Rhene amanzi, Wesołowska & Haddad, 2013

Wesołowska, Wanda & Haddad, Charles R., 2013, New data on the jumping spiders of South Africa (Araneae: Salticidae), African Invertebrates 54 (1), pp. 177-177 : 222-223

Rhene amanzi sp. n.

Figs 140, 141

Etymology: From Amanzi Private Game Reserve , where the holotype was collected; a noun in apposition.

Diagnosis: The species is easily recognised by the characteristic embolus, which forms a large triangular plate. Female unknown.

Description:

Male.

Measurements. Carapace length 1.5, width 1.6, height 0.6. Abdomen length 1.7, width 1.5. Eye field length 1.1, anterior width 1.0, posterior width 1.6.

Small, robust, flat spider. Carapace trapezoid, short and wide, eye field pitted; dense dark fine hairs cover carapace. Eye field very large, trapezoid, occupying most of dorsum. Whole body uniformly coloured, dark brown, almost black. Abdomen very flat, with dorsal scutum; anterior edge with fringe of dense hairs. All legs dark brown, clothed in dense hairs. First legs stouter than others, without plumose setae (characteristic for the majority of congeners). Pedipalps dark, tibiae very short, tibial apophysis curved ( Fig. 141); bulb dark brown, anterior haematodocha clearly separated; embolus somewhat triangular, very large and broad, slightly curved ( Fig. 140).

Holotype: ♂ SOUTH AFRICA: Free State: Brandfort district , Amanzi Private Game Reserve , 28°36.115'S 26°26.014'E, grassland, sweeps, 19.xii.2010, V. Butler (NCA, 2012/1822).

Distribution: Known only from the type locality ( Fig. 155).

Habitat and biology: In contrast to the majority of South African congeners, which are associated with woody vegetation, the holotype of this species was collected in open grassland.