Linzhiassamia zayuensis, Qi & Kury & Zhang, 2024

Qi, Xiaoru, Kury, Adriano B. & Zhang, Chao, 2024, A new genus of Assamiidae (Opiliones, Grassatores) from Xizang, China, ZooKeys 1215, pp. 27-52 : 27-52

Linzhiassamia zayuensis sp. nov.

Figs 26–31 , 32–37 , 38–44 , 45–50 , 51–56 , 57–62 , 63–69 , 70–75

Type material.

Holotype • male ( MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011801 ): China: Xizang, Nyingchi , Zayu County, 28 ° 29 ' N, 97 ° 30 ' E, alt. 1405 m, 13 July 2020, L. Y. Wang leg. Paratypes: • one female ( MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011802 ), China: Xizang, Nyingchi , Zayu County, 28 ° 77 ' N, 96 ° 72 ' E, alt. 1945 m, 27 May 2019, H. Wang leg • one male and one female ( MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011803 -04), China: Xizang, Nyingchi , Zayu County, 28 ° 53 ' N, 96 ° 99 ' E, alt. 1509 m, 11 May 2023, Y. M. Hou, Z. Y. Yang leg • one male ( MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011901 ), China: Xizang, Nyingchi, Lulang Town , 29 ° 96 ' N, 94 ° 82 ' E, alt. 2472 m, 21 May 2019, H. Wang leg • one female ( MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011902 ), China: Xizang, Nyingchi , Bome County, 30 ° 10 ' N, 95 ° 07 ' E, alt. 2037 m, 02 June 2022, B. Liu leg • one male and one female ( MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011903-04 ), China: Xizang, Nyingchi , Bome County, 30 ° 04 ' N, 95 ° 02 ' E, alt. 2051 m, 17 July 2020, L. Y. Wang, Y. M. Hou, leg.

Diagnosis.

The distal margin of the ventral plate is smooth and without any indentation (Figs 38 , 63 ). Capsula externa cylindrical and capsula interna triangular, and the inner side of capsula interna with dense cover of fur-like microtrichia (Figs 41 , 66 ). The ocularium has either a short spine or is unarmed, and there are two or three spines on the lateral anterior margin of the carapace (Figs 26 , 32 , 33 , 45 , 46 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 57 , 58 , 70 , 71 , 73–74 ).

Notes.

The external morphological differences of this species are significant. The interocular have either a short spine or are smooth, and at the lateral portion there are two or three spines on the anterior margin of the carapace. However, the seta-tipped tubercles on the opisthosomal region of scutum are relatively small, which allows for a preliminary differentiation from the other three species. Additionally, by examining the expanded structure of the genitalia together with external morphological characteristics, this species can be accurately distinguished from others.

Etymology.

The name of this species is derived from its collection locality in Zayu County, Nyingchi, Xizang.

Description.

Male (holotype and paratype). Habitus as in Figs 26 , 32 , 45–47 . Coloration (Figs 45–47 ): entire body dorsally rusty yellow with brown patches; median area of prosoma with dark brown reticulations before and behind the interocular mound; anterior margin of prosoma have dark brown patches at the lateral portion; both lateral ridges of the prosomal and opisthosomal scutum with dark brown stripes; opisthosomal areas I – IV with dark brown patches, and there is a longitudinal dark brown stripe along the entire length; area V and free tergites each with a transverse dark band; The venter is the same color as the dorsum; chelicerae, pedipalps and legs rusty yellow, reticulated with light to dark brown.

Dorsum (Figs 32 , 45 ). Dorsal scutum pyriform in shape, widest portion of body at scutal area II. Anterior margin of carapace with three spines (two large spines and one small spine, with the middle one being the smallest) at the lateral portion and a single median spine; anterior margin of prosoma with two rows of small tubercles at the lateral portion. Ocularium oval, removed from the anterior border of scutum by 0.19 mm, and scattered with small tubercles. Opisthosomal region of scutum with five areas. Except for a few scattered small seta-tipped tubercles in areas II and III, opisthosomal areas I to IV are mostly smooth. Area V and all free tergites with a transverse row of seta-tipped tubercles.

Venter (Fig. 47 ). Surface of all coxae tuberculated. Coxa I with a row of four tubercles prolaterally, and two rows of tubercles on the surface. Coxa II with a row of marginal tubercles on the prolateral surface, and disto-dorsally with an enlarged tubercle. Coxa III with prolateral and retrolateral rows of tubercles. Coxa IV larger than others, prolaterally with a few scattered tubercles. Genital operculum with many hair-tipped granules. Free sternites with a row of minute tubercles. Spiracles concealed.

