Tusitala hirsuta Peckham & Peckham, 1902

Azarkina, Galina N. & Foord, Stefan H., 2015, A review of three Tusitala (Araneae: Salticidae) species from southern Africa, with a new synonymy and description of a new species from Botswana, African Invertebrates 56 (2), pp. 285-308 : 299-306

publication ID	https://doi.org/ 10.5733/afin.056.0204
DOI	https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7670485
persistent identifier	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03E94B5F-D759-FFD0-FF01-A757FCC0FC88
treatment provided by	Felipe
scientific name	Tusitala hirsuta Peckham & Peckham, 1902
status

Treatment

Tusitala hirsuta Peckham & Peckham, 1902 View in CoL View at ENA

Figs 7, 12 View Figs 6–12 , 59–92 View Figs 59–71 View Figs 72–78 View Figs 79–83 View Figs 84–92

Tusitala hirsuta Peckham & Peckham, 1902: 330 View in CoL (♂, not examined); Peckham & Peckham 1903: 244, pl. 28, fig. 3; PrÓchniewicz 1989: 225, figs 59–66.

Tusitala sansibarica Strand, 1907: 429 (♂).

Tusitala barbata Peckham & Peckham, 1902 View in CoL : WesoŁowska & Russell-Smith 2000: 110, figs 307–309 (♀, not examined) (misidentification); WesoŁowska & Haddad 2009: 92 View Cited Treatment , figs 203–204 (in part, misidentification); Haddad & WesoŁowska 2011: 129 View Cited Treatment , figs 220–221 (in part, misidentification).

Tusitala guineensis Berland & Millot, 1941 View in CoL : Dippenaar-Schoeman et al. 2001 a: 42–43 (misidentification); Dippenaar-Schoeman et al. 2001 b: 48–50 (misidentification); Dippenaar-Schoeman et al. 2005: 13 (in part, misidentification).

Tusitala lyrata ( Simon, 1903) View in CoL : WesoŁowska & Haddad 2009: 93 View Cited Treatment (misidentification).

Diagnosis: T. hirsuta resembles T. barbata . The male can be distinguished by the shape of the palp – tegular basal process pointed retrolaterally ( Fig. 60 View Figs 59–71 ) instead of the downward orientation in T. barbata ( Figs 31, 32 View Figs 31–36 , 48–50 View Figs 43–54 ); base of embolus located on ventro-retrolateral edge of tegulum ( Figs 79–81 View Figs 79–83 ). The female can be distinguished by the structure of the spermathecae, characterised by the insemination ducts with two coils ( Figs 61–67 View Figs 59–71 ) compared to the single coil found in T. barbata ( Figs 37–42 View Figs 37–42 ).

Description:

Male.

Measurements: Carapace: 2.00–2.90 long, 1.50–2.30 wide, 1.25–1.75 high.Abdomen: 1.60–3.00 long, 1.25–2.15 wide. Eye field: 1.00–1.20 long, anterior 1.55–2.10 wide, posterior 1.50–2.15 wide. Chelicerae length 0.80–2.10. Clypeus height 0.10–0.15. Diameter of AME 0.47–0.60. Length of leg segments (medium sized male from Mpumalanga, NCA 98/518): I 1.90 + 0.80 + 1.20 + 1.00 + 0.60; II 1.20 + 0.70 + 0.85 + 0.80 + 0.50; III 1.30 + 0.70 + 0.90 + 0.95 + 0.50; IV 1.45 + 0.70 + 1.00 + 1.00 + 0.50. Leg spination: I: Fm d 1-1-4; Pt pr & rt 1; Tb pr 1-0-1-1, rt 1-0-1-0, v 2-2-2ap; Mt pr & rt 0-1ap, v 2-2ap. II: Fm d 1-1-5; Pt pr & rt 1; Tb pr 1-1-1, rt 1-1 or 1-1-0, v 2-2-2ap; Mt pr & rt 1-1, v 2-2ap. III: Fm d 1-1-4; Pt pr & rt 1; Tb d 1-0-0, pr & rt 1-1-1, v 1-0- 2ap; Mt d 0-1-0, pr & rt 1-0-2, v 2-0-2ap. IV: Fm d 1-1-3; Pt pr & rt 1; Tb d 1-0-0, pr & rt 1-1-1, v 1-0-2ap; Mt pr & rt 1-1-2, v 2-0-2ap.

