The Neotropical and Mexican Orb Weavers of the genera Cyclosa and Allocyclosa (Araneae: Araneidae)

Fifty-one neotropical and Mexican species of Cyclosa were identified, of which 38 are new. Twelve names have been newly synonymized. The neotropical Cyclosa species all have genitalia similar to those of North American C. caroli, C. turbinata and C. walckenaeri. In all females, the epigynum is lightly sclerotized, with openings and sculpturing difficult to see. In most males, the diagnostic palpal features are hidden: the conductor tooth is behind a flap, and the median apophysis is partly hidden below the large conductor of the palpus. A new genus, Allocyclosa, has been established for C. bifurca. Synapomorphies place Cyclosa close to Metazygia, but Allocyclosa is similar to Cyrtophora in body shape. It differs from Cyrtophora in structure of genitalia and in making a Cyclosa-like web.