Pelecopsis susannae (Simon, 1914)

Bosmans, Robert, Cardoso, Pedro & Crespo, Luis Carlos, 2010, A review of the linyphiid spiders of Portugal, with the description of six new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae) 2473, Zootaxa 2473 (1), pp. 1-67 : 46

Pelecopsis susannae (Simon, 1914)

( Figs 99–104)

Diagnosis: Males of Pelecopsis susannae are recognised by the presence of a large tubercle on the cymbium, which it shares with a group of species from the Maghreb, P. amabilis (Simon) , P. kabyliana Bosmans & Abrous , and P. kalaensis Bosmans & Abrous , from which it is distinguished by the two diverging tibial apophyses of unequal size. Females have a rectangular, very wide median plate, less wide and differently shaped in all other species.

Description: Male: Measurements: Total length 1.2–1.4; prosoma 0.60–0.65 long, 0.44–0.49 wide. Colour: Prosoma yellowish brown, region of fovea darkened; legs yellowish orange; abdomen dark grey to black. Prosoma ( Fig. 99): With distinct cephalic tubercle carrying the PM, anteriorly with concavity and with large sulcus behind the lateral eyes. Spinulation: Tibiae without distinct spines; Tb Mt I = 0.58. Abdomen: With punctured scutum. Palp ( Figs 100–102): Tibia with large, bluntly pointed median and retrolateral apophysis; cymbium with distinct, rounded tubercle; embolic division elongated, with pointed, slightly curved embolus.

Female: Measurements: Total length 1.4–1.9; prosoma 0.60–0.66 long, 0.49–0.52 wide. Colour as in the male. Prosoma unmodified. Abdomen without scutum. Epigynum ( Fig. 103): With two widely separated, slightly converging grooves. Vulva ( Fig. 104): Spermathecae small and rounded, separated by 1.5 their diameter, connected by wide ducts to the posterolateral corners of the epigynum.

Previous records: Bragança: Carrazeda de Ansiães, Castanheiro do Norte ( Machado 1949) .

New records: Beja: Vale do Guadiana NP, Mértola, Braciais, 1 female 12. II, 1 female 12. III.2003; Mértola, Cerro das Antenas, 1 male 1 female, 12. III.2003; Mértola, Corredoura, 1 male, 3.XII.2003; Serpa, Ribeira de Limas , 3 males, 12. III.2003 (all CPC) . Bragança: Douro Internacional NP, Fonte d'Aldeia , 2 males 1 females 7–21.II.2002, 1 male 28.XI.2003; Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Mazouco, 1 male 5 females, 7. II –2.V, 1 male 28.XI.2001; Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Palão, 1 male, 28.XI.2001; Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Picotino, 1 male 7. III, 1 male 17.X.2001; Mogadouro, Tó, 1 male, 28.XI.2001; Miranda do Douro , Vila Chã da Braciosa , 1 female, 14.XI.2001 (all CPC) . Leiria: Serras de Aire e Candeeiros NP , Porto de Mós, Barrenta , 1 female, 21.V.2002 ; Porto de Mós, Serro Ventoso , 1 female, 9.IV.2002; Torres Novas , Vale Garcia , 3 males 3 females, 26. II –23.IV.2002, 2 males 4 females, 19.XI.2002 (all CPC) .

Distribution: The south-east of France, Portugal; to be expected in Spain.

Habitat type: Has a preference for open habitats, although it can be found in different habitat types.

Phenology: Most common from November to April.