Coloration ( Figs 72–78 View Figs 72–78 ): Carapace brown, with dark brown thoracic part covered with dark brown hairs, thin median brown longitudinal band covered with transparent white hairs, with transparent white hairs on sides; black patches around eyes ( Figs 72–75 View Figs 72–78 ). Sternum yellow-brown, maxillae and labium brown to dark brown, with apical part yellow ( Fig. 76 View Figs 72–78 ). Chelicerae brown to dark brown. Clypeus and cheeks brown, covered with white hairs ( Figs 77, 78 View Figs 72–78 ), with transversal white stripes in certain males.Abdomen brown-yellow, with broad brown longitudinal band ventrally ( Fig. 76 View Figs 72–78 ). Dorsum with pattern of longitudinal and transverse yellow and brown bands and patches ( Figs 72–74 View Figs 72–78 ). Spinnerets brown. Booklungs yellow to brown. Legs yellow-brown. Palps yellow-brown. Palpal structure as in Figs 59, 60 View Figs 59–71 , 79–81 View Figs 79–83 .

Female.

Carapace: 2.00–3.50 long, 1.50–2.70 wide, 1.20–1.95 high.Abdomen: 1.90–4.50 long, 1.50–3.00 wide. Eye field: 1.15–1.70 long, anterior 1.55–2.50 wide, posterior 1.65–2.60 wide. Chelicerae length 0.70–1.20. Clypeus height 0.10. Diameter of AME 0.50–0.75. Length of leg segments (female from KwaZulu-Natal, NCA 2013/37): I 1.15 + 0.70 + 0.90 + 0.75 + 0.50; II 1.10 + 0.70 + 0.80 + 0.70 + 0.50; III 1.40 + 0.80 + 0.90 + 0.90 + 0.50; IV 1.40 + 0.80 + 0.90 + 1.00 + 0.50.

Leg spination: I: Fm d 1-1-4; Pt pr 1; Tb pr 1-1-1 or 0-1-1, rt 0-1 or 0-0, v 2-2-2ap; Mt pr & rt 1-1ap, v 2-2ap. II: Fm d 1-1-5; Pt pr & rt 1; Tb pr 1-1-1, rt 0-1 or 1-0 or 1-1, v 1-2-2ap; Mt pr & rt 1-1ap, v 2-2ap. III: Fm d 1-1-4; Pt pr & rt 1; Tb d 1-0-0, pr & rt 1-1-1, v 1-0-2ap; Mt d 0-1-0, pr & rt 1-0-2, v 2-0-2ap. IV: Fm d 1-1-3; Pt pr & rt 1; Tb d 1-0-0, pr & rt 1-1-1, v 1-0-2ap or 1-1-2ap; Mt pr 1-0-2ap or 1-1-2ap, rt 1-1-2, v 2-0-2ap.

Coloration ( Figs 84–92 View Figs 84–92 ): Carapace brown to dark brown, with thin longitudinal brownyellow median stripe, covered with white hairs ( Figs 84, 85 View Figs 84–92 ), wide in certain females ( Fig. 86 View Figs 84–92 ). Carapace sides covered with sparse transparent-white hairs ( Fig. 91 View Figs 84–92 ), dense in certain females ( Fig. 92 View Figs 84–92 ); with black patches around eyes. Sternum yellow to yellowbrown, maxillae and labium brown, with yellow apical part ( Figs 87, 88 View Figs 84–92 ). Clypeus and cheeks brown-yellow, covered with white hairs ( Fig. 90 View Figs 84–92 ), with three rows of white hairs in certain females ( Fig. 89 View Figs 84–92 ). Chelicerae brown. Abdomen pale yellow to yellow, with thin ( Fig. 87 View Figs 84–92 ) or broad ( Fig. 88 View Figs 84–92 ) brown longitudinal band ventrally. Dorsum with variegated pattern ( Figs 84–86 View Figs 84–92 ). Spinnerets brown. Booklungs yellow. Legs and palps yellow to brownish-yellow. Structure of epigyne and spermathecae as in Figs 61–71 View Figs 59–71 .

