Arachnura feredayi (L. Koch, 1872 )

Castanheira, Pedro De S., Didham, Raphael K., Vink, Cor J. & Framenau, Volker W., 2019, The scorpion-tailed orb-weaving spiders (Araneae, Araneidae, Arachnura) in Australia and New Zealand, Zootaxa 4706 (1), pp. 147-170 : 150-154

Arachnura feredayi (L. Koch, 1872)

Tailed forest spider

( Figs. 1 A–B; 2–4; 12)

Epeira feredayi L. Koch, 1872: 122–123 , plate 11, figs. 1, 1a–b. Arachnura longicauda Urquhart, 1885: 34–37 , plate 9, fig. 2 (synonymy established in Bryant, 1933). Arachnura nigritia Urquhart, 1885: 37 (synonymy established in Bryant, 1933). Arachnura longicauda var. nigrita (Urquhart) . Bryant, 1933: 23 (misspelt). Arachnura obtusa Urquhart, 1885: 37 (synonymy established in Bryant, 1933). Arachnura feredayi (L. Koch) .- Hickman, 1926: 182–186, plate 15, fig. 7 (misidentification; this is A. higginsii ); Dondale, 1966:

1160–1162, figs. 1G–J (misidentification; this is A. higginsii ); Uyemura, 1976a: 13, fig. 7; Paquin et al., 2010: 4 8 49, fig.

25.6.

Type-material. Holotype female of Epeira feredayi L. Koch, 1872 , “near Canterbury ” (from German: “in der Nähe von Canterbury ” L. Koch 1872: 123) (no exact location, Canterbury region, NEW ZEALAND) “via Cambridge” (BMNH 1915.3.5.739), examined.

Two syntype males of Arachnura longicauda Urquhart, 1885 , Karaka, Auckland (37°05’S, 174°51’E, NEW ZEALAND), A.T. Urquhart (CMNZ 2005.135.116), examined. Bryant (1933) stated there were three syntype males, but there are only two in the vial.

Holotype immature of Arachnura longicauda var. nigritia Urquhart, 1885 , Karaka , Auckland (37°05’S, 174°51’E, NEW ZEALAND), A.T. Urquhart ( CMNZ 2005.135.118), examined.

Holotype immature of Arachnura obtusa Urquhart, 1885 , Karaka , Auckland (37°05’S, 174°51’E, NEW ZEA- LAND), A.T. Urquhart ( CMNZ 2005.135.117), examined.

