Heliconilla oblonga (Zhang & Zhu) Dankittipakul & Jocqué & Singtripop, 2012

Dankittipakul, Pakawin, Jocqué, Rudy & Singtripop, Tippawan, 2012, Systematics and biogeography of the spider genus Mallinella Strand, 1906, with descriptions of new species and new genera from Southeast Asia (Araneae, Zodariidae) 3369, Zootaxa 3369 (1), pp. 1-327 : 300-301

Heliconilla oblonga (Zhang & Zhu) comb. nov.

(Figs 1290, 1292, 1299–1301, 1310, 1319, 1349–1356)

Mallinella oblonga Zhang & Zhu, 2009: 63 , figs 1–6, description of ♀

Material examined. Holotype: ♂, CHINA, Guangxi Province: Mt. Daqing , Longzhou County (22°18'N, 106°42'E) ( MHBU, examined) . Paratypes: 1♀, same data as holotype ( MHBU) . THAILAND, Chiang Mai Province: 19♂, 10♀, Doi Inthanon NP, Doi Inthanon , dry deciduous dipterocarp forest, 510 m, pitfall trap, 25 April – 23 May 2000, leg. P. Dankittipakul ( MHNG, TH Sp –4A, TNHM) . 1♂, Doi Suthep-Pui NP, Doi Khum , dry deciduous dipterocarp forest, 310 m, leaf litter sample, 20 August 2002, leg. M. & P. Dankittipakul ( MHNG, TH Sp –4B) . 1♀, Doi Suthep-Pui NP, Mae Hia , southwest of Chiang Mai city, dry deciduous dipterocarp forest, 350 m, 23–30 June 1987 ( MHNG, TH sp 4C) ; 1♀, ibidem, 16–23 June 1987 ( MHNG) ; 1♀, 7–13 July 1987 ( MHNG, TH sp 4D) ; 2♂, 1♀, 9–16 June 1987 ( THNM) ; 1♂, ibidem, 2–9 June 1987 ( MHNG) ; 1♂, ibidem, 19–30 July1987 ( MHNG) ; 2♀, ibidem, 19 October – 19 November 1986 ( MHNG) ; 1♀, ibidem, 14–19 July 1987 ( TNHM) ; 1♀, ibidem, 1–8 July 1987 ( MHNG) ; 1♂, ibidem, 16–23 June 1987 ( TNHM) . Lamphun Province: Mae Tha District , Doi Khunthan NP, 1,100 m, 24 September 1990 ( TNHM) . All latter specimens leg. P.J. Schwendinger.

Diagnosis. Males of H. oblonga comb. nov. can be easily recognized by the lack or reduction of an apico-prolateral flange on the TA (Fig. 1349), and by the peculiar modification of the embolus (Figs 1319, 1351–1353). Females have very compact spermathecae (Fig. 1310) and an enormous tongue-like epigynal plate.

Description. Male (paratype, Thailand, MHNG).

Coloration (Fig. 1299). Carapace integument strongly granulated. Legs and other sclerotized areas of body clothed with numerous hinged hairs situated on round sockets. Carapace reddish brown; chelicerae, labium and sternum brown. Legs joints brown except tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi yellowish brown. Dorsum of opisthosoma dark sepia, with a pair of large, anterior pale spots followed by series of irregular pale stripes; venter pale without distinctive pattern. Posterior ventral spines in front of spinnerets short, situated on lightly sclerotized area.

Palp (Figs 1319, 1349–1353). RTA digitiform, broad at base, gradually tapered towards bluntly pointed apex. Cymbium with broad cymbial fold, reaching approximately 3/4 of its length. TA triangular; apex sharply pointed, bending mesad; apico-prolateral flange indistinct; baso-prolateral tooth directed anteriad. Embolic base with small membranous area situated anteriorly. Embolus noticeably broad at base, originating at 270°, diverging at half its length; mesal ramus further divided; lateral ramus with transparent ridge, apex with small triangular flange.

Female ( paratype, Thailand, MHNG) .

Coloration (Fig. 1300). As in males but slightly larger in size; hinged hairs appear only on leg articles (coxae–patellae).

Genitalia (Figs 1310, 1354–1356). Epigynal plate rectangular, anterior margin slightly excavated, posterior margin convex, with small mesal concavity. Lateral borders triangular, sharply pointed. Spermathecae heavily sclerotized, proximal part cylindrical, distal part more or less spherical.

Variability. Coloration of both male and female ranges from dark reddish brown to sepia. The color of specimens examined from forests that have sparse canopy is distinctly paler than those collected from forests with denser canopy.

Natural history. Heliconilla oblonga comb. nov. inhibits lowland deciduous forests in northern Thailand. The spiders collected from Doi Khum were found roaming free on the forest floor shortly after the forest was burnt by annual fire in April.

Distribution. Southern China and northern Thailand.