Tricholathys relicta
Status: Category II (VU B2ac(iii); C2b). A very rare, narrowly localized endemic species. It has significant scientific importance due to its unique morphological and distribution characteristics. The absence of a functional cribellum and calamistrum is unique within the subfamily Tricholathysinae [83]. In the Eastern Hemisphere, it is the only representative of the genus, while other species are found in the western regions of the USA [83].
Brief description of the adult's appearance. A medium-sized spider with a body length of 6.5-7.0 mm, robust build. The prosoma is dark brown. The eyes are arranged in two rows and are approximately equal in diameter, occupying 0.6 of the total width of the cephalothorax. The legs are reddish-brown; the abdomen is yellowish-gray. The silk glands are short. The cribellum is reduced, and the calamistrum is absent.
General and national distribution. Known only from the vicinity of Lake Köl-Ukök, located on the northern macro-slope of the western end of the Terskei Ala-Tuu Range [83].
Habitat. Rocky and stony screes at the end of moraines and on northern slopes in the subnival zone (at an absolute height of about 3500 m above sea level), where Tricholathys inhabit rare scattered patches of soil among stones, with sparse shrubs [83, 51].
Population. The population density is very low. Patches of soil with shrub vegetation among the screes occupy a small fraction of their total area, and on these patches, adult spiders are found infrequently and in small numbers [51].
Life style (life cycles). Not sufficiently studied. They presumably feed on microarthropods (springtails, etc.). Adults are found at the end of summer in silk tubes at the base of shrubs [83, 51]. A number of morphological features indicate that T. relicta are more active predators than other species of the genus.
Limiting factors. The only known compact group of subpopulations is threatened by habitat destruction due to intensive grazing, trampling, or other similar causes. The food base is limited, and there are potential competitors in the habitats.
Natural enemies and diseases. Not studied.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not conducted.
Existing conservation measures. Currently, the species is not protected anywhere.
Recommended conservation measures. Protect habitats from grazing (create a micro-reserve), regulate any intrusion into the natural habitat of the species. It is also necessary to clarify the boundaries of the species' range and conduct monitoring.
Ovchinnikov’s Relic Spider
Tricholathys relicta Ovchinnikov, 2001
Status: Vulnerable (VU B2ac(iii), C2b - Category II), a narrowly distributed endemic relic spider species of extremely small numbers. It is the only representative of the Holarctic genus in the Eastern Hemisphere and has unique scientific importance due to its peculiar morphological features. There is one known compact group of subpopulations in the highlands near Lake Kol-Ukok in the western part of the Terskei Ala-Too Mountain Range. Spiders populate small plots of exposed soil with scant vegetation on rocky scree, at 3,500 m above sea level. Adults occur at the end of summer; they make web tubes under semishrubs and are obviously more active predators than their congeners. Limiting factors include habitat destruction and any competitors. Creation of a micro-reservation is necessary for the preservation of this species, with prohibition of pasturage and regulation of any disturbance; study of distribution and monitoring are also expedient.
