Heteropoda simplex Jäger and Ono, 2000

Bayer, Steffen & Jäger, Peter, 2009, Heteropoda species from limestone caves in Laos (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae), Zootaxa 2143 (1), pp. 1-23 : 15-20

Heteropoda simplex Jäger and Ono, 2000

Figs 73–111 , 115

Heteropoda simplex Jäger and Ono 2000: 49 , figs 25–26 (description of ♂).

Heteropoda venatoria (Linnaeus) (ad part).— Jäger and Ono (2000: 47, only ♀♀, figs 20–21; misidentification).

Type material: Holotype ( PJ 1298 ) , ♁, JAPAN: Okinawa Prefecture: Iriomotejima Island , 29 July 1987, A. Tanikawa ( NSMT) . Paratype: 1 ♂ ( PJ 1296 ) , same data as for holotype, March 1986, A. Tanikawa ( NSMT) . All examined .

Additional material examined (8 ♁, 28 ♀♀). JAPAN: Okinawa Prefecture: Iriomotejima Island : 1 ♀ ( PJ 1313 ) , Otomi , 4 January 1989, A. Tanikawa ( NSMT) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 1325 ) , Otomi , 31 March 1987, A. Tanikawa ( NSMT) . 1 ♂ ( PJ 1500 ) , 17 December 1965, T.A. Vehida ( NSMT) . 1 ♀ with egg sac ( PJ 1530 ) , Mt. Bannadake , 22 October 1990, A. Yawata ( NSMT) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 3011 ) , 29 July 1985, A. Tanikawa ( NSMT) . 1 ♂ ( PJ 3016 ) , Ohara , 20 June 2008, A. Tanikawa ( SMF 58955) . LAOS: Luang Nam Tha Province: Vieng Phoukha : 1 ♀ ( PJ 2789 ) , Tham Pasat Thia 1 (Map F 47-119/002), N 20°46'44.1", E 10°00'51", sample 077/06, 09 February 2006, H. Steiner ( SMF 58950) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2845 ) , Tham Pasat , NW-entrance, resurgence cave, N 20°46'37.2'', E 101°01'00.2'', 705 m, cave below, 4 March 2008, P. Jäger by hand ( SMF 58953) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 3086 ) , Tham Pasat, Tham Nam Mai , N-entrance, inside cave, N 20°46'37.2'', E 101°01'00.2'', 705 m, 5 March 2008, P. Jäger by hand,( SMF 58961) . 1 ♁ ( PJ 2838 ) , Tham Nam Eng , N 20°43'26.8'', E 101°09'00.3'', 739 m, secret cave, 5 March 2008, P. Jäger by hand ( SMF 58951) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 3089 ) , same data as for preceding specimen ( NSMT) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2839 ) , same data as for preceding specimen ( SMF 58952) . 1 juv. (SD 570), same data as for preceding specimen ( SMF) . LAOS: Luang Prabang Province: 1 ♀ ( PJ 2468 ) , Nam Ou, Nong Khiao, Tham Pathok , N 20°33.082', E 102°37.925', 373 m, inside cave, 10 March 2006, P. Jäger & J. Altmann by hand at night ( SMF 58963) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2470 ) , same locality as for preceding specimen, SD 512, 11 March 2006, P. Jäger & J. Altmann ( SMF 59095) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2469 ) , same data as for preceding specimen, SD 515 ( SMF 59094) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2544 ) , same locailty as for preceding specimens, 26 March 2007, P. Jäger & F. Steinmetz ( SMF 58967) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 3110 ) , same data as for preceding specimens, 27 March 2007 ( SMF 58968) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2546 ) , same data as for preceding specimens, 16–17 March 2007 ( SMF 58964) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2756 ) , same data as for preceding specimens ( SMF 58966) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2714 ) , same data as for preceding specimens ( SMF 58965) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2549 ) , same locality as for preceding specimens, outside cave, banana fields, 18 March 2007, P. Jäger & F. Steinmetz by hand ( SMF 58945) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2745 ) , same locality as for preceding specimen, inside limestone cave, 24 March 2007, F. Steinmetz by hand ( MHNG) . 1 ♂ ( PJ 2768 ) , same locality as for preceding specimens, 5 m outside 3. cave, 27 March 2007, F. Steinmetz by hand ( SMF 58946) . 1 ♂ ( PJ 3012 ) , same data as for preceding specimen, outside cave, leaflitter, 29 March 2007, P. Jäger & F. Steinmetz by hand at night ( MHNG) . 1 ♂ ( PJ 3019 ) , same locality as for preceding specimen, outside cave, at stone, 23 March 2007, F. Steinmetz ( SMF 58956) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2849 ) , SE Luang Prabang, Nam Khan, Ban Keng Koung , 372 m, N 19°40.963', E 102°18.442', waterfall, on rock, 15 February 2008, P. Jäger ( SMF 58954) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 3084 ) , same data as for preceding specimen ( AMNH) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 3049 ) , Tham Pha (Map E 48-01/11), N 19°45'43.1'', E 102°01'42.6'', sample 038/04, LP29-1, entrance hall, 29 December 2003, H. Steiner ( SMF 58958) . LAOS: Huaphan Province : 1 ♂ ( PJ 2784 ) , Xam Neua, Tham Nam (Map F 48-125-008), N 20°27'15.0", E 104°10'4.7", sample 124/07-1, 15 January 2007, H. Steiner ( SMF 58947) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2785 ) , same data as for preceding specimen, sample 124/07-2 ( SMF 58948) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 2786 ) , same data as for preceding specimens, sample 124/07-3 ( SMF 58949) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 3065 ) , same data as for preceding specimens, sample 080/08, 18 January 2008 ( SMF 58959) . 1 ♂ ( PJ 3048 ) , Tham Kouang Tai (Map F 48-125-020), N 20°27'28.2", E 104°09'51.0'', sample 097/08, 12 January 2008, H. Steiner ( SMF 58957) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 3066 ) , same data as for preceding specimen ( MNHN) . 1 ♀ ( PJ 3070 ) , Tham Sang Lek Hok (Map F 48-125-036), N 20°28'03.6", E 104°10'42.5'', sample 075/08, 078/08, 11 January 2008, H. Steiner ( SMF 58960) . 2 ♀ (PJ 3090–3091), Vieng Thong, Tham Nam Lot (Map F 48-135-004), N 20°14'56.2'', E 103°23'47'', sample 31/09, Northern Lao- European Cave Project 2009, SD 593 ( PJ 3090 ) , 13 January 2009, H. Steiner, ( SMF 59011) .

