Stenoterommata neodiplornata Ghirotto & Indicatti, n. sp.

(Figs 1 A-C; 2-9)

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: D5921D02-2B53-4879-B850-822C1675C920

TYPE MATERIAL. — Holotype. Brazil • 1 ♂; São Paulo, Itirapina, Estação Ecológica de Itirapina; 22°14’47.1”S, 47°49’18.2”W; 07-08.X.2018; V. M. Ghirotto, E. F. Trova & R. P. Indicatti leg.; excavated from burrow; CAD 763.

Paratypes. Brazil • 1 ♀, 1 ♂; same data as the holotype; CAD (1 ♀ CAD 764); IBSP (1 ♂) • 1 ♂; same data as the holotype; 07-08.X.2018; kept alive, became adult in 01.X.2019, died in XI.2019; MCTP • 1 ♀; São Paulo, Itirapina, Estação Ecológica de Itirapina; 22°14’47.1”S, 47°49’18.2”W; 09.X.2018; E. F. Trova & R. P. Indicatti leg.; excavated from burrow; MZUSP • 2 ♂, 3 ♀; São Paulo, Iperó, Floresta Nacional de Ipanema, near Mirante do Cruzeiro; 23°26’01.4”S, 47°36’54.8”W; 10-14.X.2019; J. P. L. Guadanucci, A. Galleti-Lima, R. P. Indicatti leg.; CAD (1 ♂ CAD 765, 1 ♀ CAD 766), IBSP (1 ♀ IBSP), MNRJ (1 ♂ MNRJ 7687, 1♀ MNRJ 7688) • 1♂; São Paulo; São Paulo; Morumbi; 10.XII.2016; R. P. Indicatti leg.; MZUSP

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Brazil. 1 ♀, 1 juv.; same data as the holotype; CAD 767 • 1 ♀; same locality as holotype; 22°13’53.7”S, 47°53’40.8”W; 06.X.2018; E. F.Trova & R. P. Indicatti leg.; ‘’campo sujo’’; CAD 768 • 3♂, 3 juv.; São Paulo, Iperó, Floresta Nacional de Ipanema, near Mirante do Cruzeiro; 23°26’01.4”S, 47°36’54.8”W; 10-14.X.2019; J. P. L. Guadanucci, A. Galleti-Lima, R. P. Indicatti leg.; CAD (3 ♂ CAD 769-771, 3 juv. CAD 772) • 1 juv.; São Paulo; Ipeúna; 2017; V. M. Ghirotto leg.; immature male; CAD 773 .

DIAGNOSIS. — Males, females and juveniles of S. neodiplornata Ghirotto & Indicatti, n. sp. can be easily distinguished from all the species of the genus by the combination of striped coloration on tibiae and metatarsi (Fig. 1 A-C) and the dark brown stains reaching all abdomen ventrally (Figs 2D; 4D), more evident in live specimens. Males resemble those of S. arnolisei Indicatti, Lucas, Ott & Brescovit, 2008, S. curyi Indicatti, Lucas, Ott & Brescovit, 2008, S. grimpa Indicatti, Lucas, Ott & Brescovit, 2008, S. gugai Indicatti, Chavari, Zucatelli-Júnior, Lucas & Brescovit, 2017, S. leticiae Indicatti, Chavari, Zucatelli-Júnior, Lucas & Brescovit, 2017 and S. uruguai Goloboff, 1995 by the palpal bulb with thick, conical embolus, but can be distinguished by the duct slightly curved in the basal region (Fig. 3C), embolus bearing strong and slightly sinuous keels, and the blunt, keeled tip, not acutely ending (Fig. 3 A-D, J). Females differ from those of S. crassimana (Mello-Leitão, 1923) by the wider base and shorter or thinner basal dome projection of the spermathecae (Fig. 5 A-F); from S. grimpa by the unfused spermathecal basal dome (Fig. 5 A-F); from S. gugai, S. pavesii Indicatti, Chavari, Zucatelli-Júnior, Lucas & Brescovit, 2017 and S. pescador Indicatti, Chavari, Zucatelli-Júnior, Lucas & Brescovit, 2017 by the curved receptacula ducts (Fig. 5 A-F); from S. iguazu Goloboff, 1995 by having a single basal dome on each side of the spermathecae (Fig. 5 A- F); from S. arnolisei by the shorter basal dome and more rounded receptacula (Fig. 5 A-F); from S. tenuistyla Goloboff, 1995 by the longer and developed ducts (Fig. 5 A-F); from S. palmar Goloboff, 1995 and S. sevegnaniae Indicatti, Chavari, Zucatelli-Júnior, Lucas & Brescovit, 2017 by the longer ducts and shorter basal dome, apically connecting to the ducts (Fig. 5 A-F); from all remaining Stenoterommata by having one or two receptacula on each side of the spermathecae (Fig. 5 A-F).

