The sicariid spiders in the state of Bahia, Brazil (Arachnida: Araneae)

We confirmed 14 species of sicariid spiders in the state of Bahia, eight from the genus Loxosceles (i) and six from <i>Sicarius</i>. The species were recorded in 48 municipalities, located mainly in the Caatinga biome. We recorded a distribution expansion of seven species: <i>Loxosceles amazonica, L. chapadensis, L. karstica, L. similis, Sicarius cariri, S. ornatus</i> and <i>S. tropicus</i>. There is a difference in species composition in the two regions separated by the São Francisco River, an important geographic barrier especially for small invertebrates. More than 75% of the species were registered in the east side and about 20% exclusively in the west side: <i>L. boqueirao, L. cardosoi, L. carinhanha</i>. This suggests the need for future studies to evaluate additional variables that determine community structure, especially considering their low vagility and reclusive behavior. Although <i>Sicarius</i> are found almost exclusively in the Caatinga, there are isolated records from Restinga and dry forest enclaves in the Cerrado domain and Atlantic Forest areas. This reinforces the possibility of them being able to adapt to slightly wetter environments erase colonize and survive in seasonally dry rainforest areas. Unlike Sicarius (i), Loxosceles (i) occupy a wide variety of habitats in natural, urban and domiciliary situations. Many of the records here such as for <i>Loxosceles boqueirao, L. cardosoi, L. carinhanha, L. chapadensis, L. karstica</i> and <i>L. troglobia</i> were obtained at caves or nearby areas, which appear to be attractive habitats for these nocturnal spiders.