Theridion mucidum, 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 : 109-115

Theridion mucidum sp. nov. ( Figs 93–96 )

Holotype ♂, China, Yunnan, Xishuangbanna, Menglun Nature Reserve , primary tropical seasonal rainforest (21º54.725'N, 101º13.261'E), 8 August 2007, Guo Zheng leg.

Paratypes: 10♂, 3♀, Menglun, primary tropical seasonal rainforest (21º55.035'N, 101º16.500'E), 22 July 2007, Guo Zheng leg.

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

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

Etymology. The specific name derives from the Latin adjective mucidus and means moldy, in reference to the cymbium with black spots, liked mildew accreting on it.

Diagnosis. The new species is very similar to T. makotoi , but can be distinguished by having the embolus shorter and the tegular apophysis having a zigzag edge.

Male (measurements of holotype). Total length 1.15. Prosoma 0.50 long, 0.44 wide, yellow, with black stripes. Sternum 0.34 long, 0.33 wide, yellow with large black spot. Opisthosoma 0.55 long, 0.56 wide, pale, with black, white spots, without colulus. Eye measurements: AME 0.09, ALE 0.08, PME 0.09, PLE 0.08, AME-AME 0.04, AME-ALE 0.02, PME-PME 0.03, PME-PLE 0.04. Clypeus height about 1.14 times AME diameter, yellow with black spot. Chelicerae: yellow, with 2 anterior teeth; fangs long. Endites: 0.19 long, 0.15 wide, yellow, with brown pro-edges. Labium fused with sternum, 0.06 long, 0.14 wide, with 4 setae, yellow with large black spot. Leg measurements: I 2.64 (0.81, 0.31, 0.69, 0.50, 0.33); II 2.30 (0.80, 0.21, 0.58, 0.38, 0.33); III 1.92 (0.69, 0.13, 0.40, 0.40, 0.30); IV 2.19 (0.70, 0.30, 0.53, 0.35, 0.31). Leg I coxa pale, without spot; femur pale without spot; patella-metatarsus pale, with black spots; femur with

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135 slender setae, without spine; patella with 2 trichobothria, without spine; tibia with many trichobothria; metatarsus with 2 trichobothria; tarsus without spine. Legs II–IV similar to leg I, femur IV pale, with black spot. Pedipalpus ( Figs 93A–B , 94A–C , 96A–D ): tibia yellow, with black spot, 2 trichobothria; cymbium yellow, with large black spot; paracymbium hooded; subtegulum broad; tegulum confined; median apophysis smooth; embolus short, curved; conductor puckered at distal end; tegular apophysis with zigzag edge.

Variation. Male paratypes. Total length 1.30–1.35; prosoma 0.60–0.63 long, 0.50–0.65 wide; sternum 0.35–0.40 long, 0.35–0.38 wide; opisthosoma 0.60–0.63 long, 0.45–0.60 wide.

Female (measurements of paratypes). Total length 1.43–1.50. Prosoma 0.60–0.63 long, 0.50–0.58 wide, flat, yellow, with black stripes. Sternum 0.35–0.38 long, 0.33–0.38 wide, pale yellow. Opisthosoma 0.85–0.88 long, 0.85–0.90 wide, pale, with white, black spots. Legs yellow, similar to male. Epigynum ( Figs 93C–D , 95A–B ): epigynum flat, with handle; copulatory openings small, inconspicuous; spermathecae spherical, slender, crimpled, without distinct sclerotizations copulatory ducts slender, curved, from middle part of spermathecae, opening to nterior margin of atrium; fertilization ducts pale, slender, from posterior edge of spermathecae.

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

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

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

Distribution. Only known from type locality (Yunnan).

Figures

Fig. 93. Theridion mucidum sp. nov., holotype male and paratype female. A. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; B. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view; C. Epigynum (vulva), ventral view; D. Epigynum (vulva), dorsal view. Scale bars = 0.05mm.

Fig. 94. Theridion mucidum sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus, ventral view; B. TTA, ventral view; C. Embolus, ventral view. Scale bars = 0.05mm.

Fig. 95. Theridion mucidum sp. nov., holotype male and paratype female. A. Epigynum (vulva), ventral view; B. Epigynum (vulva), dorsal view; C. Male habitus, dorsal view; D. Male habitus, lateral view; E. Female habitus, dorsal view. Scale bars: A–B = 0.05mm, C–E= 0.50mm.

Fig. 96. Theridion mucidum sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus (cymbium removed), ventral view; B. Pedipalpus, ventral view; C. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; D. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view. Scale bars = 0.05 mm.