Nesticella nandanensis, Lin, Yucheng, Ballarin, Francesco & Li, Shuqiang, 2016

Lin, Yucheng, Ballarin, Francesco & Li, Shuqiang, 2016, A survey of the spider family Nesticidae (Arachnida, Araneae) in Asia and Madagascar, with the description of forty-three new species, ZooKeys 627, pp. 1-168 : 25

Taxon classification Animalia Araneae Nesticidae

Nesticella nandanensis sp. n. Figs 22, 23, 82

Type material.

Holotype ♂ and paratypes 1♂4♀ (IZCAS), CHINA: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hechi Prefecture, Nandan County, Encun Village, Encun Cave (25.08342°N, 107.59106°E, 635 m), 30.I.2015, X. Chen & Y. Li leg.

Etymology.

The specific name is derived from the type locality; adjective.

Diagnosis.

Nesticella nandanensis is closely related to Nesticella baiseensis sp. n., Nesticella songi , and Nesticella verticalis . It can be separated from Nesticella baiseensis sp. n. by the shorter, stockier tegular apophysis (Tg), the smaller angle formed by the distal processes (Dp) of the paracymbium (Fig. 22A vs. Fig. 8A) and by the larger scape (Sp) and the wider space between the spermathecae (S) (Fig. 23G vs. Fig. 9G). It is recognized from Nesticella songi by the wider triangular tegular apophysis (Tg) bearing a sharper tip, the smaller process of the conductor (Cp), the shorter process I of the ventral apophysis (Va-I), the more pointed ventral process II (Va-II) (Fig. 22A, D vs. Fig. 33A, D), the wider distance between the spermathecae (S) and the ducts (Cd and Fd) oriented outward rather than almost parallel (Fig. 23G vs. Fig. 34G). The new species can be distinguished from Nesticella verticalis (see Liu and Li 2013b: 522, figs 27-30) by the sharper tegular apophysis (Tg), the wider and more squared distal process I of the paracymbium (Dp-I) when observed dorsally, the shorter and more compact copulatory ducts (Cd), the shorter scape (Sp) and the spermathecae (S) being more oriented outward (Figs 22A, D, 23G vs. figs 27B, 29B, D, 28A, D, 30C). The absence of a dorsal apophysis (Da), the different shape of the distal processes of the paracymbim (Dp) (especially the Dp-I) and the shape of the tegular apophysis (Tg) help to distinguish males of Nesticella nandanensis sp. n. from those of all the other species of the group.

Description.

Habitus as in Fig. 23 A–D. Carapace pale yellow to beige, with faint dark areas around the cervical furrow, the fovea and near the margins. Cervical groove and fovea distinct. Mouthparts yellow. Sternum yellowish with sparse setae. Leg uniformly yellowish, distally darker tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi. Opisthosoma pale greyish, faintly darker on the dorsal and posterior side and around the spinnerets.

Male palp (Fig. 22 A–D): paracymbium with laminar, weakly sclerotized ventral processes, Va-I long and sharp, Va-II shorter and blunt (Fig. 22A). Distal process strongly sclerotized divided into two sharp branches (Fig. 22 A–B, D). Tegular apophysis triangular, strongly sclerotized, with a rugose surface (Fig. 22A). Conductor distally twisted, ending with a sclerotized short and thin process (Fig. 22A, C–D).

Epigyne (Fig. 23 E–G): yellowish. Scape broad, translucent with a convex posterior margin and slightly protruding outside the epigynal posterior margin (Fig. 23 F–G). Spermathecae small, globular, separated by approximately 2.5 diameters (Fig. 23 F–G). Fertilization ducts thin, reaching the spermathecae with several coils (Fig. 23G), copulatory ducts thick, bent in the middle.

Male (holotype). Total length 2.56. Carapace 1.34 long, 1.25 wide. Opisthosoma 1.30 long, 1.06 wide. Clypeus height 0.21. Sternum 0.80 long, 0.76 wide. Leg measurements: see Appendix A.

Female (one of the paratypes). Total length 2.91. Carapace 1.44 long, 1.30 wide. Opisthosoma 1.65 long, 1.28 wide. Clypeus height 0.23. Sternum 0.86 long, 0.84 wide. Leg measurements: see Appendix A.

Habitat.

Cave.

Distribution.

Known only from the type locality (Fig. 82).