Metabus, AND

Álvarez-Padilla, Fernando, 2007, Systematics of the spider genus Metabus O. P. - Cambridge, 1899 (Araneoidea: Tetragnathidae) with additions to the tetragnathid fauna of Chile and comments on the phylogeny of Tetragnathidae, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 151 (2), pp. 285-335 : 313-320

SYSTEMATICS OF METABUS AND TETRAGNATHID SPIDERS 313

(holotype of Meta patagiata MNHN ) FAP0284. Región VII del Maule, Maule, Cauquenes W of Maule, 350 m, 4.x.1983, 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0261 male illustrated and measured; 400 m, 24–27.i.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0251 ; Tregualemu , 24.i.1976, G. Moreno leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0260 ; Talca , Bramadora , 600 m, 21–22.i.1993, L. E. Peña leg. 6 females and 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0249 . Región VIII del Bio Bio , Concepción , Nonquen Estero , 11.xii.1977, T. Cekalovic leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0259 ; Ñuble , Las Trancas , iii–iv.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 2 females and 5 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0250 . Región IX de la Araucaria, Malleco , Curacautín , 16 km N of, 800 m, 15.ii.1992, N. I. Platnick, P. A. Goloboff & M. J. Ramírez leg. 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0263 ; Nahuelbuta , sendero Piedra del Aguila , 37°49′45″S, 73°0′30″W, 1450 m, 4–9.i.2001, J. Miller, F. Álvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 6 females ( USNM) FAP0243 largest female measured epigynum cleared illustrated. Región X de los Lagos, Chiloe, Huequetrumao Is. de Chiloe , 27.xii.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0255 ; Lago Coluco, 26.i.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0256 ; Puente Murror, Ancud, 16.xii.1982, L. E. Peña leg. 6 males, 1 female and 7 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0257 ; Llanquihue, Alerce Andino, Sector Sargazo, 41°30′30″S, 72°37′0″W, 350 m, 20–27.xii.2000, J. Miller, F. Álvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 3 females and 3 immatures ( USNM) FAP0245 ; Osorno, Pucatrihue coast, 10–24.ii.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female and 6 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0253 ; 1–10.ii.1980, L. E. Peña leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0254 ; Puyehue, Aguas Calientes, 40°44′0″S, 72°18′45″W, 450 m, 12.xii.2000 − 2.i.2001, G. Hormiga leg. 2 females ( USNM) FAP0244 ; Puyehue, Anticura, 40°40′0″S, 72°10′30″W, 350 m, 13.xii.2000 − 2.i.2001, J. Miller, F. Álvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 2 males ( USNM) FAP0240 one female specimen used for SEM; 1 female and 2 immatures ( USNM) FAP0241 smallest female measured epigynum illustrated; 3 females and 2 immatures ( USNM) FAP0242 ; Palena, Chaiten, 25–27 km N of, 40 m, 16.i.1986, N. I. Platnick, P. A. Goloboff & R. T. Schuh leg. 2 females and 1 immature ( AMNH) FAP0262 ; Valdivia, Purolon, 10.i.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0248 ; Valdivia, 25.xii.1979, E. Krahmer leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0247 ; Valdivia, 30 km S of, 13.i.1951, Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0246 . Región XI del Aisen, Aisen, Río Aisen Valley, i.1897. P. Dusen leg. 1 male (holotype of Meta echinata NRS ) FAP0275 .

ALLENDE LONGIPES ( NICOLET, 1849) COMB. NOV.

( FIGS 6B, C , 9F–H , 11B , 18 )

Epeira longipes Nicolet, 1849: 491 (type presumably deposited at MNHN. Species identifications made with Dr Levi’s illustrations of the type material).

Meta aurora Simon, 1901: 19 (female holotype MNHN, examined). New synonymy.

Meta chilensis Tullgren, 1902: 23 pl. 1 f. 7 (male holotype in NSR, examined). New synonymy.

Meta cordillera Tullgren, 1902: 23 pl. 2 f. 3 (female lectotype in NSR, examined). New synonymy.

Meta torta Tullgren, 1902: 21 pl. 2 f. 2 (female holotype in NSR, examined). New synonymy.

Meta longipes ( Nicolet, 1849) : Simon, 1900: 51.

Metabus longipes ( Tullgren, 1902) : Archer, 1963: 17.

Metabus chilensis ( Tullgren, 1902) : Archer, 1963: 17.

Metabus cordillera ( Tullgren, 1902) : Archer, 1963: 17.

Metabus tortus ( Tullgren, 1902) : Archer, 1963: 17.