ETYMOLOGY. — The specific epithet is a composite name combining half the name of a genus of Neotropical Barychelidae spiders, Neodiplothele Mello-Leitão, 1917, and the latin word ornatus, meaning ornate as a Neodiplothele, in reference to their very similar general color pattern. At first sight in nature, before closer examination the first two authors though they were collecting Neodiplothele spiders.

DESCRIPTION

Male (holotype)

Color pattern: in life, chelicerae and carapace black covered with golden brown setae, femora black covered on 5/6 with black setae, 1/6 apical with golden brown setae (Fig. 1A), trochanter, patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi dark brown mostly covered with golden brown setae or black setae combined with darker patches mainly on basal region of segments, lighter in the patellae (Fig. 1A). Sternum, maxillae and coxae yellowish light brown. Abdomen dorsally brownish with black stains covered by golden brown setae, laterally and ventrally brownish with many black stains (Fig. 1A); in ethanol, carapace (Fig. 2A) and legs reddish brown with symmetric dark brown mottles covered by golden setae. Abdomen dorsally yellowish light brown with black mottling forming discrete chevron (Fig. 2C), laterally and ventrally yellowish light brown with many symmetric black stains (Fig. 2). Femora, patellae, tibiae and metatarsi brown yellowish with some darker patches, yellower in the patellae.Total length 12.20. Chelicerae 1.28 long, 0.88 wide (only left side). Carapace 5.50 long, 4.11 wide, with very narrow, procurved fovea, 0.35 wide. Abdomen 5.42 long, 3.45 wide. Thoracic region slightly raised. Clypeus narrow, 0.04 long. Eye tubercle 0.67 long, 1.04 wide, slightly elevated. Anterior eye row slightly procurved, posterior recurved (Fig. 2A). Eye sizes: AME 0.33, ALE 0.35, PME 0.22, PLE 0.22. Chelicerae with 7 teeth in prolateral row, with c. 10 basal smaller teeth, rastellum weak formed by long thin setae (Figs 2B; 3H). Intercheliceral tumescence large, pale yellow, covered with few setae on basal region (Fig. 3H). Labium 0.40 long, 0.75 wide, without cuspules (Fig. 2B). Maxillae with c. 36 blunt cuspules on internal basal angle (Fig. 2B), becoming thin and very elongated at inner margin edge. Serrula developed (Fig. 3I). Sternum oval, 2.87 long, 2.23 wide. Labial sigilla distant from margin by c. 0.1 × its length, larger than sternal sigilla. Sternal sigilla (Fig. 2B): anterior slightly smaller than medium, posterior the largest; anterior distant from margin by c. 1 × length, medium and posterior by c. 0.5× length. Measurements: palp: femur 2.30/ patella 1.35/ tibia 1.43/ cymbium 0.74/ total 5.82; legs: I: femur 4.43/ patella 2.83/ tibia 3.44/ metatarsus 3.21/ tarsus 2.84/ total 16.75; II: 4.25/ 2.45/ 3.06/ 3.25/ 2.50/ 15.51; III: 3.74/ 1.96/ 2.62/ 3.77/ 2.39/ 14.48; IV: 5.20/ 2.52/ 4.14/ 5.04/ 2.60/ 19.50. Spination: palp: femur: d0- 0-2; legs: femora: I: d0-0-0-1p-1p; II: d0-0-0-1p-1p; III: d0-2-2-2; IV: d1-0-2-2; patellae: III: p1-1-1; IV: r0-1-0; tibiae: I: v2-1r-1p-1ap + 1r megaspine (Fig. 3G), p0-1-1-0; II: v1r-1r-0-2ap, p0-1-1-0; III: d0-1, v2-1r-2ap, p0-1-1-0, r0-1-1-0; IV: v1r-1r-2ap, p1-0-1-0, r1-0-1-0; metatarsi: I: v0-1r-0-1rap, p0-1-1, r0-1-0; II: v0-1r-1r-1p-0-2ap, p0-1- 0-0-1ap, r0-0-1-0-1; III: d1r-1p-0-2, v2-2-3ap, p1-1-0-1-0, r0-1-0; IV: d1r-0-1p-0-2, v2-1r-1p-3ap, p1-1-1, r0-1-0. Metatarsal preening combs: III: 3VR, 3VP; IV: 3VR, 3VP. Combs of leg IV are formed by thicker setae. Tarsi I-IV flexible (Fig. 3G, tarsus I). Scopulae on tarsi I-IV light and symmetric; I, II divided by sparse row of thin setae; III, IV divided by three rows of thicker setae.Scopulae on full length of metatarsi I and on 1/5 of metatarsi II; I, II divided by 3-5 sparse rows of thicker setae; III, IV absent. STC large with double row of teeth: I: 6, 7, 8, 7; II: 7 in each row; III: 7, 7, 8, 7; IV: 7, 8, 8, 7. ITC on tarsus IV. Tricobothria with rounded, elevated bases as in S. pavesii (Indicatti et al. 2017: fig. 34). Around 40 epiandric spigots. Four spinnerets (Fig. 2D): PMS 0.37 long, with pumpkiniform spigots on apical half. PLS: basal segment 1.05, median 0.80, apical triangular, 0.46 long, with band of pumpkiniform spigots on inner edge of all segments. Palp (Fig. 3 E-F): cymbium with elongate dense setae, denser at tip (Fig. 3E, F); tibia with shallow ventral excavation on apical third (Fig. 3E, F); tibial excavation and basal region of tegulum with grooves (Fig. 3 A-D); bulb piriform, ventrally curved, thick embolus, with c. 13 retrodorsal parallel keels (Fig. 3 A-D, J).

