of Sciences, College of Basic Education, University of Sumer, Thi-Qar, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26842/binhm.7.2026.19.1.0275

Keywords:

Hersiliidae, Lycosidae, Oecobiidae, Taxonomy, Theridiidae.

Abstract

This study provides taxonomic and faunistic contributions to the knowledge of the spider fauna of Iraq (Araneae). It documents new occurrence data for several species and expands their known distribution within the country. Enoplognatha macrochelis Levy & Amitai, 1981 (Theridiidae) is recorded from southern Iraq for the first time. Additionally, Hersiliola babylonica Zamani & Marusik, 2022 (Hersiliidae), Lycosa piochardi Simon, 1876 (Lycosidae), Uroctea thaleri Rheims, Santos & van Harten, 2007 (Oecobiidae), and Latrodectus dahli Levi, 1959 (Theridiidae) are documented from Nineveh Province, providing updated distributional data for these species in Iraq. The study includes detailed photographic documentation of the examined specimens, including illustrations photographs of the copulatory organs of all recorded species, supporting accurate identification and facilitating future comparative studies.