Extended diagnosis. Tibia, cymbium and tegulum of male palp not distinctly elongated (cymbium less that 2.6 times as long as tegulum) ( Fig. 74 ), dRTA of male palp narrow and shorter than in H. aemulans sp. nov. ( Fig. 77 ); vRTA with distinct small hump ( Fig. 75 ). Sperm duct distinctly S-shaped ( Figs 76 , 86–90 ). Septum of epigyne freely visible, just slightly covered by lateral lobes, mainly in the posterior part. Anterior part of septum between copulatory openings more (or far more) than half as broad as its medial, broadest part ( Fig. 85 ). Anterior part of internal duct system longer than wide (in some specimens only slightly longer), median part of first winding diverging anteriorly and posteriorly ( Fig. 82 , 104–111 ); posterior part of internal duct system not or just slightly covered by anterior part ( Fig. 82 ).

Redescription. Male (n=10):

Prosoma length 6.6 – 11.8, prosoma width 5.9 – 11.1, anterior width of prosoma 2.8 – 5.2, opisthosoma length 8.5 – 12.1, opisthosoma width 4.7 – 6.2. Eyes: AME 0.32 – 0.44, ALE 0.53 – 0.76, PME 0.39 – 0.61, PLE 0.55 – 0.77, AME – AME 0.17 – 0.38, AME – ALE 0.04 – 0.13, PME – PME 0.26 – 0.52, PME – PLE 0.40 – 0.76, AME – PME 0.38 – 0.67, ALE – PLE 0.43 – 0.76, clypeus height at AME 0.65 – 1.16, clypeus height at ALE 0.38 – 0.85.

Cheliceral furrow with denticles situated close to three promarginal teeth and further distally ( Fig. 80 ), in most specimen even over entire furrow. Retrolateral margin with 4, rarely 5 (n=1) teeth ( Figs 79–80 ).

