Meriola macrocephala ( Nicolet, 1849 ) González & Grismado & Ramírez, 2021

González, María E., Grismado, Cristian J. & Ramírez, Martín J., 2021, A Taxonomic Revision Of The Spider Genus Meriola Banks (Araneae: Trachelidae), Zootaxa 4936 (1), pp. 1-113 : 56-63

Meriola macrocephala ( Nicolet, 1849) , comb. nov.

Figs 1G , 4 c–d, g, 5, 6a–d, 46–48, 92

Clubiona macrocephala Nicolet, 1849: 448 (two male and two female syntypes from Chile, Valdivia , in MNHN 6994, labeled as “ Trachel. megacephalus ”, examined; Fig. 48 a–f).

Trachelopachys macrocephalus Simon, 1897: 185 ; Platnick, 1975: 10, Platnick & Ewing, 1995: 7

Trachelas altiformis Simon, 1904: 104 , fig. 3 (male, misidentified).

Cetonana barrosi Mello-Leit „o, 1951: 337, figs 11–12 (female holotype from Maullin , Llanquihue, Región de los Lagos, Chile, formerly in MNRJ, probably lost; examined by Platnick & Ewing, 1995). syn. nov.

Meriola barrosi Platnick & Ewing, 1995: 9 , figs 1–2, 4–18.

Diagnosis. Males ( Figs 5 d–f, 47a–f, 48) are easily distinguished by the long embolus that coils on the distal half of the bulb. Females ( Figs 5 a–c, 46, 47g) are recognized by the paired anterior hoods and the large, circular median field flanked by semicircular ridges, with the elongated copulatory ducts visible through the cuticle.

Note. The type material of Clubiona macrocephala Nicolet, 1849 was considered a nomen dubium by Platnick & Ewing (1995), since the types were presumed lost (see Ramírez 1989). Simon (1897) synonymized C. obliterata Nicolet, 1849 and C. ultima Nicolet, 1849 with C. macrocephala and transferred that species to Trachelopachys . One of us (CJG) found some of Nicolet’s specimens in MNHN, labeled as “ Trachel. megacephalus ” (written by Simon, Fig. 48 a–f); by virtue of the correspondence with the description, and by the similarity of the terms “macrocephalus” and “megacephalus”, we consider highly probable that Simon wrongly transcribed the label of the specimens. Since the types of C. obliterata and C. ultima are still missing, we regard these as nomina dubia, as suggested by Platnick & Ewing (1995).

Description. See Platnick & Ewing (1995) for male and female descriptions.

Natural history and habitat. Several specimens were collected by canopy fogging, in vegetation that reaches up to 50 m in height. In addition, specimens were collected in shrubs by beating or hand collecting.

Distribution. Known from Chubut, Neuquén and Río Negro provinces in Argentina, and Chile (regions II through XI) ( Fig. 92 ).

