Mallinella capitulata, Dankittipakul & Jocqué & Singtripop, 2012

Dankittipakul, Pakawin, Jocqué, Rudy & Singtripop, Tippawan, 2012, Systematics and biogeography of the spider genus Mallinella Strand, 1906, with descriptions of new species and new genera from Southeast Asia (Araneae, Zodariidae) 3369, Zootaxa 3369 (1), pp. 1-327 : 265-266

Mallinella capitulata sp. nov.

(Figs 1180, 1195, 1231–1234)

Material examined. Holotype: ♀, THAILAND, Nan Province: Bo Kluea District, Khun Nan NP, Khun Wa Watershed , community forest, 750 m, 8 December 2005, leg. P. Dankittipakul ( MHNG) . Paratypes: 5♀, same data as holotype ( TNHM, MHNG) .

Diagnosis. Females are similar to that of M. silva sp. nov. but can be distinguished from the latter by the border epigynal plate (Fig. 1180) and by the more complex internal genitalia provided with a small tubercle on the apex of the spermathecae (Fig. 1232).

Etymology. The specific epithet the Latin adjective (capitulatus = provided with a little head) and refers to the presence of a small hump on the apex of the spermathecae.

Description. Female (holotype). Total length 8.85; prosoma 4.50 long, 3.42 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.28, ALE 0.22, PME 0.22, PLE 0.22, AME–AME 0.20, AME–ALE 0.46, PME–PME 0.24, PME–PLE 0.60; MOQ: 0.62 long, 0.60 anterior width, 0.62 posterior width. Leg measurements: I 17.04 (4.08, 5.34, 4.26, 3.32), II 14.12 (3.56, 4.44, 3.54, 2.56), III 14.20 (3.72, 3.26, 3.82, 2.38), IV 19.62 (4.74, 5.78, 6.12, 2.96).

Coloration (Fig. 1195). Carapace brown and sternum brown. Legs yellowish, except for coxae, trochanters and proximal part of femora whitish. Dorsum of opisthosoma dark brown, mottled with numerous pale spots. Dorsal pattern: first and second pairs represented by pale round spots, first pair obliquely arranged, second pair in transverse position; third to fifth pairs by a series of transverse bands.

Genitalia (Figs 1180, 1231–1234). Epigynal plate rectangular, with anterior median incision; posterior margin straight, anterior lateral margins distinctly elevated. Lateral borders triangular, bluntly pointed. Internal genitalia with long insemination ducts. Spermathecae elongate-ovoid in dorsal view, apically rounded, strongly curved backwards; triangular apical hump clearly visible in anterior view.

Male. Unknown.

Natural history. Mallinella capitulata sp. nov. was collected from mixed deciduous forests.

Distribution. Known only from the type locality in northern Thailand.