Ninetis Simon, 1890

Huber, Bernhard A. & Meng, Guanliang, 2025, Like grains of sand: Ninetis spiders on the Arabian Peninsula (Araneae: Pholcidae), Zootaxa 5563 (1), pp. 290-335 : 296-307

Genus Ninetis Simon, 1890

Ninetis Simon, 1890: 95 ; type species: N. subtilissima Simon, 1890 .

Myrmidonella Berland, 1920: 349 ; type species: Myrmidonella minuta Berland, 1920 .

Ninetis — Simon 1893: 486. Huber 2000: 80 .

Diagnosis. Tiny (body length ~ 0.9–1.5 mm), short-legged, eight-eyed pholcids with globular abdomen ( Fig. 3 ). Most known species (except N. samail sp. nov.) with distinctive configuration of male genital bulb, with slender ventral process and partly membranous dorsal process, the latter carrying sperm duct (e.g., Figs 7F , 14F ). This bulb morphology is otherwise only found in Magana Huber, 2019 , which is distinguished by its unique curved procursus, and Nerudia Huber, 2000 , which is distinguished by longer legs (male tibia 1: 1.1–2.5, versus 0.40–0.84 in Ninetis ; tibia 1 L/d: 14–31, versus 8–15 in Ninetis ). Females of most species (except N. minuta , N. marnif sp. nov., N. samail sp. nov.) with median epigynal pocket ( Figs 10F , 15E , 16F ; see also fig. 331 in Huber 2000; fig. 11 in Huber 2002; fig. 27 in Huber & El-Hennawy 2007); such pockets are otherwise not known in Ninetinae .

Note. In a previous diagnosis of Ninetis ( Huber 2000: 81) , the genus was thought to differ from Nerudia by the absence of stridulatory files on the male chelicerae. This is not the case. In both genera, males of most if not all species have stridulatory files; females do not.

Description

Male

MEASUREMENTS. Total body length ~0.9–1.3. Carapace width 0.38–0.56. Diameter PME 35–50 µm; diameter AME 15–30 µm. Tibia 1 length 0.40–0.84. Tibia 1 L/d: 8–15. Leg formula 4123. Diameters of leg femora (at half length) 80–90 µm, of leg tibiae 50–55 µm.

COLOUR (in ethanol). Prosoma and legs pale ochre-yellow to light brown, carapace without pattern, legs without darker rings; abdomen ochre-grey to light brown, monochromous or with indistinct internal marks.

BODY. Ocular area not or barely raised. Carapace without thoracic groove (e.g., Fig. 10A, B ; see also Huber 2000: fig. 4). Clypeus either unmodified or rim more sclerotized than in female. Sternum approximately as wide as long, with or without pair of anterior humps near coxae 1 ( Fig. 24B ). Abdomen globular. Gonopore either with four epiandrous spigots arranged in two pairs ( N. subtilissima , N. namibiae , N. toliara , N. amoud sp. nov.; Figs 10E , 16E ; see also Huber 2000: fig. 125) or without epiandrous spigots ( N. samail sp. nov., N. marnif sp. nov.; Figs 24E , 31E ) (in other species not examined). ALS with one strongly widened spigot, one long pointed spigot, and five cylindrical spigots, of which one is much wider than the others (cf. Figs 10G, H , 16G, H , 24G, H , 31G, H ; see also Huber 2000: fig. 152); PMS with two conical spigots ( Figs 10G , 16G , 24H ); PLS without spigots ( Fig. 10G ).

CHELICERAE. Chelicerae usually with pair of frontal apophyses ( Figs 7G–I , 14G–I , 22H–J ), absent only in N. marnif sp. nov. ( Fig. 29G–I ); usually with stridulatory files ( Figs 10C , 16D , 24C , 31C, D ) consisting of ~15–35 ridges, distances between ridges usually 1–2 µm, in N. samail sp. nov. wider (3 µm). In some species possibly without stridulatory ridges ( N. minuta , N. namibiae ; not examined with SEM). Fangs unmodified (cf. Fig. 16C ).

