Sadala Simon, 1880

Rheims, Cristina A. & Jäger, Peter, 2022, Revalidation of the genus Sadala Simon, 1880 with the description of a new genus of Neotropical huntsman spiders (Araneae, Sparassidae), Zootaxa 5135 (1), pp. 1-80 : 6-9

Sadala Simon, 1880 gen. reval.

Sadala Simon, 1880: 230 , 317 (description of new genus, without original type designation).

Sparassus, Simon 1897: 35–36 , 38.

Olios, Simon 1903a: 1020 .

Type species. Sadala keyserlingi Simon, 1880 (herewith designated according to article 69.1 of the Code; International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature 1999).

Diagnosis. Species of the genus Sadala resemble those of Nungara Pinto & Rheims, 2016 , Caayguara Rheims, 2010a and Meri gen. nov. in having the chelicerae with three promarginal teeth and intermarginal denticles ( Fig. 5 ; Jäger et al. 2009: figs 10, 89, 109; Rheims 2010a: fig. 7, 2010b: fig. 2; Guala et al. 2012: fig. 22, Pinto & Rheims 2016: fig. 7) and a short-toothed female palpal claw ( Fig. 7 , Rheims 2010a: fig. 7; Pinto & Rheims 2016: fig. 16). They are distinguished from Caayguara by the presence of 5–10 escort setae at base of fang ( Fig. 5 ) (only 1 in Caayguara ), 3 pairs of spines on ventral tibiae I–II (only 2 pairs in Caayguara ); male palps with simple filiform embolus (e.g., Figs 14 , 25 ) (broadened, with projections in Caayguara ) and MS of female epigyne with triangular scape-like projection (e.g., Figs 27 , 38 ) (smooth in Caayguara ); from Nungara and Meri gen. nov. by the female epigyne with MS bearing a triangular scape-like projection (e.g., Figs 35 , 48 , 75 ) (MS with epigynal pocket in the other genera). Additionally, they are distinguished from Nungara by the male palp with a smooth tegulum (with deep groove in Nungara ) and conductor long, hyaline, arising centrally from tegulum (short, gutter shaped, arising distally in Nungara ) (e.g., Figs 57 , 73 , 84 ); from Meri gen. nov. by the male palp with embolus coiling 0.5 to 0.75 times around tegulum (only 0.25 times around tegulum in Meri gen. nov.) (e.g., Figs 25 , 57 , 73 ); and by vulva with internal ducts with two turns (except in S. nanay spec. nov. in which second turn is barely distinct) (e.g., Figs 28–29 , 66–67 ) (only one in Meri gen. nov.).