Material examined: BOTSWANA: NorthWest/ Ngamiland District GoogleMaps : Khwai River GoogleMaps – Moremi (N gate), ca. 19°08'S 23°48'E, tree trunk, 18.vii.1978, A. Russell-Smith, 1♂ (PCARS); Okavango Delta, near Shakawe, 18°25'S 21°53'E, beating short shrubs, 25.xi.2006, C. Haddad, F. Jordaan, 1♂ ( NCA 2007 /1079); same locality, 12.xii.2006, C. Haddad, R. Lyle, 4♂ 1♀ 1 subad.♀ ( NCA 2007 /1103); Okavango Delta, PomPom Camp, ca. 19°22'S 22°40'E, 22.viii.2001, E. Kassimatis, 2♂ ( NCA 2002 /455). MOZAMBIQUE: Maputo, Inhaca Island GoogleMaps , ca. 26°00'S 32°57'E, mangroves, 23.xii.1992, T. Steyn, 1♂ ( NCA 93 /196). SOUTH AFRICA: Eastern Cape Prov.: Coffee Bay GoogleMaps , ca. 31°58'S 29°09'E, beating coastal dune forest, 2.xi.2006, C. Haddad, R. Lyle, 1♂ ( NCA 2007 /405); Jeffrey’s Bay GoogleMaps , ca. 34°02'S 24°55'E, in garden, by hand, 15.viii.2008, L. Wiese, 1♀ ( NCA 2010 /1931); same locality, Kabeljouws, 34°00'S 24°55'E, 10 m, dense grass in garden, 12.ix.2012, C. Haddad, 1♂ ( NCA 2012 /4323); Kei Mouth, 32°41'S 28°22'E, beating, coastal dune forest, 6.xii.2005, C. Haddad, 1♂ ( NMBA 16194 View Materials ); Silaka Nat. Res., 31°39'S 29°30'E, on outside walls of houses, 32 m, 11.i.2011, C. Haddad, 11♀ ( NCA 2012 /1119). Free State Prov.: Sandveld Nat. Res., Hoopstad, 27°41'S 25°42'E, beating, 17–18.iii.2008, L. Lotz, 6♂ 2♀ ( NMBA 11800 View Materials ); Virginia, Glen Harmony, 28°05'S 26°54'E, on shrub, 1340 m, 4.x.1987, L. Lotz, 1♀ ( NMBA 14943 View Materials ). KwaZuluNatal Prov.: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, ca. 28°23'S 32°24'E, leaf litter, 3.vii.2007, C. Haddad, 1♀ ( NCA 2013 /10); iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Banghoek Lodge, 27°46'S 32°08'E, canopy fogging on Acacia tortilis , bushveld, 131 m, 17.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 7♂ ( NCA 2012 /5734); same locality, canopy fogging on Berchemia zeyheri , bushveld, 131 m, 17.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 12♂ 13♀ ( NCA 2013 /37); same locality, 27°45'S 32°08'E, canopy fogging on A. karroo , bushveld, 130 m, 17.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 2♂ 5♀ ( NCA 2012 /3962); iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Crocodile Centre, 28°21'S 32°25'E, canopy fogging on Breonadia salicina , 24 m, 14.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 6♂ 3♀ ( NCA 2012 /5745); iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hell’s Gate, 28°00'S 32°26'E, pitfall traps, 19.i.2003, J. Esterhuizen, 1♀ ( NCA 2011 /2521); iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Kosi Bay GoogleMaps Nat. Res., 26°55'S 32°52'E, on board in ablution block, by hand, 29.x.1987, M. Filmer, 1♀ ( NCA 88 /389); iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Meersig, 28°14'S 32°29'E, canopy fogging on Syzygium cordatum , wetland, 14 m, 14.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 2♂ 10♀ ( NCA 2013 /49); iSimangaliso Wetland Park, near Mission Rocks Beach, 28°15'S 32°28'E, canopy fogging on Albizia adianthifolia , 83 m, 12.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 1♀ ( NCA 2013 /10); iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia, 28°23'S 32°24'E, canopy fogging on Trichilia emetica , coastal forest, 22 m, 13.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 3♂ 1♀ ( NCA 2013 /10); same locality, canopy fogging on T. dregeana , coastal forest, 21 m, 13.