Steatoda spina, Gao & Li, 2014

Gao, Cai-Xia & Li, Shu-Qiang, 2014, Comb-footed spiders (Araneae: Theridiidae) in the tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, Southwest China, Zoological Systematics 39 (1), pp. 1-135 : 83

Steatoda spina sp. nov. ( Figs 65–67 )

Holotype ♂, China, Yunnan, Xishuangbanna, Menglun Nature Reserve , secondary tropical seasonal moist forest (21º54.984'N, 101º16.982'E), 19–25 September 2006, Guo Zheng leg.

Etymology. The specific name derives from the Latin noun spina and means spine, in reference to the embolus with a thorny apophysis.

Diagnosis. The new species is somewhat similar to S. triangulosa , but can be distinguished by the embolus having a basal apophysis and by most of the conductor being sclerotized.

Male. Total length 2.40. Prosoma 1.00 long, 0.90 wide, fore part high, brown, with black stripes. Sternum 0.60 long, 0.60 wide, brown to grey, with setae. Opisthosoma 1.50 long, 1.25 wide, pale, with 3 black stripes, tiny white spots in dorsal view, without colulus. Eye measurements: AME 0.07, ALE 0.07, PME 0.08, PLE 0.08, AME-AME 0.06, AME-ALE 0.03, PME-PME 0.08, PME-PLE 0.03. Clypeus height about 4.91 times AME diameter, brown, with black stripes. Chelicerae: brown with black spots, 1 large anterior tooth, 1 tiny posterior tooth. Endites: 0.38 long, 0.16 wide, brown, distal pale, with brown pro-edges. Labium fused with sternum, 0.11 long, 0.21 wide, with 6 setae, brown to grey. Leg measurements: I 6.08 (1.65, 0.38, 1.70, 1.55, 0.80); II 4.15 (1.25, 0.35, 1.00, 0.85, 0.70); III 3.31 (1.00, 0.28, 0.78, 0.65, 0.60); IV 4.11 (1.25, 0.28, 1.10, 0.85, 0.63). Leg I yellow, without spot; femur with 2 rows of spines; patella with 2 spines; tibia with row of spines. Legs II–IV similar to leg I. Pedipalpus ( Figs 65A–B , 66A–B , 67A–D ): tibia brown, with black spot, 2 trichobothria; cymbium brown, with black spot; paracymbium hooked; subtegulum confined; tegulum broad; median apophysis smooth, without protrusion; embolus long, with basal apophysis; conductor highly sclerotized, terminally membranous; tegular apophysis shaped like pistol.

Female. Unknown.

Distribution. Only known from type locality (Yunnan).

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

Figures

Fig. 65. Steatoda spina sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; B. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view. Scale bar = 0.10mm.

Fig. 66. Steatoda spina sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus, ventral view; B. Embolus, ventral view. Scale bars = 0.10mm.

Fig. 67. Steatoda spina sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus (cymbium removed), ventral view; B. Pedipalpus, ventral view; C. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; D. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view. Scale bars = 0.10mm.