Chelicera (Figs 27–28 , 34 ). Basichelicerite elongate, dorsally with a slight bulla, without prominent armaments. Cheliceral hand unarmed, with sparse hairs only. Fingers relatively short, inner edges toothed as illustrated (Fig. 34 ): moveable finger with 10 teeth, the proximal one enlarged; fixed finger with five teeth, the proximal one diminished.

Pedipalpus (Figs 29–31 ). Coxa dorsally with one small tubercle. Trochanter ventrally with one long distal setiferous tubercle. Femur compressed laterally, widest at the middle of its length, ventrally with a row of six homogeneous setiferous tubercles; dorsally with a row of six low conical tubercles along the entire length; on the medial distal side with one setiferous tubercle. Patella with two ventromesal setiferous tubercles and four ventroectal setiferous tubercles. Tibia ventromesally with two enlarged and two small setiferous tubercles; and ventroectally with one fairly enlarged and four setiferous tubercles. Tarsus with sparse hairs, ventromesally with two slightly enlarged and one small setiferous tubercle, and ventroectally with two slightly enlarged and five small setiferous tubercles. Tarsal claw slightly curved, shorter than tarsus.

Legs. Slender and elongated. Trochanters I – IV with small hair-tipped granules on the ventral surface. All femora with hair-tipped granules, femora III and IV curved. Tarsi III – IV with a pseudonychium and two bare claws (Fig. 36 ). Tarsal formula (I – IV): 5 (2) / 9–10 (3) / 6 / 7. Distitarsus I two-jointed and II three-jointed. The remaining leg segments with hair-tipped granules.

Penis (Figs 38–42 ). Truncus (pars basalis) slender, sides nearly parallel, then slightly enlarged (Fig. 38 ). Distal portion of penis (pars distalis) markedly enlarged: ventral plate nearly triangle, convex in dorsal view and concave in ventral view (Figs 39 , 41 ), distal margin smooth and without any indentation (Figs 38 , 40 ). Glans partially sunken into dorsal depressed portion of pars distalis and not extending the distal margin of the ventral plate (Fig. 39 ). The glans is composed of three-quarters by the prickly funnel and capsula externa near the base, and one-quarter by the stylus and capsula interna (Fig. 41 ). Capsula externa cylindrical and capsula interna triangular, and the inner side of capsula interna with dense cover of fur-like microtrichia. Stylus with irregular shape, constricted apically, the inverted stylus with capsula interna sunken into the spiny funnel, and all parts mentioned above surrounded totally by the capsula externa (Fig. 41 ). Ventral plate with 18 setae (Figs 38–40 ): two dorsal, 10 lateral and six ventral.

Female (Figs 33 , 35 , 37 , 48–50 ). In general appearance similar to the male (Figs 33 , 48–50 ). The chelicerae are not enlarged and have a normal shape, with a slight difference in the inner edges of the cheliceral fingers compared to the males. The movable finger with 11 teeth and the fixed finger with seven teeth, both more than in males (Fig. 35 ). Pseudonychium of legs IV in female reduced compared to that of male (Fig. 37 ). Femora of pedipalpi dorsally with a row of six setiferous tubercles. Tarsal formula (I – IV): 5 (2) / 9–10 (3) / 6 / 7.

Ovipositor (Figs 43 , 44 ). Ventral side with four, dorsal side with six setae.

Measurements.

Male holotype (female paratype): body 3.42 (3.88) long, 2.33 (2.30) wide at the widest portion. Scutum 2.60 (1.74) long. Interocular mound 0.50 (0.54) long, 0.30 (0.23) wide, 0.19 (0.13) high, 0.19 (0.26) far from the anterior border of the scutum. Pedipalpal claw 0.43 (0.33) long. Penis 1.34 long. Measurements of left pedipalpus and legs as in Tables 3 , 4 .

Habitat.

These specimens were collected by sifting through the fallen leaves in the dark and humid undergrowth of the forest, as well as under stones and on the leaves of the shrubbery.

Distribution.

Known only from the type locality, the Zayu County, Bome County, and Lulang Town, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.

Variation.

