Zodarion odem, Levy, Gershom, 2007

Levy, Gershom, 2007, Calommata (Atypidae) and new spider species (Araneae) from Israel, Zootaxa 1551, pp. 1-30 : 15

Zodarion odem n. sp.

Figs. 38, 39

Holotype. adult female from Odem forest (754998/677281; 950 m.), Golan Heights, Israel, leg. Rakefet Sharon, May 1996 ( HUJ 15220), pitfall trap. Male unknown.

Etymology. The specific name is a noun in apposition referring to the type locality.

Description. Female. Relatively large. Prosoma and legs light brown, opisthosoma purplish-black on back, light on sides and venter. Opisthosoma with row of modified bristles in front of spinnerets.

Measurements (holotype): total length 5.6; carapace length 2.4, width 1.8, index 1.33; clypeal index 1.56; leg lengths: I 9.1, II 7.8, III 7.9, IV 10.6; patella-tibia index 1.16.

Epigynum . Plate traversed by light, slightly arched rim projecting above two nearly quadrate fenestra-like platelets (Fig. 38). Blackish and partly yellow spermathecal bodies extend into apically rather distended tubes (Fig. 39).

Diagnosis. Based on female. Zodarion odem n. sp. differs distinctly from all other Zodarion species by the peculiar bulging rim crossing the epigynal plate above the fenestrate platelets and the spermathecal structure.

Distribution. Israel. Known only from the type locality at Odem forest, Golan Heights.