First record of Latrodectus dahli Levi, 1959 (Araneae: Theridiidae) from Iraq

The widow spider Latrodectus dahli Levi, 1959 is recorded for the first time from Iraq, based on four female specimens collected in Basra Province. There are 32 valid species of the genus Latrodectus with a worldwide distribution. The female copulatory organ is illustrated. Latrodectus dahli is similar to L. hystrix Simon, 1890 in the female internal duct system but differs in the shape and coloration of the opisthosoma. Distribution records now include North Africa, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Central Asia (WSC, 2020), and now Iraq.  

Keywords:

Medically-important , widow spider , Basra