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 1♀ ( NCA 2012 /5738); iSimangaliso Wetland Park, uMkuze Game Res., 27°37'S 32°15'E, branch beating, old trial camp, 17.vii.2008, X. Combrink, 1♂ ( NCA 2011 /2518); Ithala Game Res., Doornkraal Camp, 27°30'S 31°12'E, canopy fogging, mixed trees, 28.i.2014, C. Haddad, Z. Mbo, 1♂ ( NCA 2013 /5279); same locality, Ntshodwe Camp, 27°32'S 31°16'E, base of grass tussocks, 29.i.2014, C. Haddad, 4♀ ( NCA 2013 /5023); La Mercy, ca. 29°38'S 31°07'E, sweeping, grass, 18.xi.1979, C.J. Cilliers, 1♂ ( NCA 80 /91); Ndumo Game Res., 26°51'S 32°12'E, 10.xii.1992, L. Lotz, 1♂ ( NMBA 14135 View Materials ); same locality, 10.xii.1994, L. Lotz, 1♀ ( NMBA 17118 View Materials ); same locality, Bhulezi, Acacia nigrescens woodland, 26°51'S 32°13'E, pitfall traps, 27.xi–7.xii.2009, C. Haddad, V. Swart, A. Kirk-Spriggs, 1♂ ( NCA 2013 /508); same locality, subtropical bush, Mahemane thicket, 26°51'S 32°14'E, beats, foliage, 2.xii.2000, C. Haddad, 1♂ ( NCA 2008 /2761); same locality, E shore of Shokwe Pan, 26°52'S 32°12'E, A. xanthophloea bark, 16.vi.2005, C. Haddad, 1♀ ( NCA 2008 /1857); same locality, Shokwe Area GoogleMaps , 26°52'S 32°14'E, Malaise trap, Ficus forest, 30.xi.2009, A.H. Kirk-Spriggs, 1♂ ( NMBA 16802 View Materials ); same locality, ca. 26°52'S 32°15'E, Acacia beating, savanna, 23.vi.2006, A. Honiball, 1♂ ( NCA 2006 /1301); same locality, SW shore of Banzi Pan, 26°53'S 32°16'E, A. xanthophloea bark, 5.ii.2005, C. Haddad, 2♀ ( NCA 2008 /661); same data, 11.vii.2004, 1♀ ( NCA 2008 /657); same locality, Crocodile Farm, Pongola River GoogleMaps floodplain, 26°54'S 32°19'E, beating, short bushes, 2.xii.2000, C. Haddad, 1♀ ( NMBA 11605 View Materials ); same locality, beating, short shrubs, 2. xii.2000, C. Haddad, 1♂ ( NMBA 12116 View Materials ); same, Pongola River GoogleMaps floodplain, A. xanthophloea bark, 8.vii.2004, C. Haddad, 1♀ ( NCA 2008 /616); same data, 20.vi.2006, 3♀ ( NCA 2008 /626); same locality, Pongola River GoogleMaps , water pump, 26°54'S 32°19'E, canopy fogging on B. salicina , 36 m, 2.ii.2009, C. Haddad, R. Lyle, V. Butler, 1♀ ( NCA 2013 /789); Ophathe Game Res., Montane grassland, 28°25'S 31°23'E, beats, short shrubs, 897 m, 4.x.2008, C. Haddad, 1♀ ( NCA 2008 /3967); Phinda Private Game Res., 27°50'S 32°20'E, by hand, 13.x.2013, V. van der Walt, 1♀ ( NCA 2014 /989); Pietermaritzburg, 29°36'S 30°23'E, against outside wall, 14–16.vii.1990, L.N. Lotz, 1♀ ( NMBA 05288 View Materials ); Sodwana Bay Nat. Park GoogleMaps , Ubombo, 27°33'S 32°40'E, forest, beating and sweeping, 4.xii.1994, L. Lotz, 1♂ ( NMBA 14172 View Materials ); Tembe Elephant Park, near Mahlasela Hide, ca. 27°01'S 32°25'E, beating short shrubs, closed woodland/sand, 6.i.2002, C. Haddad, 1♀ ( NCA 2007 /3259); same locality, sweeping, 15.iv.2003, A. Honiball, 1♀ ( NCA 2007 /1767); same data, 1♀ ( NCA 2007 /1768); 2 km E of Amanzimtoti, ca. 30°02'S 30°52'E, sweeping, grass, 12.viii.1978, E. Ueckermann, 1♂ ( NCA 79 /184); Umhlanga Rocks, 29°43'S 31°05'E, by hand, 10.ix.2013, P. Webb, 1♀ ( NCA 2014 /1005); Vernon Crookes Nat. Res., Umzinto, 30°16'S 30°37'E, camp, 27.xi.1995, L. Lotz, 1♂ ( NMBA 14970 View Materials ); Vryheid, Vryheid Mountain GoogleMaps Nat. Res., 27°45'S 30°47'E, canopy fogging on Rhus lucida , 1262 m, 24.