Xenoctenus vittatus (Mello-Leitão, 1936) Faustino-Magalhaes & Piacentini & Santos, 2024

Faustino-Magalhaes, Mayara D., Piacentini, Luis N. & Santos, Adalberto J., 2024, The desert wolf-spider genus Xenoctenus: two endemic species from the Brazilian Caatinga, and a redescription of the type-species, X. unguiculatus (Araneae: Xenoctenidae), Zootaxa 5399 (5), pp. 517-539 : 526-528

Xenoctenus vittatus (Mello-Leitão, 1936) comb. nov.

Figs 1A–E , 7–10 , 13A, B , 14 , 16

Horioctenus vittatus Mello-Leit „o, 1936: 27, pl. 2, fig. 50 (female holotype from Brazil, Paraíba, Rudolf von Ihering coll., deposited in MNRJ 42491, examined, survived the 2018 fire). Bonnet 1957: 2235.

Odo vittatus — World Spider Catalog 2023 (combination implied by the synonymy of Horioctenus Chamberlin, 1916: 265 with Odo Keyserling, 1887: 454 by Lehtinen 1967: 239).

Diagnosis. Males can be distinguished from males of all other species by the palp having the tegular distal division (TDD) thin and concave, with a sharp tip ( Figs 7A–C , 8 , 13A ). Additionally, they differ by the median apophysis being large and flat ( Figs 7A–C , 8B, C , 13A ) and by the copulatory bulb rounded, as long as wide ( Figs 7A–C , 8 , 13A ). Males differ from those of X. unguiculatus and X. kaatinga by the RTA being very reduced, without projection, represented by a dark spot on a ledge ( Figs. 7C , 8B ). Females of X. vittatus differ from those of other Xenoctenus by the lateral lobe extension (LLE) ending in the middle of the epigynum, not crossing the lateral lobes, and by the median field (MF) dark, very sclerotized ( Figs 9A, C, E , 10A ). Females resemble those of X. pampeanus in the median field with a longitudinal groove, formed by a central epigynal fold, where the copulatory ducts are connected ( Figs 9 , 10A , 13B ), but differ by the copulatory opening located anteriorly at the epigynum ( Fig. 9B, D, F ).

Description. MALE FROM ZONA RURAL, JAGUARIBE, CEARÁ, BRAZIL (CHNUFPI 2521; FIG. 2A–C ). Carapace light brown, with dark brown lateral bands running from eyes to posterior margin of carapace ( Figs 1 A, C, E , 7D ). Opisthosoma light brown dorsally, anteriorly with dark brown lateral bands, following carapace pattern, and densely covered by setae ( Figs 1 A, C, E , 7D ). Venter fully light brown. Eight eyes in two recurved rows surrounded by dark line, except for the smaller and pale ALE ( Fig. 7D ). Chelicerae light brown with median dark brown band. Labium, endites and sternum brown. Legs light brown, with dark spots ( Figs 1 A, C, E , 7D ), with dense tarsal scopula, macrosetae and claw tufts ( Fig. 10B ) Pedipalps light brown, tibia with ventral macrosetae and retrolateral tibial apophysis small, covered by small setae ( Figs 7 B, C , 8 ). Cymbium covered by setae and with apical thick scopula ( Figs 7A– C , 8 , 13A ). Copulatory bulb sclerotized and dark, as long as wide ( Figs 7A– C , 8 ). Conductor membranous, translucent ( Figs 7 B, C , 8 C , 13A ). Embolus flat, with basal locking lobe (ELL) connected to subtegular locking lobe (StLL, Figs 7A– C , 8 , 13A ). Tegular distal division (TDD) concave, with a sharp tip and one median tooth ( Figs 7A– C , 8 , 13A ). Retrolateral tegular projection (RTP) long, concave, following conductor ( Figs 7A– C , 8 , 13A ). Median apophysis large, flat, and bending inwards apically ( Figs 7A– C , 8 , 13A ). Total length 10.80. Carapace length 5.50, width 4.60. Eye diameters: AME 0.31, PME 0.43, ALE 0.20, PLE 0.43. Femur of leg I: 5.60, II 5.50, III 5.90, IV 7.20.