New records. ARGENTINA: Neuquén: Huiliches: Parque Nacional Lanín, Lago Paimún, S 39.713693°, W 71.580336°, 15–17.I.1999, L. Compagnucci, 1 female, 1 male, 1 imm. (MACN-Ar 31051). Los Lagos: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, sendero a Cerro La Mona, cerca Lago Espejo Chico, S 40.58546°, W 71.70412°, elev. 832 m, 5.I.2011, Chusquea and Nothofagus antarctica on creek, M. Ramírez & V. Werenkraut, 1 male, sample MGM- 00432 (MACN-Ar 33045). Río Negro: Bariloche: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Puerto Blest, sendero a laguna Los Cántaros, S 41.013754°, W 71.822738°, elev. 820–890 m, 28.XII.2010, forest, M. Ramírez, V. Werenkraut, V. & S. Aisen, 1 female, sample MLB-04072, temporary preparation MLB-00586 (MACN-Ar 31130). Cerro Challhuaco, S 41.26946°, W 71.31131°, elev. 1906 m, I.2006, pitfall, V. Werenkraut, 1 male (MACN-Ar 19154). CHILE: Región II de Antofagasta: Provincia de Antofagasta: Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar, Las Lomitas, 26,7 km por aire N de Chañaral (MJR-loc-42), S 26.00979°, W 70.60601°, elev. 823 m, 26.X.2011, foggy hills, bushes and cactus, hand collection, M. Ramírez, A. Ojanguren Affilastro & J. Pizarro Araya, 1 female (MACN-Ar 33028). Región IV de Coquimbo: Provincia de Coquimbo: 20 mi E La Serena, S 29.983091°, W 70.925829°, 3.XII.1950, Ross & Michelbacher, 1 male (CAS, CASENT 9059197). Provincia de Choapa: Cuesta Cavilolén, 23,5 km por aire, NW de Los Vilos (MJR-loc-60), S 31.76669°, W 71.32727°, elev. 600 m, 2.XI.2011, relict forest in ravine, hand collection, M. Ramírez, A. Ojanguren Affilastro & J. Pizarro Araya, 1 female, sample MGM-00427 (MACN-Ar 33044), 1 female, 1 imm. (MACN-Ar 33081). Caimanes, S 31.931801°, W 71.134514°, G. Mann, 1 female, 4 males (MNHS). Región V de Valparaíso: Provincia de Valparaíso: Reserva Parque El Boldo, Zapallar, 300 m NNE de ruta costera (MJR-loc-01), S 32.54593°, W 71.45179°, elev. 114 m, 12.II.2011, M. Ramírez, E. Soto & J. Pizarro Araya, 1 female, 1 male (MACN-Ar 28763). Provincia de Petorca: Quebrada El Tigre, 2.5 km E of Zapallar (MJRloc-02), S 32.55143°, W 71.43278°, elev. 357 m, 12.II.2011, forest of Peumus boldus and Beilschmiedia in cliff, M. Ramírez, E. Soto & J. Pizarro Araya, 1 female, 6 males, 4 imms. (MACN-Ar 28762). Provincia de Quillota: Cuesta El Melón, 17.7 km por aire S de La Ligua (MJR-loc-63), S 32.6088°, W 71.23638°, elev. 578 m, 3.XI.2011, relict forest in ravine, hand collection, M. Ramírez, A. Ojanguren Affilastro & J. Pizarro Araya, 1 male, sample MGM-00433 (MACN-Ar 33046), 5 females, 2 imms., sample MGM-00434 (MACN-Ar 33047). Cuesta El Melón, S 32.616669°, W 71.216667°, elev. 510 m, 19.II.2005, M. Ramírez & F. Labarque, 1 male (MACN-Ar 10950), 1 male (MACN-Ar 10957), 1 female, 1 imm. (MACN-Ar 30885). Parque Nacional La Campana, sector granizo, 5.2 km por aire ENE de Olmué (MJR-loc-65), S 32.98124°, W 71.13016°, elev. 456 m, 4.XI.2011, hydrophilic forest in cliff, hand collection, M. Ramírez, A. Ojanguren Affilastro & J. Pizarro Araya, 1 female, sample CJG-03123, temporary preparation CJG-01326 (MACN-Ar 30344). Provincia de Marga: Cerro La Campana, S 32.953611°, W 71.119444°, X.1982, M. Pino, 1 female (MNHS 620). Parque Nacional La Campana, S 32.964037°, W 71.081761°, elev. 446 m, 22–23.VII.2010, beating, A. Ojanguren Affilastro, L. Piacentini, E. Soto, D. Valdivia & J. Pizarro Araya, 1 male, sample LNP-04102 (MACN-Ar 28588), 1 female, sample LNP-04103, temporary preparation ASE- 00054 (MACN-Ar 28589), 1 female, sample LNP-04104, temporary preparation ASE-00052 (MACN-Ar 28590). Same locality, S 32.965441°, W 71.086855°, 18.XII.1983, M. Pino, 2 females (MNHS 918). Same locality, S 32.981944°, W 71.123111°, 16.VII.2009, beating, M. Izquierdo, A. Ojanguren Affilastro, J. Pizarro Araya & F. Alfaro, 1 female, 1 male (MACN-Ar 36784). Provincias de Valparaíso y San Antonio: Tunquén, S 33.273736°, W 71.646973°, 14.X.1982, M. Pino, 1 male (MNHS 631). Región VII de Maule: Provincia de Curicó: Los Niches, Fundo Juan Enrique Barriga-Tuñón, S 35.063167°, W 71.122861°, elev. 299 m, 18.VII.2010, A. Ojanguren Affilastro, L. Piacentini, E. Soto, D. Valdivia & J. Pizarro Araya, 1 male, sample LNP-04038 (MACN-Ar 28586). 