Ambohima sublima, GRISWOLD 1990

Griswold, Charles E., Wood, Hannah Marie & Carmichael, Anthea D., 2012, The lace web spiders (Araneae, Phyxelididae) of Madagascar: phylogeny, biogeography and taxonomy, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 164 (4), pp. 728-810 : 785-788

publication ID	https://doi.org/ 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2011.00779.x
DOI	https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10544440
persistent identifier	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/97784765-690B-FFBF-0482-7631BB6CFED0
treatment provided by	Marcus
scientific name	Ambohima sublima
status

Treatment

AMBOHIMA SUBLIMA GRISWOLD 1990 View in CoL

(FIGS 1,2A, B, 3B, 6E, F, 13A–C, 30A–F, 32A–F, 40A–I, 42M–O, 43A–F, 46A, 48D–F, 52A–D, 53A–D, 57)

Ambohima sublima Griswold 1990: 128 View in CoL ; Platnick 2011.

Types: Holotype male and paratype female from Ambohimanga Village (18°44′S, 47°34′E), Tananarive District, Madagascar (Dec. 1959; R. Legendre), deposited in MNHN, examined. GoogleMaps

Diagnosis: Male with palp as in Figure 13A–C View Figure 13 , embolic base with a raised, distal cone, cymbium large, length typically greater than 0.75 times carapace length ( Figs 3B View Figure 3 , 6E, F View Figure 6 ), palpal tibial prolateral hook long, narrow; distinguished from A. maizina by having the abdomen dorsally with chevron or herringbone pattern ( Figs 1 View Figure 1 , 3B View Figure 3 , 6E, F View Figure 6 ) and legs more spinose, with spines on all leg femora. Some A. sublima males from Ranomafana have short cymbia, i.e. length 0.71 of carapace length: these may be distinguished from males of A. vato sp. nov. by the much longer legs, femur I length greater than 3.0 times carapace length ( Fig. 2B View Figure 2 ). Female epigynum as in Figures 32A, D View Figure 32 and 40B View Figure 40 , vulva as in Figures 32B, E View Figure 32 and 40C–I View Figure 40 , spermathecal base with longitudinal, bilobed chamber, anteriorly with four or more coils.

Male (Ambohimanga, CASENT9016200): Total length 3.75 + 3.90 + 1.65 = [14.60]; IV: 5.75 + 1.10 + 5.50 + 6.00. Markings as in Figure 6E View Figure 6 . Carapace 2.70 long, 5.75 + 2.10 = [20.20]; palp: 1.90 + 0.65 + 0.65 + 2.25 wide, margin entire; thoracic fovea broad, deep, (absent) + 2.60 = [5.80]. Palpus as in Figure 13A–C View Figure 13 , narrowed posteriorly, length 0.22 times that of femur with row of five slender, anterobasal setae set carapace; clypeus 0.18 high; ocular area 0.36 in enlarged bases, distal two short, stout, thorn-like; long, 0.82 wide; ratio of eyes AM/AL/PM/PL, tibia with dorsal process (DTA) broad, blade-like, api- 1.42:2.91:1.00:1.08, diameter of PM 0.12. Chelicerae cally pointed, prolateral hook (PTA) at base of 1.00 long, slender, smooth, promargin of fang furrow cymbium long, narrow, curved, pointed, dorsadwith two small and five large teeth, retromargin with directed ( Fig. 6E View Figure 6 ); cymbium narrowed for apical half, six large teeth. Sternum 1.52 long, 1.24 wide, large, length 0.95 times carapace length; palpal bulb apex pointed; labium 0.52 long, 0.48 wide; palpal length 1.88 times width, embolic base with a raised, coxa 0.88 long, 0.40 wide. Legs elongate, femur I distal cone.