Female (paratype CAD 764)

Color pattern as in male, but slightly darker in general (Fig. 4 A-D), and carapace bordered with golden red setae in live specimen (Fig. 1B). Total length 18.20. Chelicerae 2.75 long, 1.60 wide (only left side). Carapace 6.90 long, 5.32 wide, with narrow, procurved fovea, 0.58 wide. Abdomen 8.55 long, 5.52 wide. Thoracic region slightly raised. Clypeus narrow, 0.17 long. Eye tubercle 0.88 long, 1.32 wide, slightly elevated. Anterior eye row slightly procurved, posterior recurved (Fig. 4A). Eye sizes: AME 0.32, ALE 0.39, PME 0.24, PLE 0.32. Chelicerae with 7 teeth in prolateral row, with c. 10 basal smaller teeth, rastellum weak, formed by long thin setae (Fig. 4B). Labium 0.60 long, 1.20 wide, with 1 cuspule (Fig. 4B). Maxillae with c. 80 blunt cuspules on internal basal angle (Fig. 4B). Serrula developed (similar to male, Fig. 3I). Sternum oval, 3.63 long, 2.92 wide. Labial sigilla distant from margin by c. 0.1× its length, larger than anterior sternal sigilla. Sternal sigilla (Fig. 4B): anterior slightly smaller, medium and posterior about the same size; anterior distant from margin by c. 1 × length, medium by c. 0.5 × length, and posterior c. 1.2 × length. Measurements: palp: femur 2.92/ patella 1.99/ tibia 1.88/ tarsus 1.78/ total 8.57; legs: I: femur 4.24/ patella 2.98/ tibia 3.06/ metatarsus 2.54/ tarsus 1.78/ total 14.60; II: 4.10/ 2.84/ 2.64/ 2.40/ 1.90/ 13.88; III: 3.67/ 2.32/ 2.05/ 3.10/ 1.89/ 13.03; IV: 4.92/ 2.88/ 3.63/ 4.17/ 2.10/ 17.70. Spination: palp: femur: d0-0-0-0-1p-0; tibia: p0-1-0, v1r-1r-1p-0-3ap; legs: femora: I, II: d0-0-0-0-1p-0; III, IV: 0; patellae: III: p1-1-1; tibiae: III: v0-0-0-2ap, p0-1-1-0, r0-1-0; IV: v0-1r-0-2ap, r1-0-1-0; metatarsi: I: v0-1-0-0-1ap; II: v0-2-0-0-2ap; III: d0-2-0-1p2, v0-1-2-0-2-0-3ap, p1-1-1-1-0, r0-1-0; IV: d0-1r-1p-0-1p-0-2, v0-2-0-1r-1p-0-0-3ap, p1-1-1-0, r0-0-1-0. Metatarsal preening combs: II: 3VP thin setae; III: 4VP, 4VR; IV: 3VP, 3VR. Retrolateral combs are formed by thicker setae.Tarsi I, II rigid; III, IV flexible. Scopulae on tarsi I undivided, II divided by 1-2 rows of thin setae; III, IV by 3-4 rows of thicker setae; palp and legs I, II dense and symmetric; III, IV less dense than anterior tarsi. Scopulae on full length of metatarsi I, II; III only on 1/6 of lateral sides; I, II divided on basal third by 3-4 rows of thicker setae; IV absent. STC with double row of teeth: I: 5, 7, 6, 5; II: 6, 6, 7, 6; III: 5, 7, 6, 5; IV: 5, 8, 6, 5. ITC on tarsus IV. Palpal claw with 5 teeth on promargin. Tricobothria with rounded, elevated bases. Four spinnerets (Fig. 4D): PMS 0.76 long, with pumpkiniform spigots on distal half. PLS: basal segment 1.57, median 1.04, apical triangular, 0.56 long, with band of pumpkiniform spigots on inner edge of all segments. Spermathecae with a single receptacula on each side; base inclined outwards; basal dome elevated, ducts curved, receptacula rounded, basally constricted at the ducts (Fig. 5A).