Diagnosis: A. longipes differs from other Allende species by the following combination of characters: female metatarsus I and II mesal surface with stout macrosetae ( Fig. 18F ); epigynum apical invaginations exposed and delineated by narrow ridges ( Fig. 18H ); cymbial median process globular-shaped ( Fig. 18N ); and shape of the conductor tip ( Fig. 18Q ).

Description: Female from Cautín, Chacamo, Chile (FAP0090). Habitus as in Figure 18A, C–E . Total length 8.8. Cephalothorax 3.7 long, 2.8 wide, 1.1 high. Sternum 1.6 long, 1.5 wide. Chelicerae orange, darker than the cephalothorax ( Fig. 18B ). Abdomen oval, 5.8 long, 4.0 wide, 4.2 high, venter with a median white rectangular area and two white spots around the spinnerets. AME diameter 0.16. ALE 0.14. PME 0.16. PLE 0.14. Clypeus height 1.3 × AME diameter. AME separation 1.1 × AME diameter. AME–ALE separation 2.3 × AME diameter. PME separation 1.1 × PME diameter. PME–PLE separation 2.6 × PME diameter. Leg I length 17.5, leg II 13.0, leg III 7.4, leg IV 10.8, pedipalp 4.06. Spermathecae almost spherical, epigynum as in Figure 18G–K .

Male from Nahuelbuta, Chile ( FAP0080 ). Habitus as in Figure 18L . Total length 5.3. Cephalothorax 2.5 long, 1.9 wide, 0.9 high. Sternum 1.2 long, 1.1 wide. Chelicerae same colour as the cephalothorax ( Fig. 18M ). Abdomen oval 3.1 long, 2.0 wide, 1.9 high. AME diameter 0.11. ALE 0.09. PME 0.11. PLE 0.09. Clypeus height 1.3 × AME diameter. AME separation 1.3 × AME diameter. AME – ALE separation 2.1 × AME diameter. PME separation 1.3 × PME diameter. PME – PLE separation 2.2 × PME diameter. Leg I length 17.1, leg II 11.9, leg III 5.9, leg IV 8.6, pedipalp 4.6. Pedipalp tibia 3.7 times longer than wide. Embolic apophysis long, pedipalp as in Figure 18N–Q .

Variation: Four different variations of dorsal patterns were identified ( Fig. 18A, C, D ). These differences correspond to three different species described by Tullgren (1902) and synonymized here under A. longipes . These species are synonymized because the diagnostic pedipalp and epigynal characters presented no variation among dorsal patterns. Furthermore, a handful of specimens were found with intermediate abdominal patterns, suggesting that this could be a case of polymorphism for A. longipes ; however, the locality data provided was insufficient to test if these abdominal variations were segregated at a population level. The only exceptions are the number of denticles on the cymbial basal process projection (which varies from three to five, even within individuals) and the epigynal median plate distal constriction width. Female total length 5.6–8.8, cephalothorax length 2.5–3.7. Male total length 4.6–6.3, cephalothorax length 2.3-3.2.

Distribution: A. longipes is found in Chile and Argentina ( Fig. 11B ). Its geographical range covers the following latitudes 25°47′0″S to 53°40′0″S, and altitudes from 30 to 1450 m.

