Meri, Rheims & Jäger, 2022

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 : 27-33

Meri gen. nov.

Type species. Sadala pictitarsis Simon, 1880 .

Etymology. The generic name refers to Meri , a folk hero and sun God of the Bororó people of Brazil; gender is masculine (last syllable is stressed).

Diagnosis. Species of the genus Meri gen. nov. resemble those of Nungara , Caayguara and Sadala in having the chelicerae with three promarginal teeth and intermarginal denticles ( Fig. 95 ; 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 ( Figs 97 ; 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. 95 ) (only one in Caayguara ), three pairs of spines on ventral tibiae I–II (only two in Caayguara ) and epigyne with MS bearing medial pocket (e.g., Figs 154 , 173 , 289 ) (smooth in Caayguara ); from Sadala by the male palp with embolus with only 0.25 turn around tegulum (e.g., Figs 239 , 266 , 298 ) (0.5 to 0.75 turn around tegulum in Sadala ); epigyne with MS bearing medial pocket (e.g., Figs 184 , 208 , 250 ) (with triangular scape-like projection in Sadala ) and internal ducts with one turn (e.g., Figs 143–144 , 177–178 , 258–259 ) (two in Sadala ); and from Nungara by the male palp with oval tegulum, with no grooves and embolus with 0.25 turn around tegulum ( Figs 104 , 188 , 266 ) (tegulum circular with strong groove and embolus with 1 turn around tegulum in Nungara ) and by the epigyne with lateral lobes touching posteriorly (except in M. pictitarsis comb. nov., M. vanini spec. nov. and M. yaciba spec. nov. in which LL are posteriorly covered by MS) and vulva with GP arising from ducts at first turn and SP well-defined, not convoluted (LL not touching posteriorly, GP arising from ducts close to copulatory opening, not at first turn, and spermathecae convoluted, ill-defined in Nungara ).

Description. Coloration pattern ranging from orange brown to brown; prosoma with faint darker reticulated pattern of thin lines mostly on cephalic region; opisthosoma with heart mark bearing dark margins and two pairs of oval marks on either side and median chevron or triangular marks down posterior half; legs with darker metatarsi and tarsi ( Figs 91–94 ). Total length of males 9.2–15.1, of females 10.8–20.8. Dorsal shield of prosoma generally 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, three 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. 95 ). 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. 96 ). Sternum longer than wide, slightly projected between coxae IV. Female palp with single pectinate claw with 5–7 short teeth ( Fig. 97 ); 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 ( Fig. 102 ). Legs laterigrade (2143). Spination pattern in males: 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; palp: femur p0-0-1, d0-1-2, r0-0-1; patella: p1, r1; tibia: p2-1-0, d1-0-0, r1-0-0; in females: 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–VI: 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; 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. Trochanter deeply notched. Metatarsi I–IV distally with dorsal trilobate membrane with median hook as large as lateral projections ( Fig. 98 ). Tarsi and antertior 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. Tarsal organ capsulate, with oval opening, located dorsally, at distal end of tarsi. Tarsi with pair of pectinate claws with 20–23 short teeth and claw tufts. Opisthosoma oval, longer than wide. Male epiandrium with small groups of epiandrous spigots ( Fig. 99 ). 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 generally shorter than cymbium; PTA short, of various shapes (e.g., Figs 103 , 150 , 187 , 297 ); RTA arising distally, of various shapes, single (e. g. Figs 104 , 170 , 254 ) or with branches (e.g., Figs 222 , 240 , 298 ); cymbium with large oval alveolus, dorsal oval scopula, bearing sensory setae, as in female, and, in some species, small retro proximal projection (RpP, e.g., Figs 163 , 266 ); subtegulum ring-shaped; tegulum oval, smooth (e.g., Figs 127 , 170 , 188 ) or with depressions and/or protrusions, usually close to conductor (e.g., Figs 151 , 188 , 254 ); embolus short, arising from tegulum mostly at 9 o’clock position, smooth (e.g., Fig. 129 ), with membranous area short (not surpassing half embolus length) (e.g., Figs 141 , 163 , 190 ), long (surpassing half embolus length (e.g., Figs 165 , 172 ), bearing long needlelike extensions ( Fig. 100 ) or barely conspicuous, not visible with light microscopy, only SEM (e.g., Figs 241 , 256 , 268 ), bearing short needle-like extensions ( Fig. 101 ); conductor hyaline, laminar, arising centrally from tegulum.