PALPS. Palpal coxa unmodified. Trochanter without process or with short ventral protrusion. Femur in species with stridulatory ridges with prolateral stridulatory pick proximally (modified hair; Fig. 17E ), distally slightly widened but usually without modification, only in N. amoud sp. nov. with ventral tubercles ( Figs 13 , 17A ). Femur-patella joints variably shifted towards prolateral side. Tibia roundish to oval, with two trichobothria. Tibia-tarsus joints variably shifted towards retrolateral side. Palpal tarsus with row of strong dorsal hairs ( Fig. 17F ), with tarsal organ weakly to strongly raised ( Figs 11E , 17F , 25E , 32C ), diameter 4.6–6.7 µm, diameter of opening 0.8–1.1 µm. Procursus simple, in N. samail sp. nov. with unique strong spine (arrow in Fig. 22C ). Genital bulb with two processes: relatively complex dorsal process consisting of membranous and sclerotized elements, presumably carrying sperm duct (confirmed in N. minuta : Huber 2000, fig. 321); and simple, pointed, and weakly sclerotized ventral process (e.g., Figs 7F , 14F ); in N. samail sp. nov. dorsal process with distinctive sclerite set with scales, and ventral process more complex and sclerotized ( Fig. 22F ).

LEGS. Without spines and curved hairs. With slender metatarsal hairs (as first described in Huber et al. 2023a) on metatarsus 3 (only one in very proximal position) and metatarsus 4 (one to four, in proximal position) ( Figs 12A, B , 18E, F , 26E, F , 32F–H ). Sexually dimorphic short vertical hairs present on tibia 1 only or on tibiae 1 and 2 ( Figs 12D , 18G, H , 26C , 32E ), barely visible in dissecting microscope, length ~17–22 µm, diameter at basis ~1.0–1.2 µm. Chemoreceptive hairs similar in size (length ~12–14 µm) but wider (diameter at basis 1.4–1.6 µm) and with side branch ( Figs 12C , 18D ) and mostly near leg tips. Retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 58–67% of tibia length. Prolateral trichobothrium absent on tibia 1, present on tibiae 2–4. Base of trichobothria evenly rounded, without proximal ridge ( Figs 11H , 18B , 26B , 33H ). Legs with roundish cuticular plates ( Figs 11F , 18G, H , 26C, D ; diameter 4–7 µm) and rimmed pores ( Figs 11G , 18C , 26D ; outer diameter 2.5–3.0 µm, diameter of opening 0.2–0.3 µm) apparently on all leg segments. Tarsus 1 with three to five pseudosegments, variably distinct. Leg tarsal organs capsulate ( Figs 12E, F , 19A–C , 27A–C , 33A, B ; diameter 2.5–4.5 µm, diameter of opening 0.6–1.0 µm), but tarsal organs of posterior legs (legs 3 and 4 or legs 4 only) apparently reduced and non-functional ( Figs 19D , 27D , 33C, D ). Tarsus 4 with one comb-hair on prolateral side ( Figs 19H , 27H ). Main tarsal claws with ~10–13 teeth ( Figs 12G, H , 19E–H , 27E–H , 33E–G ). Claws of tarsus 4 slightly different from others (distal teeth more directed towards distal).

Female

In general, similar to males but sternum without anterior humps, chelicerae without stridulatory files ( Figs 10D , 16B , 24D , 31B ), clypeus without sclerotized rim, and palpal tarsal organ weakly raised ( Figs 18A , 26A , 32D ) and slightly smaller (diameter 3.6–4.5 µm, diameter of opening 0.7–1.1 µm). Legs either shorter than in males (male / female tibia 1 length: ~1.0–1.3, but sample sizes mostly very small except in N. marnif sp. nov.: 1.10) or equal to slightly longer than in males (reasonable sample sizes only in N. subtilissima , N. amoud sp. nov., and N. samail sp. nov.: 0.95–0.98); tibia 1 length 0.36 – 0.83. Spinnerets, slender metatarsal hairs, chemoreceptive hairs, trichobothria, cuticular plates, rimmed pores, comb-hairs, leg tarsal organs, and claws as in male. Epigynum with simple semicircular to trapezoidal anterior plate, weakly protruding, in some species with distinct median pocket ( Figs 10F , 15E , 16F ) (or glandular duct?—bottom of pocket not sclerotized and difficult to resolve); posterior plate short and simple. Internal genitalia ( Figs 8 , 9 , 15 , 23 , 30 ) with pair of transversal posterior sclerites and complex median structures of unknown function, apparently without pore plates; in N. samail sp. nov. with pair of large membranous elements.

