Data from: Multilocus genetic and morphological phylogenetic analysis reveals a radiation of shiny South Asian Jumping spiders (Araneae, Salticidae)

This study presents a systematic revision of South Asian members of the Tribe Chrysillini Simon, 1901. Here we analyzed genetic and morphological variation of a “similar-looking” group of species that were initially identified as members of the jumping spider genera Chrysilla Thorell, 1887 and Phintella Strand, in Bösenberg & Strand, 1906 to determine their phylogenetic relationships. Our results suggest that part of our morphospecies complex constitute of three evolutionary lineages, two previously unrecognized, which are described and diagnosed as two new genera: Phintelloides gen. nov. and Proszynskia gen. nov. The third lineage, Phintella is sister to these proposed genera. The following new species are described: Phintelloides alborea sp. nov., P. brunne sp. nov., P. flavoviri sp. nov., P. flavumi sp. nov., P. orbisa sp. nov., Phintella argentea sp. nov. and P. jaleeli sp. nov. Sri Lanka is rich in biodiversity, but currently has one of the highest rates of deforestation. Lack of clarity on diversity and distribution of the islands biodiversity can lead to underestimations during threat assessments and thus downgrading of conservation needs of individual species