10 km N Potrero Grande, S 35.113072°, W 70.881621°, 18.VII.2009, beating, M. Izquierdo, A. Ojanguren Affilastro, J. Pizarro Araya & F. Alfaro, 1 female (MACN-Ar 36810). El Relvo, 20 km E Potrero Grande, S 35.183500°, W 70.932639°, elev. 1100 m, 14.I.2004, Lomatia dentate and Nothofagus oblicua , fogging, J. Barriga, 13 females, 7 males, 7 imms., sample ARAMR000992, temporary preparations MAI-00085–00086 (MACN-Ar 30743). Same locality, S 35.183611°, W 70.933611°, 25.III.2003, Laurelia sp. and Myrceugenia sp., fogging, J. Barriga, 1 female, 1 male (MACN-Ar 30917). Same locality, S 35.185667°, W 70.935000°, elev. 1100 m, 8.V.2004, Nothofagus dombeyi , fogging, J. Barriga, 8 females, 2 males, 6 imms. (MACN-Ar 33030). Same locality, S 35.185833°, W 70.937472°, 16.I.2004, Nothofagus dombeyi , Laurelia sp., Colletia hystrix and Podocarpus saligna , fogging, J. Barriga, 5 males (MACN-Ar 30927). Same locality, S 35.185833°, W 70.937306°, elev. 1100 m, 16.I.2004, Nothofagus dombeyi , Laurelia sp., Colletia hystrix and Podocarpus saligna , fogging, J. Barriga, 11 females, 11 males (MACN-Ar 33031). Same locality, S 35.189167°, W 70.958333°, 30.XII.2003, Nothofagus dombeyi , fogging, J. Barriga, 1 male (MACN-Ar 30929). Same data, elev. 1100 m, J. Barriga, 4 females, 6 males (MACN-Ar 33029). Same locality, S 35.190907°, W 70.8130279°, elev. 1100 m, 8.V.2004, Nothofagus dombeyi , fogging, J. Barriga, 7 females, 1 male (MACN-Ar 30926). Fundo El Coihue, 20 km E Potrero Grande, S 35.190907°, W 70.8679273°, elev. 937 m, 25.V.2004, Austrocedrus chilensis , fogging, J. Barriga, 1 female, 5 males (MACN-Ar 30916). Same data, Nothofagus dombeyi and Austrocedrus chilensis , 2 males (MACN-Ar 33033). Same locality, elev. 1035 m, 25.V.2004, Podocarpus saligna , fogging, J. Barriga, 1 male (MACN-Ar 33034). Camino El Relvo, 15 km E Potrero Grande, S 35.190907°, W 70.9228267°, elev. 1000 m, 13.V.2004, Nothofagus oblicua and N. dombeyi , fogging, J. Barriga, 2 females (MACN-Ar 30928). Potrero Grande, 15 km E, Puente los Morongos, S 35.190907°, W 71.087525°, 30.III.2004, Nothofagus alpina , N. dombeyi and Laurelia sp., fogging, J. Barriga, 1 female (MACN-Ar 30930). Same locality, S 36.202500°, W 70.968333°, 9 females, 1 male (MACN-Ar 33032). 5 km E Potrero Grande, Puente Los Morongos, S 35.199878°, W 70.943024°, 22.XII.2003, Nothofagus dombeyi , fogging, J. Barriga, 12 females, 5 males, 1 imm. (MACN-Ar 30888). Provincia de Linares: 28 km SE de Linares, S 36.0280297°, W 71.38019°, 17.I.1984, E. Maury, 1 female, temporary preparation MGM-00341 (MACN-Ar 30976). Región VIII de Biobío: Provincia de Concepción: Cerro Caracol, S 36.841083°, W 73.041285°, elev. 240 m, 15.II.2005, M. Ramírez & F. Labarque, 2 females, sample MLB-04310, temporary preparation MLB-00886 (MACN-Ar 33662). Provincia de Arauco: Quebrada Caramávida, San Alfonso, reserva Arauco, 20 km (air) ESE Antiguala, S37.70942° W73.17107° (GPS, +- 200m), elev. 750 m (GPS), 15.I.2018, forest with araucaria, M.J. Ramírez,A. Ojanguren,A. Pérez González, G. Azevedo, W. Porto (MJR-loc-310), 1 female vchMJR-2774, photos MJR 9635-9644 (MACN-Ar MJR-2774). Región IX de La Araucanía: Provincia de Malleco: Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta, Cerro Pichinahuel, S 37.783333°, W 73.0°, elev. 1200 m, 22.XI.2004, Araucaria araucana and Nothofagus dombeyi , fogging, J. Barriga, 1 female (MACN-Ar 30931). Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta, S 37.784643°, W 72.953286°, elev. 1100 m, 12.II.2005, forest of Nothofagus and Araucaria, M. Ramírez & F. Labarque , 7 females, 5 males, temporary preparations ARAMR000709– 710, ARAMR000908–909, PMF00086–00090, CGJ-00469–00470 (MACN-Ar 30744), 1 male, temporary preparation ARAMR000264 (MACN-Ar 30881), 1 female, temporary preparation ARAMR000265 (MACN-Ar 30882). Monumento Natural Contulmo, sendero Lemu Mau (MJR-loc-77), S 38.01314°, W 73.18648°, elev. 341 m, 9.II.2012, forest, M. Ramírez, M. Izquierdo, P. Michalik, C. Wirknler & K. Huckstorf, 1 male, temporary preparation MGM-00342 (MACN-Ar 29256), 2 females, 4 males (MACN-Ar 29276).Victoria, S38.231467°, W 72.351019°, G. Mann, 1 female (MNHS). Provincia de Cautín: Parque Nacional Villarrica, camino a Coñaripe, cerca del sector Quetrupillén (MJR-loc-82), S 39.45314°, W 71.80915°, 13.II.2012, forest of Nothofagus and Chusquea, M. Ramírez, M. Izquierdo, P. Michalik, C. Wirknler & K. Huckstorf , 1 female, sample MAI-01891 (MACN-Ar 36426). Región XIV de Los Ríos: Provincia de Valdivia: Santo Domingo, S 39.812579°, W 73.226441°, 26.X.1984, on Blechnum magallanicum, D. Jackson , 1 female (MNHS 886). Valdivia, S 39.817379°, W 73.242533°, XI–XII.1982, E. Krahmer, 1 female (MNHS 693). Región X de Los Lagos: Provincia de Osorno: Parque Nacional Puyehue, Sector Anticura, S 40.653611°, W 72.262500°, XI.1982, collector unknown, 1 female, 3 imms. (MNHS 706). Parque Nacional Puyehue, Aguas Calientes, S 40.737037°, W 72.304847°, 13–17.XII.1998, M. Ramírez, L. Compagnucci, C. Grismado & L. Lopardo, 1 male (MACN-Ar 16392). Provincia de Llanquihue: Puerto Montt, Sector Chapo, Río Blanco, S 41.416701°, W 72.566697°, 24–29.I.1983, G. Arriagada, 1 female, 7 males, 6 imms. (MNHS 723). Same locality, 30.I–15.II.1983, 1 female, 1 male, 1 imm. (MNHS 733).

