Jotus

Abstract: The Australian fauna of Jumping spiders (family Salticidae) is highly diverse and includes iconic lineages such as the peacock spiders (genus Maratus Karsch, 1878) that are well-known for their vibrant colours and fascinating behaviours. Many other jumping spiders in Australia are also highly attractive but almost nothing is known about their diversity and taxonomic identity. Here, we describe and illustrate eight species of ‘brushed’ jumping spiders (genus Jotus L. Koch, 1881). Three of these were described more than 140 years ago and are redescribed and illustrated here: Jotusauripes L. Koch, 1881, J.braccatus L. Koch, 1881 and J.minutus L. Koch, 1881. Five new species are also described: Jotusalbimanussp. nov., J.fortiniaesp. nov., J.karllagerfeldisp. nov., Jotusmoonensissp. nov., and J.newtonisp. nov. While Jotus is a diverse and frequently observed genus in Australia, specimens are strangely rare in museum collections. A comprehensive revisionary framework including targeted field work and molecular methods will be required to fully document this charismatic and attractive group of spiders.