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 1♂ ( NCA 2012 /5969); same locality, 27°45'S 30°46'E, canopy fogging on Ziziphus mucronata , 1185 m, 24.v.2012, J.A. Neethling, C. Luwes, 1♂ 1♀ ( NCA 2012 /5975). Limpopo Prov.: Entabeni Nat. Res., 22°58'S 30°16'E, active search, above knee, grassland, 12.ii.2008, S. Foord, 1♂ ( NCA 2009 /2561); Kruger Nat. Park GoogleMaps , Shingwedzi Camp, 23°06'S 31°26'E, 26.iv.2006, M. Cumming, 3♀ ( NCA 2008 /2568); Louis Trichardt, Little Leigh, 22°56'S 29°52'E, branch beating, gallery forest, 19.iii.2006, N. Hahn, 1♀ ( NCA 2011 /2055); Maasstroom, Al-te-Ver farmstead, ca. 22°45'S 28°28'E, chair in camp, 23.viii.1976, M. Zwiegelaar, 1♂ ( NCA 76 /1475); Medikwe Heritage Site, Western Soutpansberg, near Makhado, ca. 22°59'S 29°36'E, 1.v.1999, S. Foord, 1♂ ( NCA 2009 /1324); Musina, Tshipise, 22°36'S 30°10'E, sweeping, grass, 30.iii.1973, A.S. Dippenaar-Schoeman, 1♂ ( NCA 76 /679); Soutpansberg, Lajuma, 23°02'S 29°27'E, by hand, 7.ii.2008, L. Lotz, 1♀ ( NMBA 11461 View Materials ); Tshulu Research Res., 22°34'S 30°48'E, 385 m, by hand, 17.ii.2008, A. Henrard, R. Jocqué, 1♀ ( NCA 2012 /34); same locality, mixed woodland, branch beating, 20.i.2008, S. Foord, 1♂ ( NCA 2009 /2586); Tzaneen Area, 23°50'S 30°08'E, canopy fogging on Ficus sp. , 6.xi.2012, J.A. Neethling, 2♂ 1♀ ( NCA 2013 /2027); Waller’s Camp, 23°02'S 29°26'E, sweeping, 15.ii.2008, S. Foord, 1♀ ( NCA 2012 /18). Mpumalanga Prov.: Brondal, 20 km NW of Nelspruit, ca. 25°21'S 30°50'E, on Fuerte avocado trees, 14.viii.1997, M. van den Berg, 2♂ 3♀ ( NCA 98 /57); same data, 2.xii.1997, 4♂ ( NCA 98 /254); same data, 6.i.1998, 2♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /255); same data, 14.iii.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /975); same data, 26.iii.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /1092); same data, 30.iv.1998, 1♂ 3♀ ( NCA 98 /902); same data, 14.v.1998, 6♀ ( NCA 98 /903); same data, vii.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /1093); same data, 2.vii.1998, 1♀ ( NCA 98 /976); same data, 2.vii.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /977); same data, 22.xi.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /978); Brondal, 20 km NW of Nelspruit, ca. 25°21'S 30°50'E, on Hass avocado trees, 16.ix.1997, M. van den Berg, 2♀ ( NCA 98 /58); same data, 2.xii.1997, 1♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /192); same data, 2.xii.1997, 1♂ 1subad ♀ ( NCA 98 /256); same data, 22.i.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /464); same data, 2.vii.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /979); same data, 16.ix.1998, 1♀ ( NCA 2012 /554); Burgershall GoogleMaps , 25°45'S 31°36'E, active search, citrus, 21.x.1987, M. van den Berg, 1♀ ( NCA 88 /709); Glenwood, Schormann, 7 km NW of Nelspruit, ca. 25°24'S 30°55'E, on macadamia trees, 28.x.1997, M. van den Berg, 2♂ ( NCA 98 /103); same data, 4.xii.1997, 1♀ ( NCA 98 /819); same data, 17.xii.1997, 1♀ ( NCA 98 /537); same data, 17.xii.1997, 1♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /538); same data, 17.xii.1997, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /540); same data, 27.i.1998, 4♂ ( NCA 98 /858); same data, 3.ii.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /820); same data, 13.ii.1998, 1♀ ( NCA 98 /606); same data, 24.ii.1998, 3♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /857); same data, 26.ii.