Material examined (N = 232): ARGENTINA: Neuquen, Pucara, 1 male (CAS) FAP0040. CHILE: Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Santiago, C. Joseph leg. 2 females (AMNH) FAP0200. Región V de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Cerro Molle, C. Porter leg. 1 female. (holotype of Meta aurora MNHN ) FAP0282. Región VII del Maule, Curico, Las Tablas, ii.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0071. Región VIII del Bio Bio, Guallali, Lago El Barco, 1200 m, 21–28.ii.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male (AMNH) FAP0077 largest male measured; Ñuble, Atacalco, Chillan area, 17.iii.1983, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0083; Las Cabras, 26- 28.xii.1986, L. Umaña leg. 1 female and 1 immature (AMNH) FAP0049; Las Trancas, 18.iii.1983, L. E. Peña leg. 2 females (AMNH) FAP0062; Las Trancas, El Recinto, 1100 m, ii.1987, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male (AMNH) FAP0073; Los Lleques, 5–20.xii.1985, L. Umaña leg. 4 females (AMNH) FAP0055. Región IX de la Araucaria, Cautín, Chacamo, 600–700 m, 16– 24.ii.1984, L. E. Peña leg. 2 males and 2 females (AMNH) FAP0088; 17–23.ii.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0090 abdominal morpho 1 ( Fig. 18A, L ) largest female measured and illustrated; Toltan, 27.ii.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male and 1 female (AMNH) FAP0072; Villarrica, 27–28.ii.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 32 males, 17 females and 4 immatures. (AMNH) FAP0065 smallest female measured, one male and one female specimens used for SEM; L. E. Peña leg. 3 males and 3 females (AMNH) FAP0067; Malleco, Angol, Nahuelbuta, 14–24.ii.1977, G. Moreno leg. 3 females (AMNH) FAP0050; Contulmo Natur., 350 m, 11.xii.1984 − 13.ii.1985, S. & W. Peck leg. 1 male (AMNH) FAP0058; Malalcahuello, 9–15.xii.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male and 2 immatures (AMNH) FAP0087; Nahuelbuta Cord., 1300−1400 m, 6–12.i.1982, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male (AMNH) FAP0089; Nahuelbuta, 1300 m, 6–12.i.1982, L. E. Peña leg. 7 males and 9 immatures (AMNH) FAP0047; 1120 m, 13.ii.1992, N. I. Platnick, P. A. Goloboff & M. J. Ramírez leg. 3 males (AMNH) FAP0048; 1300 m, 1–6.ii.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male, 3 females and 3 immatures (AMNH) FAP0069; L. E. Peña leg. 1 male and 4 females (AMNH) FAP0075; L. E. Peña leg. 5 males and 1 female (AMNH) FAP0080 male measured and illustrated; Nahuelbuta, sendero Piedra del Aguila, 37°49′30″S, 73°2′15″W, 1450 m, 8.i.2001, J. Miller, F. Álvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 2 males (USNM) FAP0039; Tolhuaca, 15–23.iii.1986, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0085. Región X de los Lagos, Chiloe Is., Cerros del Cucao, Cord de Piuche, 1.iii.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male and 5 females (AMNH) FAP0079; Continental, Río Ventisquero, Lago Velcho, 5–9.xii.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male and 4 immatures (AMNH) FAP0086; Llanquehue, Los Muermos, 41°24′0″S, 73°29′0″W, 13.xi.1966, E. I. Schlinger & M. Irwin leg. 1 female (CAS) FAP0043; Calbuco, 21– 28.ii.1967, A. F. Archer leg. 2 males and 2 immatures (AMNH) FAP0056; 3 males and 1 immature (AMNH) FAP0264 smallest male measured; Lago Chapo, 7- 10.ii.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male (AMNH) FAP0068; Osorno, La Pelada Chica, 1–2.iii.1987, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0070; La Picada, El Refugio, 41°4′0″S, 72°26′0″W, 6.ii.1967, E. I. Schlinger leg. 1 male (AMNH) FAP0053; La Unión, 600 m, 25– 28.iii.1987, L. E. Peña leg. 4 females (AMNH) FAP0076; 900 m, 1–2.iii.1987, L. E. Peña leg. 5 females and 1 immature (AMNH) FAP0066; Puyehue NP, 40°46′30″S, 72°12′0″W, 700 m, 12.xii.2000 − 2.i.2001, J. Miller, F. Álvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 1 male (USNM) FAP0038; 24.i.1951, Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 male (CAS) FAP0041; 26.i.1951, Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 female and 4 immatures (CAS) FAP0042; Puyehue, Aguas Calientes, 40°44′0″S, 72°18′45″W, 450 m, 12.xii.2000 − 2.i.2001, G. Hormiga leg. 2 males and 1 immature (USNM) FAP0035; 13.xii.2000 − 1.i.2001, G. Hormiga leg. 1 male (USNM) FAP0036; 1 female (USNM) FAP0037; 40°44′0″S, 72°18′0″W, 500 m, 16.i.1995, N. I. Platnick, K. Catley & D. Silva leg. 6 females (AMNH) FAP0046; 600 m, 18.xii.1984 − 8.i.1985, S. & J. Peck leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0054; 1 female (AMNH) FAP0059; 425 m, 31.i.1985, N. I. Platnick & O. Francke leg. 2 males and 1 female (AMNH) FAP0060; 500 m, 2–5.i.1982, L. E. Peña leg. 2 males and 1 immature (AMNH) FAP0081; 600 m, 12–20.ii.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male and 4 females (AMNH) FAP0082; 480 m, 17–18.ii.1992, N. I. Platnick, P. A. Goloboff & M. J. Ramírez leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0197 female morpho 3 illustrated ( Fig. 18C ); Puyehue, Anticura, 40°40′0″S, 72°10′30″W, 350 m, 13.xii.2000 − 2.i.2001, J. Miller, F. Álvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 2 males and 1 female (USNM) FAP0033; Puyehue, Los Mallines, 40°46′0″S, 72°17′0″W, 700 m, 12.xii.2000 − 2.i.2001, J. Miller, F. Álvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 1 male (USNM) FAP0034; Palena, Chaiten, 40 m, 17.i.1986, N. I. Platnick, P. A. Goloboff & R. T. Schuh leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0209; Chaiten, 70 km S of, 500 m, 16.i.1986, N. I. Platnick, P. A. Goloboff & R. T. Schuh leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0196; Valdivia, Las Lajas, 9– 13.i.1990, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male, 3 females and 3 immatures (AMNH) FAP0064; Las Trancas, W La Unión, 500 m, 6–10.ii.1988, L. E. Peña leg. 2 females (AMNH) FAP0084; Neltume, ii.1987, L. E. Peña leg. 3 females (AMNH) FAP0045 female morpho 2 illustrated ( Fig. 18E ); Santo Domingo, Valdivia, 1.xi.1976, E. Krahmer leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0051. Región XI del Aisen, Aisen, Cisnes Medio, 200 m, 30.xii.1984 − 28.i.1985, S. & J. Peck leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0057; Cocharne, 1–3.ii.1990, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male and 2 females (AMNH) FAP0074; Cocharne, Confl. Backer & Nef rivers, 180 m, 5–6.ii.1990, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male (AMNH) FAP0078; Cocharne, Río Backer, 180 m, 30.i.1990, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0063. Quelat, PN nr. Pto. Cisnes, 500 m, 6.ii.1985, N. I. Platnick & O. Francke leg. 2 females (AMNH) FAP0198 female morpho 4 illustrated ( Fig. 18D ); Río Aisen, Valley, i. 1897, P. Dusen leg. 1 male (holotype of Meta torta NRS ) FAP0274; 1 female (holotype Meta chilensis NRS ) FAP0276; 3 females (paralectotypes Meta cordillera NRS ) FAP0277; 1 female (lectotype Meta cordillera designated by Levi NRS) FAP0278; 2 females (NRS) FAP0279. Región XII de Magallanes, Magallanes, Chorrilla de la Piedra, 3.ii.1990, T. Cekalovic leg. 1 female (AMNH) FAP0052; Tierra del Fuego, Cameron, 30 m, 2.xii.1966, E. I. Schlinger & M. Irwin leg. 2 males (CAS) FAP0044.