Distribution. Ninetis is widely distributed on the Arabian Peninsula and in Africa, including Madagascar ( Fig. 4 ). Specimens have been collected from sea level to 1700 m. On the Arabian Peninsula, we found Ninetis spiders at 23 of 68 localities visited in Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Previous publications have partly reported slightly erroneous coordinates. These are corrected here, as far as possible. Huber and El Hennawy (2007) reported N. minuta from “Tsavo West, Kisima forest”, giving 3.517 °S, 38.867 °E. The exact coordinates cannot be reconstructed but are probably near 3.4 °S, 38.4 °E (near Taita Discovery Center in the foothills of the Taita Hills; R. Jocqué pers. comm., 18 Apr. 2024). The type locality of N. russellsmithi ( Malawi, 12 km S of Monkey Bay) was published as ~ 14.05 °S, 35.00 °E ( Huber 2002) but should be ~ 14.16 °S, 34.93 °E. Ninetis toliara was reported from Madagascar, Isalo, with the coordinates 23.15 °S, 43.62 °E ( Huber & El Hennawy 2007); the correct coordinates are probably close to ~ 22.62 °N, 45.36 °E. Finally, there is a discrepancy in the literature concerning the locality Hossere Gare in Cameroon. Huber et al. (2014) used 8.50 °N, 13.13 °E (for N. faro ), while Logunov and Azarkina (2018) used 9.18 °N, 13.82 °E (for jumping spiders originating from the same collecting event). The precise coordinates are 8.502 °N, 13.138 °E (R. Jocqué pers. comm., 18 Apr. 2024).

Natural history. Ninetis spiders occupy a range of ground microhabitats in dry areas, such as leaf litter, dead branches and pieces of bark, and undersides of rocks ( Fig. 5 ). The majority of specimens reported herein were collected by turning rocks, both in shaded habitats and in habitats fully exposed to the sun. Upon disturbance, the spiders tended to run rapidly, eventually dropping to the ground. No webs were seen in the field, but in collection vials, the spiders quickly built tiny webs ( Fig. 20A ; also reported in Huber & van Harten 2001). Egg sacs were flat, i.e. all eggs were arranged in a single layer, and usually contained five to seven eggs ( Fig. 20 ); egg diameters ranged from 0.37 to 0.44 mm. For further data on individual species, see below.

Relationships. The molecular analysis of Eberle et al. (2018) suggested that Ninetis is sister to the Omani monotypic genus Magana Huber, 2019 (“Gen.n. Om6” in Eberle et al. 2018 and in Huber et al. 2018), and that these two genera are nested within a clade of South American Ninetinae . The closest relative of Ninetis and Magana among South American Ninetinae was the Brazilian monotypic genus Pinoquio Huber & Carvalho, 2022 (“Gen. n. Br15-159” in Eberle et al. 2018 and in Huber et al. 2018); sister to this clade was Nerudia + Gertschiola . UCE data (G. Meng, D. Dimitrov, B.A. Huber, L. Podsiadlowski, unpublished data) support these results from Sanger sequencing. These unpublished UCE data also include two of the newly described species below ( N. marnif sp. nov.; N. samail sp. nov.), and they support their assignment to Ninetis . This is in contrast to our NJ tree ( Fig. 1 ), but this tree is not expected to reliably reflect phylogenetic relationships.

Relationships within Ninetis remain largely unstudied; no sequences are available for African and Malagasy taxa. Morphologically, the type species N. subtilissima appears much more similar to African and Malagasy taxa (and to the Saudi Arabian N. amoud sp. nov.) than to the two Omani species N. samail sp. nov. and N. marnif sp. nov.

Composition. The genus now includes nine described species. Females of two possible further species are available in collections: one female from Madagascar, Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana National Park , Talatakely (21.2633 °S, 47.41932 °E) in CAS ; and one female from Saudi Arabia, Mecca, NE of Ghran (22.0488 °N, 39.4744 °E), in ZFMK .

