The Phylogeography and Diversification of an Endemic Trapdoor Spider Genus, Stasimopus Simon 1892 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Stasimopidae) in the Karoo, South Africa

ABSTRACT The genus Stasimopus is endemic to South Africa but has never undergone a phylogeographic review. This study aims to unravel the phylogeographic patterns and history of the many Stasimopus species which occur in the greater Karoo region. A fossil‐calibrated phylogeny was produced based on three gene regions (CO1, 16S and EF‐1ɣ) for Stasimopus (Cor‐k‐lid trapdoor spiders) specimens collected in the Karoo region, to infer dates of origin and diversification. Demographic analyses were performed on species with sufficient sample sizes (> 4). Haplotype networks were constructed for each gene region and plotted on a map to infer phylogeographic patterns. Lastly, Mantel tests were performed to test for isolation by distance. It was found that 15 species occur in the Karoo and that the genus radiation in the area is in the early Palaeocene. Most diversification occurred between the late Eocene and the Miocene, coinciding with significant changes in climate. Several species show signals of demographic expansions. Isolation by distance was detected, but only with a slight correlation. It is apparent that aridification has played a vital role in the diversification of the genus in the Karoo region. This is a shared biogeographic influence between the mygalomorph fauna of the Karoo and arid region of western Australia. Stasimopus has radiated from the late Eocene and through the Miocene resulting in 15 extant species in the region. The Tankwa Karoo has been identified as a possible Pleistocene glacial cycle refugia for the species S. leipoldti. Many of the species in the Karoo are short‐range endemics, making them of high conservation concern. This study provided vital information as the Karoo is undergoing further desertification due to factors such as climate change, which may affect the future of short‐range endemic spiders. Aridification has played a vital role in the diversification of the Stasimopus genus in the Karoo region. Stasimopus has radiated from the late Eocene and through the Miocene resulting in 15 extant species in the region. Many of these species are short‐range endemics, leaving them at greater risk of extinction given the land‐use and climate change which will affect the Karoo in the future.