Theridion semitinctum Simon, 1914

Knoflach, Barbara, Rollard, Christine & Thaler, Konrad, 2009, Notes on Mediterranean Theridiidae (Araneae) – II, ZooKeys 16 (16), pp. 227-264 : 255-256

Theridion semitinctum Simon, 1914

Figs 68 , 76-77

Material examined. Spain: El Pardal (CM), 3 ♀ ( MHNP AR 2298 ) . Italy: Lombardia, Lake Lugano, Porlezza , 1 ♀ (CTh), 30.6.1962 ( Thaler 1966, Abb. 2d, sub Theridion sp.) .

Description, identification. This species has not been reported since the description of Simon (1914: 270, 297). A more detailed redescription including that of the unknown male is planned in comparison with the other members of the Theridion melanurum group (Knoflach, in preparation). For comparative analysis and illustration of females see Thaler (1966).

Measurements. One female from El Pardal: Total length 3.2, carapace length 1.2, width 1.1, length femur I 1.8, tibia I 1.5 mm.

Somatic features, colouration. The species is clearly a representative of the Theridion melanurum -group ( Thaler 1966) and shares its general appearance, colour pattern and overall conformation of genital organs with Theridion betteni , T. melanurum , T. mystaceum , etc. Abdomen with clear folium.

Epigynum /vulva ( Figs 68 , 76-77 ). Epigynal cavity a little longer than wide, scarcely sclerotised. Copulatory orifices about 0.1 mm apart, situated at posterior inner side of cavity. Copulatory ducts extensively coiled with large overlap of coils. Receptacula seminis globular.

Distribution. Simon (1914) reported Theridion semitinctum from France (Provence), Spain, and the Balearic islands ( Simon 1914). A further record came from northern Italy ( Thaler 1966 sub Theridion sp.). The species has probably been confused with T. mystaceum .

Figures

Figures 63-68. Theridion musivum Simon (63-64), female from Corsica (63), female guarding egg-sac from Sardinia (64). T. pinicola Simon from Corsica (65-67), male (65-66), copulating pair (67). T. semitinctum Simon from Northern Italy, female vulva, dorsal view (68).

Figures 76-77. Theridion semitinctum Simon from Spain, El Pardal (MHNP AR 2298). Epigynum/ vulva, ventral (76), dorsal view (77), drawn at same scale. Scale line: 0.20 mm.