Phylogenomic placement of a new genus and species of jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae: Spartaeini) based on UCE data

Recent phylogenomic studies have established a robust backbone
relationship for the seven subfamilies of jumping spiders (Salticidae),
and identified an enigmatic clade within the subtribe Spartaeina, which
significantly contributes to the diversity of the subfamily Spartaeinae.
However, the classification of this enigmatic lineage remained unresolved
due to the availability of only one male specimen at that time. In this
study, we extensively examined additional materials and obtained
ultra-conserved element (UCE) data for more putative species of this
lineage. The UCE phylogenetic results provided a comprehensive and
strongly supported framework for the subtribe Spartaeina, and confirmed
that the enigmatic clade is a distinct lineage, separate from genera with
similar morphological traits. Coupled with morphological evidence, we
describe a new genus, Protaeus gen. nov., and three new species: Protaeus
nyarlathotep sp. nov., P. dracosquamus sp. nov., and P. gulliwingus sp.
nov. We also revise the classification of three previously misplaced
species into this new genus: P. jianfeng (Song & Zhu, 1998) comb.
nov. (transferred from Portia), P. forcipiformis (Yang, Liu, Liu &
Peng, 2017) comb. nov. (transferred from Spartaeus) and P. shiwandashan
(Wang, Mi, Li & Xu, 2024) comb. nov. (transferred from Mintonia).
Additionally, we redescribe the male of P. jianfeng and provide a
description of the female for the first time. This study enhances our
understanding of evolutionary relationships within Spartaeina and
underscores the importance of further exploration within this diverse
group.