Spination: Palp: 131, 101, 2121; legs: femur I–II 323, III 333(332, n=2), IV 331(332, n=1); patella I – III 101, IV 101(001, n=4); tibia I – II 2226, III 2226 (2126, n=3), IV 2126 (2226, n=2); metatarsus I 1014 (0014, n=1), II 1014 (2014, n=1), III 2014, IV 3036. Leg formula: 2143. Measurements of palp and legs: Palp 10.3 – 17.1 [3.4 – 5.9, 1.5 – 2.6, 2.4 – 3.8, 3.0 – 4.8], I 36.6 – 62.3 [9.8 – 16.6, 3.6 – 6.7, 10.5 – 18.2, 9.8 – 18.4, 2.9 – 4.5], II 40.9 – 70.4 [11.9 – 18.8, 4.0 – 7.0, 11.6 – 20.7, 10.4 – 20.3, 3.0 – 4.6], III 31.1 – 55.0 [9.3 – 15.7, 3.1 – 5.9, 8.7 – 15.6, 7.6 – 14.9, 2.4 – 3.5], IV 34.1–59.5 [9.8 – 16.5, 3.0 – 5.5, 9.3 – 16.5, 9.3 – 17.5, 2.7 – 4.0].

Pedipalp as in diagnosis. Conductor relatively long and sabre-like, arising in a 9- to 10-o’clock-position on tegulum ( Figs 74, 76 ). Ventral flange of conductor turning prolaterally basally, before the basal quarter of conductor ( Fig. 76 ). Embolus arising in a 6-o’clock-position on tegulum, running a semi-circle. Male palp with RTA arising distally on tibia ( Figs 74–75 ).

Colouration. Generally yellowish-brown with darker brown pattern on opisthosoma, with darker brown annulate patches on legs, and with dark brown radial patches on prosoma. Light interspaces between darker annulate patches and other large patches on legs, especially on femora, containing several small, darker brown spots (♀, Fig. 115 ).

Description. Female (n=19):

Prosoma length 6.4 – 13.2, prosoma width 5.9 – 11.3, anterior width of prosoma 3.3 – 5.8, opisthosoma length 9.4 – 17.5, opisthosoma width 5.3 – 11.1. Eyes: AME 0.32 – 0.56, ALE 0.51 – 0.82, PME 0.40 – 0.63, PLE 0.54 – 0.79, AME – AME 0.18 – 0.38, AME – ALE 0.07 – 0.17, PME – PME 0.29 – 0.55, PME – PLE 0.40 – 0.88,

AME – PME 0.44 – 0.70, ALE – PLE 0.52 – 0.85, clypeus height at AME 0.67 – 1.40, clypeus height at ALE 0.46 – 1.24.

Cheliceral furrow with denticles distributed in most specimens over entire furrow, if not then at least to the subdistal tooth of retromargin ( Fig. 79 ). 3 teeth promarginally and 4 (rarely 5, n=2) retromarginally.

Palpal claw ( Fig. 78 ) with 8 (n=10) or 7 (n=6), rarely 9 (n=3) teeth. Arising points of the teeth forming a curved line ( Fig. 78 ).

Spination: Palp: 131, 101, 2121, 1014; legs: femur I 323, II 323(333, n=1), III 333(332, n=3), IV 331(332, n=1); patella I – IV highly variable (101, 100, 000, 001); tibia I 2026, II 2026 (2126, n=2), III 2126 (2226, n=2, 2026, n=1), IV 2126 (2026, n=2); metatarsus I – II 1014, III 2014, IV 3036. Leg formula: 2143(2413, n=1). Measurements of palp and legs: Palp 11.8 – 18.6 [2.9 – 5.9, 1.5 – 3.0, 2.7 – 5.2, 3.0 – 5.8], I 25.3 – 60.1 [7.3 – 16.1, 3.2 – 6.8, 10.3 – 17.4, 9.1 – 15.0, 2.6 – 3.8], II 41.6 – 64.3 [11.5 – 17.9, 4.5 – 6.7, 10.9 – 18.5, 9.9 – 17.1, 2.7 – 4.1], III 33.0 – 49.7 [10.1 – 15.5, 3.5 – 6.2, 9.2 – 15.3, 7.9 – 14.1, 2.3 – 3.5], IV 36.5 – 59.6 [10.6 – 16.3, 3.5 – 5.8, 9.9 – 16.5, 9.9 – 17.0, 2.6 – 4.0].