Female epigyne: EF of variable shapes; MAB usually present (e.g., Figs 130 , 142 , 250 ), can be imbedded in EF (e.g., Figs 182 , 206 , 313 ) or inconspicuous (e.g., Figs 208 , 234 , 295 ); LL without projections, touching posteriorly (e.g., Figs 107 , 118 , 154 ) or separated and posteriorly covered by MS (e. g. Figs 225 , 289 , 301 ); MS of variable shapes, bearing EP; EP of various shapes, opening medially (e.g., Figs 250 , 257 , 309 ) or posteriorly (e.g., Figs 173 , 200 , 269 ) on MS. Vulva: internal ducts with one turn (e.g., Figs 112 , 156 , 178 ); GP present, arising from ducts at first turn or close to SP (e.g., Figs 201 , 270 , 281 ); SP of various shapes; FD short, hook-shaped (e.g., Figs 212 , 290 , 310 ).

Composition. Twenty-five species: Meri abuna spec. nov.; M. aparia spec. nov.; M. arraijan spec. nov.; M. carabobo spec. nov.; M. conduri spec. nov.; M. formosus (Banks) comb. nov.; M. guri spec. nov.; M. jaraua spec. nov.; M. kaieteur spec. nov.; M. manaos spec. nov.; M. martinique spec. nov.; M. mathani (Simon) comb. nov.; M. munduruku spec. nov.; M. paiaia spec. nov.; M. pictitarsis (Simon) comb. nov.; M. quinari spec. nov.; M. rivai spec. nov.; M. santivincenti (Simon) comb. nov.; M. tambor spec. nov.; M. tapirapeco spec. nov.; M. trinitatis (Strand) comb. nov.; M. tumatumari spec. nov.; M. vanini spec. nov.; M. yaciba spec. nov.; M. zeteki spec. nov.

Distribution. North and northwestern South America, Panama and the Lesser Antilles ( Figs 313–320 ).

Key to species of Meri gen. nov.

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

- Females........................................................................................... 15

2(1) Subdistal embolic projection absent ( Figs 129 , 165 , 190 )..................................................... 3

- Subdistal embolic projection present (SdP, Figs 141 , 224 , 288 )................................................. 7

3(2) RTA tapering towards pointed tip ( Figs 152 , 171 , 189 ); embolus curved, with conspicuous membranous region bearing long needle-like extensions (mr, Figs 100–101 , 165 , 190 )......................................................... 4

- RTA distally widened and blunt ( Figs 127–128 ); embolus mostly straight, without membranous area or needle-like extensions ( Fig. 129 )........................................................................ M. carabobo spec. nov.

4(3) Tegulum strongly indented at base of embolus ( Figs 163 , 170 ); embolus with membranous region along more than half its length (mr, Figs 165 , 172 ).............................................................................. 5

- Tegulum not strongly indented at embolus base ( Figs 151 , 188 ); embolus with membranous area along less than half its length (mr, Figs 153 , 190 )................................................................................... 6

5(4) RTA abruptly narrowed medially; cymbium with small retroproximal projection; tegulum slightly protruding over conductor base (RpP, Figs 163–164 )................................................................ M. guri spec. nov.

- RTA gradually tapering; cymbium without retroproximal projection; tegulum not protruding over base of conductor ( Figs 170–171 )........................................................................... M. jaraua spec. nov.

6(4) RTA gradually tapering; tibia with retro dorsal projection; PTA anvil-shaped; tegulum not protruding over conductor base (RdP, Figs 188–189 )...................................................................... M. manaos spec. nov.

