Platnickina mneon
(Bösenberg & Strand, 1906)
A comb-footed spider in the Theridiidae, originally described from a female specimen collected in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan in 1906. The was recently reinstated as valid based on distinct body coloration, markings, genital , and molecular data (partial mitochondrial COI gene), having been previously synonymized with Yunohamella lyrica. Molecular analysis revealed that females previously identified as Platnickina mneon are with males associated with Yunohamella varietas, leading to the latter's synonymization. The species is currently classified under the Platnickina, though it was transferred to Yunohamella in the revision that reestablished its validity.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Platnickina mneon: /plætˈnɪkɪnə ˈmniːɒn/
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Identification
Distinguished from the closely related Yunohamella lyrica by body coloration and markings, as well as by genital . The female genitalia show diagnostic differences that support -level separation. Molecular data from the partial mitochondrial COI gene sequence further corroborate its distinction from Y. lyrica. Males, formerly described under the name Yunohamella varietas, are identifiable as through matching COI sequences.
Images
Distribution
Japan: Saga Prefecture, Kyushu (type locality). Records from East Asia more broadly, though specific localities beyond the type locality are not well documented in available sources. GBIF records suggest presence in additional regions (Africa, Oceania, South America, Southern Asia), though these may reflect taxonomic confusion or data quality issues given the ' documented East Asian origin.
Similar Taxa
- Yunohamella lyricaPreviously considered with P. mneon, but distinguished by body coloration, markings, and genital . Molecular data support their separation as distinct .
- Yunohamella varietasSynonymized with P. mneon based on molecular evidence (COI gene sequence matching); males previously described under this name are with P. mneon females.
- Platnickina adamsoniCompared with P. mneon in the taxonomic revision, though specific distinguishing features are not detailed in available sources.