VARIATION. — Males (n = 7): total length 8.02-12.40; carapace 3.73-5.56 long; maxillae with 32-51 cuspules, sometimes elongate and thin or clavate; palpal tibia with spine r0-0-1. Females (n = 6): total length 11.60-20.36; carapace 4.67-7.41; labium with 1-3 cuspules; maxillae with 80-95 cuspules. Spermathecae either with one or two receptacula on each side; basal dome inclined outwards, either elevated to ducts base, rounded or pointed; curved ducts; receptacula rounded, basally constricted at the ducts (Fig. 5 A-F).

NOTE. — Examination of two exuviae from consecutive molts of a juvenile female from ESEC Itirapina showed little variation in the spermathecae, even in size (Fig. 6A, B). The cephalothorax size of the exuvia of the first molt is 3.21 long; second molt, 4.46 long; the current size in life is 5.54 long.

DISTRIBUTION. — Southeastern Brazil, state of São Paulo: Itirapina, Ipeúna, Iperó and São Paulo.

HABITAT. — This species inhabits distinct environments, showing habitat plasticity (Fig. 7 A-E). Specimens occurs in anthropized zones of seasonal forest (Fig. 7A), bordered in part by exotic Pinus and Eucalyptus forestry, as well in native savanna formations (Fig. 7B) at ESEC Itirapina (see Brasileiro et al. 2005; IF 2006 for more details). At FLONA Ipanema, specimens occur in savanna formations within rock outcrops (Fig. 7 C-D), bordered by seasonal forest (mostly Atlantic Forest (Floresta Estacional semidecidual), see Albuquerque & Rodrigues 2000; IBAMA 2006 for more details) and anthropized areas (Fig. 7E). The species also occur in the city of São Paulo, in a hygrophilous Atlantic Forest urban fragment; historically, this area had great influence and presence of savanna formations (Hueck 1956; Catharino & Aragaki 2008), which could explain the spider’s current distribution in this more humid area.

NATURAL HISTORY

These spiders construct a single open burrow lined with fine silk in the soil (Fig. 8A, B), within fallen logs (Fig. 8C, D), rocks crevices (Fig. 8E, F) and loose rugose tree bark (Fig. 9 A- C). At ESEC Itirapina, most specimens were found in small ravines slopes in an anthropized area presenting earthy soil covered with leaf litter (Fig. 7A), contrasting with the typical sandy open areas of savanna formations of the remaining of the reserve (Fig. 7B), where only one individual was found. The anthropized area is similar to close by seasonal forest areas. In some areas, spiders occurred in high density populations of at least five individuals per square meter, where large and some small open burrows (Fig. 8 A-D) are visible even during the day. Many more small to medium sized juvenile spiders were revealed by carefully disassembling the soil from the ravines. At FLONA Ipanema, specimens were found in savanna formations within rock outcrops, bordered by Atlantic Forest and seasonal forest areas (Fig. 7C, D). Few specimens were found in ravines, in an anthropized area. Most burrows were found in tree trunks (Fig. 9 A-F) and between the rock crevices (Fig. 8E, F). In the trees, the burrows occurred at different heights, from the ground near roots up to six meters. Most specimens were found in Cambará trees, Gochnatia polymorpha (Less.) Cabrera (Fig. 9 D-F), a typical Cerrado species with very rugose thick bark (ridges with 20-50 mm). This allow the spiders to survive fires, which naturally occurs in savannas or forests, even when burning the tree bark (R. P. Indicatti, personal observ.) (Fig. 9D). Although not common for the genus, the behavior of inhabiting live trees also can be observed in S. arnolisei and S. palmar (Indicatti et al. 2008; 2017), as well as an undescribed species from Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro state, indicating that activity flow between soil and upper branches of the highest part of the trees may take place. This behavior has not yet been observed in any other Pycnothelidae genus, in which other known representatives always inhabits burrows associated with the soil (Goloboff 1995; Lucas et al. 2008; Indicatti 2013; Pérez-Miles et al. 2014; Ferretti 2015; R. P. Indicatti, pers. obs.). Within live tree barks the spiders behaves the same as those that live in the ground or ravines, as observed when the tree barks are removed (Fig. 9C), exposing remains of prey exoskeleton and old exuviae in end of chamber (Fig. 9C). The same occurs with some males, which could be observed resting near juvenile and female burrows (Fig. 9D, E).

Individuals kept alive in the laboratory constructed burrows in the soil, lined with fine silk, with 1-2 openings. The openings were sometimes observed to be closed with silk and soil for some days to few weeks, when the spider reopened the burrow. They were able to take down large prey (roaches, moths, crickets), c. 1.5× their total body size.