- RTA abruptly narrowed medially; tibia without retro dorsal projection; PTA triangular; tegulum protruding over conductor base ( Figs 151–152 )............................................................................. M. formosus

7(2) RTA with ventral branch (vb, Figs 222 , 298 )............................................................... 8

- RTA without ventral branch ( Figs 104 , 239 , 266 )............................................................ 9

8(7) RTA distally blunt with ventral branch roughly triangular, slightly longer than wide ( Fig. 222 ); embolus with subdistal projection long and laminar (SdP, Fig. 224 )........................................................... M. pictitarsis

- RTA distally pointed with ventral branch slightly curved, roughly three times longer than wide ( Fig. 298 ); embolus with subdistal projection hook-shaped (SdP, Fig. 300 )............................................... M. yaciba spec. nov.

9(7) Embolus with large, conspicuous membranous region, bearing long needle-like extensions (mr, Fig. 100 ).............. 10

- Embolus with barely conspicuous membranous region (generally not distinguishable under light microscopy, only SEM), bearing short needle-like extensions ( Fig. 101 )................................................................ 12

10(9) Tibia without retro dorsal projection ( Figs 105 , 198 ); embolus with subdistal projection as a small protuberance, not laminar (SdP, Figs 106 , 199 ).................................................................................. 11

- Tibia with retro dorsal projection (RdP, Fig. 140 ); embolus with subdistal projection laminar (SdP, Fig. 141 )............................................................................................... M. conduri spec. nov.

11(9) PTA distally rounded ( Fig. 103 ); RTA gradually tapering ( Fig. 105 ); embolus bulging prolaterally at base ( Fig. 104 ).......................................................................................... M. abuna spec. nov.

- PTA triangular ( Fig. 196 ); RTA abruptly narrowed medially ( Fig. 186 ); embolus not bulging prolaterally at base ( Fig. 197 )................................................................................. M. martinique spec. nov.

12(9) RTA tapering towards tip ( Figs 240 , 267 ); embolus not bulging prolaterally at base ( Figs 239 , 266 )................... 13

- RTA distally blunt ( Figs 255 , 287 ); embolus bulging prolaterally at base ( Figs 254 , 286 )........................... 14

13(12) RTA gradually tapering, with small dorsal branch at base (db, Fig. 240 ); embolus with subdistal projection directed antero-mediad (SdP, Fig. 239, 241 ).............................................................. M. quinari spec. nov.

- RTA abruptly narrowed medially ( Fig. 267 ); embolus with subdistal projection directed laterad (SdP, Figs 266, 268 )................................................................................................. M. trinitatis

14(12) PTA triangular ( Fig. 253 ); RTA longer than wide ( Figs 254–255 ); embolus bulging retrolaterally at base ( Fig. 256 ).......................................................................................... M. tambor spec. nov.

- PTA distally rounded ( Fig. 285 ); RTA wider than long ( Figs 286–287 ); embolus not bulging retrolaterally ( Fig. 288 ).......................................................................................... M. vanini spec. nov.

15(1) EP opening medially on MS ( Figs 250 , 257 , 309 ).......................................................... 16

- EP opening posteriorly on MS ( Figs 107 , 200 , 285 );........................................................ 18

16(15) MS widest medially, with anterior margins converging ( Figs 257 , 309 ); SP elongated, with margins bearing few folds ( Figs 258 , 310 ).............................................................................................. 17

- MS widest anteriorly, with anterior margins diverging ( Fig. 250 ) SP irregularly rounded, smooth ( Fig. 251 ) M. sanctivincenti

17(16) EF without anterior groove; MS with anterior margins gradually converging ( Fig. 257 ); internal ducts with FW C-shaped, laterad ( Figs 259–259 )............................................................... M. tapirapeco spec. nov.

- EF with transversal anterior groove; MS with anterior margins constricted (eg, Fig. 302 ); internal ducts with FW slightly reniform, postero-laterad ( Figs 310–311 )..................................................... M. zeteki spec. nov.

18(15) Internal ducts with GP arising close to SP, not at first turn ( Figs 201 , 270 , 281 ).................................. 19

- Internal ducts with GP arising at first turn ( Figs 122 , 177 , 243 )................................................ 21

19(18) MS with anterior margins gently converging anteriorly ( Figs 200 , 280 ); SP margins with few folds ( Figs 201 , 281 )...... 20

- MS with anterior margin constricted ( Figs 269, 272 ); SP with convoluted margins ( Figs 270, 273 )............ M. trinitatis

20(19) MS medially constricted with EP slightly longer than wide ( Fig. 194 )....................... M. martinique spec. nov.

