Afrogarypus foordi, Neethling & Harms, 2024

Neethling, Jan Andries & Harms, Danilo, 2024, Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov. – a new pseudoscorpion species (Pseudoscorpiones, Geogarypidae) from South Africa, African Invertebrates 65 (2), pp. 115-126 : 115-126

Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov.

Figs 1 , 2 , 3 , 4

Type materials.

Holotype • 1 ♀, South Africa, Free State, Fauresmith, Bankfontein Farm , 30°04'S, 24°53'E, 1192 m a. s. l., Hillside Shrubs, Leaf litter sifting, leg. University of the Free State Entomology Students, 04.IV.2015 ( NMBAP 00279 ).

Paratype • 1 ♂, Same data as holotype ( NMBAP 00466 ) .

Other material examined.

South Africa: Free State • 1 ♂, Bethulie, Tussen die Riviere Nature Reserve , 30°30'S, 26°07'E, 1286 m a. s. l., Shrubs against Rocky Hill in Veld, Leaf litter sifting, leg. L. Lotz & C. R. Haddad, 16.X.2008 ( NMBAP 00135 ) • 2 ♀, Fauresmith, Bankfontein Farm , 30°04'S, 24°53'E, 1187 m a. s. l., Tree Grove in Veld, Leaf litter sifting, leg. University of the Free State Entomology Students, 02.IV.2015 ( NMBAP 00237 ) ; Western Cape • 1 ♀, 3 ♂, Beaufort West, Karoo National Park, Klipspringer Pass , 32°19'S, 22°27'E, 1126 m a. s. l., Karoo Shrubs, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J. A. Neethling, 14.XI.2012 ( NMBAP 00175 ) .

Etymology.

The species is named in remembrance of Professor Stefan Hendrik Foord, our friend and colleague, for his contributions to Arachnology, and for his outstanding contributions to the biodiversity and ecology of South African spiders.

Diagnosis.

Small species (chela length ♀ 0.71–0.79 mm, ♂ 0.58–0.63 mm), with a wide depression located dorsally, before the fixed finger, on the chelae of both females and males; cheliceral hand with five acuminate setae; female galea with seven rami, male galea simple and with no rami; rallum present as a simple single blade. Differs from Afrogarypus carmenae Neethling & Haddad, 2016 , A. excelsus ( Beier, 1964) , A. haddadi Neethling, 2024 , A. impressus (Tullgren, 1907 b) , A. megamolaris Neethling & Haddad, 2016 , A. minutus (Tullgren, 1907 a) , A. pseudotriangularis Neethling, 2024 , A. purcelli ( Ellingsen, 1912) , A. robustus ( Beier, 1947) , A. subimpressus ( Beier, 1955) and A. triangularis ( Ellingsen, 1912) by both lacking trichobothrium isb on the fixed chelal finger, as well as having monotarsate legs I and II. Differs from Afrogarypus castigatus Neethling & Haddad, 2016 , by having seven rami, arranged in an arc across the tip, on the female galea, as opposed to nine arranged in two groups, one on each side of the galea; having a broad, well developed sulcus on the dorsal surface of the chela, as opposed a wide, shallow concave region; having a chelal movable finger the same length to longer than the chelal hand (chelal movable finger ♀ 1.00–1.13, ♂ 1.03–1.23 times longer than chelal hand without pedicel), as opposed to a chelal movable finger shorter than the chelal hand (chelal movable finger ♀ 0.68–0.78, ♂ 0.69–0.75 times longer than chelal hand without pedicel); having the granulated texture of the chelal hand terminate above trichobothrium esb, as opposed to having a pronounced granulated ridge terminating between est and ist and spanning approximately along half the total fixed finger length; having trichobothrium it directly above et, as opposed to it situated further back, between et and t, and trichobothrium t situated equidistant between ist and et, as opposed to t being close to ist.

Description.