FEMALE FROM FAZENDA VELHA, JEQUIḖ, BAHIA, BRAZIL (UFMG 13690; FIG. 5 ). Coloration as in male ( Figs 1B, D ). Epigynum with lateral lobes and median field very sclerotized, dark brown ( Fig. 10A ). Lateral lobes extension ( LLE) located anteriorly and covering partially lateral lobes ( Fig. 9A, C, E ). Median field with central fold forming a groove where copulatory ducts connect ( Figs 9 , 13B ). Internal genitalia sclerotized, dark brown ( Fig. 9B, D, F ). Primary spermathecae long; secondary spermathecae shorter, rounded, located anteriorly ( Figs 9B, D, F , 13B ). Total length 14.50. Carapace length 6.13, width 4.90. Eye diameters: AME 0.35, PME 0.64, ALE 0.26, PLE 0.64. Femur of leg I 5.80, II 5.80, III 5.60, IV 7.10.

Variation. Female body size and genitalia exhibit significant variation, even among specimens collected from the same locality. The epigynum varies in the edges of the lateral lobes extension (LLE), which can be straight ( Fig. 9A ) or angled ( Fig. 9C, E ). Additionally, the median field can be narrow ( Fig. 9A ) or wide ( Fig. 9C, E ) and variably sclerotized. Internally, the secondary spermathecae can be medially ( Fig. 9B ) or anteriorly directed ( Fig. 9D, F ). Although males also vary in body size, the palp does not show any significant variation. Total body length: female, 9.50–18.0 (n=47); male, 8.13–13.0 (n=196).

Distribution. Northeastern Brazil, within the Caatinga domain. Distribution is known only for xeric environments, in the Caatinga strictu sensu but also in transition areas between Caatinga and Cerrado, and in sandy restinga forests ( Fig. 16 ).