- MS widest medially with EP almost two times longer than wide ( Fig. 273 ).................. M. tumatumari spec. nov.

21(18) EP subrectangular or trapezoid ( Figs 118 , 289 )............................................................ 22

- EP triangular ( Figs 121 , 142 , 208 )...................................................................... 25

22(21) EP wider than long or as long as wide with anterior margin not surpassing half MS length ( Figs 107 , 154 , 289 )......... 23

- EP longer than wide with anterior margin surpassing MS length, along most of MS length ( Fig. 112 )... M. aparia spec. nov.

23(22) MS with lateral margins not constricted anteriorly and not covering LL posteriorly ( Figs 107 , 154 )................... 24

- MS with lateral margins constricted anteriorly, covering LL posteriorly ( Fig. 289 ).................. M. vanini spec. nov.

24(23) MS with lateral margins slightly curved ( Fig. 107, 110 ); GP slightly longer than wide; SP ovoid ( Fig. 108, 111 ).............................................................................................. M. abuna spec. nov.

- MS with lateral margins straight ( Fig. 154 ); GP three times longer than wide; SP with constrictions ( Fig. 155 )..................................................................................................... M. formosus

25(21) MS with conspicuous transversal anterior groove (ag, Figs 121 , 130 )........................................... 26

- MS without anterior groove ( Figs 142 , 208 , 242 )........................................................... 28

26(25) MS widest anteriorly; EP with anterior margin not surpassing half MS length ( Fig. 121 ); internal ducts with GP mediad ( Figs 122–123 )......................................................................... M. arraijan spec. nov.

- MS widest medially; EP with anterior margin surpassing half MS length ( Fig. 130 ); internal ducts with GP antero-laterad ( Figs 131–132 )........................................................................ M. carabobo spec. nov.

28(26) MS widest anteriorly ( Figs 208, 211 , 225 )................................................................ 29

- MS widest medially or posteriorly ( Figs 142 , 184 , 242 )...................................................... 32

29(28) MS covering LL posteriorly ( Figs 225 , 301 )............................................................... 30

- MS not covering LL posteriorly ( Figs 208, 211 )............................................................ 31

30(29) HP 1.5 times longer than wide ( Fig. 225 ); GP posterior to CO; FD antero laterad or laterad ( Figs 226–227 ).... M. pictitarsis

- HP 2 times longer than wide ( Fig. 301 ); GP in line with CO; FD antero mediad ( Figs 302–303 )....... M. yaciba spec. nov.

31(29) MS with lateral margins diverging anteriorly; EP more than two times longer than wide with anterior margin reaching anterior margin of MS ( Fig. 208 ); internal ducts with FW not dilated ( Fig. 209 )................................. M. mathani

- MS with lateral margins running roughly parallel anteriorly; EP slightly longer than wide with anterior margin not surpassing half MS length ( Fig. 211 ); internal ducts with FW strongly dilated ( Fig. 212 )................ M. munduruku spec. nov.

32(28) MS rhombus shaped with EP opening slightly anterior to posterior margin ( Fig. 142 ); internal ducts with FW medio-posteriad and GP anteriad ( Figs 143–144 )........................................................ M. conduri spec. nov.

- MS of different shapes with EP opening at posterior margin ( Figs 173 , 214 , 242 ); internal ducts with FW postero laterad or antero-laterad and GP mediad or posteriad ( Figs 174–175 , 242–244 )........................................... 33

33(32) MS with anterior margins strongly bottlenecked ( Figs 214 , 242 ); SP elongate ( Figs 215 , 243 )....................... 34

- MS with anterior margins slightly converging ( Figs 173, 176 , 184 ); SP ovoid ( Figs 174, 177 , 185 )................... 35

34(33) MS shaped as an inverted cognac glass with EP wider than long ( Fig. 214 ); internal ducts with GP posteriad, anterior to CO; SP with grooved margins ( Figs 215–216 )..................................................... M. paiaia spec. nov.

- MS Erlenmeyer-shaped with EP onger than wide ( Fig. 242 ); internal ducts with GP mediad, posterior to CO; SP with smooth margins ( Figs 243–244 )................................................................. M. rivai spec. nov.

