Pisauridae, Trechaleidae, and Lycosidae constitute part of the Lycosoidea clade that includes a diverse range of wandering spider species that inhabit terrestrial and semi-aquatic environments. Phylogenetic studies of these three families based on morphological and behavioural traits have produced contradictory results on their evolutionary relationships. To resolve their relationship, we constructed a molecular phylogeny based on five mitochondrial and three nuclear genes. We found support for the sister group relationship between Lycosidae and Trechaleidae. In contrast to previous findings, our results suggest that Pisauridae is not monophyletic, and that Dolomedes forms its own group. Both Pisauridae and Trechaleidae contain species that provide nuptial gifts. In combination with sampling of more species for this trait, our results provide a phylogenetic framework for assessing the evolution of nuptial gift giving in spiders.

We describe a new species of the genus Sicarius Walckenaer, 1847 (Sicariidae), S. vallenato sp. nov., from the tropical dry forest in Valledupar and La Guajira, Colombia, representing the first species of the genus from Colombia. The new species is diagnosed from other species of the genus, and compared in detail.

A new genus of the subfamily Euagrinae is described from Chile, Vilchura calderoni gen. et sp. nov. this is the second euagrine genus described for South America. The genus is distinguished from other euagrine genera by its short and recurved fovea, the presence of a megaspine on both male tibiae I and II, and the female spermathecae divided into 2–3 lobes.

We describe a new trapdoor spider species of the genus Nemesia Audouin, 1826. N. asterix n. sp. belongs to a group of Nemesia species that is widely distributed in the western Mediterranean region. The group is noted for the distinctly ornamented trapdoors that several of its species construct. N. asterix n. sp. builds a remarkable star-shaped trapdoor. The species appears to be restricted in its distribution to southeastern Sardinia.

Oonops gavarrensis n. sp. is described from the Gavarres protected natural area in Catalonia, Spain. The new species is related to Oonops procerus Simon, 1882. It was encountered in soil litter and under stones.