Palpimanus maldhok Kuni, Tripathi & Sankaran, 2023

Tripathi, Rishikesh, Sankaran, Pradeep M., Kuni, Nikhil & Sudhikumar, Ambalaparambil V., 2023, New species of Palpimanus Dufour, 1820 from India (Araneae: Palpimanidae, Palpimaninae), with a catalogue of the Indian palpimanid fauna, European Journal of Taxonomy 891, pp. 26-50 : 36-43

Palpimanus maldhok Kuni, Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:BFCF6789-CD2B-4FFA-A91F-A44D6FDFE0EA

Figs 1C–F, H , 7–11 , 13

Diagnosis

Males of P. maldhok sp. nov. are similar to those of P. carmania Zamani & Marusik, 2021 as they both share the embolic stalk having narrow distal half in retrolateral view, and distomedian process of dorsal arm of the embolic stalk with smoothly rounded tip, but can be separated from the latter species by long distomedian process of dorsal arm of the embolic stalk (vs short in P. carmania ), broad retrolateral arm of embolic stalk (narrow in P. carmania ), and short, median arm of embolic stalk without serrated margin (vs broad with marginal serration in P. carmania ) (cf. Figs 10B–C , 11A–C ; Zamani & Marusik 2021: figs 15a–c, 16e–g). Females resemble those of P. godawan sp. nov. as both share elongate-oval receptacles that are contiguous only anteriorly, and accessory glands being originated distolaterally to posterior parts of receptacles, but can be separated by receptacles without wrinkles (vs wrinkled in P. godawan ), and receptacles with cylindrical and less twisted posterior parts (vs flat and highly twisted in P. godawan ) (cf. Figs 5F , 6E / Figs 10F , 11E ). Females of P. maldhok sp. nov. can be distinguished from those of P. vultuosus by the absence of long whitish setae on the sternum (vs present in P. vultuosus ; Simon 1897).

Etymology

The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and is the vernacular name of the Great Indian Bustard in Maharashtra, where the type locality of the new species is located.

Type material

Holotype INDIA • ♂; Maharashtra, Solapur, Solapur south, Boramani ; 17.763° N, 76.04616° E; 523 m a.s.l.; 29 Jul. 2020; N. Kuni leg.; from under rock; by hand; NRC-AA-4176 .

Paratypes

INDIA • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; NRC-AA-4177 .

INDIA • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype except 1 km from Boramani ; 17.77258° N, 76.04697° E; 532 m a.s.l.; 13 Jun. 2022; NRC-AA-4178 , 4179 .

Description

Male (holotype, NRC-AA-4176; Figs 1C–D , 7 , 9A–D )

COLOUR. In alcohol: prosoma, leg I and scuta maroon; opisthosoma, spinnerets yellowish orange; legs II–IV yellowish brown.

GENERAL MORPHOLOGY. Carapace, clypeus, dorsum of chelicerae, coxae and trochanters of legs and abdominal scuta thickly clothed with fine white setae; carapace, sternum, chelicerae and leg I clothed with scattered black setae. Carapace rugose, sub-oval in dorsal view, with indistinct cephalic groove ( Fig. 7A, C ); cephalic part evenly rounded and noticeably elevated than thoracic part ( Fig. 7A ); thoracic part gently sloping ( Fig. 7C ). Fovea short, prominent, bipartite, with two separate sulci closely located side by side ( Fig. 7F ). Clypeus rugose. Chelicerae with prolateral concavity, surface covered with numerous small tubercles ( Fig. 9A ); cheliceral promargin with a broad keel, with a single row of short setae, retromargin without tooth or keel ( Fig. 9A ). Sternum rugose, rebordered, clothed with fine setae, with coxal and intercoxal extensions, truncated between coxae IV ( Fig. 7H ); intercoxal extensions fused with carapace ( Fig. 7H ). Femur, patella and tibia of leg I prolaterally with numerous tubercles, scattered on femur, clustered along the entire length on patella, restricted to proximal part of tibia ( Fig. 9B ), tibia, metatarsus and tarsus with well-developed prolateral scopula, that on tarsus proximally restricted ( Fig. 9C ); patella I very long, longer than tibiae I–III and metatarsi I–III ( Fig. 9B–C ); metatarsi II–IV with distal preening brush ( Fig. 9D , arrow); tarsi with paired claws, scopulate, with less-developed claw tufts ( Fig. 9D ). Pedicel completely encircled with collar that is fused with abdominal scuta ( Fig. 7B–C, H, J ). Opisthosoma oval, hirsute, with numerous red spots ( Fig. 7I ); abdominal scuta remain fused together; dorsal part of abdominal scuta absent ( Fig. 7C, I ). Epigastral scutum nearly circular, with strongly sclerotised posterior edge, partly encircled by six thin scuta, two stripe-like laterals and two tiny and two slightly large dot-like medians ( Fig. 7J ; ES, SS, DMS). Tracheal spiracle prominent ( Fig. 7K ). AMS short, bi-segmented, cylindrical, not encircled by sclerotised ring ( Fig. 7K ).