Carapace: Strongly sub-triangular, narrow furrow posterior to the eyes (Figs 1 A, C , 3 H ). Heavily constricted anteriorly into a cucullus, constriction beginning at the medial furrow. Two pairs of corneate eyes situated on ocular tubercles, located about one-third away from the anterior edge. Uniformly granular in texture, dark brown from cucullus to furrow, with a slightly lighter posterior edge in both sexes. Four prominent acuminate setae located on anterior edge, row of acuminate setae (♀ 9– 11 ♂ 8–9) seated within rims, located on the posterior margin. Numerous small acuminate setae present on carapace.

Abdomen: Wider than carapace and subovate. Tergites granular in texture in both sexes, retaining mostly the same coloration as the posterior edge of the carapace. Tergites I and II each with a faint darker median spot, as well as a faint darker spot at each edge of the tergite. Tergite I – VIII uniform in colour, tergites IX – XI darker brown, tergite XII uniformly lighter in colour (Fig. 1 A, C ). Tergal setae acuminate and located on the posterior of each tergite. Sternite XII same colour as tergite XII in both sexes. In female, sternites range in colour from tan in sternites II – IV to light brown in sternites V – XI, becoming darker from sternite V to XI. Central tan-coloured region present on sternites V – X, giving these sternites a divided appearance. Sternites V – IX with paired faint darker spots. Male sternites II – III tan colour, sternites IV – XI light brown, becoming darker from sternite IV to XI. Central tan-coloured region present on sternites IV – IX, giving these sternites a divided appearance. Sternites V – IX with paired faint darker spots (Fig. 1 B, D ). Female operculum with 11 acuminate setae on the anterior genital plate, separated into five setae distributed along the posterior margin of the genital plate, and two groups of three setae each situated just anterior of the posterior row, separated by two prominent lyriform fissures, near the centre. Male operculum with ten acuminate setae on the anterior genital plate, separated into seven setae distributed along the posterior margin of the genital plate, and three setae anterior to these. Two prominent lyriform fissures present centrally, just anterior to the posterior setae row. Male sternite III with 15 acuminate setae, separated into four setae located along the anterior margin of the sternite, at the edge of the genital opening, three setae located centrally behind these and eight setae distributed along the posterior margin of the sternite. Pleural membrane wrinkled-plicate, cream in both sexes. Lateral sclerites absent in both sexes.

Tergal chaetotaxy: 8 (8): 12 (9): 10 (10): 10 (9): 12 (10): 9 (9): 8 (10): 8 (9): 7 (8): 6 (7): 6 (8): 2 (2).

Sternal chaetotaxy:? (?): 11 (9): 8 (15): 11 (11): 16 (13): 13 (14): 14 (12): 11 (10): 7 (7): 6 (6): 4 (4): 2 (2).

Pedipalp: In both sexes all segments granular in texture with small acuminate setae scattered over the surface, except the pedicels. Trochanter, femur and patella dark brown in colour, female chela somewhat lighter, male chela same colour as preceding palp segments. Trochanter rounded in shape, distinct apophysis present ventrally. Femur ratios overlap considerably in females and males, 3.07–3.43 (♀) to 2.92–3.33 (♂) times longer than wide. Femur constricted at pedicel, widening quickly to form base, then widening slightly before constricting again at end. Patella constricted and distinctly angled at pedicel, widening markedly into a cone, 2.43–2.77 (♀) to 2.33–2.73 (♂) times longer than wide. Several small lyriform fissures present on a bulge on the dorsal surface, just distal of base. Disto-prolateral excavation present (Fig. 3 B ).

Chela: Uniformly brown in both sexes. Hand granular in texture up to base of movable finger, granular texture terminating above trichobothrium esb in both sexes. Broad, well-developed sulcus present on dorsal surface, located just proximal to the base of the fixed finger. Dorsal bulge located just anterior of sulcus. Female sulcus marginally deeper, male sulcus shallower (Fig. 2 A, C ). Hand of both sexes strongly convex on the prolateral edge, much less so on the retrolateral edge (Fig. 2 B, D ). Male chelae smaller. Both sexes with a short pedicel (pedicel 0.13–0.14 ♀ 0.14–0.16 ♂ times longer than chelal hand) and a prolaterally slanted posterior hand edge. Fingers narrow and curved slightly prolaterally, as long to slightly longer than chelal hand in both sexes. Venom apparatus present on both fingers. Fixed and movable chelal fingers with seven and four trichobothria respectively as in fig. 3 A. Trichobothrium isb absent in both sexes.