Figures

FIGURE 1. Neighbor-joining tree of all analyzed CO1 sequences using the Kimura 2-parameter model; numbers on the branches are bootstrap supports from 5000 replications (%). Live spider: Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov.; male from Saudi Arabia, Jizan, NE of Wadi ‘Amoud.

FIGURE 3. Ninetis Simon, live specimens. A, B. Ninetis subtilissima Simon, male from Oman, Wadi Ghul and female with embryos from Oman, Wadi Shab. C, D. Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov., male from Saudi Arabia, NW of Al Fatiha, female from Saudi Arabia, S of Habeel. E, F. Ninetis samail Huber sp. nov., male and female from Oman, near Samail. G, H. Ninetis marnif Huber sp. nov., male and female with eggs from Oman, near Marnif. Scale line: 1 mm (all at same scale). Photos BAH.

FIGURE 4. Known distribution of Ninetis Simon. A. Distribution of the entire genus. B. Distribution of Ninetis on the Arabian Peninsula.

FIGURE 5. Typical habitats of Ninetis Simon on the Arabian Peninsula. A, B. Oman, Wadi Ghul and Wadi Tiwi (N. subtilissima Simon). C, D. Saudi Arabia, SW of Mecca and NW of Al Fatiha (N. amoud Huber sp. nov.). E, F. Oman, near Samail and near Al Hoota cave (N. samail Huber sp. nov.). G, H. Oman, near Marnif and Wadi Shalyon (N. marnif Huber sp. nov.).

FIGURE 7. Ninetis subtilissima Simon, 1890; male from Oman, Wadi Tiwi; ZFMK Ar 24405. A–C. Left palpal tarsus and procursus, prolateral, dorsal, and retrolateral views. D–F. Left genital bulb, prolateral, dorsal, and retrolateral views. G–I. Chelicerae, frontal, lateral, and distal views. Abbreviations: dp, dorsal process; vp, ventral process. Scale lines: 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 8. Ninetis subtilissima Simon, 1890; females from Yemen, Ja’ar (A–E; ZFMK Ar 24427) and Oman, Wadi Shalyon (F–J; ZFMK Ar 24402). A, F. Epigyna, ventral views. B–C, G–H. Cleared genitalia, ventral and dorsal views. D–E, I–J. Internal transversal sclerites at higher magnifications. Scale lines: 0.2 mm.

FIGURE 9. Ninetis subtilissima Simon, 1890; females from Oman, Wadi Tiwi (A–E; ZFMK Ar 24405) and Oman, Wadi Ghul (F–J; ZFMK Ar 24403). A, F. Epigyna, ventral views. B–C, G–H. Cleared genitalia, ventral and dorsal views. D–E, I–J. Internal transversal sclerites at higher magnifications. Scale lines: 0.2 mm.

FIGURE 10. Ninetis subtilissima Simon, 1890; from Oman, Wadi Tiwi (ZFMK Ar 24405). A, B. Male and female prosomata, dorsal views. C, D. Male and female chelicerae, oblique frontal views. E. Male gonopore and epiandrous spigots. F. Epigynum, ventral view; arrow points at process with pocket. G, H. Left female spinnerets and right female ALS. Abbreviations: aep, anterior epigynal plate; pep, posterior epigynal plate. Scale lines: 100 µm (A, B, F), 20 µm (C, D), 10 µm (E, G, H).

FIGURE 11. Ninetis subtilissima Simon, 1890; from Oman, Wadi Tiwi (ZFMK Ar 24405). A, B. Right male palp, retrolateral and retrolateral-dorsal views. C, D. Left male palp, prolateral and prolateral-dorsal views. E. Left male palpal tarsal organ (arrow). F. Female left femur 3, retrolateral-ventral view, showing cuticular plates (arrows). G. Male right metatarsus 2, dorsal view, showing rimmed pore (arrow). H. Trichobothrium on female right metatarsus 4. Abbreviations: b, genital bulb; dp, dorsal process; pr, procursus; vp, ventral process. Scale lines: 100 µm (A–D), 10 µm (E, F, H), 2 µm (G).

