A survey of the Loureedia genus (Araneae, Eresidae) with a new species from Iran and the first assessment of illegal wildlife trade as a threat to the group

We describe and illustrate a new species of velvet spider from Iran, L. venatica sp. n., the first species of this genus outside of the Mediterranean region. We also resurrect Eresus jerbae from synonym, as a distinct and valid Loureedia species, L.jerbae comb.n, and record this genus to Jordan for the first time.We map the distribution of all available observations of L.venatica sp.n. and L.jerbae comb.n, based on museum specimens and on photographic records, using these observations, and the uncertainty therein, to estimate the species range and how it would be classified under the IUCN Red List. Addressing two of the obstacles to the conservation of poorly known taxa, the Linnaean shortfall, by increasing the number of described species, and the Wallacean shortfall, by increasing current knowledge of species distribution as well as their range.We also found that Loureedia jerbae comb.n. from Tunisia is been sold as an exotic pet, and that photos of Iranian Loureedia venatica sp.n. are being used to advertise the sale of this genus in the pet trade. We discuss the impacts this likely causes to these species, as well these species extinction risk under the IUCN Red List.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.View Full Text