length 2.32 times carapace length; metatarsi I and II with segment cylindrical basad of prola- Variation (N = 10): Total length 6.00–9.00; carapace teral, spinule-lined concavity. Leg measurements length 1.20–1.30 times width, height 0.29–0.43 times (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = [total]): width; PER width 2.09–3.22 times OAL; OQP 1.00– I: 6.25 + 1.30 + 7.80 + 6.15 + 2.50 = [24.00]; II: 5.30 + 1.19 times OQA; clypeal height 1.23–2.15 times AM 1.15 + 4.85 + 4.60 + 2.05 = [17.95]; III: 4.35 + 0.95 + diameter; cheliceral length 4.71–6.00 times clypeal height; promargin of fang furrow with 5–6 teeth, retromargin of fang furrow with 6–7 teeth; sternum length 1.17–1.26 times width; femur I length 2.18– 3.62 times carapace length; metatarsus I length 2.11– 3.77 times carapace length; cymbium length 0.71– 1.14 times carapace length. Specimens from the southern end of the species range (Fianarantsoa Province) are larger (greater than 7 mm body length vs. less than 7 mm body length), have longer legs (femur I greater than 3 times carapace length vs. less than 2.5 times carapace length) and most individuals have relatively smaller cymbia ( Fig. 6F View Figure 6 ) (less than 0.75 times carapace length vs. about as long as carapace length, although one Ranomafana male has a cymbium 0.92 times carapace length) compared with specimens from the northern part (Antananarivo and Toamasina Provinces) that have huge cymbia (Figs 1,3B, 6E).

Female (Ambohimanga, CASENT9016200): Total length 6.50. Markings as in male. Carapace 3.30 long, 2.40 wide; thoracic fovea deep, narrowed posteriorly, length 0.12 carapace; clypeus 0.22 high; ocular area 0.35 long, 1.02 wide, PER weakly procurved; ratio of eyes AM/AL/PM/PL, 1.41:3.58:1.00:1.00, diameter of PM 0.14. Chelicerae 1.34 long, robust, smooth, promargin of fang furrow with six teeth, retromargin with four large and two minute teeth. Sternum 1.74 long, 1.42 wide, apex prolonged, blunt; labium 0.60 long, 0.56 wide; palpal coxa 0.96 long, 0.56 wide. Femur I length 1.54 times carapace length. Leg measurements (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = [total]): I: 5.10 + 1.30 + 4.90 + 4.40 + 2.05 = [17.75]; II: 3.95 + 1.05 + 3.25 + 3.10 + 1.60 = [12.95]; III: 3.30 + 1.05 + 2.55 + 2.65 + 1.40 = [10.95]; IV: 4.40 + 1.10 + 3.70 + 3.55 + 1.60 = [14.35]; palp: 1.50 + 0.55 + 0.75 + (absent) + 1.70 = [4.50]. Calamistrum origin at 0.40 from metatarsus base, length 0.35 that of segment. Epigynum as in Figure 30D View Figure 30 , copulatory openings oblique, slit-like, ML trapezoidal, sides angled, posterior margin procurved; spermathecae as in Figure 30C View Figure 30 , each with posterior copulatory duct leading to broad, twisted, longitudinal bilobed chamber which leads to anterior spiralled duct making seven turns to apical blind-ending bulb, internal duct arising at base of spiral and extending posteriad within curve of outer chamber.

Variation (N = 16): Total length 5.80–10.90; carapace length 1.15–1.40 times width, height 0.26–0.43 times width; PER width 2.29–2.24 times OAL; OQP 1.09– 1.28 times OQA; clypeal height 1.57–2.13 times AM diameter; cheliceral length 4.64–6.11 times clypeal height; promargin of fang furrow with 6–7 teeth, retromargin of fang furrow with 5–6 teeth; sternum length 1.11–1.25 times width; femur I length 1.50– 2.72 times carapace length; metatarsus I 1.18–2.46 times carapace length. Epigyna as in Figures 30D, F View Figure 30 , 32A View Figure 32 and 40B View Figure 40 . Vulvae as in Figures 30A–C, E View Figure 30 , 32B, E View Figure 32 , and 40C–I View Figure 40 : the number of spiral turns of the vulva duct varies from as few as four (specimens from Fianarantosa Province) ( Figs 30E View Figure 30 , 40D View Figure 40 ) to as many as ten (specimens from Antananarivo and Toamasina Provinces) ( Figs 30C View Figure 30 , 40E View Figure 40 ).

