Tissahamia kottawagamaensis (Yao & Li, 2016)

Figs 101–102, 114–115, 119, 124–125

Pholcus kottawagamaensis Yao & Li, 2016 in Dong et al. 2016: 208, figs 5–6 (♂ ♀, Sri Lanka).

Tissahamia kottawagamaensis — Eberle et al. 2018 (molecular data). Huber et al. 2018: fig. 10.

Diagnosis and Description (amendments; see Dong et al. 2016). Procursus elements in principle as in T. maturata and T. karuna, with retrolateral membrane, bifid dorsal process, ventral ridge and pocket, and distal hinged sclerite (Figs 114–115). Differs from both species by prolateral ridge narrow and ending in bifid process with one part very small; by very large retrolateral membrane and distal elements; by prolateral process between proximal and distal elements weakly sclerotized. Females differ from T. maturata and T. karuna by large triangular (rather that oval or trapezoidal) epigynal plate and by large V-shaped (rather than evenly rounded) internal arc (‘valve’) visible through cuticle in front of epigynal plate (Fig. 124). Tibia 1 in 8 newly examined males: 8.1–11.0 (mean 9.6); in 13 females: 6.7–8.4 (mean 7.8). Internal female genitalia long, with elongated pore plates surrounded by weakly sclerotized cuticular folds (Fig. 125).

New records. SRI LANKA: 1♂ 1♀, NMSL, 5♂ 5♀, ZFMK (Ar 20072–73) and 1♀ 2 juvs in pure ethanol, ZFMK (SL158), Southern Province, Kottawa Forest (6.097°N, 80.308°E), 60 m a.s.l., 17.iii.2017 (B.A. Huber) . 3♂ 2♀, RMNH, same locality, “under leaves”, 15.x.1982 (F. Wanless) . 3♂ 8♀, ZFMK (Ar 20074) and 2♀ 1 juv. in pure ethanol, ZFMK (SL153), Southern Province, Viharekele Forest (6.099°N, 80.594°E), 120 m a.s.l., 17.iii.2017 (B.A. Huber) .

Natural history. The spiders built their domed webs with the apex connected to the undersides of live leaves. The webs were conspicuous (like in T. ethagala rather than in T. maturata) and extended far beyond the leaf. Sometimes the webs were shared by many cecidomyiid flies.

Distribution. Known from two localities in southern Sri Lanka (Fig. 225).