Chelal teeth strongly sclerotized, acute and retrorse in both sexes. Female fixed finger with 23–25 teeth. First two teeth behind venom apparatus distinctly smaller than the proceeding teeth (Fig. 3 F ), rest of the teeth spaced equidistant from each other along the fixed chelal finger, reducing in size proximally, still acute. Female movable finger with 17–19 teeth. First two teeth behind venom apparatus distinctly smaller and situated on a raised ridge. Rest of the teeth larger, both reducing in size proximally, as well as becoming spaced further apart. Male fixed finger with 24–25 teeth. First two teeth just behind venom apparatus distinctly smaller and spaced closer together than the proceeding teeth (Fig. 3 G ). Rest of the teeth spaced equidistant from each other along the fixed chelal finger, reducing in size proximally, still acute. Male movable finger with 18–19 teeth. First two teeth behind venom apparatus distinctly smaller and situated on a raised ridge. Rest of the teeth larger, both reducing in size proximally, as well as becoming spaced further apart.

Chelicera: Hand with five long and acuminate setae (Fig. 3 C ). Fixed finger of both sexes with four to five teeth. Female movable finger with one to two very small teeth, male movable finger without any discernible teeth. Galea complex, with seven rami (♀) (Fig. 3 D ), simple with no rami (♂) (Fig. 3 E ). Rallum with a single blade in both sexes. Serrula exterior with 16–17 lamellae (♀), 15–16 lamellae (♂). Lamina exterior present in both sexes.

Coxae and legs: Pedipalpal coxae same colour to slightly lighter than rest of pedipalps. Coxae I – IV tan to light brown. Legs I – IV light brown in colour. Legs I and II monotarsate (Figs 4 A, C, D ), legs III and IV diplotarsate (Fig. 4 B ). All legs with simple claws; arolium longer than claws.

Measurements (mm): Body length ♀ 1.38–1.54 ♂ 1.17–1.26; Carapace ♀ 0.48–0.52 × 0.46–0.49 (0.98–1.13) ♂ 0.46–0.49 × 0.41–0.43 (1.07–1.20); Chelicera ♀ 0.16–0.18 × 0.09–0.11 (1.45–2.00) ♂ 0.13–0.14 × 0.07–0.08 (1.63–2.00), movable finger length ♀ 0.10–0.11 ♂ 0.07–0.08; Pedipalps: femur ♀ 0.46–0.48 × 0.14–0.15 (3.07–3.43) ♂ 0.38–0.40 × 0.12–0.13 (2.92–3.33), patella ♀ 0.34–0.36 × 0.13–0.14 (2.43–2.77) ♂ 0.28–0.30 × 0.11–0.12 (2.33–2.73), chela ♀ 0.71–0.79 × 0.22–0.25 (2.84–3.59) ♂ 0.58–0.63 × 0.17–0.19 (3.05–3.71), hand ♀ 0.32–0.34 × 0.22–0.25 (1.28–1.55) ♂ 0.26–0.29 × 0.17–0.19 (1.37–1.71), movable finger length ♀ 0.34–0.36 ♂ 0.30–0.32; Leg I: femur ♀ 0.21–0.22 × 0.08–0.09 (2.33–2.75) ♂ 0.17–0.18 × 0.07 (2.43–2.57), patella ♀ 0.11–0.12 × 0.08–0.09 (1.22–1.50) ♂ 0.10–0.11 × 0.06 (1.67–1.83), tibia ♀ 0.15–0.17 × 0.06–0.07 (2.14–2.83) ♂ 0.13–0.15 × 0.05–0.06 (2.17–3.00), metatarsus – tarsus ♀ 0.22–0.23 × 0.05 (4.40–4.60) ♂ 0.19–0.20 × 0.04 (4.75–5.00); Leg IV: femoropatella ♀ 0.40–0.44 × 0.12–0.13 (3.08–3.67) ♂ 0.32–0.33 × 0.10–0.11 (2.91–3.30), tibia ♀ 0.29–0.32 × 0.08–0.09 (3.22–4.00) ♂ 0.24–0.26 × 0.06–0.07 (3.43–4.33), metatarsus ♀ 0.14–0.16 × 0.05 (2.80–3.20) ♂ 0.12–0.13 × 0.05 (2.40–2.60), tarsus ♀ 0.14–0.15 × 0.04 (3.50–3.75) ♂ 0.12–0.13 × 0.03 (4.00–4.33).

