A new species of Southeast Asian dwarf tarantula in the genus Pocock, 1897, from Lao PDR (Theraphosidae, Selenocosmiinae).

A new species of Southeast Asian dwarf tarantula, Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, , is described from Pakse, Champasack Province, Lao PDR. The species is placed within the group of the genus , which is characterized by the absence of maxillary lyra. Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, can be distinguished from other species within the group by the unique morphology of the female spermathecae and the male embolus. The habitat and natural history of Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, are also discussed, with specimens found in mixed deciduous forests near Pakse, Lao PDR, inhabiting various microhabitats such as soil walls, under rocks, and within tree hollows. An updated comparison of scopula characteristics and labial cuspule counts across species highlights the variability of these traits and their limitations as diagnostic features. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation methods (ABGD and ASAP) further support the recognition of Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, as a distinct species.