ALLENDE NIGROHUMERALIS (F. O. P.– CAMBRIDGE, 1889) COMB. NOV.

( FIGS 6D, E , 9I–J , 11B , 19 )

Meta nigrohumeralis F. O. P.- Cambridge, 1899: 18 pl. 2 f. 4–5 (female holotype in BMNH, examined). New synonymy.

Meta porteri Simon, 1900: 51 (female holotype in MNHN, examined). New synonymy.

Metabus nigrohumeralis (F. O. P.- Cambridge, 1889): Archer (1963): 17.

Metabus porteri ( Simon, 1900) : Archer, 1963: 17.

Diagnosis: A. nigrohumeralis differs from other Allende species by the following combination of characters: two anterior dark patches on the abdomen ( Fig. 19A ); epigynum apical invaginations delineated by thick ridges ( Fig. 19C ); cymbial median process curved apically ( Fig. 19L ), cymbial basal process projection covered with small denticles ( Fig. 19P ); and the shape of the conductor tip ( Fig. 19N ).

Description: Female from Valparaiso, Cerro Las Vizcachas, Chile (FAP0142). Habitus as in Figure 19A . Total length 10.4. Cephalothorax 4.4 long, 3.3 wide, 1.3 high. Sternum 1.9 long, 1.8 wide. Chelicerae anterior surface covered with dark dots ( Fig. 19B ). Abdomen oval, 6.5 long, 5.2 wide, 4.9 high, venter with a median white rectangular area delineated by two thin dark lines. AME diameter 0.19. ALE 0.18. PME 0.19. PLE 0.18. Clypeus height 1.5 × AME diameter. AME separation 1.1 × AME diameter. AME–ALE separation 2.8 × AME diameter. PME separation 1.0 × PME diameter. PME–PLE separation 3.3 × PME diameter. Legs light brown, femur I dark brown. Leg I length 25.7, leg II 19.1, leg III 9.8, leg IV 16.7, pedipalp 5.4. Spermathecae spherical, epigynum as in Figure 19C–G .