FIGURE 12. Ninetis subtilissima Simon, 1890; from Oman, Wadi Tiwi (ZFMK Ar 24405). A. Thin metatarsal hair (arrow) on female right metatarsus 3, ventral-prolateral view. B. Thin metatarsal hair (arrow) on female left metatarsus 4, ventral-distal view. C. Putative chemoreceptor on male right tarsus 1, prolateral view. D. Sexually dimorphic short vertical hairs (arrows) and regular mechanoreceptors on male right tibia 1, prolateral view. E, F. Tarsal organs (and neighboring slit sensilla) on left male tarsi 1 and 2, retrolateral-dorsal views. G. Tip of female right tarsus 2, prolateral view. H. Tip of female left tarsus 4, retrolateral view. Scale lines: 10 µm (A, B, D, G, H), 2 µm (C, E, F).

FIGURE 13. Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov.; male paratype from Saudi Arabia, NE of Wadi ‘Amoud; ZFMK Ar 24407. Left male palp in prolateral (A), dorsal (B), and retrolateral (C) views. Scale line: 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 14. Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov.; male paratype from Saudi Arabia, NE of Wadi ‘Amoud; ZFMK Ar 24407. A– C. Left palpal tarsus and procursus, prolateral, dorsal, and retrolateral views. D–F. Left genital bulb, prolateral, dorsal, and retrolateral views; thick arrows point at distinctive flattened dorsal sclerite. G–I. Chelicerae, frontal, lateral, and distal views. Abbreviations: dp, dorsal process; vp, ventral process. Scale lines: 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 15. Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov.; female paratype from Saudi Arabia, NE of Wadi ‘Amoud (A–C, J; ZFMK Ar 24407), female from Saudi Arabia, N of Al Makhwah (D–F, K; ZFMK Ar 24413), and female from Saudi Arabia, NE of Ghran (G–I; ZFMK Ar 24418). A, D, G. Epigyna, ventral views. B–C, E–F, H–I. Cleared genitalia, ventral and dorsal views; arrow in E points at epigynal pocket. J–K. Internal transversal sclerites at higher magnifications. Scale lines: 0.2 mm.

FIGURE 16. Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov.; from Saudi Arabia, E of Muhayil (D, G, H; ZFMK Ar 24411) and SW of Mecca (A–C, E, F; ZFMK Ar 24416). A. Female prosoma, frontal view. B. Female chelicerae, oblique frontal view. C. Female left cheliceral fang, distal view. D. Male left chelicera, oblique frontal view. E. Male gonopore and epiandrous spigots. F. Epigynum, ventral view; arrow points at epigynal pocket. G. Left female ALS and PMS. H. Right female ALS. Scale lines: 100 µm (A), 10 µm (B–E, G, H), 30 µm (F).

FIGURE 17. Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov.; from Saudi Arabia, E of Muhayil (E, F; ZFMK Ar 24411) and SW of Mecca (A–D; ZFMK Ar 24416). A, B. Left male palp, retrolateral and retrolateral-dorsal views; thick arrow points at distinctive flattened dorsal sclerite. C, D. Right male palp, prolateral and prolateral-dorsal views. E. Stridulatory pick on left male palpal femur. F. Male palpal tarsal organ (arrow) and neighboring slit sensillum and mechanoreceptive hairs. Abbreviations: dp, dorsal process; pr, procursus; vp, ventral process. Scale lines: 100 µm (A–D), 2 µm (E), 10 µm (F).

FIGURE 18. Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov.; from Saudi Arabia, E of Muhayil (A–D, F; ZFMK Ar 24411) and SW of Mecca (E, G, H; ZFMK Ar 24416). A. Tip of right female palp, dorsal view; arrow points at tarsal organ. B. Trichobothrium base on left male metatarsus 1. C. Rimmed pore (arrow) on left male metatarsus 1. D. Putative chemoreceptor on right male tarsus 1. E. Thin metatarsal hair (arrow) on female right metatarsus 3, prolateral-ventral view. F. Basis of thin metatarsal hair (arrow) on left male metatarsus 4, retrolateral-ventral view. G, H. Sexually dimorphic short vertical hairs and neighboring regular mechanoreceptive hairs and trichobothrium on left male tibia 1, retrolateral views; arrows points at cuticular plates. Scale lines: 10 µm (A, B, E, G, H), 2 µm (C, D, F).

