Neon australis, Richardson, Barry J., 2013

Richardson, Barry J., 2013, New unidentate jumping spider genera (Araneae: Salticidae) from Australia, Zootaxa 3716 (3), pp. 460-474 : 468-469

Neon australis n. sp.

Figs 25–30

Type material. Holotype: M, Kuitpo, S.A., 138.70°E, 35.17°S, P.J.M. Greenslade, 20 Apr.1977 (ANIC 42 001208).

Etymology. Reflects the southern distribution of the species.

Diagnosis. The long, thin embolus has an origin as an anticlockwise spiral on the posterior side of the palp. It then passes laterally across the distal edge of the tegulum before moving distally to finish in a partial anticlockwise spiral near the distal end of the cymbium. This pattern differentiates the species from all Neon species but N. najimai . The tip-shape and direction of the apophosis in N. australis differs from that of N. najimai . The clupeus, cephalothorax and abdomen covered with clearly defined patches of white guanine (fig. 26) also differentiate it from N. najimai .

Description. Male: Cephalothorax mid orange with a strongly edged central area of the pars cephalica covered with patches of white guanine. ALE, PME and PLE placed on distinct black-edged shields. PME much nearer ALE than to PLE. White pennate hairs along sides and back of the cephalothorax and around AME and PME. Clypeus wide, orange but covered with white patches of guanine similar to pars cephalica (fig. 26), without a fringe of hairs. Chelicerae orange and straight. One medium sized, unidentate sharp retromarginal tooth, no apparent promarginal teeth. Endites and labium orange grading to yellow distally. Sternum yellow. Dorsal abdomen orange with a pattern of small dark spots and white patches of guanine. Thin dark longitudinal stripes on the sides. Spinnerets orange. Ventral abdomen similar in colour and guanine pattern to the dorsal abdomen. Legs yellow without markings, femurs flattened vertically and spines only on the tibia, tarsi and metatarsi. L1 is a little more robust and larger than the other legs with strong fringes on the dorsal surfaces of the femur, patella and tibia, plus strong ventral fringes on the patella, tibia, and tarsus. Palp: yellow, tibia with single long strongly built apophysis. The tegulum is oval with a medium sized, proximal lobe. The long, thin embolus has a spiral lateral origin and moves sideways across the distal edge of the tegulum before moving distally to finish near the end of the cymbium. Dimensions: CL 1.1, EFL 0.7, CW 1.0, AEW 0.9, AMEW 0.5, PEW 1.0, AL 1.0, P1+T1 1.1, L1 2.5 (0.8+0.4+0.6+0.4+0.3), L2 1.9, (0.6+0.3+0.4+0.3+0.2), L3 2.3, (0.8+0.3+0.4+0.6+0.2), L4 2.3, (0.7+0.3+0.5+0.5+0.3).

Distribution and biology. Known only from the type locality (fig. 30).

Figures

FIGURES 25 – 30. Neon. Neon australis n. sp. 25 dorsal view (male); 26 anterior view of face showing cypeal ‘ moustache’ of guanine crystals; 27 – 29 male palp (27 posterior lateral view, 28 ventral view, 29 anterior lateral view); 30 map showing the geographical distribution of Neon australis (■) and Neon taylori (▲). The predicted distribution of N. taylori is also shown. Scale: total body 1 mm; remainder 0.2 mm.