Additional material examined. BRAZIL. Bahia: Brumado, Magnesita [14°10’51.5’’S, 41°42’0.7’’W, 623 m], P.H. Martins et al. coll., 25/II/2017, 1 ♁ (UFMG 24328); 1 ♀ (UFMG 24329); 1 ♀ (UFMG 24330); 1 ♁ 4 ♀ (UFMG 24331); Central, Fazenda do Paulo [11°8’7.86’’S, 42°6’41.28’’W, 699 m], E.F. Ramos coll., 15/ VII/1997, 1 ♁ 5 ♀ 3 imm. (IBSP 13336); Roça do Paulo, E.F.Ramos coll., 9/VII/1997, 1 ♀ 1 imm. (IBSP 13341); Toca da Esperança, A.D. Brescovit coll., 21/VII/2000, 1 ♀ (IBSP 210255); Zona rural, proximidades da BA-052 [11°10’13.1’’s, 41°58’57.6’’W, 772 m], L.S. Carvalho & B.T. Faleiro coll., 25/VIII/2016, 1 ♀ (UFMG 20534); Guanambi, Fazenda do Seu Washinton [14°10’58.9’’S, 42°48’45.9’’W, 516 m], V. Mattos & C. Ubinski coll., 12/ IV/2015, 1 ♁ (UFMG 20929); Proximidades do Aeroporto de Guanambi, Fazenda do Seu Luis [14°12’18.6’’S, 42°43’33.8’’W, 607m], L.S. Carvalho coll., 11/IV/2015, 1 ♀ (UFMG 20602); Itaguaçu da Bahia, Proximidades da Toca da Esperança [11°1’52.9’’S, 42°4’2’’W, 568 m], L.S. Carvalho & B.T. Faleiro coll., 26/VIII/2016, 1 ♁ (UFMG 20535); 1 ♀ (UFMG 20536); Jandaíra, Mangue Seco [11°28’12.92’’S, 37°22’10.44’’W], J. P. Alvez coll., 2–5/XI/2006, 1 ♀ (IBSP 79622); Jequié, Fazenda Velha [13°52’12.8’’S, 40°14’16.5’’W, 255 m], G.H.F. Azevedo & A.J. Santos coll., 3/XII/2010, 1 ♀ (UFMG 13690); ditto, [13°51’32.69’’S, 40°5’1.6’’W, 208 m], L. Bocardo coll., 1–11/VIII/2004 – I/2005, 3 ♁ (IBSP 66319); ditto, 1–11/VIII/2004 – I/2006, 1 ♁ (IBSP 66325); same collector, 1–11/VIII/2004 – I/2007, 1 ♁ (IBSP 66329); 1–11/VIII/2004 – I/2008, 1 ♀ (IBSP 66339); 1–11/VIII/2004 – I/2009, 2 ♁ (IBSP 66342); Paulo Afonso, Estaç„o Ecológica Raso da Catarina [9°39’58.1’’S, 38°28’15.1’’W, 586 m], I.L.F. Magalhães & J.L. Chavari coll., 22–23/V/2012, 1 ♀ (UFMG 20930); Senhor do Bonfim, Campus VII da UNEB [10°28’13.57’’S, 40°10’10.63’’W, 519 m], J.S. Costa coll., III– VIII/2008, 1 ♁ (IBSP 133717); 1 ♁ (IBSP 133718); 1 ♀ (IBSP 133719); 1 ♁ (IBSP 133720); 1 ♁ (IBSP 133721); 1 ♀ (IBSP 133723); 1 ♁ (IBSP 133724); 1 ♁ (IBSP 133725); 1 ♁ (IBSP 133726); 1 ♁ (IBSP 133727); 1 ♁ (IBSP 133728). Ceará: Aiuaba, Estaç„o Ecológica de Aiuaba [6°36’6.5’’S, 40°7’27.8’’W, 424 m], I.L.F. Magalhães & A.J. Santos coll., 8/V/2012, 1 ♀ (UFMG 20538); Jaguaribe, Zona rural [5°59’57.2’’S, 38°32’11.8’’W, 235 m], S.C. Sousa coll., 2014, 2 ♁ 1 ♀ (CHNUFPI 2521); ito, 3 ♁ (UFMG 20056); Pentecoste, Fazenda Experimental Vale do Curu [3°48’28.5’’S, 39°20’10’’W, 54 m], I.L.F. Magalhães & A.J. Santos coll., 3/V/2012, 1 ♁ (UFMG 20950); 1 ♀ 2 imm. (UFMG 20951); 1 ♀ 3 imm. (UFMG 20952); Quixadá, Fazenda Magé [4°56’48.5’’S, 39°1’22.8’’W, 195 m], I.L.F. Magalh„es & A.J. Santos coll., 6/ V/2012, 1 ♀ (UFMG 20894); 1 ♀ (UFMG 27770); Santana do Cariri, Estrada de barro com barrancos para Santana