Male from Valparaiso, Cerro Las Vizcachas, Chile (FAP0142). Habitus as in Figure 19H . Total length 7.3. Cephalothorax 3.7 long, 2.9 wide, 1.1 high. Sternum 1.7 long, 1.5 wide. Chelicerae pattern as in Figure 19I . Abdomen oval, pattern as in female 4.5 long, 2.8 wide, 2.4 high. AME diameter 0.16. ALE 0.14. PME 0.16. PLE 0.14. Clypeus height 1.6 × AME diameter. AME separation 1.0 × AME diameter. AME–ALE separation 2.3 × AME diameter. PME separation 1.0 × PME diameter. PME–PLE separation 2.5 × PME diameter. Femur I dark brown. Leg I length 28.6, leg II 19.6, leg III 9.6, leg IV 13.1, pedipalp 5.9. Pedipalp tibia 3.5 times longer than wide. Embolic apophysis long, pedipalp morphology as in Figure 19J–P .

Variation: Female total length 7.6–13.3, cephalothorax length 3.0–5.9. The epigynal median plate distal constriction varies in width. Male total length 5.4–8.9, cephalothorax length 2.6–4.3. The number of denticles on the cymbial basal process projection also varies; nevertheless, the margin is always completely covered by them.

Distribution: A. nigrohumeralis is found in Chile and Argentina ( Fig. 11B ). Its geographical range covers the following latitudes 24°18′0″S to 36°56′0″S, and altitudes from 40 to 1300 m.