Description. Coloration pattern ranging from orange-brown to dark brown; prosoma with lighter cephalic region and dark brown stripe extending posteriorly from between median eyes; opisthosoma with lighter heart mark and faint darker pectinated pattern; and legs with very dark patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi ( Figs 1–4 ). Total length of males 10.3–16.4, of females 15.3–24.3. Dorsal shield of prosoma usually longer than wide, can be as wide as long. Cephalic region slightly higher than thoracic region, flattening posteriorly. Fovea conspicuous on posterior third of prosoma. Eyes arranged in two straight rows; AME larger than ALE and more separated from each other than from ALE; PME smaller than PLE mostly equidistant, but can be slightly closer or further apart from each other than from PLE. Clypeus low, less than AME diameter. Chelicerae longer than wide with three promarginal teeth, the median one largest, and 3–5 retromarginal teeth, the three distal ones subequal and the others smaller. Between 15 and 25 intermarginal denticles present at the base of the groove, in front of promarginal teeth. Internal margin with 5–10 escort setae ( Fig. 5 ). Labium rebordered, as wide as long. Endites slightly convergent, longer than wide, with dense scopula on internal margin. Serrula with single row of denticles ( Fig. 6 ). Sternum longer than wide, slightly projected between coxae IV. Female palp with single pectinate claw with 5–7 short teeth ( Fig. 7 ); sensory setae long, distally curved, with barbules along the entire setae and with distal region bearing a large rounded pore and a single filiform extension, scattered dorsally along tarsus. Legs laterigrade (2143). Spination pattern in males: palp: femur p0-0-1, d0-1-2, r0-0-1; patella: p1, r1; tibia: p2-1-0, d1-0-0, r1-0-0; legs: femora I–III: p1-1-1, d0-1-1, r1-1-1; IV: p1-1-1, d0-1-1, r0-0-1; patellae I–III: p1, r1; IV: p0, r0; tibiae I–II: p1-0-1, d1-1-1, r1-0-1, v2-2-2; III–IV: p1-0-1, d0-0-1, r1-0-1, v2-2-2; metatarsi I–III: p1-1-0, r1-1-0, v2-2-0; IV: p1-1-2, r1-1-1, v2-2-0; in females: palp: femur: p0-0-1, d0-1-2, r0-0-1; patella: p1, r1; tibia: p2-1-0, d1-0-0, r1-1-0; tarsus p2-1-0, r2-1-0; legs: femora I–III: p1-1-1, d0-1-1, r1-1-1; IV: p1-1-1, d0-1-1, r0-0-1; patellae I–III: p0, r1; IV: p0; r0; tibiae I–IV: p1-0-1, r1-0-1, v2-2-2; metatarsi I–III: p1-1-0, r1-1-0, v2-2-0; IV: p1-1-2, r1-1-1, v2-2-0. Trochanter deeply notched. Metatarsi I–IV distally with dorsal trilobate membrane with median hook as large as lateral projections ( Fig. 8 ). Tarsi and anterior half of metatarsi scopulate. Trichobothria present on dorsal tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi, arranged in several rows on tarsi, converging to a single row on metatarsi. Dorsal plate of bothria with one or two transversal grooves, projecting over a smooth proximal plate ( Fig. 9 ). Tarsal organ capsulate, with oval opening ( Fig. 10 ), located dorsally, at distal end of tarsi. Tarsi with pair of pectinate claws with 20–23 short teeth and claw tufts ( Fig. 11 ). Opisthosoma oval, longer than wide ( Figs 1–4 ). Male epiandrium with small groups of epiandrous spigots ( Fig. 12 ). Six spinnerets: anterior lateral spinnerets contiguous, conical and bi-segmented. Basal segment elongated and cylindrical, distal segment short and truncated. Posterior median spinnerets conical and short. Posterior lateral spinnerets conical and bi-segmented. Basal segment elongated and cylindrical, distal segment short and truncated. Male palp: tibia shorter than cymbium (distinctly shorter in S. yuyapichis spec. nov.); PTA arising distally, generally triangular; RTA arising distally, single, of varying shapes; cymbium with large oval alveolus, dorsal oval scopula interspersed with sensory setae, as in female, and, in some species, curved dorsal proximal cymbial projection; subtegulum ring-shaped, visible prolaterally in ventral view (except in S. kaiabi spec. nov. in which it is totally covered by the tegulum in ventral view, Fig. 14 ); tegulum oval (except in S. kaiabi spec. nov. in which it is sub-circular, Fig. 14 ), smooth; embolus filiform, arising from tegulum between 4 and 6 o’clock positions; conductor hyaline, laminar, arising centrally from tegulum (e.g., Figs 13–15 , 24–26 , 56–58 ). Epigyne: MAB present, embedded in EF or inconspicuous; LL smooth, touching each other posteriorly; MS of variable shapes, bearing triangular scape-like projection (e.g., Figs 16 , 38 , 59 , 75 ). Vulva: internal ducts with two turns (except S. nanay spec. nov. in which the second turn is inconspicuous); GP arising from ducts at second turn (except in S. nanay spec. nov. in which it arises close to SP); SP of variable shapes; FD short, hook-shaped (e.g., Figs 28–29 , 36–37 , 66–67 ).

Composition. Nine species: Sadala kaiabi spec. nov.; S keyserlingi Simon comb. rest.; S. nanay spec. nov.; S. nigristernis Simon comb. rest.; S. puniceus Simon comb. rest.; S. rufus (Keyserling) comb. rest.; S. tabatinga spec. nov.; S. velox Simon comb. rest.; S. yuyapichis spec. nov.

Distribution. Northern South America, from central Colombia (Bogota and Cundinamarca) to central-western Brazil (Mato Grosso) ( Figs 89–90 , 320 ).