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /943); same data, 12.iii.1998, 3♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /473); same data, 16.iv.1998, 2♂ ( NCA 98 /944); same data, 9. vii.1998, 2♂ ( NCA 98 /859); same data, 18.ix.1997, 4♂ ( NCA 98 /102); Komatipoort, Farm Sommerreg, 25°31'S 31°49'E, active search, cultivated garden, flower, 10.v.2005, J. Horn, 1♀ ( NCA 2010 /3942); Kruger Nat. Park GoogleMaps , Skukuza Camp, ca. 24°59'S 31°35'E, by hand, 13.viii.1991, S. Neser, 1♂ ( NCA 2010 /1957); Lydenburg, Le Roux Dam, ca. 25°06'S 30°17'E, Yucca palm, by hand, 28.xii.1988, M. Filmer, 1♀ ( NCA 88 /176); Nelspruit GoogleMaps , ca. 25°28'S 30°58'E, orange trees, 10.vi.1976, E. Ueckerman, 1♂ ( NCA 78 /51); Nelspruit GoogleMaps , ARC–Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, 25°20'S 31°46'E, on macadamia trees, branch beating, 7.x.1997, M. van den Berg, 4♂ ( NCA 98 /151); same locality, on Fuerte avocado trees, 30.x.1997, M. van den Berg, 1♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /59); Nelspruit GoogleMaps , Waaierproef, 25°21'S 31°46'E, on macadamia trees, 19.viii.1997, M. van den Berg, 11♂ 4♀ ( NCA 98 /145); same data, 19.viii.1997, 2♂ 2♀ ( NCA 98 /100); same data, 7.x.1997, 18♂ 7♀ ( NCA 98 /98); same data, 4.xi.1997, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /99); same data, 9.xii.1997, 4♂ ( NCA 98 /816); same data, 20.i.1998, 2♂ 5♀ ( NCA 98 /523); same data, 12.ii.1998, 8♂ ( NCA 98 /817); same data, 17.iii.1998, 8♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /476); same data, 13.iv.1998, 3♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /815); same data, 13.iv.1998, 5♂ ( NCA 98 /860); same data, 21.v.1998, 3♀ ( NCA 98 /818); Schagen, 15 km NW of Nelspruit, ca. 25°26'S 30°47'E, on macadamia trees, 2.ix.1997, M. van den Berg, 1♂ 2♀ ( NCA 98 /101); same data, 18.xi.1997, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /144); same data, 3.iii.1998, 1♂ ( NCA 98 /823); same data, 17.iii.1998, 2♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /856); same data, 9.xii.1998, 3♀ ( NCA 98 /822); 10 km NE of Nelspruit, Hall GoogleMaps & Sons GoogleMaps , ca. 25°23'S 31°01'E, on Hass avocado trees, 6.xi.1997, M. van den Berg, 4♂ ( NCA 98 /55); same data, 19.iii.1998, 2♂ 4♀ ( NCA 98 /1134); same data, 2.vi.1998, 1♂ 1♀ ( NCA 98 /1023); 10 km NE of Nelspruit, Hall & Sons, ca. 25°23'S 31°01'E, on Fuerte avocado trees, 25.xi.1997, M. van den Berg, 4♂ ( NCA 98 /56); same data, 19.iii.1998, 4♂ 1♀ 1subad ♀ ( NCA 98 /518); same data, 2.vii.1998, 2♂ ( NCA 98 /1024); Witrivier GoogleMaps , Hazyview Cabanas GoogleMaps , 25°02'S 31°04'E, 1–4.vii.1996, L. Lotz, 1♀ ( NMBA 08171 View Materials ). North West Prov.: Borakalalo Nat. Park GoogleMaps , 25°09'S 27°49'E, sweeping, grass, 29.v.1987, M. Filmer, 1♂ ( NCA 87 /795). Western Cape Prov.: Swellendam, ca. 34°01'S 20°26'E, by hand, 15.xi.2007, I. Price, 1♂ ( NCA 2010 /757). ZAMBIA: Central Prov. GoogleMaps : Serenje District GoogleMaps , Kasanka Nat. Park GoogleMaps , Fibwe Camp, ca. 12°35'S 30°15'E, 15.x.2001, T. Stuart, 2♂ ( NCA 2002 /534). Southern Prov. GoogleMaps : Namwala District, Kafue Nat. Park, Chibila Camp, ca. 15°42'S 25°47'E, beating short shrubs, 7. xii.2006, F. Jordaan, 1♀ ( NCA 2007 /601).

Distribution: Southern and East Africa ( Fig. 13 View Fig ).

Comments: T. proxima was described based on one female from Tanzania. We found three females from KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, which resemble T. proxima in epigynal and spermathecal structure ( Figs 62, 68 View Figs 59–71 , see also WesoŁowska & RussellSmith 2000, figs. 310, 311). Due to the considerable variation in epigynal structure within the species ( Figs 61–67 View Figs 59–71 ), we suggest that T. proxima could be a junior synonym of T. hirsuta ; T. proxima would need to be reviewed.