Data from: Phylogenetic systematics and evolution of the spider infraorder Mygalomorphae using genomic scale data

The Infraorder Mygalomorphae is one of the three main lineages of spiders
comprising over 3,000 nominal species. This ancient group has a world-wide
distribution that includes among its ranks large and charismatic taxa such
as tarantulas, trapdoor spiders, and highly venomous funnel web spiders.
Based on past molecular studies using Sanger-sequencing approaches,
numerous mygalomorph families (e.g., Hexathelidae, Ctenizidae,
Cyrtaucheniidae, Dipluridae and Nemesiidae) have been identified as
non-monophyletic. However, these data were unable to sufficiently resolve
the higher-level (intra- and interfamilial) relationships such that the
necessary changes in classification could be made with confidence. Here we
present a comprehensive phylogenomic treatment of the spider infraorder
Mygalomorphae. We employ 472 loci obtained through anchored hybrid
enrichment to reconstruct relationships among all the mygalomorph spider
families and estimate the timeframe of their diversification. We sampled
nearly all currently recognized families, which has allowed us to assess
their status, and as a result, propose a new classification scheme. Our
generic-level sampling has also provided an evolutionary framework for
revisiting questions regarding silk use in mygalomorph spiders. The first
such analysis for the group within a strict phylogenetic framework shows
that a sheet web is likely the plesiomorphic condition for mygalomorphs,
as well as providing insights to the ancestral foraging behavior for all
spiders. Our divergence time estimates, concomitant with detailed
biogeographic analysis, suggest that both ancient continental-level
vicariance and more recent dispersal events have played an important role
in shaping modern day distributional patterns. Based on our results, we
relimit the generic composition of the Ctenizidae, Cyrtaucheniidae,
Dipluridae and Nemesiidae. We also elevate five subfamilies to family
rank: Anamidae (NEW RANK), Euagridae (NEW RANK), Ischnothelidae (NEW
RANK), Pycnothelidae (NEW RANK), and Bemmeridae (NEW RANK). Three families
Entypesidae (NEW FAMILY), Microhexuridae (NEW FAMILY), and Stasimopidae
(NEW FAMILY), and one subfamily Australothelinae (NEW SUBFAMILY) are newly
proposed. Such a major rearrangement in classification, recognizing nine
newly established family-level rank taxa, is the largest the group has
seen in over three decades.