35(33) MS widest posteriorly, gently narrowing posteriorly, roughly three times longer than wide; EP with anterior margin not surpassing 0.2 MS length ( Fig. 184 ).......................................................... M. kaieteur spec. nov.

- MS widest medially almost two times longer than wide; EP with anterior margin reaching half MS length ( Figs 173, 176 )... M. jaraua spec. nov.

Figures

FIGURES 95–98. Meri conduri spec. nov. 95 MPEG 30809; 96–98 Meri vanini spec. nov. 96, 98 IBSP 227036, male; 97 IB 5352 female. 95 left chelicerae, ventral view; 96 right endite, serrula; 97 left palp, claw, prolateral view; 98 right leg II, membrane, dorsal view.

FIGURES 150–156. Meri formosus (Banks) comb. nov. 150–153 Male (MCZ 99615), left palp (150 prolateral, 151 ventral, 152 retrolateral, 153 detail of embolus); 154–156 Female (AMNH) (154 epigyne, 155 vulva, 156 schematic course of internal duct system). C—conductor; E—embolus; EP—epigynal pocket; ft—first turn of duct system; FD—fertilization duct; GP— glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MAB—muscle attachment bands; MS—median septum; mr—membranous region; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RdP—retro dorsal tibial projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SP—spermathecae; tp–tegular protrusion. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 173–178. Meri jaraua spec. nov., female. 173–175 ex MNHN 2459, 176–178 IBSP 165050, paratype. 173, 176 epigyne; 174, 177 vulva; 175, 178 schematic course of internal duct system). EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 285–291. Meri vanini spec. nov. 285–288 male (MPEG 30859, paratype), left palp (285 prolateral, 286 ventral, 287 retrolateral, 288 detail of embolus, ventral); 289–291 female (MZSP 37241, paratype) (289 epigyne, 290 vulva, 291 schematic course of internal duct system). C—conductor; E—embolus; EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RpP—retro proximal projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial projection; SdP—subdistal projection; SP—spermathecae; ST—subtegulum; tp—tegular protrusion. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 238–244. 238–241 Meri quinari spec. nov., male (UFMG 10165), left palp (238 prolateral, 239 ventral, 240 retrolateral, 241 detail of embolus); 242–244 Meri rivai spec. nov., female (IBSP 246428) (242 epigyne, 243 vulva, 244 schematic course of internal duct system). db—dorsal branch of RTA; E—embolus; EP—epigynal pocket; ft—first turn f duct system; FD—fertilization duct; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MAB—muscle attachment bands; MS—median septum; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SdP—subdistal projection; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 265–268. Meri trinitatis (Strand) comb. nov., male (AMNH), left palp (265 prolateral, 266 ventral, 267 retrolateral, 268 detail of embolus). C—conductor; E—embolus; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RpP—retro proximal projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SdP—subdistal projection; ST—subtegulum. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 297–303. Meri yaciba spec. nov. 297–300 male (AMNH), left palp (297 prolateral, 298 ventral, 299 retrolateral, 300 detail of embolus); 301–303 female (AMNH) (301 epigyne, 302 vulva, 303 schematic course of internal duct system). C—conductor; E—embolus; EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; mr—membranous region; MS—median septum; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RpP—retro proximal projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial projection; SdP—subdistal projection; SP—spermathecae; ST—subtegulum. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 184–190. 184–186 Meri kaieteur spec. nov., female (AMNH, paratype) (184 epigyne, 185 vulva, 186 schematic course of internal duct system); 187–190 Meri manaos spec. nov., male (INPA 2453, paratype) left palp (187 prolateral, 188 ventral, 189 retrolateral, 190 detail of embolus). C—conductor; E—embolus; EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; mr—membranous region; MS—median septum; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RdP—retro dorsal projection; RpP—retro proximal projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial projection; SP—spermathecae; ST—subtegulum; tp—tegular protrusion. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 208–216. 208–210 Meri mathani (Simon) comb. nov., female (MNHN 2028, lectotype) (208 epigyne, 209 vulva, 210 schematic course of internal duct system); 211–213 Meri munduruku spec. nov., female (MPEG 30776, holotype) (211 epigyne, 212 vulva 213 schematic course of internal duct system); 214–216 Meri paiaia spec. nov., female (IBSP 167988, holotype) (214 epigyne, 215 vulva, 216 schematic course of internal duct system). EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 250–252. Meri sanctivincenti (Simon) comb. nov., female (250 epigyne, 251 vulva, 252 schematic course of internal duct system). EP—epigynal pocket; ft—first turn of duct system; FD—fertilization duct; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; SP—spermathecae. Scale line: 1 mm. Modified from Jäger 2020 (94: figs 349–351).