Material examined (N = 335): ARGENTINA: Chubut, Epuyén, 17.x.1966 , A. Kovacs leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0194 smallest female measured. Río Negro, El Bolson, 41°58′0″S, 71°31′0″W, 23.x.1961 , A. Kovacs leg. 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0189 ; 13.iii.1961, 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0190 ; 1.ii.1961, 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0191 ; 3 females ( AMNH) FAP0192 ; 21.ii.1963, 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0193 ; Ñorquinco , 20.vi.1966 , A. Kovacs leg. 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0195 . CHILE: Chile, 2 females and 1 immature ( MNHN) FAP0290 ; 25 females and 2 males ( MNHN) FAP0291 ; 1 male ( MNHN) FAP0292 . Juan Fernández Is., Cumberland Bay , 11-12.iii.1962 . B. Malkin leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0178 ; 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0179 ; 7 females and 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0180 ; Galpon, Valle Villagra, Mas a tierra, 23-24.iv.1962 , B. Malkin leg. 6 females and 7 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0183 ; Juan Fernández , 8.xii.1926 , W. L. Schmith leg. 1 male, 2 females and 1 immature ( USNM) FAP0206 ; Ghe, 1 female (holotype of Meta nigrohumeralis BMNH ) FAP0270; Juan Fernández, Caracoles , viii.1943 , Rosa leg. 1 male ( CAS) FAP0112 ; La Piña , 33°40′6″S, 78°48′0±W, 280– 400 m, 31.xii.2002 , S. Lew, K. Will & S. Ocare leg. 1 male and 1 female ( EME) FAP0208 ; Plazoleto de Yunque, Mas a tierra, 23–24.iv.1962 , B. Malkin leg. 3 females and 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0182 ; San Juan Bautista , 33°38′9″S. 78°49′54″W, 28.xii.2002 , S. Lew, K. Will & W. Ocare leg. 7 females ( EME) FAP0207 . Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Aculeo , El Paragual, 5–8.xii.1983 , L. Irarrazaval leg. 1 female and 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0164 ; Melpilla, La Viluma , SE Melpilla, 350 m, 15.xii.1987, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0203 ; San Manuel, 13– 14.v.1980, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0133 ; 6–8.xii.1980, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male and 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0135 ; Santiago , Cuesta La Dormida , 800–1300 m, 13–18.xi.1982 , Peña leg. 2 males, 2 females and 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0149 ; El Golf , 9.iv.1961 , A. F. Archer leg. 3 females ( AMNH) FAP0185 ; 3 females and 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0267 largest female measured, one male specimen used for SEM; Quilicura, vs. 1979, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0140 ; L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0205 ; Los Lirios, 1 female ( MNHN) FAP0288 ; Mnt. Bell , 914 m, 17.xii.1950 , Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0117 ; Mnt. Bell , 914 m, 17.xii.1950 , Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 male ( CAS) FAP0119 . Región IV del Coquimbo, Choapa, Los Vilos Km 26 Rt 5, 40 m, 31°50′0″S, 71°31′0″W, 13.xii.1993, N. I. Platnick, K. Catley, M. J. Ramírez & T . Allen leg. 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0175 ; Coquimbo, Fray Jorge NP, 11.xii.1950 , Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0120 ; Pichidangui , 32°8′0″S, 71°32′0″W, 12.viii.1996 , E. I. Schlinger leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0199 ; Quilican , 16 km E la Serena, 2.x.1961 , R. Wagnerknetch leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0265 ; Los Vilos, 12.x.1986, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male, 1 female and 1 immature ( AMNH) FAP0141 ; Ovaile , 13.viii.1950 , Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0115 . Region V de Valparaiso , Aconcagua, C. Porter leg. 1 female ( MNHN) FAP0289 ; Cachagua, 14.xii.1980, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male, 4 females and 1 immature ( AMNH) FAP0129 ; Las Palmas, 1 female (holotype of Meta porteri MNHN ) FAP0283; Petorca, 8.x.1986, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male 4 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0128 ; Concon , 16.viii.1950 , Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 male ( CAS) FAP0114 ; Valparaiso, Cerro Las Vizcachas, 1800−2200 m, 1–12.xii.1982, L. E. Peña leg. 2 males and 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0142 male and female illustrated and measured; Cordoba , Santiago Coast , 15–20.ii.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0201 ; Cuesta El Melón , 10-12.x.1986, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male, 3 females and 15 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0145 ; 15.xii.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female and 3 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0147 ; Quintero , 12.xii.1980, L. E. Peña leg. 3 males ( AMNH) FAP0132 ; Valparaiso Central Coast , 31.x.1982, 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0173 ; 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0187 ; Viña del Mar , vi.1979 , A. Tobar leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0168 ; xii.1978 , A. Tobar leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0169 ; i–ii.1978 , A. Tobar leg. 3 females ( AMNH) FAP0202 . Región VII del Maule, Cauquenes, Reserva Nacional Los Ruiles , NW of Cauquenes, 35°50.028′S, 72°30.613′W, 146 m, 13.xi.2003 , L. Prendini, C. I. Mattoni & J. A. Ochoa leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0394 ; 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0395 ; Curico, Las Tablas, ii.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0148 ; L. E. Peña leg. 1 female and 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0150 ; Linares , Bullileo , Parral , 5–8.xii.1990, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0127 ; Maule, Cayurranquil , 400 m, 24–27.i.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0155 ; El Parrón , 30.i.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0136 ; Tregualemu , 4–5.xi.1993, L. E. Peña leg. 3 males and 5 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0126 ; Talca , Bramadora , 600 m, 21–22.i.1993, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0210 cleared epigynum illustrated; Gil de Vilches NP, 35°36′0″S, 71°4′0″W, 1200 m, 14.i.1995 , N. I. Platnick, K. Catley & D. Silva leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0174 . Región VIII del Bio Bio, Bio-Bio, El Manzano, 15.xii.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 2 males, 3 females and 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0124 ; 5 males, 4 females and 6 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0146 smallest male measured; 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0204 ; Carampangue , 4.3 km E Las Corrientes, campsite 5 km W, 37°15.547′S, 73°11.508′W, 116 m 13.xi.2003 , L. Prendini, C. I. Mattoni & J. A. Ochoa leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0396 ; 8.xii.1992, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 male 5 immatures ( AMNH) ; Concepción, Chiguayante, 23.xi.1975, T . Cekalovic leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0061 ; Escuadrón , 24.iii.1989, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0157 ; Escuadrón, Laguna la Posada , 17.i.1976, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0165 ; Estación Cosmito , 17.iv.1977 , G. Muñoz leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0186 ; Nonquen Estero , 23.i.1987, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0166 ; 3.ii.1985, T . Cekalovic leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0181 ; 11.xii.1977, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0211 ; Nonquen Valle , 6.xii.1981, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0162 ; Penco , 22.xii.1979, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0158 ; Periquillo , 21.xii.1996, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 male and 1 immature ( AMNH) FAP0163 ; Sector Escuadrón , 27.xii.1987, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0156 ; Tome , 8.x.1983, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 female and 8 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0159 ; 1.i.1992, T . Cekalovic leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0160 ; Ñuble, Chillan , 31.xii.1975 , G. Moreno leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0176 ; Coloquecura, 8–9.xi.1993, L. E. Peña leg. 2 males ( AMNH) FAP0125 one female specimen used for SEM; Las Cabras, 26–28.xii.1986 , L. Umaña leg. 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0171 ; Las Trancas, iii–iv.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 3 females and 14 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0143 ; Los Lleques , 5-20.xii.1985 , L. Umaña leg. 4 males ( AMNH) FAP0170 ; Pinto 4 km E road to, 4.i.1976 , G. Moreno leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0177 ; W. Ralco, Santa Barbara, 400 m, 22–23.xi.1994, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0154 . Región IX de la Araucaria, Cautín, Chacamo, 600–700 m, 17– 23.ii.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male and 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0144 ; Pucón , 15.xi. 2.xii.1989 , S. A. Marshall leg. 1 male ( AMNH) FAP0184 largest male measured; Villarrica, 27–28.ii.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0131 ; 12.xii.1961 , A. F. Archer leg. 1 female and 2 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0266 ; Malleco, Curacautín , W Selva Oscura, 27.i.1985, L. E. Peña leg. ( AMNH) 1 female FAP0152; Malleco, xi.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0153 ; Nahuelbuta, Pehuenco , 37°49′45″S, 73°0′30″W, 1100 m, 4–9.i.2001 , J. Miller, F. Álvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 3 females ( USNM) FAP0269 ; J. Miller, F. Alvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 1 female ( USNM) FAP0108 . Región X de los Lagos, Chiloe, Lago Coluco, 26.i.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0139 ; Puntra , 21–23.xii.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0137 ; Pio Pio , 10– 12.iii.1987, L. E. Peña leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0151 ; Llanquihue , Petrohue , 41°8′0″S, 72°25′0″W, 2700 m, 15.xi.1966 , E. I. Schlinger & M. Irwin leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0118 ; Pt. Montt , 20.iii.1991, T . Cekalovic leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0161 ; 17.iii.1991, T . Cekalovic leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0167 ; Osorno, La Picada, El Refugio , 41°4′0″S, 72°26′0″W, 6.ii.6197 , E. I. Schlinger leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0113 ; Puyehue NP, 600 m, 12–22.ii.1979, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0134 ; Puyehue, Aguas Calientes , 40°44′0″S, 72°18′45″W, 450 m, 12.xii.2000 − 2.i.2001 , G. Hormiga leg. 3 females ( USNM) FAP0110 ; xii.1981, L. E. Peña leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0138 ; 425 m, 31.i.1985 , N. I. Platnick & O. Francke leg. 2 females ( AMNH) FAP0172 ; Puyehue, Anticura , 40°40′0″S, 72°10′30″W, 350 m, 13.xii.2000 − 2.i.2001 , J. Miller, F. Álvarez, J. A. Coddington & G. Hormiga leg. 1 female ( USNM) FAP0109 ; 2 females ( USNM) FAP0111 ; Pt. Montt, Lepihue , 21.i.1951 , Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0121 ; Valdivia, Neltume , 2. 39°48′0″S, 71°57′0″W, 23.xi.1988 , V. & B. Roth leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0122 ; Purolon, 10.i.1985, L. E. Peña leg. 1 male, 5 females and 3 immatures ( AMNH) FAP0130 ; Río Bueno , 15.i.1951 , Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0116 ; Ross & Michelbacher leg. 1 female ( CAS) FAP0123 ; Valdivia , 25.xii.1979 , E. Krahmer leg. 1 female ( AMNH) FAP0188 .

