Miturgopelma archeri sp. nov.

Fig. 7

Diagnosis. Differs from males of Miturgopelma kinchega sp. nov. in the short, not trianguloid vRTA and the ridge like median apophysis making it appear truncate in ventral view (Fig. 7a). Female unknown.

Etymology. The species epithet is a patronym in honour of Professor Michael Archer, who, while at the Queensland Museum, recognised the significance of the Riversleigh fossil site, the type locality.

Type material. Queensland: male holotype, Riversleigh, site D, lagoon, 18°52’12.108”S 139°05’17.88”E, 123 m, 10 Jul–24 Sep 2006, R . Raven, B. Baehr, A. Amey, Pitfall Trap, QM S77092 .

Paratype. 1 male, same data as holotype, QM S77085 .

Description. Male, holotype QM S77092

Carapace 2.92 long, 2.27 wide. Opisthosoma 2.39 long, 1.91 wide. Total 4.3. Legs damaged.

Colour in alcohol. Carapace yellowish with faintly discernible dark lateral scallops; opisthosoma dorsally pallid with black thread like lines forming faint ostiate pattern; legs pallid.

Eyes. PME slightly biggest. AER just form two rows; PER with 15% overlap.

Palp. RTA with blunt vRTA with folded tip, dRTA a short twisted triangular process with shallowly bifid tip. Cymbium with very narrow retrolateral groove in basal third. Bulb with large shield-like tegulum retrolaterally; embolus arising mid-prolaterad, tapers quickly. Median apophysis broad, short, with short, pointed apex aligned to appear blunt from below.

Distribution and Habitat. Known only from the famous fossil site in northwestern Queensland, Riversleigh, a rocky area of sparse dry vegetation.