do Cariri [7°7’25.66’’S, 39°24’0’’W, 750 m], A.B. Kury & A.P.L. Giupponi coll., 18/III/1999, 1 ♁ 1 imm. (MNRJ 3435). Maranhão: Barreirinhas, Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses [2°29’13.27’’S, 43°7’41.94’’W, 15 m], Equipe BIOTA coll., 12–18/X/2001, 1 ♀ (IBSP 76664); 1 ♁ (IBSP 76666); 1 ♀ (IBSP 76665); 1 ♀ (IBSP 76667); Caxias, Reserva Ecológica Inhamum [4°53’31.94’’S, 43°24’49.13’’W, 100 m], J.F.B. Lima Lobato & F. Limeira de Oliveira coll., 2–5/X/2007, 1 ♀ (IBSP 129042); ito, 26–29/IX/2007, 1 ♁ (IBSP 129115). Minas Gerais: Itacarambi, Distrito de Fabi„o II [15°10’19’’S, 44°10’49’’W], G.F.B. Pereira et al. coll., 5–7/V/2012, 1 ♀ (UFMG 13399). Paraíba: Araruna, Pedra da Boca [6°27’24.97’’S, 35°40’32.46’’W, 376 m], S.C. Dias coll., 3/X/2003, 2 ♀ (IBSP 41353); Campina Grande , próximo à PB-138 [7°16’16.14’’S, 35°58’19.7’’W], 1 ♁ (UFMG 20537); 1 ♀ (UFMG 20539); Malta, km 53 [6°54’23.06’’S, 37°31’18.45’’W, 260 m], P.F.L.Duarte coll., 25/IV/1978, 1 ♀ (IBSP 57518); São João do Cariri [7°23’28.09’’S, 36°31’57.07’’W, 455 m], S.C. Dias coll., II/2004, 2 ♀ (IBSP 43456); 1 ♀ (IBSP 43454); Soledade [7°12’42.5’’S, 36°16’23.2’’W, 573 m], A. Kury & A. Giupponi coll., 16/III/1999, 1 ♀ (MNRJ 1739). Pernambuco: Afogados da Ingazeira, Sítio Saco do Queiroz [7°45’3’’S, 37°38’21’’W], M. Carvalho coll., VI/2008, 1 ♀ (UFMG 4327); Itacuruba, near to Riacho Itacuruba [8°47’14.8’’S, 38°41’53.7’’W, 309 m], S.C. Sousa coll., 2014, 1 ♁ 1 ♀ (CHNUFPI 2508); 6 ♁ 6 ♀ (UFMG 20060); Petrolina [9°11’44.5’’S, 40°22’59.5’’W, 450 m], A.S. Michelotto & B.A. Huber coll., 30/XI/2022, 1 ♀ (UFMG 29171). Piauí: Alvorada do Gurguéia, Fazenda Escola da Universidade Federal do Piauí [8°22’11.5’’S, 43°51’30.2’’W], D.B.S. Barbosa et al. coll., 30/VI/2018, 13 ♁ 6 ♀ (CHNUFPI 2448); 23 ♁ (CHNUFPI 2450); Piracuruca, Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades [4°5’56.2’’S, 41°43’12.9’’W], L.S. Carvalho coll., 27/I/2006, 1 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7923); ito, 28/I/2006, 1 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7924); 1 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7925); 1 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7927); 27/I/2006, 1 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7928); 1 ♀ (MPEG.ARA 7930); 1 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7931); L.S. Carvalho et al. coll., 10/IX/2006, 1 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7929); Castelo do Piauí, Fazenda Bonito, ECB Rochas Ornamentais do Brasil LTDA [5°13’54.1’’S, 41°42’1.7’’W], F.M. Oliveira-Neto coll., 21/X/2005, 15 ♁ 1 ♀ (CHNUFPI 2380); 19/X/2005, 25 ♁ (CHNUFPI 2381); 22/X/2005, 25 ♁ (CHNUFPI 2383); 28/X/2005, 21 ♁ (CHNUFPI 2384); same locality [5°13’46.7’’S, 41°41’29.9’’W], same