MOLLEMETA GEN. NOV.

( FIGS 7A–E , 8A–E , 9K–O , 10C , 11D , 20 )

Type species: Landana edwardsi Simon, 1904 .

Etymology: The genus name is derived from the Mapuche word for tree (Molle) and thus Mollemeta means ‘The Meta that builds orb webs on trees.’ Mollemeta is a name feminine in gender.

Diagnosis: Mollemeta can be distinguished from other tetragnathids by the following combination of characters: epigynum with a spherical small scape, genital openings situated in deep curved groves ( Fig. 8A, B ); tegulum reduced to a narrow ring ( Fig. 20G ); membranous conductor, embolus without basal apophyses ( Fig. 20J ).

Description: Female from Llanquihue, P. N. Alerce Andino, Chile (FAP0332). Habitus as in Figure 20A . Total length 9.2. Cephalothorax 3.8 long, 2.9 wide, 1.2 high. Sternum 1.8 long, 1.5 wide. Chelicerae with a large boss. Abdomen oval 6.14 long, 5.27 wide, 4.46 high, venter with two parallel lines of white guanine patches. AME diameter 0.21. ALE 0.2. PME 0.22. PLE 0.19. Clypeus height 0.9 × AME diameter. AME separation 0.9 × AME diameter. AME–ALE separation 0.4 × AME diameter. PME separation 1.0 × PME diameter. PME–PLE separation 1.0 × PME diameter. Spinnerets ( Fig. 9K–M ). ALS with several piriform spigots. PMS with three aciniform spigots between the cylindrical spigot and the minor ampullate, nubbin present. PLS with a field of c. 20 aciniform spigots, aggregate spigots embracing the flagelliform and cylindrical spigots peripheral. Leg I length 17.6, leg II 13.8, leg III 9.4, leg IV 11.3, pedipalp 4.3. Epigynum as in Figure 20B–E . Copulatory ducts curved and almost as thick as the spermathecae ( Fig. 8C ). Fertilization ducts short and well sclerotized ( Fig. 8D ). Spermathecae well sclerotized, accessory gland openings arranged in clusters ( Fig. 8E ).