FIGURES 138–144. Meri conduri spec. nov. 138–141 Male (MZSP 40750, holotype), left palp (138 prolateral, 139 ventral, 140 retrolateral, 141 detail of embolus); 142–144 Female (IBSP 7368) (142 epigyne, 143 vulva, 144 schematic course of internal duct system). C—conductor; E—embolus; EP—epigynal pocket; ft—first turn of duct system; FD—fertilization duct; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MAB—muscle attachment bands; MS—median septum; mr—membranous region; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RdP—retro dorsal tibial projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SdP—subdistal projection; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 253–259. 253–256 Meri tambor spec. nov., male (INPA 3522), left palp (253 prolateral, 254 ventral, 255 retrolateral, 256 detail of embolus); 257–259 Meri tapirapeco spec. nov., female (INPA) (257 epigyne, 258 vulva, 259 schematic course of internal duct system). C—conductor; E—embolus; EP— epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RpP—retro proximal projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial projection; SdP—subdistal projection; SP—spermathecae; tp—tegular protrusion. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 103–106. Meri abuna spec. nov., male (MZSP 34926, paratype), left palp (103 prolateral, 104 ventral, 105 retrolateral, 106 detail of embolus). C—conductor; E—embolus; mr—membranous region at base of embolus; PTA—prolateral tibial projection; RpP—retroproximal projectionof cymbium; SdP—subdistal projection of embolus. Scale lines: 1 mm

FIGURES 91–94. Meri gen. nov. spp. 91 Female (ASA Wright Nature Center, Trinidad, April, 2016); 92 Female (ASA Wright Nature Center, Trinidad, April 2016); 93 Female (ASA Wright Nature Center, Trinidad, April 2016); 94 Female (ASA Wright Nature Center, Trinidad, April 2016). Credits: 91–92 Gordon Ackermann; 93–94 Reto Ehrler.

FIGURES 99–102. 99 Meri vanini spec. nov. 99, 101 IBSP 227036, male; 102 IBSP 5352, female; 100 Meri conduri spec. nov. MPEG 30809, male. 99 epiandrium, epiandrous spigots (arrows point to clusters of spigots); 100 right palp, embolus, detail of membranous region; 101 right palp, embolus, detail of membranous region; 102 left palp, sensory setae. mr—membranous region.

