Observations of Theotima Minutissimus (Araneae, Ochyroceratidae), a Parthenogenetic Spider

It has been suggested by several authorities that at least one species of spider of the genus Theotima, family Ochyroceratidae, occurring in tropical regions in South Africa, the Caribbean and Asia may be parthenogenetic. Theotima minutissimus is particularly abundant in the tropical rainforest leaf litter on El Yunque, Puerto Rico. While many hundreds of specimens have been collected over many years, none has been a male. To examine the possibility that this small species, ± 0.9 mm body length, is parthenogenetic, live specimens were collected and maintained in the laboratory. A second generation spiderling, raised separately, produced viable progeny.