Aptostichus anzaborrego, Bond, Jason E., 2012

Bond, Jason E., 2012, Phylogenetic treatment and taxonomic revision of the trapdoor spider genus Aptostichus Simon (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Euctenizidae), ZooKeys 252, pp. 1-209 : 130-131

Aptostichus anzaborrego sp. n. Figures 262-265Map 30

Types.

Male holotype and male paratypes (AP1199) from California, San Diego County, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Indian Gorge, ~4.8km W of Hwy S-2, just W of Torote Canyon, 32.8685, -116.2380 1, 351m, coll. M. Hedin 27-29.xi.2002; deposited in AUMNH.

Etymology.

The specific epithet is a noun taken in apposition from the type locality, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Diagnosis.

Males can be diagnosed on the basis of a unique conformation of the retrolateral distal-most spination pattern of tibia I, which comprises 8-10 short overlapping spines (Fig. 263). This spination pattern is most similar to Aptostichus cahuilla , however Aptostichus anzaborrego males are lighter in coloration, have very light dorsal abdominal markings (Fig. 262), and have numerous spines on the prolateral surface tibia and patella I (Fig. 264).

Description of male holotype.

Specimen preparation and condition. Specimen collected live, wandering, preserved in 80% EtOH. Coloration and specimen in relatively good condition. Pedipalp, leg I left side removed, stored in vial with specimen. General coloration. Carapace, chelicerae, strong brown 7.5YR 4/6. Abdomen brown 7.5YR 5/4, light dorsal markings (Fig. 262). Cephalothorax. Carapace 5.15 long, 4.50 wide, very lightly hirsute with intermingled thin white, black setae; stout black bristles along fringe; surface smooth, pars cephalica elevated. Fringe, posterior margin with black bristles. Foveal groove deep, straight. Eyes elevated on high mound. AER slightly procurved, PER strongly recurved. PME, AME subequal diameter. Sternum moderately setose, STRl 3.00, STRw 2.50. Posterior sternal sigilla small in size, positioned towards margin, not contiguous, anterior sigilla pairs small, oval, marginal. Chelicerae with distinct anterior tooth row comprising 6 teeth, posterior margin with patch of small denticles. Palpal endites with patch of small cuspules on proximal, inner margin, labium with 2 cuspules, LBw 0.87, LBl 0.44. Rastellum consists of 7 stout spines not on prominent mound, two spines offset prolaterally. Abdomen. Setose, heavy black setae intermingled with fine black setae. Legs. Leg I: 5.45, 3.90, 3.68, 2.26, 1.75; leg IV: 5.10, 2.60. Tarsus I, swollen distally, tarsus IV straight. Light tarsal scopulae on all legs, light scopulae on metatarsus I, II. Tarsus I with single, slightly staggered row of 15 trichobothria. Leg I spination pattern illustrated in Figures 263, 264; TSp 9, TSr 7, TSrd 7. Pedipalp. Articles slender, lacking distinct spines (Fig. 265). PTw 1.04, PTl 2.48, Bl 1.29. Embolus slender, tapering sharply toward tip, lacking serrations (Fig. 265).

Variation (2). Cl 4.88-5.15, Cw 4.24-4.50, STRl 2.88-3.00, STRw 2.38-2.50, LBw 0.85-0.87, LBl 0.44-0.51, leg I: 4.75-5.45, 3.41-3.9, 3.26-3.68, 2.08-2.26, 1.55 - 1.75; leg IV: 4.60-5.10, 2.17-2.60; PTl 2.17-2.48, PTw 1.02-1.04, Bl 1.19-1.29, TSp 5-9, TSr 2-7, TSrd 7-9.

Description of female.

Known only from male specimens.

Material examined.

Known only from the type material.

Distribution and natural history.

Aptostichus anzaborrego is known from only two specimens from the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Colorado Desert habitat, in San Diego County. Based on the limited data available males appear to disperse during the winter months (November).

Conservation status.

The conservation status of Aptostichus anzaborrego is likely imperiled given its very restricted distribution and rarity in collections.

Species concept applied.

Morphological.