Remarks.

Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov. represents the second geogarypid species in South Africa that both exhibits the absence of trichobothrium isb on the fixed chelal finger, as well as monotarsate legs I and II. With the discovery of this species, a correction has to be made to the distribution data presented in Neethling and Haddad (2016), since the specimens identified in this study were erroneously identified, and presented as Afrogarypus subimpressus in the 2016 study. Thus, the distribution of Afrogarypus subimpressus no longer has any inland specimens, with the remaining distributions being along the coast of the Western Cape Province.

Please also note in this context that these two species are not the only geogarypid species with reductive features. Other geogarypids outside of South Africa are also known to have seven trichobothria on the fixed chelal finger and these include Geogarypus conatus Harvey, 1986 from Australia, and the Neotropical species G. bucculentus Beier, 1955 and G. pustulatus Beier, 1959 ( Harvey, 1987).

Ecology.

Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov. is currently known to inhabit the shaded leaf litter found under indigenous shrub and tree stands in the veld of the Free State, as well as those of larger Karoo bushes. Its known distribution (Fig. 5 ) falls outside of both the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany hotspot, as well as the Cape Floristic Region, where the majority of South Africa’s Geogarypidae diversity is found ( Neethling and Haddad 2016; Neethling 2024). In contrast to the arboreal lifestyle of Afrogarypus castigatus , the other South African geogarypid that exhibits the absence of trichobothrium isb and monotarsate legs I and II, all specimens of A. foordi sp. nov. have been found in leaf litter. Afrogarypus castigatus furthermore possess much more compact bodies with comparatively shorter, more stout appendages, while A. foordi sp. nov. exhibits body proportions that are much less compact and more reminiscent of other ground-dwelling Geogarypidae . Specimens were collected during the months of April, October and November. Elevation: 1187–1286 m.

Figures

Figure 1. Digital microscope photographs of Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov., female holotype (A, B) and male paratype (C, D) A, C dorsal view B, D ventral view. Scale bar: 1.00 mm.

Figure 2. Digital microscope photographs of non-type (NMBAP 00175) Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov. right chela: female (A, B) and male (C, D) A, C retrolateral view B, D dorsal view. Scale bar: 1.00 mm.

Figure 3. Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov. (NMBAP 00175) A female right chela, retrolateral view B female right pedipalp, dorsal view C female left chelicera, dorsal view D female galea E male galea F female chelal fingers, anterior retrolateral view G male chelal fingers, anterior retrolateral view H female carapace, dorsal view. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A, B, H); 0.10 mm (C, F, G); 0.05 mm (D, E).

Figure 4. Digital microscope photographs of non-type (NMBAP 00175) Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov. leg morphology: female (A, B, C) and male (D) A monotarsate leg I, lateral view B diplotarsate leg IV, lateral view C female fused tarsal segments of leg I D male fused tarsal segments of leg I. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A, B); 0.10 mm (C, D).

Figure 5. Topographical map of South Africa displaying the distribution of Afrogarypus foordi sp. nov., as well as the morphologically similar A. castigatus Neethling & Haddad, 2016. Also highlighted are the distributions of the Cape Floristic Region and the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany hotspots. Shapefile acquired from http://www.conservation.org/where/priority_areas/hotspots/Pages/hotspots_main.aspx (accessed 20. XI. 2020).