Other material examined. NEW ZEALAND: Three Kings Islands: Great Island , 34°09’S, 172°09’E, 1– 3.i.1963, E. S. Gourlay coll. (1 penult. ♂, NZAC0301831 ) . Northland: Whangarei , 35°43’S, 174°19’E, Abbey Caves, 1.x.1995, G. Hall coll. (1 juv. ♀, NZAC03018034 ) . Auckland: Flexman Reserve , 36°18’50”S, 174°29’30”E, 26.iii.1999, beating, G. Hall, P. Paquin, D. Dupérré coll. (1 ♀, NZAC0301838 ) ; Kawau Island, Redwood Track , 36°25’S, 174°52’E, 13.xi.1992, G. Hall coll. (1 ♀, NZAC03018025 ) ; Dairy Flat , 36°40’S, 174°38’E, 15.x.2000, K. Froud coll. (1 ♀, NZAC0301836 ) ; Blockhouse Bay , 36°55’S, 174°42’E, 20.x.1995, L.H. Clunie coll., in house (1 ♀, NZAC03018022 ) ; Pukekohe, Kern Rd , 37°09’17”S, 174°56’57”E, xi.1986, V. E. Davies coll. (1 ♀, QM S69377) ; Mt William , 37°13’S, 175°02’E, 25.xi.2001, G. Hall coll. (1 ♀, NZAC03018037 ) . Waikato: Hammond Park , 37°48’32”S, 175°19’30”E, 1.vii.2013, B.N. McQuillan coll. (1 ♀, CMNZ 2015.2.29) . Bay of Plenty: Aongatete Forest, Nature Walk , 37°40’17”S, 175°55’04”E, 20.x.2017, P.A. Maddison, on shrub near track, web building (1 ♀, NZAC0301840 ) . Taupo: Wairakei , 38°38’S, 176°05’E, 23.iii.1916, Spencer coll. (1 ♀, NMV K13806 ) . Rangitikei: Ohakune Reserve , 39°25’S, 175°24’E, 21.xi.1977, J.S. Dugdale coll. (1 juv., NZAC0301823 ) . Wanganui: Kitchener Park , 40°14’42”S, 175°32’24”E, 04.xii.2016, M. Navest coll. (1 ♂, CMNZ 2017.8.1); (1 ♂, CMNZ 2017.8.2); (1 ♀, CMNZ 2017.8.3); (1 ♀, CMNZ 2017.8.4) ; 01.xii.2017, M. Navest coll. (5 ♂, 2 ♀, WAM T145209 ) ; 05.ii.2018, M. Navest coll. (2 ♀, WAM T145208 ) . Nelson: Granity , 41°38’S, 171°51’E, 13.i.1997, R O’Brien coll. (1 ♀, CMNZ 2017.110.119) ; Buller: Canoe Creek Lagoon, 42°12’S, 171°19’E, 10.1.1957, L. R. Jackson (1 ♀, CMNZ 2017.110.404) ; Mid Canterbury: Redwood , 43°28’55.6”S, 172°37’29.3”E, 02.iii.2018, A. J. Hunter coll. (1 ♀, WAM T145206 ) ; Christchurch : 43°33’56.5”S, 172°39’22.0”E, 01.i.2015, C. J. Vink coll. (1 ♀, WAM T145207 ) ; South Canterbury: Peel Forest , 43°54’S, 171°15’E, 6.v,1971, K. Hill coll. (1 ♀, CMNZ 2017.110.129) ; Geraldine , 44°05’S 171°15’E, xii.1999, T. David coll. (1 ♀, CMNZ 2017.110.120) ; Timaru , 44°24’S, 171°15’E, 20.viii.1968, J.H. Strickett coll. (1 ♀, BMNH) . Central Otago: Waikaia Forest, Piano Flat , 45°33’S, 169°01’E, 4.ii.1998, D.M. Gleeson coll. (1 ♀, NZAC03018029 ) . Fiordland: Te Anau, Control Gate Track , 45°26’33”S, 167°41’44”E, 20.i.1998, sweeping at night, D.M. Gleeson, G. Hall coll. (1♀, NZAC03018024 ) . Westland: Martins Bay , 44°20’09”S 168°00’29”E, 2.i.1955, R.R. Foster coll. (1 ♀, CMNZ 2017.110.1562) .

Diagnosis. Males and females of A. feredayi are very similar to those of A. higginsii ; however, males of both species differ in the morphology of the male pedipalp, specifically in the shape of the embolus, which is straight in A. feredayi and curved in A. higginsii ( Figs. 3C ; 4 vs. Figs. 6C ; 7 ). In addition, the terminal apophysis is wider in A. feredayi and the median apophysis slightly larger. Females also differ distinctly in genitalic characters, as the epigynal scape is generally wider in A. feredayi than in A. higginsii ( Fig. 2D vs. Fig. 5D ). In addition, the lateral edges of the epigynum continue very little posteriorly in A. feredayi in contrast to A. higginsii where they form a distinct arch and continue often as far posteriorly as the scape is long ( Fig. 2D vs. Fig. 5D ). The spermathecae are smaller in A. feredayi than in A. higginsii and in all specimens dissected, much darker in A. higginsii . ( Fig. 2E vs Fig. 5E ). The length of the tubercles of the abdominal tail is not diagnostic for the two species. While A. feredayi always has very small tubercles ( Figs. 1A, B ; 2C ), these are variably short to long in A. higginsii ( Figs. 1C ; 5C ; 8A, D ), likely leading to the misidentifications of A. higginsii as A. feredayi in Australia ( Dondale, 1966; Hickman, 1926).

