Clarifying the phylogenetic placement of the Eupoinae Maddison, 2015 with ultra-conserved element data (Araneae, Salticidae)

<b>Abstract</b><br/><p>The subfamily Eupoinae Maddison, 2015 is an enigmatic group of minute leaf-litter dwelling jumping spiders from Southeast Asia. Although previous molecular phylogenetic studies have suggested that it is one of the basal (non-salticine) lineages within jumping spiders, its exact placement remains unclear. In this study, ultra-conserved element data were collected from major salticid lineages to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of all salticid subfamilies, with a special focus on the placement of the Eupoinae. The results provide a well-supported phylogeny for jumping spider subfamilies, and suggest a sister relationship of Eupoinae with Spartaeinae Wanless, 1984, a basal lineage of jumping spiders with relatively high diversity of species, morphology, and behaviour diversity. With the placement of the Eupoinae, we have resolved the relationships of all salticid subfamilies, supplying a robust framework for evolutionary studies of jumping spiders.</p>