MEASUREMENTS. Body length 5.52. Carapace 2.49 long, 2.07 wide. Opisthosoma 3.03 long, 2.05 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.08, AME 0.13, PLE 0.07, PME 0.06; AME–ALE 0.13, AME–AME 0.10, AME–PME 0.42, PME–PLE 0.35, PME–PME 0.26. Clypeus height at ALEs 0.13, at AMEs 0.18. Chelicerae 0.98 long. Measurements of palp and legs: palp 1.61 [0.56, 0.19, 0.32, 0.54], I 5.37 [1.79, 1.26, 1.19, 0.59, 0.54], II 4.13 [1.35, 0.68, 1.01, 0.65, 0.44], III 3.57 [1.17, 0.55, 0.87, 0.66, 0.32], IV 4.97 [1.46, 0.77, 1.24, 1.06, 0.44].

PALP ( Figs 10A–C , 11A–C ). Tibia swollen, as wide as long. Cymbium narrow ( Figs 10A–C , 11A–C ; Cy). Bulb almost pear-shaped ( Figs 10A–C , 11A–C; B ). Embolic stalk originates in distal half of bulb ( Figs 10B–C , 11B–C ; ES), with narrow distal part in retrolateral view ( Figs 10C , 11C ), with a weak prolateral curvature in ventral view ( Figs 10B , 11B ), with dorsal, prolateral, retrolateral and median arms ( Fig. 11B ; DAE, PAE, RAE, MAE); dorsal arm with one large distomedian and two tiny distolateral processes ( Fig. 11B–C ); prolateral arm with smooth edges ( Fig. 11A–C ), with a prominent prolateral folding ( Fig. 11A–B ); retrolateral arm broad and wrinkled ( Fig. 11B–C ); median arm short, cone-shaped, hyalin, flat, retrolaterally directed ventrally ( Fig. 11A–C ).

Female (paratype, NRC-AA-4177; Figs 1E–F , 8 , 9E –H)

Like male except for the following:

COLOUR. In alcohol: legs light brown.

GENERAL MORPHOLOGY. Chelicerae with less developed prolateral concavity ( Fig. 9E ). Opisthosoma elongate-oval, without red spots ( Fig. 8I ); venter with two dot-like median scuta ( Fig. 8J ).

MEASUREMENTS. Body length 6.31. Carapace 2.93 long, 2.17 wide. Opisthosoma 3.38 long, 2.05 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.07, AME 0.12, PLE 0.06, PME 0.05; AME–ALE 0.12, AME–AME 0.07, AME–PME 0.39, PME–PLE 0.36, PME–PME 0.29. Clypeus height at ALEs 0.20, at AMEs 0.26. Chelicerae 0.99 long. Measurements of palp and legs: palp 1.57 [0.52, 0.18, 0.36, 0.51], I 5.49 [1.84, 1.33, 1.25, 0.58, 0.49], II 4.29 [1.32, 0.80, 1.02, 0.70, 0.45], III 3.81 [1.13, 0.70, 0.89, 0.75, 0.34], IV 5.41 [1.56, 0.88, 1.37, 1.15, 0.45].

GENITALIA ( Figs 10D–F , 11D–E ). Epigastral scutum hirsute ( Fig. 10D ), with mediolateral and posterior folds, former one incomplete ( Figs 10D–E , 11D ; MFE, PFE); posterior edge of epigastral scutum thick, W-shaped ( Figs 10D–E , 11D ). Endogyne with large receptacles, elongate-oval, balloon-like, longer than wide, lying adjacent to each other, with cylindrical, twisted posterior parts ( Figs 10F , 11E ; RE, PRE). Accessory glands elongate-oval, arise distolaterally to posterior parts of receptacles, with thin stalks, with varying number from four to five ( Figs 10F , 11E ; AG).

Variation

Male (n = 2): body length 5.29–5.52. Female (n = 2): body length 6.31–7.01.

Distribution

Currently known only from Maharashtra ( Figs 1H , 13 ).

Natural history

Palpimanus maldhok sp. nov. is found under rocks. Like P. godawan sp. nov., this species also moves slowly, is shy by nature and always tries to hide under stones when disturbed.

Figures

Fig. 1. Field photographs of Palpimanus spp. (A–F) and images of their collecting localities (G–H). A–B, G. Palpimanus godawan Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov. A–B. Female. G. Distant view of collecting locality (Myajlar). C–F, H. Palpimanus maldhok Kuni, Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov. C–D. Male. E– F. Female. H. Distant view of collecting locality (Boramani). Figures are not to scale. Photo credits: A–B, G, Rishikesh Tripathi, C–F, H, Nikhil Kuni.

Fig. 7. Palpimanus maldhok Kuni, Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov., holotype, ♂ (NRC-AA-4176). A– D. Habitus. A. Dorsal view. B. Ventral view. C. Retrolateral view. D. Frontal view. E. Eye group, dorsal view. F. Fovea, dorsal view. G. Labium and endites, ventral view. H. Prosoma showing sternum, ventral view. I. Opisthosoma, dorsal view. J. Same, showing various ventral scuta, ventral view. K. Posterior part of opisthosoma showing spinnerets, ventral view. Abbreviations: DMS = dot-like median scutum; ES = epigastral scutum; SS = stripe-like scutum. Scale bars: A–C = 1 mm; D–E, G, K = 0.2 mm; F, H–J = 0.5 mm.