Natural history: This species makes retreats beneath stones, logs, and bark of standing or fallen trees. Webs comprise a sheet that extends out from this retreat ( Fig. 2A View Figure 2 ).

Distribution: Known from rainforests and scattered forest patches along the eastern escarpment and highlands in central to south-central Madagascar, with extension to the isolated Forêt d’Ankazotsihitafototra in the west ( Fig. 57 View Figure 57 ).

Material examined: MADAGASCAR: Antananarivo Prov. 3 km 41° NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147° SSE Anjozorobe, 18°28′24″S, 47°57′36″E, elev. 1300 m, montane rainforest, 5–13 December 2000, Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team, 6 ♀, CASC (CASENT9019990, 9019993, 9019992, 9019991, 9004077, 9004111), ‘beneath leaves of fallen Ravenala’, 1 ♂, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9004080); Ambohimanga Village, 18°44′S; 47°34′E, December 1959, R. Legendre, holotype ♂, paratype ♀, MNHN; Ambohimanga, 18°44′S, 34°47′E, elev. 1400 m, 1 November 1993, R. Andriamasamanana, J. Coddington, C. Griswold, S. Larcher & N. Scharff, 4 ♂ 15 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016224, 9016200, 9016220, 9016225, 9016218, 9016204, 9016217, 9016202, 9016299, 9016198, 9016203, 9016205), 1 ♂ 2 ♀, ZMUC (CASENT9016221), 1 ♂ 1 ♀, USNM (CASENT9016201, 9016219), from beneath stone, with eggs, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016222); Ambohimanga, 18°44′S, 34°47′E, elev. 1400 m, 2 December 1993, C. Griswold, 1 ♂, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9020323); Ambohimanga, 18°44′S, 34°47′E, elev. 1400 m, 2 December 1993 (moulted in captivity), C. Griswold, 3 ♂, CASC (CASENT9016226, 9016227, 9016227); Ambohimanga, June, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN; Forêt Mangidy, July 1941, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9025740); R. S. d’Ambohitantely, primary forest, c. 20.9 km 72° NE d’Ankazobe, 18°13′30.3″S, 47°16′44″E, elev. 1574 m, montane rainforest, 19 March 2003, D. Andriamalala & D. Silva, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9015040); Forêt d’Ambohitantely, July 1941, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9016212); Angavokely, November 1946, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9032844); Gr. Angavokely, 1946, J. Millot, 7 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9016208, 9016209, 9016211, 9016210); Angavokely, grotte de la reine, 1946, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9016207). Fianarantsoa Prov. Parc National Ranomafana, Talatakely forest, 42.3 km 58° NE Fianarantsoa, 21°15′28.0″S, 47°25′21.8″E, elev. 1050 m, general collecting in montane rainforest, 24 December 2005 – 14 January 2006, H. Wood, J. Miller, J.J. Rafonomezantsoa, E. Rajeriarison, and V. Andriamananony, 3 ♀, CASC (CASENT9024053, 9024052, 9024485); Talatakely forest, 42.3 km 58° NE Fianarantsoa, 21°15′28.0″S, 47°25′21.8″E, elev. 1050 m, montane rainforest, general collecting day and night, 24 December 2005 – 14 January 2006, H. Wood, J. Miller, J.J. Rafonomezantsoa, E. Rajeriarison, V. Andriamananony, 1 ♂, CASC (CASENT9022484); Talatakely, 21°14.9′S, 47°25.6′E, 9–30 April 1998, C. Griswold, D. Kavanaugh, N. Penny, D. Ubick, M. Raherilalao, J. Schweikert & S. Ranorainarisoa, 3 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016997, 9016994); Talatakely, 21°14.9′S, 47°25.6′E, 9–30 April 1998, C. Griswold, D. Kavanaugh, N. Penny, D. Ubick, M. Raherilalao, J. Schweikert & S. Ranorainarisoa, 1 ♂, 6 