Mallinella angoonae, Dankittipakul & Jocqué & Singtripop, 2012

Dankittipakul, Pakawin, Jocqué, Rudy & Singtripop, Tippawan, 2012, Systematics and biogeography of the spider genus Mallinella Strand, 1906, with descriptions of new species and new genera from Southeast Asia (Araneae, Zodariidae) 3369, Zootaxa 3369 (1), pp. 1-327 : 213

Mallinella angoonae sp. nov.

( Figs 930–931, 955–959)

Material examined. Holotype: ♂, MALAYSIA, Pahang State: Charas Hill, 3 km north of Panching , 60 m, 9–10 July 2001, leg. P.J. Schwendinger ( MHNG, SIM –01/12) . Paratype: 1♀, same data as holotype ( MHNG, SIM –01/ 12) .

Diagnosis. Males can be recognized by the large, triangular apico-prolateral fold on the TA, and by the shape of the embolus ( Fig. 955). The female is characterized by the simple spermathecae ( Fig. 956).

Etymology. The specific epithet, a name in genitive case, is a patronym in honor of Dr. Angoon Lewvanich (The Royal Institute of Thailand) for her remarkable contribution to the field of entomology in Thailand.

Description. Male (holotype). Total length 7.30; prosoma 4.50 long, 3.40 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.30, ALE 0.20, PME 0.20, PLE 0.20, AME–AME 0.16, AME–ALE 0.40, PME–PME 0.24, PME–PLE 0.52; MOQ: 0.60 long, 0.54 anterior width, 0.52 posterior width. Leg measurements: I 16.70 (4.02, 5.24, 4.20, 3.26), II 13.56 (3.50, 4.36, 3.48, 2.52), III 13.92 (3.66, 4.20, 3.74, 2.32), IV 19.26 (4.66, 5.68, 6.02, 2.90).

Coloration ( Fig. 930). Carapace dark brown. Chelicerae yellowish brown. Sternum reddish brown. Legs yellowish, except for coxae whitish. Dorsum of opisthosoma dark brown. Dorsal pattern: first and second pairs fused, forming pale triangular patches; third and fourth pairs represented by pale round spots, fifth pair by transverse chevron.

Palp ( Fig. 955). RTA digitiform, gradually tapered towards bluntly pointed apex. TA with distinctly broad triangular apico-prolateral fold occupying approximately half length of TA; apico-prolateral process sharply pointed, directed mesad; baso-retrolateral tooth short and blunt. Embolic base aligned in transverse direction, with triangular anterior margin, posterior margin medially excavated; membranous area triangular, narrowed, situated anteriorly. Embolus broad, bifurcated, branching subterminally; lateral ramus digitiform, apex triangular, abruptly bent ectad; mesal ramus longer, with two semi-transparent dorsal flanges.

Female (paratype). Total length 6.90; prosoma 4.30 long, 3.30 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.28, ALE 0.20, PME 0.18, PLE 0.20, AME–AME 0.12, AME–ALE 0.38, PME–PME 0.20, PME–PLE 0.48; MOQ: 0.60 long, 0.54 anterior width, 0.52 posterior width. Leg measurements: I 15.86 (4.82, 4.98, 3.98, 3.10), II 13.16 (3.32, 4.14, 3.30, 2.40), III 13.24 (3.48, 3.98, 3.56, 2.22), IV 18.28 (4.42, 5.38, 5.70, 2.76).

Coloration ( Fig. 931). Carapace orange-brown. Chelicerae brown. Sternum yellowish brown. Legs yellowish, except for coxae whitish. Dorsum of opisthosoma dark brown, mottled with numerous minute pale spots. Dorsal pattern: first and second pairs fused, forming pale triangular patches; third and fourth pairs represented by pale round spots, fifth pair by broad transverse band.

Genitalia ( Figs 956–959). Epigynal plate trapezoidal, anterior margin straight, wider than posterior margin. Spermathecae subtriangular, widest proximally, apical part blunt.

Natural history. Mallinella angoonae sp. nov. inhabits pristine rainforests at relatively high altitude (1,200–1,350 m asl).

Distribution. Known only from the type locality in Malaysia.