Copulatory organ as in diagnosis. Epigynal field with long anterior bands (length/basal length 1.38–1.65). Septal pocket of epigyne mostly elongated triangular ( Fig. 85 ). Slit sense organs mostly outside of epigynal field, which latter is almost quadratic or stout rectangular. Anterior part of internal duct system longer than wide (in a few specimens only slightly longer) and with more than one winding until turning point ( Figs 82–83 ); posterior part in most cases more or less round in shape ( Fig. 82 ).

Colouration. As described in male ( Fig. 115 ).

Variation of copulatory organs. Despite the very large distribution range of this species, male pedipalp varies barely in shape ( Figs 86–90 ). Distinct differences were observed in palp size ( Figs 86–95 ; as known from H. tetrica: Eusemann & Jäger in print). Anterior bands of epigynal field vary in length, specimens from Japan and from the eastern part of Laos (Huaphan Province) seem to have longer anterior bands ( Figs 96, 103 ). In some specimens grooves appearing on median septum of epigyne ( Fig. 102 ). Few specimens with septal pocket relatively short ( Fig. 98 ). Helical sections of internal duct system, and posterior part varying in size and shape ( Figs 104–111 ). These different characteristics do not seem to be congruent with geographical distribution. Distance between median part of first winding differing ( Figs 108 and 110 ). In rare cases anterior part covering about 1/5 of the length of posterior part ( Fig. 105 ), but not as distinct as in H. maxima or H. steineri sp. nov. (≥ 1/3 covering).

Figures

FIGURES 73–85. Heteropoda simplex from Okinawa, Japan (73–77 ♂ holotype, PJ 1298; 78–79 ♀, PJ 1325; 80 ♂, PJ 1500; 81–85 ♀, PJ 3011). 73–75 Left ♂ palp (73 prolateral, 74 ventral, 75 retrolateral); 76 Bulb, ventral; 77 RTA, ventral; 78 Right ♀ palpal claw, prolateral; 79–80 Right chelicera, ventral; 81 Anterior part of internal duct system, frontal; 82 Vulva, dorsal; 83 Schematic course of internal duct system, dorsal; 84–85 Epigyne (84 posterior, 85 ventral).

FIGURES 86–95. Heteropoda simplex, variation of ♂ pedipalp (86, 91 paratype, PJ 1296 from Okinawa, Japan; 87, 92 PJ 3016 from Okinawa; 88, 93 PJ 2838 from Luang Nam Tha, Laos; 89, 94 PJ 2804 from Luang Prabang, Laos; 90, 95 PJ 2784 from Huaphan, Laos) (86–90 ventral, 91–95 retrolateral).

FIGURES 96–103. Heteropoda simplex, variation of epigyne, ventral. 96–97 Okinawa, Japan (96 PJ 1325; 97 PJ 1530); 98–99 Luang Nam Tha Province, Laos (98 PJ 2845; 99 PJ 2839); 100–102 Luang Prabang Province, Laos (100 PJ 2745; 101 PJ 2549; 102 PJ 2849); 103 Huaphan Province, Laos (103 PJ 2785).

FIGURES 104–111. Heteropoda simplex, variation of vulva, dorsal. 104–105 Okinawa, Japan (104 PJ 1325; 105 PJ 1530); 106–107 Luang Nam Tha Province, Laos (106 PJ 2845; 107 PJ 2839); 108–110 Luang Prabang Province, Laos (108 PJ 2745; 109 PJ 2549; 110 PJ 2849); 111 Huaphan Province, Laos (111 PJ 2785).

FIGURES 112–117. Habitus of Heteropoda species. 112 H. maxima, ♀ from Khammouan Province; 113–114 H. steineri sp. nov., ♀ from Khammouan Province (113 habitus, 114 eye arrangement); 115 H. simplex, ♀ from Luang Prabang Province; 116–117 H. aemulans sp. nov., ♀ from Vang Vieng area, Vientiane Province (116 Habitus, 117 Eye arrangement). Photos by H. Steiner (113) and P. Jäger (112, 114–117).