Phycosoma ligulaceum, Gao & Li, 2014

Gao, Cai-Xia & Li, Shu-Qiang, 2014, Comb-footed spiders (Araneae: Theridiidae) in the tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, Southwest China, Zoological Systematics 39 (1), pp. 1-135 : 70-77

Phycosoma ligulaceum sp. nov. ( Figs 58–60 )

Holotype ♂, China, Yunnan, Xishuangbanna, Menglun Nature Reserve , secondary tropical montane evergreen

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

broad-leaved forest (21º54.813'N, 101º12.634'E), 5–12 February 2007, Guo Zheng leg.

Etymology. The specific name derives from the Latin adjective ligulaceus and means tongue-shaped, in reference to the embolus with a membranous outgrowth, liked a tongue.

Diagnosis. The new species is similar to P. flavomarginatum , but can be distinguished by the embolus with a long

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135 basal protrusion and a membranous outgrowth; the conductor with sawteeth.

Male. Total length 1.88. Prosoma 0.88 long, 0.78 wide, high, columned, pale, with black stripes, dorsal grooves in middle. Sternum 0.50 long, 0.50 wide, pale. Opisthosoma 1.10 long, 0.75 wide, pale, with black spots, large black stripes, long bristles, without colulus. Eye measurements: AME 0.10, ALE 0.08, PME 0.09, PLE 0.08, AME-AME 0.09,

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

AME-ALE 0.04, PME-PME 0.05, PME-PLE 0.08. Clypeus height about 3.80 times AME diameter, pale, with large black spot. Chelicerae: yellow, with dark spots, without tooth; fangs long and slender. Endites: 0.19 long, 0.11 wide, yellow with brown pro-edges. Labium fused with sternum, 0.05 long, 0.16 wide, without seta, yellow. Leg measurements: I 2.69 (0.80, 0.30, 0.64, 0.63, 0.32); II 2.49 (0.73, 0.28, 0.54, 0.56, 0.38); III 2.27 (0.70, 0.28, 0.45, 0.50, 0.34); IV 2.80 (0.88, 0.14, 0.70, 0.68, 0.40). Leg I pale yellow, femur, patella and tibia with black spots; femur-tarsus with many spines, tibia and patella with strong spine. Legs II–IV similar to leg I, femur IV with black ring. Pedipalpus ( Figs 58A–B , 59A–D , 60A–D ): tibia with 2 trichobothria; cymbium yellow, with process in prolateral view; paracymbium hooked; subtegulum broader than tegulum; median apophysis smooth, without processes; tegulum narrow, conjoined with median apophysis and embolus; embolus short, with two small, one long protrusions, tip with long membranous outgrowth; conductor short, distinct, with sawteeth.

Female. Unknown.

Distribution. Only known from type locality (Yunnan).

Figures

Fig. 58. Phycosoma ligulaceum sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; B. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view. Scale bar = 0.10mm.

Fig. 59. Phycosoma ligulaceum sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus, ventral view; B. Embolus, ventral view; C. Conductor, ventral view; D. Pedipalpus (cymbium removed), apical view. Scale bars = 0.10mm.

Fig. 60. Phycosoma ligulaceum sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus (cymbium removed), ventral view; B. Pedipalpus, ventral view; C. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; D. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view. Scale bars = 0.10mm.