FIGURE 19. Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov.; from Saudi Arabia, E of Muhayil (A; ZFMK Ar 24411) and SW of Mecca (B–H; ZFMK Ar 24416). A, B. Tarsal organs and neighboring slit sensilla on left female tarsi 1 and 2. C. Tarsal organ and neighboring slit sensillum on left male tarsus 3. D. Vestigial tarsal organ (arrow) on left male tarsus 4. E. Tip of right female tarsus 1, prolateral view. F. Tip of right male tarsus 2, prolateral view. G. Tip of right female tarsus 3, prolateral view. H. Tip of right male tarsus 4, prolateral view; arrow points at comb-hair. Scale lines: 2 µm (A–D), 10 µm (E–H).

FIGURE 20. Ninetis amoud Huber sp. nov. A. Female in small web in collecting vial. B–H. Females with egg-sacs, ventral views, photographed through glass of collecting vial; from Saudi Arabia, E of Muhayil (B, D), NE of Wadi ‘Amoud (C, E), NE of Ghran (F, G), and SW of Mecca (H).

FIGURE 22. Ninetis samail Huber sp. nov.; male from Oman, near Samail; ZFMK Ar 24420. A–C. Left palpal tarsus and procursus, prolateral, dorsal, and retrolateral views; arrow points at distinctive spine. D–G. Left genital bulb, prolateral, dorsal, retrolateral, and ventral views; arrow in D points at prolateral sclerite that is straight rather than curved towards ventral in male from between Al Rawda and Al Hayema. H–J. Chelicerae, frontal, lateral, and distal views. Abbreviations: dp, dorsal process; vp, ventral process. Scale lines: 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 23. Ninetis samail Huber sp. nov.; female from Oman, near Samail (A–C, G; ZFMK Ar 24420), and female from Oman, near Al Hoota Cave (D–F, H; ZFMK Ar 24421). A, D. Epigyna, ventral views. B–C, E–F. Cleared genitalia, ventral and dorsal views. G–H. Internal transversal sclerites and large membranous elements at higher magnifications. Scale lines: 0.2 mm.

FIGURE 24. Ninetis samail Huber sp. nov.; from Oman, near Samail (B, C, E, G; ZFMK Ar 24419) and near Al Hoota cave (A, D, F, H; ZFMK Om109). A. Female prosoma, frontal view. B. Male prosoma, frontal-ventral view, showing sternum humps (arrows). C. Stridulatory file on left male chelicera. D. Left female chelicera, frontal-lateral view. E. Male gonopore. F. Female abdomen and epigynum, ventral view. G. Left male ALS. H. Right female ALS and PMS. Abbreviations: aep, anterior epigynal plate; pep, posterior epigynal plate. Scale lines: 100 µm (A, B, F), 10 µm (C, E, G, H), 20 µm (D).

FIGURE 25. Ninetis samail Huber sp. nov.; from Oman, near Samail (ZFMK Ar 24419). A, B. Left male palp retrolateral and retrolateral-dorsal views; thick arrow points at distinctive spine. C, D. Right male palp, prolateral and prolateral-dorsal views. E. Left male palpal tarsal organ (arrow). F. Toothed sclerite on dorsal bulbal process, left palp. Abbreviation: pr, procursus. Scale lines: 100 µm (A–D), 10 µm (E, F).

FIGURE 26. Ninetis samail Huber sp. nov.; from Oman, near Samail (B, C; ZFMK Ar 24419) and near Al Hoota cave (A, D–F; ZFMK Om109). A. Tip of left female palp, dorsal view; arrow points at tarsal organ. B. Trichobothrium base on right male metatarsus 1. C. Sexually dimorphic short vertical hairs and trichobothrium on left male tibia 1, retrolateral view; thick arrow points at cuticular plate. D. Rimmed pore and cuticular plate (thick arrow) and mechanoreceptive hair on left female metatarsus 4, retrolateral-dorsal view. E. Thin metatarsal hairs (thick arrows) on left female metatarsus 4, retrolateral-ventral view. F. Tip of thin metatarsal hair (arrow) and tip of regular mechanoreceptive hair on left female metatarsus 4, retrolateral-ventral view. Abbreviations: rp, rimmed pore; t, trichobothrium. Scale lines: 10 µm (A, C, D), 2 µm (B, F), 20 µm (E).