Figures

FIGURE 1. a, Meriola fasciata Mello-Leit„o, female (MACN-Ar 30366), carapace, dorsal view; b, same, detail of ocular area. c, Trachelas sp. group speciosus, ocular area, dorsal view (Argentina, Jujuy, MACN-Ar 26927). d, Trachelopachys keyserlingi (Roewer), female, ocular area, dorsal view (Argentina, Buenos Aires, MANC-Ar MGM-00109). e, M. rahue Platnick & Ewing, male epigastric area (MACN-Ar 21964). f, M. cetiformis (Strand), female epigastric area (MACN-Ar 36883). g, M. macrocephala (Nicolet), male epigastric area (AMNH MJR-26). Arrows to postepigastric invaginations.

FIGURE 4. a, Meriola fasciata Mello-Leit„o, female, left tarsus I, retrolateral view (MACN-Ar 30366); b, claws, retro-apical view. c, M. macrocephala (Nicolet) comb. nov., female, left tarsus I, ventral view, arrows to cuspules (AMNH MJR-23). d, M. rahue Platnick & Ewing, male, trichobothria socket (MACN-Ar 21964). e, M. penai Platnick & Ewing, female tarsus I, claw tuft tenent surface, lateral view (MACN-Ar 30355); f, tarsus IV scopula tenent surface, lateral view. g, M. macrocephala (Nicolet) comb. nov., female, metatarsus IV preening comb (AMNH MJR-12). h, M. penai Platnick & Ewing, female, right claws IV, lateral view (MACN-Ar 30355).

FIGURE 5. Meriola macrocephala (Nicolet) comb. nov., genitalia. a, female epigyne ventral view (female AMNH MJR-10); b, same, vulva, dorsal lateral view; c, same, detail of secondary spermatheca, arrows to gland ducts. d, left male palp, prolateral view (MACN-Ar MAI-85, images thanks to Matías Izquierdo); e, same, ventral view; f, same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: CDR = copulatory duct receptacle, CO = copulatory opening, E = embolus, EH = anterior hood, FD = fertilization duct, LL = lateral lobe, LR = lateral ridge, MF = median field, RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis, S1 = primary spermatheca, S2 = secondary spermatheca, ST = subtegulum, T = tegulum.

FIGURE 48. Meriola macrocephala (Nicolet) comb. nov.. a, all syntype specimens (MNHN 6994); b, male syntype, left palp, prolateral view; c, same, ventral view; d, same, retrolateral view; e, labels in vial with syntypes, note the lapsus “megacephalus”; f, female syntype, epigyne, ventral view; g, male habitus, anterior view (MACN-Ar 29256); h, same, left palp, ventral view; i, same, prolateral view; j, same, retrolateral view.

FIGURE 92. Known distribution of Meriola lineolata comb. nov., M. macrocephala comb. nov. and M. teresita in South America.