Sphingius prolixus, Dankittipakul, Pakawin, Tavano, Maria & Singtripop, Tippawan, 2011

Dankittipakul, Pakawin, Tavano, Maria & Singtripop, Tippawan, 2011, Neotype designation for Sphingius thecatus Thorell, 1890, synonymies, new records and descriptions of six new species from Southeast Asia (Araneae, Liocranidae), Zootaxa 3066, pp. 1-20 : 15-16

Sphingius prolixus sp. nov.

Figures 36–37

Type material. Holotype: ♀, THAILAND: Nakhorn Ratchasrima Province: Pak Chong District, Khao Yai NP, Khao Khieo, 1,150 m, evergreen hill forest, 29 October 1997, leg. P.J. Schwendinger (MHNG, Sph-4328) . Paratypes: data as holotype, 2♀ ( TNHM 3420) .

Diagnosis. Sphingius prolixus sp. nov. can be recognized by the broad epigynal region with superficial atrium ( Fig. 36 ) and by the spherical anterior bursae connecting to insemination ducts via long stalks (Fig. 37).

Etymology. The specific epithet, a nominative of an adjective, is derived from Latin ( prolixus , -a, -um = wide, long) and refers to the relatively broad epigyne of the females.

Description. Female (holotype): Total length 3.98. Prosoma 1.96 long, 1.24 wide. Opisthosoma 2.02 long, 1.28 wide. Spination: femora I–IV1d; tibia I–III 1 -0- 1 v, 1pl, IV 2-1 - 1v, 1-1r; metatarsi III–IV 1 pv, 1-1- 1v. Eye size and interdiatances: AME 1/2 d of ALE; PME 2/3 d of PLE; AME-AME their d apart; AME-ALE 1/3 d of AME; PME-PME 1/2 d of AME; PME-PLE 1/2 d of AME; PME-PLE 1/3 d of AME; ALE-PLE 3/4 d of AE. MOQ longer than wide, narrower in front than behind.

Prosoma bicolored, anteriorly dark brown, posteriorly yellowish brown; lateral margin smooth, posterior margin excavated, strongly rebordered; carapace integument smooth. Fovea deep, longitudinal. Sternum orangebrown; integument smooth. Chelicerae, labium and gnathocoxae brown. Legs yellowish brown.

Opisthosoma ovoid. Dorsal scutum absent. Dorsum dark greenish, covered with fine, black pubescence. Epigastric scutum extending anteriorly, represent by short groove collar in dorsal view. Ventral scutum absent.

Genitalia ( Figs 36–37 ): Epigynal region broad, weakly sclerotized. Atrium shallow, situated medially, poorly delimited. Copulatory orifices situated on anterior lateral border of epigynal atrium. Insemination ducts long, curving proximally, twisted then descending posterirorly. Bursae spherical, connected to insemination ducts via elongated tubular stalks. Spermathecae ovoid, situated posteriorly. Fertilization ducts falcated.

Natural history. Types of S. prolixus sp. nov. were collected in evergreen hill forest.

Distribution. Known only from the type locality in central Thailand (Fig. 40).

Figures

FIGURES 36 – 39. Sphingius prolixus sp. nov., holotype female (36 – 37). Sphingius caniceps Simon, syntype female (38 – 39). 36, 39 Epigyne, ventral. 37 Internal genitalia, dorsal. 38 Epigastric region.