Description. Female (WAM T145206): Carapace pale yellow, with a central grey line from eyes to posterior rim and slight dusky at the edges ( Fig. 2A ). Carapace longer than wide, moderately tapering towards its anterior elevated part. Eyes small and their rows slightly recurved, all four dyads of eyes on tubercles, lateral eyes very close to each other but very distant from clypeus ( Fig. 2A ). Chelicerae with pale yellow paturon and brown fangs ( Fig. 2B ). Legs pale yellow, dusky on tibia, metatarsus and tarsus, all articles covered by macrosetae ( Figs. 2A, B ). Labium and endites pale yellow. Sternum pale yellow, triangular, with a darker contour and covered by grey spots, with many bristles on the anterior part ( Fig. 2B ). Abdomen very elongated, dorsum beige, anteriorly with a pro- nounced division forming two pointed shoulders above the folium, with guanine spots atop ( Fig. 2A ). Lateral part of second and posterior thirds formed by a light brown stripe. Tip of abdominal tail dark brown with about five small tubercles ( Fig. 2C ). Venter beige, with a dusky brown hue posterior of spinnerets, forming a beige median line with five transverse irregular stripes on the tail ( Fig. 2B ). Spinnerets dark brown ( Fig. 2B ). Epigynum scape wider than long and rebordered posteriorly, anterior lateral arches poorly developed ( Fig. 2D ). Spermathecae light brown and spherical, bearing two slender copulatory ducts ( Fig. 2E ).

Total length: 14.4. Carapace: 3.4 long, 2.8 wide. Abdomen: 11.6 long. Leg I: femur 3.2, patella 1.4, tibia 1.7, metatarsus 1.7 and tarsus 1.1. Patella + tibia II 2.6; III 1.9; IV 3.2.

Male (CMNZ 2017.8.2): Carapace light brown with broad dusky dark brown bands laterally and a dark brown median line from eyes to posterior rim ( Fig. 3A ). Eyes bigger than in females and their rows slightly recurved, all eyes on tubercles, lateral eyes on the edge of carapace, AME on an anterior bulge ( Fig. 3A ). Chelicerae with light brown paturon and fangs ( Fig. 3B ). Legs yellowish-brown ( Figs. 3A, B ). Labium and endites yellowish-brown ( Fig. 3B ). Sternum triangular and indented at coxae, yellowish-brown with a dark contour ( Fig. 3B ). Abdomen oval, dorsum pale brown, with irregular dark brown spots and a large light brown band posterior of the folium ( Fig. 3A ). Abdomen laterally with ca. four unsclerotised ridges and posteriorly with ca. seven unsclerotised rings giving the impression of a compressed, posterior tip with three tubercles ( Fig. 3A ). Venter similarly coloured as dorsum, but with more distinct lighter and darker irregular spots ( Fig. 3B ). Spinnerets yellowish brown ( Fig. 3B ). Terminal apophysis of pedipalp longer than wide, oval and forming a hood over embolus ( Figs. 3C ; 4 ); embolus long and straight, conductor filiform and sclerotized, projected over the edge of bulb ( Fig. 3E ); median apophysis crescent-shaped, subquadrate and with a strongly sclerotised tip that carries many tubercles ( Figs. 3C ; 4 ); paramedian apophysis forms ridge to conductor, as an extension of it, and is covered with scale-like structures ( Figs. 3C ; 4 ), paracymbium short, hook-like ( Fig. 3D ).

Total length: 2.3. Carapace: 0.8 long, 0.8 wide. Abdomen: 1.5 long. Leg I: femur 0.7, patella 0.4, tibia 0.5, metatarsus 0.4 and tarsus 0.2. Patella + tibia II 0.6; III 0.4; IV 0.7.

Variation. Females (n = 10): total length, 11.4 – 16.8; males (n = 7): total length, 2.3 – 2.7. Males can vary in colour; carapace stripes vary from dark brown to light brown and dorsum of abdomen varies from light brown to orange brown.