collector, 22/X/2005, 17 ♁ 3 ♀ (CHNUFPI 2385); [5°13’54.1’’S, 41°42’1.7’’W, 21/X/2005, 4 ♀ (CHNUFPI 2393); [5°13’50.8’’S, 41°42’1.1’’W], L.S. Carvalho & F.M. Oliveira-Neto coll., 13/IX/2006, 3 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7932); 1 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7933); 1 ♀ (MPEG.ARA 7934); 1 ♀ (MPEG.ARA 7935); L.S. Carvalho coll., 12/IX/2006, 2 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7936); L.S. Carvalho & F.M. Oliveira-Neto coll., 13/IX/2006, 1 ♀ (MPEG.ARA 7937); 1 ♀ (MPEG. ARA 7938); F.M. Oliveira-Neto coll., 23/X/2005, 3 ♁ (MPEG.ARA 7939); 19/X/2005, 1 ♀ (MPEG.ARA 7940); Guaribas, Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusıes [9°13’12.3’’S, 43°29’26.7’’W], P.R.R. Silva et al. coll., VI/2007, 31 ♀ (CHNUFPI 2398); 62 ♁ (CHNUFPI 2403); 50 ♁ (CHNUFPI 2406); 19 ♁ (CHNUFPI 2413); [9°13’10’’S, 43°29’27’’W], Giovana coll., 11–26/I/2002, 1 ♀ (IBSP 56027); São Raimundo Nonato, Parque Nacional da Serra da Capivara [8°41’42.82’’S, 42°35’10.18’’W, 565 m], T. Falotico coll., IX– X/2007 –2010, 1 ♀ (IBSP 168543); R. Recorder coll., 10–03/II–III/2013, 1 ♁ 1 ♀ (IBSP 168388). Rio Grande do Norte: João Câmara, Jo„o Câmara [5°32’15’’S, 35°49’11’’W], N. Sebastian et al. coll., 1/X/2012, 1 ♀ 22 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23631); 1/VI/2012, 1 ♁ 15 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23632); 1 ♀ 3 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23633); 1 ♁ 4 ♀ 15 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23634); 3 ♁ 6 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23635); 1 ♁ 4 ♀ 12 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23636); 4 ♀ 13 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23637); 3 ♁ 1 ♀ 5 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23639); 1 ♁ 3 ♀ 6 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23640); 5 ♁ 3 ♀ (MPEG.ARA 23641); 2 ♀ 2 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23642); 2 ♀ 15 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23816); 6 ♁ 1 ♀ 11 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23817); 3 ♀ 7 imm. (MPEG.ARA 23818); Zona rural [5°34’2.5’’S, 35°55’3.3’’W, 147m], L.S. Carvalho coll., 5/VI/2015, 1 ♁ (UFMG 20556); Mossoró [5°11’31.9’’S, 37°20’32.57’’W, 19 m], U.M. Maia coll., 10/XI/2007, 1 ♁ (IBSP 91660); Serra Negra do Norte, Estação Ecológica do Seridó [6°35’15.5’’S, 37°15’19.62’’W, 213 m], M. Maia coll., VI/2008, 1 ♀ (IBSP 123381); 10–14/XII/2007, 1 ♁ (IBSP 124196); VI/2008, 1 ♁ (IBSP 123373); 1 ♁ (IBSP 123378); 1 ♁ 1 ♀ (IBSP 123374); 1 ♁ (IBSP 123375); 1 ♀ (IBSP 123379). Sergipe: Carindé do São Franscico, Usina Hidrelétrica do Xingó [9°37’33.77’’S, 37°48’8.26’’W, 71 m], M.E.V. Calleffo coll., 12–18/X/2002, 1 ♁ (IBSP 37226).

