The enigmatic Southeast Asian spider genus Savarna
(published in European J. Taxonomy, 2015; http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2015.160)
 
The genus Savarna Huber, 2005 was previously one of the most poorly known Pholcinae genera. Less than 20 specimens (representing four nominal species) were available worldwide; nothing was known about ultrastructure, biology, and relationships. Here we present the first data about ultrastructure, microhabitat, web structure, and reaction to disturbance.



We also clarify the previously dubious type locality of Savarna tessellata (Simon), and suggest that Roewer's type locality of Savarna baso in Sumatra may be an error.

In October 2015 I visited Baso Cave in Central Sumatra, the supposed type locality of Savarna baso (Roewer). Despite intensive search, no Savarna was found in or at Baso Cave. The cave (photos below) is used for extracting sand by boat and manual work but appears to be in good condition. Large numbers of bats, swifts, crickets, millipedes, and several families of spiders were observed in the cave. It seems unlikely that Savarna baso has disappeared due to environmental degradation.

In addition, Savarna has not been found at any other locality in Sumatra. This makes the male holotype of Savarna baso the only specimen of Savarna supposedly originating from outside the Malay Peninsula. Finally, it has been noted before that in Roewer’s arachnid collection wrong localities are given for numerous type specimens. I suspect that the type specimen of Savarna baso actually originates from Batu Cave in Kuala Lumpur (note the similarity between "Baso" and "Batu"). A strong argument for this comes from the fact that Savarna baso is a synonym of Savarna miser (Bristowe), the latter known from Batu Cave only!