Remarks. Dondale (1966) reported the holotype of A. feredayi missing; however, a female from New Zealand in the NHM is clearly labelled ‘via Cambridge’ (interpreted here as meaning from O. Pickard-Cambridge’s collection) and is here considered the holotype. The species was almost certainly named after Richard William Fereday who was an entomologists and lawyer based in Christchurch and who collected throughout Canterbury ( Johns 1993). By 1873, Fereday had sent at least 200 entomological specimens to scientists in Europe ( Johns 1993), which probably included the specimen that became the holotype of A. feredayi . The illustrations of A. feredayi in Uyemura (1976a) are extremely stylised and cannot be interpreted to belong to any of the species treated here.

Life history and habitat preferences. Mature spiders have been found throughout the year, but appear to be most common from late spring to late summer (October – February). Arachnura feredayi is found in native forest and occasionally found in gardens.

Distribution. Endemic to New Zealand, known from both the North and South Islands ( Fig. 12 ).

Figures

FIGURE 1. Life images of Arachnura. A, B, Arachnura feredayi (L. Koch), females from New Zealand (photo B. McQuillan); C, Arachnura higginsii (L. Koch), female from Western Australia (photo V.W. Framenau).

FIGURE 2. Arachnura feredayi (L. Koch), female (CMNZ 2017.8.2):A, dorsal habitus. B, ventral habitus. C, tip of abdominal tail. D, epigynum, ventral view. E, epigynum, dorsal view. Abbreviations, S, scape; Sp, spermatheca. Scale bars, A, B, 3 mm; C, 0.5 mm; D, E, 0.2 mm.

FIGURE 3. Arachnura feredayi (L. Koch), male (WAM T145206):A, dorsal habitus. B, ventral habitus. C, D, left male palp; C, mesal view. D, ectal view. Abbreviations, C, conductor; E, embolus; MA, median apophysis; P, paracymbium; PA, paramedian apophysis; Ra, radix; TA, terminal apophysis; Y, cymbium. Scale bars, A, B, 0.5 mm; C, D, 0.2 mm; E, 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 4. Arachnura feredayi (L. Koch), male (WAM T145206): left palp mesal view (SEM). Arrow points the scale-like structures of the paramedian apophysis.Abbreviations, C, conductor; E, embolus; MA, median apophysis; P, paracymbium; PA, paramedian apophysis; Ra, radix; TA, terminal apophysis; Y, cymbium. Scale bar, 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 5. Arachnura higginsii (L. Koch), female (WAM T145210):A, dorsal habitus. B, ventral habitus. C, tip of abdominal tail. D, epigynum ventral view. E, spermatheca posterior view. Abbreviations, S, scape; Sp, spermatheca. Scale bars, A, B, 5 mm; C, 1 mm; D, E, 0.2 mm.

FIGURE 6. Arachnura higginsii (L. Koch), male (WAM 97/1976): A, dorsal habitus. B, ventral habitus. C–E, left male palp; C, mesal view. D, ectal view. Abbreviations, C, conductor; E, embolus; MA, median apophysis; P, paracymbium; PA, paramedian apophysis; Ra, radix; TA, terminal apophysis; Y, cymbium. Scale bars, A, B, 0.5 mm; C, D, 0.2 mm; E, 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 7. Arachnura higginsii (L. Koch), male (WAM 97/1976): mesal view (SEM). Abbreviations, C, conductor; E, embolus; MA, median apophysis; P, paracymbium; PA, paramedian apophysis; Ra, radix; TA, terminal apophysis; Y, cymbium. Scale bar, 0.1 mm.

FIGURE 8. Arachnura higginsii (L. Koch) variations:A, female dorsal habitus (ZMUC).B, male dorsal habitus (WAM T85246). C, male dorsal habitus (ZMUC). D, female tip of abdominal tail (AM KS32607). Scale bars, A, 5 mm; B–D, 0.5 mm.

FIGURE 12. Distribution records of Arachnura in New Zealand. Arachnura feredayi (L. Koch) (grey circles), Arachnura. sp. indet. (adult female) (black square).