Figures

FIGURE 1. Xenoctenus spp., habitus of live specimens. A–E, Xenoctenus vittatus (Mello-Leit„o, 1936) comb. nov. A, male and B, female from Guanambi, Bahia, Brazil (UFMG 20929). C, male (UFMG 24328) and D, female (UFMG 24330) from Brumado, Bahia, Brazil. E, male from Itaguaçu da Bahia, Bahia, Brazil (UFMG 20535). F, Xenoctenus unguiculatus Mello- Leit„o, 1938, female from Parque Nacional Sierra de las Quijadas, San Luis, Argentina (MACN-Ar 45013). Photos by Pedro H. Martins (C, D), Leonardo S. Carvalho (A, B, E) and Hernán Iuri (F).

FIGURE 2. Xenoctenus unguiculatus Mello-Leit„o, 1938, juvenile holotype (MLP 14093). A, C, habitus dorsal view. B, prosoma, frontal view. D, habitus, ventral view. E, original collection labels.

FIGURE 5. Xenoctenus unguiculatus Mello-Leit„o, 1938, male from PN Sierra de las Quijadas, San Luis, Argentina (MACN- Ar 45013).A, C, palp.A, prolateral. B, ventral. C, retrolateral.Abbreviations:C, conductor; E, embolus; MA, median apophysis; RTA, retrolateral tibial apophysis; RTP, retrolateral tegular projection. White star on tegular distal division (TDD).

FIGURE 7. Xenoctenus vittatus (Mello-Leit„o, 1936) comb. nov. A–C, male from Jaguaribe, Ceará, Brazil (CNHUFPI 2521), bleached palp. A, prolateral. B, ventral. C, retrolateral. D, male from Castelo do Piauí, Piauí, Brazil (CHNUFPI 2385), habitus, dorsal. Abbreviations: C, conductor; E, embolus; ELL, embolar locked lobe; MA, median apophysis; RTA, retrolateral tibial apophysis; RTP, retrolateral tegular projection; StLL, subtegular locking lobe. White star on tegular distal division (TDD).

FIGURE 8. Xenoctenus vittatus (Mello-Leit„o, 1936) comb. nov., male from Pentecoste, Ceará, Brazil (UFMG 20950). A–C, expanded palp. A, prolateral. B, ventral. C, retrolateral. Abbreviations: C, conductor; E, embolus; ELL, embolar locked lobe; MA, median apophysis; RTA, retrolateral tibial apophysis; RTP, retrolateral tegular projection; StLL, subtegular locked lobe. White star on tegular distal division (TDD).

FIGURE 9. Xenoctenus vittatus (Mello-Leit„o, 1936) comb. nov., bleached female epigynum (A, C, E) and internal genitalia (B, D, F). A–B, female from Jaguaribe, Ceará, Brazil (CNHUFPI 2521). A, ventral. B, dorsal. C–D, female from Guaribas, Piauí, Brazil (IBSP 56027). C, ventral. D, dorsal. E–F, female from Guaribas, Piauí, Brasil (CNHUFPI 2398). E, ventral. F, dorsal. Abbreviations: CD, copulatory ducts; LL, lateral lobes; LLE, lateral lobes extension; MF, median field; MG, median groove; S1, primary spermathecae; S2, secondary spermathecae.

FIGURE 10. Xenoctenus vittatus (Mello-Leit„o, 1936) comb. nov. from Jequié, Bahia, Brazil (UFMG 13690). A, female epigynum, not bleached, ventral. B, leg I, flexible tarsus.

FIGURE 13. A–B, Xenoctenus vittatus (Mello-Leit„o, 1936) comb. nov., male and female from Itacuruba, Pernambuco, Brazil (UFMG 20060). A, male palp, ventral. B, female internal genitalia, dorsal. C–D, Xenoctenus kaatinga Faustino-Magalhaes & Santos sp. nov., male and female from Alvorada do Gurguéia, Piauí, Brazil (CHNUFPI 2448). C, male palp, ventral. D, female internal genitalia, dorsal. Abbreviations: C, conductor; CD, copulatory ducts; E, embolus; MA, median apophysis; RTP, retrolateral tegular projection; StLL, subtegular locking lobe; S1, primary spermathecae; S2, secondary spermathecae. Black star on tegular distal division (TDD).

FIGURE 14. Geographic distribution records of Xenoctenus Mello-Leit„o, 1938 in South America.

FIGURE 16. Geographic distribution records of Xenoctenus kaatinga Faustino-Magalhaes & Santos sp. nov. and Xenoctenus vittatus (Mello-Leit„o, 1936) comb. nov. on northeastern Brazilian Caatinga domain. The type locality of X. vittatus is uncertain, as it is reported only as the Brazilian state of Paraiba.