FIGURES 169–172. Meri jaraua spec. nov., male (IBSP 165050, paratype), left palp (169 prolateral, 170 ventral, 171 retrolateral, 172 detail of embolus). C—conductor; E—embolus; mr—membranous region; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; ST—subtegulum. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 221–224. Meri pictitarsis (Simon) comb. nov., male (IBSP 20795), left palp (221 prolateral, 222 ventral, 223 retrolateral, 224 detail of embolus). C—conductor; E—embolus; mr—membranous region; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RTA— retrolateral tibial apophysis; SdP—subdistal projection; tp—tegular protrusion; vb—ventral branch of RTA. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 162–165. Meri guri spec. nov., male (AMNH), left palp (162 prolateral, 163 ventral, 164 retrolateral, 165 detail of embolus). C—conductor; E—embolus; mr—membranous region; PTA—prolateral tibial projection; RpP—retro proximal projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial projection; ST—subtegulum. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 126–132. Meri carabobo spec. nov. 126–129 Male (AMNH, holotype), left palp (126 prolateral, 127 ventral, 128 retrolateral, 129 detail of embolus); 130–132 Female (AMNH, paratype) (130 epigyne, 131 vulva; 132 schematic course of internal duct system). ag—anterior groove; C—conductor; E—embolus; EP—epigynal pocket; ft—first turn of duct system; FD—fertilization duct; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MAB—muscle attachment bands; MS—median septum; PTA—prolateral tibial apophysis; RpP—retro proximal projection of the cymbium; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; SP— spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 179–183. Meri jaraua spec. nov. 179–181 Male (MUSM), left palp (179 prolateral, 180 ventral, 181 retrolateral); 182–183 Female (IBSP 165050) (182 epigyne, 183 vulva). Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 203–207. Meri martinique spec. nov. 203–205 male (IBSP 271305, holotype), left palp (203 prolateral, 204 ventral, 205 retrolateral); 206–207 female (AMNH, paratype) (206 epigyne, 207 vulva). Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 313–314. Meri zeteki spec. nov. female (MCZ 99617, holotype) (313 epigyne, 314 vulva). Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 234–237. Meri pictitarsis (Simon) comb. nov., female 234–235 (MPEG 30754) (234 epigyne, 235 vulva); 236–237 (INPA 4562) (236 epigyne, 237 vulva). Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 292–296. Meri vanini spec. nov. 292–294 male (MPEG 30859, paratype), left palp (292 prolateral, 293 ventral, 294 retrolateral); 295–296 female (MZSP 37241, paratype) (295 epigyne, 296 vulva). Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 107–112. Meri abuna spec. nov., female, 107–109 (ex MNHN 2459) (107 epigyne, 108 vulva, 109 schematic course of internal duct system); 110–112 (IBSP 6618) (110 epigyne, 111 vulva, 112 schematic course of internal duct system). CO—copulatory opening; EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 118–123. 118–120 Meri aparia spec. nov., female (ex MNHN 2028, holotype) (118 epigyne, 119 vulva, 120 schematic course of internal duct system); 121–123 Meri arraijan spec. nov., female (AMNH, paratype) (121 epigyne, 122 vulva, 123 schematic course of internal duct system). ag—anterior groove; EP—epigynal pocket; ft—first turn of duct system; FD— fertilization duct; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 225–230. Meri pictitarsis (Simon) comb. nov. 225–227 female (MNHN 1140, syntype) (225 epigyne, 226 vulva, 227 schematic course of internal duct system); 228–230 female (MNHN 1140, syntype) (228 epigyne, 229 vulva, 230 schematic course of internal duct system). EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; MS—median septum; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 309–311. Meri zeteki spec. nov. female (MCZ 99617, holotype) (309 epigyne, 310 vulva, 311 schematic course of internal duct system). ag—anterior groove; EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP— glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 196–202. Meri martinique spec. nov. 196–199 male (IBSP 271305, holotype), left palp (196 prolateral, 197 ventral, 198 retrolateral, 199 detail of embolus); 200–202 Female (AMNH, paratype) (200 epigyne, 201 vulva, 202 schematic course of internal duct system). E—embolus; EP—epigynal pocket; ft—first turn of duct system; FD—fertilization duct; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; mr—membranous region; MS—median septum; PTA—prolateral tibial projection; RpP—retro proximal projection; RTA—retrolateral tibial projection; SdP—subdistal projection; SP—spermathecae; ST—subtegulum. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 269–274. Meri trinitatis (Strand) comb. nov., female 269–271 (AMNH) (269 epigyne, 270 vulva, 271 schematic course of internal duct system); 272–264 (MNRJ 105) (272 epigyne, 273 vulva, 274 schematic course of internal duct system). EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS— median septum; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 280–282. Meri tumatumari spec. nov., female (AMNH, holotype) (280 epigyne, 281 vulva, 282 schematic course of internal duct system). EP—epigynal pocket; FD—fertilization duct; ft—first turn of duct system; GP—glandular projection; LL—lateral lobe; MS—median septum; SP—spermathecae. Scale lines: 1 mm.

FIGURES 191–195. 185–186 Meri kaieteur spec. nov., female (AMNH, paratype) (191 epigyne, 192 vulva); 193–195 Meri manaos spec. nov., male (INPA 2453, paratype), left palp (193 prolateral, 194 ventral, 195 retrolateral). Scale lines: 1 mm.