Fig. 8. Palpimanus maldhok Kuni, Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov., paratype, ♀ (NRC-AA-4177). A– D. Habitus. A. Dorsal view. B. Ventral view. C. Retrolateral view. D. Frontal view. E. Eye group, dorsal view. F. Fovea, dorsal view. G. Labium and endites, ventral view. H. Prosoma showing sternum, ventral view. I. Opisthosoma, dorsal view. J. Same, showing various ventral scuta, ventral view. K. Posterior part of opisthosoma showing spinnerets, ventral view. L. Left palp, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: DMS = dot-like median scutum; ES = epigastral scutum; SS = stripe-like scutum. Scale bars: A–C = 1 mm; D, H–J = 0.5 mm; E–G, K–L = 0.2 mm.

Fig. 9. Palpimanus maldhok Kuni, Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov., chelicera and legs of holotype, ♂ (NRC-AA-4176) (A–D) and paratype, ♀ (NRC-AA-4177) (E–H). A. Left chelicera showing keel and concavity, prolateral view. B. Enlarged view of left leg I showing tubercles, prolateral view. C, G. Left leg I showing prolateral scopula on tibia, metatarsus and tarsus, prolateral view.D, H. Left leg II showing preening brush. D. Retrolateral view. H. Prolateral view. E. Left chelicera showing keel, prolateral view. F. Left leg I, retrolateral view. Arrows indicate preening brush. Scale bars: A, E = 0.1 mm; B–C, F = 0.5 mm; D, G–H = 0.2 mm.

Fig. 10.Palpimanus maldhok Kuni, Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov.,left palpof holotype, ♂ (NRC-AA-4176) (A–C) and epigastral scutum and endogyne of paratype, ♀ (NRC-AA-4177) (D–F). A. Prolateral view. B. Ventral view. C. Retrolateral view. D. Epigastral scutum intact, ventral view. E. Same, after clearing, ventral view. F. Endogyne, dorsal view. Scale bars: A–D, F = 0.2 mm; E = 0.5 mm.

Fig. 11.Palpimanus maldhok Kuni, Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov., left palpof holotype, ♂ (NRC-AA-4176) (A–C) and epigastral scutum and endogyne of paratype, ♀ (NRC-AA-4177) (D–E). A. Prolateral view. B. Ventral view. C. Retrolateral view. D. Epigastral scutum, ventral view. E. Endogyne, dorsal view. Abbreviations: AG = accessory gland; B = bulb; Cy = cymbium; DAE = dorsal arm of embolic stalk; ES = embolic stalk; MAE = median arm of embolic stalk; MFE = mediolateral fold of epigastral scutum; PAE = prolateral arm of embolic stalk; PFE = posterior fold of epigastral scutum; PRE = posterior part of receptacle; RAE = retrolateral arm of embolic stalk; RE = receptacle. Scale bars: A–C, E = 0.2 mm; D = 0.5 mm.

Fig. 13. Distribution of the genera Boagrius, Palpimanus and Sarascelis in India. ○ Boagrius tenuisus Sankaran, 2022; ● Palpimanus godawan sp. nov.; ★ P. maldhok sp. nov.; ♦ P. narsinhmehtai Prajapati, Hun & Raval, 2021; ■ P. vultuosus Simon, 1897 and ▲ Sarascelis namratae (Pillai, 2006).

Fig. 5. Palpimanus godawan Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov., left palp of holotype, ♂ (NRC-AA-4169) (A–C) and epigastral scutum and endogyne of paratype, ♀ (NRC-AA-4170) (D–F). A. Prolateral view. B. Ventral view. C. Retrolateral view. D. Epigastral scutum intact, ventral view. E. Same, after clearing, ventral view. F. Endogyne, dorsal view. Scale bars: A–C, F = 0.2 mm; D–E = 0.5 mm.

Fig. 6.Palpimanus godawan Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov., left palp of holotype, ♂ (NRC-AA-4169) (A–C) and epigastral scutum and endogyne of paratype, ♀ (NRC-AA-4170) (D–E). A. Prolateral view. B. Ventral view. C. Retrolateral view. D. Epigastral scutum, ventral view. E. Endogyne, dorsal view. Abbreviations: AG = accessory gland; B = bulb; Cy = cymbium; DAE = dorsal arm of embolic stalk; ES = embolic stalk; MAE = median arm of embolic stalk; MFE = mediolateral fold of epigastral scutum; PAE = prolateral arm of embolic stalk; PFE = posterior fold of epigastral scutum; PRE = posterior part of receptacle; RAE = retrolateral arm of embolic stalk; RE = receptacle. Scale bars: A–C, E = 0.2 mm; D = 0.5 mm.