Artema, Walckenaer, 1837

Aharon, Shlomi, Huber, Bernhard A. & Gavish-Regev, Efrat, 2017, Daddy-long-leg giants: revision of the spider genus Artema Walckenaer, 1837 (Araneae, Pholcidae), European Journal of Taxonomy 376 (376), pp. 1-57 : 44-46

Artema sp. b from Algeria

Figs 171–179

Material examined

ALGERIA: 1 ♂, El Goléa [~ 30.6° N, 2.9° E], date and collector not given ( NHMW) .

Notes

This male specimen resembles A. kochi for its lack of bulbal processes c, d, and e but, unlike A. kochi , bulbal process b is pointed as in all other congeners and not flattened ( Fig. 175 ). Cheliceral processes

with frontal row of about 12 modified hairs on each side, situated distally on chelicerae in “hook-like” arrangement ( Fig. 179 ). Stridulatory files laterally on chelicerae present ( Fig. 177 ).

Although the male palp appears distinctive, this single male specimen was the only Artema specimen available to us from North Africa that was not A. atlanta . It was probably collected long ago (date is not indicated) impeding molecular analysis. We suggest that more individuals (incl. females) should be available before the formal description of this putative species.

Figures

Figs 170–179. 170. Artema sp. a from Oman Jebal Akhdar, E of Al Hamra, Al Ghubrat (NHMW), epigynum, ventral view. 171–179. Artema sp. b from Algeria, El Goléa (NHMW). 171–173. Male left pedipalp: prolateral, dorsal, and retrolateral views. 174–176. Male left bulb and procursus: prolateral, dorsal, and retrolateral views. 177–179. Male chelicerae: lateral and frontal views. Scale lines: 170, 174–179 = 0.5 mm; 171–173 = 1 mm.