Additions to the spider fauna (Araneae) of Algeria: first records of five species from the northern Sahara

The spider fauna of the Algerian Sahara remains poorly studied despite its vast arid landscapes and unique ecological conditions. In this study, we report five spider species newly recorded from Algeria, based on material collected in the region of El Meghaier, northern Sahara. These are Rhysodromus lepidus (Blackwall, 1870) (Philodromidae), Pellenes hedjazensis Prószyński, 1993 (Salticidae), Theridion jordanense Levy & Amitai, 1982 (Theridiidae), Ozyptila furcula (Koch, 1882), and Thomisus zyuzini Marusik & Logunov, 1990 (both Thomisidae). Additionally, O. furcula, P. hedjazensis and T. zyuzini are recorded from Africa for the first time, and the genus Rhysodromus Schick, 1965, is newly reported from Algeria. Photographs of the habitus and copulatory organs are provided, along with a distribution map illustrating both known and newly recorded occurrences, and notes on the ecological conditions of the collection sites.