Male from Aguas Calientes, Puyehue, Chile (FAP0328). Habitus as in female. Total length 8.2. Cephalothorax 4.3 long, 3.1 wide, 1.3 high. Sternum 3.9 long, 3.2 wide. Abdomen oval longer than wide, venter as in female. 4.4 long, 3.1 wide, 2.6 high. Epiandrous fusules on a plate and concentrated in clusters ( Fig. 9O ). PLS and PMS cylindrical and aggregate spigots reduced to nubbins ( Fig. 9N ). AME diameter 0.19. ALE 0.22. PME 0.22. PLE 0.2. Clypeus height 1.3 × AME diameter. AME separation 1.3 × AME diameter. AME–ALE separation 0.8 × AME diameter. PME separation 1.0 × PME diameter. PME–PLE separation 1.1 × PME diameter. Leg I length 32.6, leg II

Figures

Figure 6. A, female genital anatomy of Allende patagiatus mating plug. B–C, A. longipes. B, epigynum caudal view. C, dorsal view. D–E, A. nigrohumeralis. D, fertilization and copulatory ducts. E, accessory gland openings. F, Chrysometa saladito spermatheca lateral view.

Figure 7. A–E, male genital anatomy of Mollemeta edwardsi. A, pedipalp ventral view. B, ectal view. C, cymbial basal process. D, mesal view. E, palpal tibia. F, Metellina curtisi pedipalp ectal view.

Figure 8. A–E, female genital anatomy of Mollemeta edwardsi. A, epigynum ventral view. B, caudal view. C, dorsal view. D, spermatheca lateral view. E, accessory gland openings. F, Chrysometa alajuela epigynum anterior view.

Figure 9. Spinnerets. A–E, Metabus ocellatus. A, female ALS. B, female PMS. C, female PLS. D, male PLS. G, epiandrous fusules. F–H, Allende longipes. F, female ALS. G, female PMS. H, female PLS. I–J, A. nigrohumeralis. I, male PLS. J, epiandrous fusules. K–O, Mollemeta edwardsi. K, female ALS. L, female PMS. M, female PLS. N, male PLS. O, epiandrous fusules.

Figure 10. Photos of webs: A, Allende puyehuensis. B, Chrysometa acinosa. C, Mollemeta edwardsi. D, Metabus ebanoverde. Scale lines 10 cm. Photos A–C from Puyehue National Park, Chile. Photo D from Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve, Dominican Republic. (Photos A to C by G. Hormiga).

Figure 11. Distribution maps: A, Metabus species, Central and northern South America. B, Allende species, Chile. C, Chrysometa species, Chile. D, Mollemeta edwardsi, Chile.

Figure 18. Allende longipes. A, C–E, female habitus. B, female frontal view. F, first leg mesal view. G–K, epigynum. G, ventral view. H, vaudal view. I, lateral view. J, caudal view cleared. K, dorsal view cleared. L, male habitus. M, male frontal view. N–Q, male pedipalp. N, dorsal view. O, ventral view. P, ectal view. Q, conductor detail. Scale bars 0.2 mm, except in habitus 1 mm.

Figure 19. Allende nigrohumeralis. A, female habitus. B, female frontal view. C–G, epigynum. C, caudal view. D, lateral view. E, ventral view. F, caudal view cleared. G, dorsal view cleared. H, male habitus. I, male frontal view. J–P, male pedipalp. J, expanded. K, ventral view. L, dorsal view. M, expanded. N, conductor detail. P, ectal view. Scale bars 0.2 mm, except in habitus 1 mm.

Figure 20. Mollemeta edwardsi. A, female habitus. B, epigynum ventral view. C, caudal view. D, ventral view cleared. E, dorsal view cleared. F–J, male pedipalp. F, cymbium (bulb dissected). G, expanded. H, dorsal view. I, palpal tibia. J, ventral view. Scale bars 0.2 mm, except in habitus 1 mm.