First Record of Selenops submaculosus Bryant (Araneae, Selenopidae; a flattie spider) from Louisiana

Selenops submaculosus, a species of flattie spider distributed in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Florida, was collected in New Orleans, LA. Selenopids are large, but they often go undetected due to their speed and secretive lifestyles. Thus, although not previously found in the area, it is possible selenopids naturally occur in the region. However, because some selenopids can travel long distances on ocean flotsam and other items transported by humans, we compared molecular data from this specimen with sequences of other specimens and closely related species from throughout its range. Results indicate that the specimen represents a distinct population. Future efforts will be aimed at locating more specimens from Louisiana and the area between Louisiana and the northernmost record of the family in Florida.