Alaria, Zhao, Qingyuan & Li, Shuqiang, 2012

Zhao, Qingyuan & Li, Shuqiang, 2012, Eleven new species of theridiosomatid spiders from southern China (Araneae, Theridiosomatidae), ZooKeys 255, pp. 1-48 : 4

Genus Alaria gen. n.

Type species.

Alaria chengguanensis sp. n.

Etymology.

The generic epithet is derived from the Latin ‘alarius’, meaning 'of wings’, which refers to the two projections of the copulatory ducts at each side, which resembles a pair of wings. Gender is feminine.

Diagnosis.

The unique structure of epigyne distinguishes Alaria from other theridiosomatids. Like in Wendilgarda and Chthonopes , the scape in female Alaria protrudes from beneath epigynal plate ( Coddington 1986: figs 206, 213; Wunderlich 2011: figs 18 d–e), but is utterly exposed, and more sclerotized, like a shield attached to the abdomen (Figs 2 A–B, 4 A–B). The conformation of the copulatory ducts is similar to that in Ogulnius obtectus ( Coddington 1986: fig. 113), but copulatory ducts make one coil before the conjuncture with spermathecae instead a fold (Fig. 2B). The paracymbium in Alaria is neither a T-shaped lobe as in most thridiosomatids nor a broad apophysis as in Epeirotypinae , it is a thick, elongated structure with a small hooked projection (Fig. 3D). The long, whip-like embolus in Alaria resembles embolic apophysis in Ogulnius ( Coddington 1986: figs 100-101, 116, 118), but proportionately much longer and mostly enveloped in conductor (Fig. 1 B–D). The median apophysis of Alaria is disproportionately large, stretching along the longitudinal axis of pedipalp with two curved, pointed distal ends (Figs 1A, 3A), which is never seen in any other theridiosomatid genus. Based on the combination of features mentioned above, Alaria should be recognized as a new genus, and is likely close to Wendilgarda and Chthonopes .

Species.

Alaria chengguanensis sp. n.