Leptopilos tenerrimus

Levy, Gershom, 2009, New ground-spider genera and species with annexed checklist of the Gnaphosidae (Araneae) of Israel, Zootaxa 2066, pp. 1-49 : 9

Leptopilos tenerrimus (O.P.- Cambridge, 1872) n. comb.

Figs 17, 18

Drassus tenerrimus O.P.- Cambridge, 1872: 233, pl.15, fig. 10, ♂; type ♂ from Israel (HECO, B.337, t.41; examined). Leptodrassus leclerci Denis, 1966: 105 , fig. 3 Ψ, from Libya, lost. n. syn.

Leptodrassus tenerrimus (O.P.-Cambridge). Levy, 1999b: 445, figs 32–34, ♂.

Hitherto unknown mate: Adult female from Samar, Israel, leg. Uri Shanas, April 4, 2008, pitfall trap (HUJ15565).

Description. Colouration yellow, sternum shining. Chelicerae with 2 small denticles. Males and females were collected together by pitfall traps.

Female. Measurements (5 ΨΨ): total length 2.4–3.2; carapace length 1.1–1.3, width 0.9–1.0, index 1.22–1.44; labial index 0.63–0.80; clypeal index 1.0; MOQ index 4.8–5.4; legs length: I 2.7–3.4, II 2.8–3.1, III 2.3–2.8, IV 3.9–4.1; patella-tibia index 0.84–0.92.

Epigynum . Epigynal plate traversed anteriorly by broad, prominent, band-like brown hood ( Fig. 17 ); median cavity coated from inside by brown, transparent rigid membrane that may come loose in one piece; spermathecal ducts attached on inner expanded membrane ( Fig. 18 ).

Diagnosis. Leptopilos tenerrimus differs clearly from all other Leptopilos and former Leptodrassus by the configuration of the male palpal sclerites and the shape of the epigynal plate with the conspicuous hood, and the shape of the spermathecae.

Figures

FIGURES 17, 18. Leptopilos tenerrimus (O. P. - Cambridge, 1872) n. comb. 17. Epigynum, ventral view. 18. Spermathecae, dorsal (inner) view.