Key to species of Sadala

1 Males .............................................................................................. 2

- Females............................................................................................ 7

2(1) Cymbium with curved dorsal proximal projection (DpP, Figs 26 , 74 )............................................ 3

- Cymbium without curved dorsal proximal projection ( Figs 15 , 47 , 58 )........................................... 4

3(2) RTA long, more than three times longer than wide, surpassing proximal margin of alveolus, distally widened, spoon-shaped (best seen in ventral view) ( Figs 25–26 )........................................................ S. keyserlingi

- RTA short, two times longer than wide, not surpassing proximal margin of alveolus, with the same width throughout (Figs 73–74)....................................................................................... S. velox

4(2) Embolus arising from tegulum at 4 o’clock position; conductor arising centrally from tegulum, far from embolus base ( Figs 14 , 46 , 84 )............................................................................................. 5

- Embolus arising from tegulum at 6 o’clock position; conductor base extending from central tegulum to embolus base (Figs 56–57)........................................................................................ S. rufa

5(4) Embolus base not extending beyond retrocymbial margin in ventral view ( Figs 14 , 46 ).............................. 6

- Embolus base extending beyond retrocymbial margin in ventral view ( Fig. 84 )................. S. yuyapichis spec. nov.

6(5) RTA distally tapering with pointed tip ( Fig. 15 ); conductor short (less than 1.5 times longer than wide), barely surpassing anterior margin of the alveolus ( Fig. 145 )...................................................... S. kaiabi spec. nov.

- RTA distally blunt, same width throughout ( Figs 46–47 ); conductor long (2 times longer than wide), surpassing the anterior margin of the alveolus by more than half its length.................................................. S. punicea

7(1) TP long, generally as long as or longer than wide, if wider than long, width less than twice the length ( Figs 16 , 38 , 75 ).... 8

- TP short, almost seven times wider than long ( Fig. 59 ).................................................. S. rufa

8(7) MS triangular, wider than long, widest anteriorly ( Figs 16 , 27 )................................................. 9

- MS of different shapes, longer than wide or as wide as long ( Figs 38 , 65 , 75 ).................................... 10

9(8) FW slender, slightly wider that the ducts between the first and second turns ( Fig. 17 )................ S. kaiabi spec. nov.

- FW dilated, four times wider than the ducts between first and second turns ( Fig. 27 )..................... S. keyserlingi

10(8) MS diamond shaped posteriorly ( Figs 35 , 48 )............................................................. 11

- MS of different shape ( Figs 38 , 65 , 75 )................................................................... 12

11(10) MS more than 1.5 times longer than wide with elliptical CO ( Fig. 35 ); internal ducts loosely twisted ( Fig. 36–37 )............................................................................................. S. nanay spec. nov.

- MS less than 1.5 times longer than wide with rounded CO ( Fig. 48 ); internal ducts tightly twisted ( Fig. 49–50 ).. S. punicea

12(10) MS roughly trapezoid, widest medio-anteriorly ( Figs 38 , 75 )................................................. 13

- MS pear-shaped, anteriorly constricted ( Figs 62, 65 )....................................... S. tabatinga spec. nov.

13(12) MS two times longer than wide; margins of CO oblique ( Fig. 38 ).................................... S. nigristernis

- MS as long as wide; margins of CO roughly longitudinal ( Fig. 75 )........................................ S. velox

Figures

FIGURES 5–8. Sadala velox Simon 5–6 IBSP 87533, female; 7–8 MZSP 35356, female. 5 right chelicerae, ventral view; 6 right endite, ventral view; 7 left palp, claw, prolateral view; 8 right leg II, metatarsus, trilobate membrane, dorsal view.