FIGURE 27. Ninetis samail Huber sp. nov.; from Oman, near Samail (C, E, G, H; ZFMK Ar 24419) and nearAl Hoota cave (A, B, D, F; ZFMK Om109). A, B. Tarsal organs and neighboring slit sensilla on female left tarsi 1 and 2, retrolateral-dorsal views. C. Tarsal organ on male left tarsus 3, retrolateral-dorsal view. D. Vestigial tarsal organ (arrow) and neighboring slit sensillum on female left tarsus 4, retrolateral-dorsal view. E. Tip of right male tarsus 1, prolateral view. F. Tip of left female tarsus 2, retrolateral view. G. Tip of left male tarsus 3, retrolateral view. H. Tip of right male tarsus 4, prolateral view; arrow points at comb-hair. Scale lines: 10 µm (A, E–H), 2 µm (B–D).

FIGURE 29. Ninetis marnif Huber sp. nov.; male from Oman, W of Al Marnif; ZFMK Ar 24424. A–C. Left palpal tarsus and procursus, prolateral, dorsal, and retrolateral views. D–F. Left genital bulb, prolateral, dorsal, and retrolateral views. G–I. Chelicerae, frontal, lateral, and distal views. Abbreviations: dp, dorsal process; vp, ventral process. Scale lines: 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 30. Ninetis marnif Huber sp. nov.; female from Oman, W of Al Marnif (A–C, G; ZFMK Ar 24424), and female from Oman, Wadi Shalyon (D–F, H; ZFMK Ar 24426). A, D. Epigyna, ventral views. B–C, E–F. Cleared genitalia, ventral and dorsal views. G–H. Internal transversal sclerites at higher magnifications. Scale lines: 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 31. Ninetis marnif Huber sp. nov.; from Oman, Wadi Shalyon (C–E, G: ZFMK Ar 24426; A, B, F, H: ZFMK Om149). A. Female prosoma, frontal view. B. Left female chelicera, lateral view. C. Left male chelicera, lateral view. D. Stridulatory file on right male chelicera. E. Male gonopore. F. Epigynum, ventral view. G. Left male ALS. H. Left female ALS and PMS. Abbreviations: aep, anterior epigynal plate; pep, posterior epigynal plate. Scale lines: 100 µm (A), 10 µm (B–E), 20 µm (F), 2 µm (G, H).

FIGURE 32. Ninetis marnif Huber sp. nov.; from Oman, Wadi Shalyon (A–C, E: ZFMK Ar 24426; D, F–H: ZFMK Om149). A. Right male palp, retrolateral-dorsal view. B. Left male palp, prolateral-dorsal view. C. Tarsal organ (arrow) and neighboring sensilla on right male palp. D. Tip of right female palp, dorsal view; arrow points at tarsal organ. E. Sexually dimorphic short vertical hairs and trichobothrium base on left male tibia 1, retrolateral-dorsal view. F. Thin metatarsal hairs (thick arrows) and trichobothrium on left female metatarsus 4, retrolateral-ventral view. G. Thin metatarsal hair (arrow) on right female metatarsus 3, prolateral-ventral view. H. Tip of thin metatarsal hair (arrow) on left female metatarsus 4, retrolateral-ventral view. Abbreviation: t, trichobothrium. Scale lines: 20 µm (A, B, F), 10 µm (C–E, G), 2 µm (H).

FIGURE 33. Ninetis marnif Huber sp. nov.; from Oman, Wadi Shalyon (A–D, H: ZFMK Ar 24426; E–G: ZFMK Om149). A, B. Tarsal organs on left male tarsi 1 and 2, retrolateral-dorsal views. C, D. Vestigial tarsal organs (arrows) on left male tarsi 3 and 4. E. Tip of left female tarsus 1, retrolateral view. F. Tip of right female tarsus 1, prolateral view. G. Tip of left female tarsus 4, retrolateral view. H. Trichobothrium base on left male metatarsus 1. Scale lines: 2 µm (A–D, H), 10 µm (E–G).