Towards a phylogeny of entelegyne spiders (Araneae, Araneomorphae, Entelegynae)

We propose a phylogeny for all entelegyne families with cribellate members based on a matrix of 137 characters scored for 43 exemplar taxa and analyzed under parsimony. The cladogram confirms the monophyly of Neocribellatae, Araneoclada, Entelegynae, and Orbiculariae. Lycosoidea, Amaurobiidae and some included subfamilies, Dictynoidea, and Amaurobioidea (sensu Forster & Wilton 1973) are polyphyletic. Phyxelidinae Lehtinen is raised to family level (Phyxelididae, NEW RANK). The family Zorocratidae Dahl 1913 is revalidated. A group including all entelegynes other than Eresoidea is weakly supported as the sister group of Orbiculariae.