FIGURES 13–18. Sadala kaiabi spec. nov. 13–15 Male (IBSP 246434, holotype), left palp (13 prolateral, 14 ventral, 15 retrolateral); 16–18 Female (IBSP 233316, paratype) (16 epigyne, 17 vulva, 18 schematic course of internal ducts system). C—conductor; CO—copulatory opening; E—embolus; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; TP— triangular projection; PTA—prolateral tibial projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SP—spermathecae; st—second turn of duct system; ST—subtegulum. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 24–29. Sadala keyserlingi Simon 24–26 Male (INPA 4563), left palp (24 prolateral, 25 ventral, 26 retrolateral); 27–29 Female (MNHN 2459, syntype) (27 epigyne, 28 vulva, 29 schematic course of internal duct system). C—conductor; DpP—dorsal proximal projection; E—embolus; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; TP—triangular projection; PTA—prolateral tibial projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SP—spermathecae; st—second turn of duct system; ST—subtegulum. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 35–40. 35–37 Sadala nanay spec. nov., female (MUSM, holotype) (35 epigyne, 36 vulva, 37 schematic course of internal duct system); 38–40 Sadala nigristernis Simon, female (MNHN 1672, holotype) (38 epigyne, 39 vulva, 40 schematic course of internal duct system). FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; SP—spermathecae; st—second turn of duct system; TP—triangular projection. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 45–50. Sadala punicea Simon 45–47 Male (IBSP 9361), left palp (45 prolateral, 46 ventral, 47 retrolateral); 28–50. Female (IBSP 7362) (48 epigyne, 49 vulva, 50 schematic course of internal duct system). C—conductor; E—embolus; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MAB—muscle attachment bands; MS—median septum; PTA—prolateral tibial projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SP—spermathecae; st—second turn of duct system; ST—subtegulum; TP—triangular projection. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 72–77. Sadala velox Simon 72–74 Male (MZSP 33349), left palp (72 prolateral, 73 ventral, 74 retrolateral); 75–77 Female (IBSP 9361) (75 epigyne, 76 vulva, 77 schematic course of internal duct system). C—conductor; DpP—dorsal proximal projection; E—embolus; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; TP—triangular projection; PTA—prolateral tibial projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SP— spermathecae; st—second turn of duct system; ST—subtegulum. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 56–61. Sadala rufa (Keyserling) comb. nov. 56–58 Male (MCZ 69149), left palp (56 prolateral, 57 ventral, 58 retrolateral); 59–61. Female (MCZ 69333) (59 epigyne, 60 vulva, 61 schematic course of internal duct system). ag—anterior groove; C—conductor; E—embolus; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MAB—muscle attachment bands; MS—median septum; PTA—prolateral tibial projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SP—spermathecae; st—second turn of duct system; ST—subtegulum; TP—triangular projection. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 83–85. Sadala yuyapichis spec. nov., male (MUSM, holotype), left palp (83 prolateral, 84 ventral 85 retrolateral). Scale lines: 1 mm. C—conductor; E–embolus; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; ST—subtegulum. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 62–67. Sadala tabatinga spec. nov., female 62–64 (ex MNHN 2459) (62 epigyne, 63 vulva, 64 schematic course of internal duct system); 65–67 (AMNH, paratype) (65 epigyne, 66 vulva, 67 schematic course of internal duct system). Scale lines: 1 mm. FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; st—second turn of duct system; TP—triangular projection.

FIGURES 1–4. Sadala spp. 1 Female (Cuyabeno, Ecuador, April 2017); 2 Female (WWF Trail, Tei Wei Lodge, Paramaribo, Suriname, April 2016); 3 Female (Liana Lodge, Tena, Ecuador, October 2014); 4 Female (Tei Wei Lodge, Paramaribo, Suriname, April 2016). Credits: 1 Gordon Ackermann; 2–4 Reto Ehrler.

FIGURES 9–12. 9–11 Sadala velox Simon 9 IBSP 87553, female; 10–11 MZSP 35356, female; 12 Sadala punicea Simon IBSP 165051, male. 9 left leg I, tarsus, trichobothria, dorsal view; 10 right leg II, tarsus, tarsal organ, dorsal view; 11 right leg I, tarsus, claws, retrolateral view; 12 epiandrium, epiandrous spigots, dorsal view (arrows point at clusters of spigots). DP—dorsal plate; PP—proximal plate.

FIGURES 89–90. Distribution maps for Sadala spp. 89 S. tabatinga spec. nov., S. velox Simon, S. nanay spec. nov., S. punicea Simon 90 S. rufa (Keyserling), S. kaiabi spec. nov., S. keyserlingi Simon, S. nigristernis Simon, S. yuyapichis spec. nov.

FIGURES 319–320. 319 distribution map for species of Meri gen. nov. (M. vanini spec. nov., M. munduruku spec. nov., M. aparia spec. nov., M. quinari spec. nov., M. rivai spec. nov.) 320 distribution map for all species of the genera Sadala Simon and Meri gen. nov.

FIGURES 145–149. Meri conduri spec. nov. 145–147 Male (MZSP 40750, holotype), left palp (145 prolateral, 146 ventral, 147 retrolateral); 148–149 Female (IBSP 7368) (148 epigyne, 149 vulva). Scale lines: 1 mm.