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016997, 9016994, 9016992, 9016994, 9016993, 9017000); Talatakely, 21.25041°S, 47.41945°E, elev. 900 m, 2–22 January 2001, D. & K. Kavanaugh, R. Brett, E. Elsom & F. Vargas, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9003502); 7 km W Ranomafana, elev. 900 m, c. 21°12′S, 47°27′E, 20–31 January 1990, W. E. Steiner, 1 ♂, USNM, 7 km W Ranomafana, elev. 1100 m, 1–7 November 1988, W. E. Steiner, 1 ♂, USNM; Parc National Ranomafana, Talatakely, 21°15′S, 47°25′E, elev. 900 m, 5–7 December 1993, R. Andriamasamanana, C. Griswold, S. Larcher & N. Scharff, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016189, 9016192), 1 ♀, USNM (CASENT9016190), 1 ♀, ZMUC (CASENT901688); Parc National Ranomafana, Vohiparara, 21°14′S, 47°24′E, elev. 900 m, 5–7 December 1993, R. Andriamasamanana, C. Griswold, S. Larcher & N. Scharff, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016191); Parc National Ranomafana, Vohiparara, Sahamalaotra forest, 41.1 km 54° NE Fianarantsoa, 21°14′19.9″S, 47°23′39.2″E, elev. 1200 m, montane rainforest, general day collecting, 26 December 2005 – 14 January 2006, H. Wood, J. Miller, J.J. Rafonomezantsoa, E. Rajeriarison, & V. Andriamananony, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9024826); Parc National Ranomafana, c. 2 km N Vohiparara village, 21°14.8′S, 47°25.7′E, at road cut, 11–12 April 1998, C. Griswold, D. Kavanaugh, N. Penny, D. Ubick, M. Raherilalao, J. Schweikert & S. Ranorainarisoa, 3 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016999, 9016998, 9017001); Parc National Ranomafana, 2.3 km N Vohiparara village, 21°12.8′S, 47°23.0′E, elev. c. 1100 m, 24–25 April 1998, C. Griswold, D. Kavanaugh, N. Penny, D. Ubick, M. Raherilalao, J. Schweikert & S. Ranorainarisoa, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9017002); Parc National Ranomafana, Trail F, 29 April 1992, B. Roth, 1 ♀, MCZ (CASENT9016193). Toamasina Prov. Station Forestier Analamazaotra, administered by Mitsinjo, 0.75 km N Andasibe, 18°55.783′S, 48°24.696′E, elev. 964 m, general collecting day and night in primary montane rainforest, 31 January–3 February 2009, D. Andriamalala, C. Griswold, G. Hormiga, A. Saucedo, N. Scharff, and H. Wood, 4 ♀, CASC (CASENT9036009, 9029884, 9029884); Perinet, 18°56′S, 48°24′E, elev. 1000 m, 4–5 November 1993, R. Andriamasamanana, J. Coddington, C. Griswold, S. Larcher & N. Scharff, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT 9016186, 9016187), 1 ♀, USNM (CASENT9016185), 1 ♀, ZMUC (CASENT9016184); Analamazaotra (Perinet) August 1945, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9032845); Perinet, 18°55′S, 48°25′E, 1–3 August 1992, V. & B. Roth, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016183); 60 mi. E Tana, 18°54′35″S, 47° 55′28″E, elev. 1045 m, 1 August 1992, V. & B. Roth, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016235), under edge of shaded road cut, 1 ♂, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016232, 90162324, 9016233); 60 mi. W Moramanga, 18°54′44″S, 47°53′37″E, elev. 1300 m, 5 August 1992, V. & B. Roth, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016179); 50 km W Moramanga, 18°54′35″S, 47°53′37″E, elev. 1300 m, 1 August 1992, V. & B. Roth, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016181, 9016180). Toliara Prov. Rés. Spéciale d’Ambohijanahary, Forêt d’Ankazotsihitafototra, 35.2 km 312° NW Ambaravaranala, 18°16′00″S, 045°24′24″E, elev. 1050 m, general collecting in montane rainforest, 13–17 January 2003, Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9018170).