Five male specimens were examined, displaying two distinct external morphologies, with a male paratype ( MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011901 ) chosen for discussion due to its differences from the male holotype ( MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011801 ). Compared to MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011801 , MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011901 exhibits darker body coloration, there are no dark brown patches located on the sides of the anterior margin of the prosoma and larger dark brown patches on the opisthosomal areas I – IV (Figs 70–72 ). The carapace is shorter and rounder, with only two spines on each side of the anterior margin of the cephalothorax, ocularium armed with a conspicuous short median spine (Figs 51 , 57 , 70–71 ). Pedipalpus femur ventrally with a row of seven homogeneous setiferous tubercles, which has one more than MHBU - Opi- 24 ZC 011801 (Figs 54–56 ). The chelicerae and inner edges of cheliceral finger show no significant differences (Figs 52 , 53 ), the moveable finger with 10 teeth, fixed finger with six teeth (Fig. 59 ). There is no variation in pseudonychium of legs IV among male individuals. (Fig. 61 ).

Females also exhibit variation in morphological characteristics. Similar to the differences observed in males, females also display slight differences in body coloration (Figs 73–72 ). The number of spines on the anterior margin of carapace at the lateral portion from two to three, and the presence or absence of spines on the ocularium varies (Figs 73–75 ). Furthermore, the number of homogeneous setiferous tubercles on the pedipalpus femur ventrally ranges from six to seven. The chelicerae and inner edges of cheliceral finger show no significant differences, the moveable finger with 11 teeth, fixed finger with six teeth (Fig. 60 ). There is no variation in pseudonychium of legs IV and the ovipositor among females (Figs 62 , 68 , 69 ).

The observed external morphological differences initially led us to consider these as potentially separate species. However, upon dissecting the genitalia, we found remarkable similarities both before and after expansion, with only slight differences in the shapes of the stylus and prickly funnel (Figs 63–67 ). We speculate that these differences may be due to varying degrees of genitalia expansion. Despite the significant variations in external morphology, including coloration, interocular tubercles, pedipalp spines, and cheliceral teeth, our examination of the male genitalia did not reveal sufficient divergence to warrant the classification of distinct species at this time.

The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is characterized by high altitude, thin atmospheric layers, and unique geographical and climatic conditions. These factors likely contribute to the observed morphological variations among specimens, particularly given the restricted gene flow between populations at different altitudes due to the limited dispersal capacity of harvestmen. While these variations may suggest the presence of more than one species, the current sample size and geographic coverage do not provide enough evidence to definitively separate these populations into distinct species. A more extensive collection of specimens from a broader range of localities is necessary before any formal taxonomic decisions can be made.

Figures

Figures 26–31. Linzhiassamia zayuensis sp. nov., male (27–31 holotype), male (26 paratype) 26 male body, lateral view 27 left chelicera of male, ental view 28 left chelicera of male, ectal view 29 left pedipalp of male, dorsal view 30 left pedipalp of male, ental view 31 left pedipalp of male, ectal view. Scale bars: 1 mm (26); 0.5 mm (27–31).

Figures 32–37. Linzhiassamia zayuensis sp. nov., male (34, 36 holotype), male (32 paratype), female (33, 35, 37 paratype) 32 male body, dorsal view 33 female body, dorsal view 34 left cheliceral fingers of male, frontal view 35 left cheliceral fingers of female, frontal view 36 right tarsal claw IV of male, lateral view 37 right tarsal claw IV of female, lateral view. Scale bars: 1 mm (32–33); 0.5 mm (36–37); 0.25 mm (34–35).

Figures 38–44. Linzhiassamia zayuensis sp. nov., genitalia of male holotype (38–42) and female paratype (43, 44) 38 penis, ventral view 39 distal part of penis, lateral view 40 same, dorsal view 41 distal part of penis (expanded), lateral view 42 same, dorsal view 43 ovipositor, dorsal view 44 same, ventral view. Pb, pars basalis, Pd pars distalis. Scale bars: 0.5 mm (38); 0.25 mm (39–44).

Figures 45–50. Photographs of male (45–47 holotype) and female (48–50 paratype) of Linzhiassamia zayuensis sp. nov. 45, 48 body and parts of appendages, dorsal view 46, 49 body and parts of appendages, lateral view 47, 50 body and parts of appendages, ventral view. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Figures 51–56. Linzhiassamia zayuensis sp. nov., male (51–56 paratype) 51 male body, lateral view 52 left chelicera of male, ental view 53 left chelicera of male, ectal view 54 left pedipalp of male, dorsal view 55 left pedipalp of male, ental view 56 left pedipalp of male, ectal view. Scale bars: 1 mm (51); 0.5 mm (52–56).

Figures 57–62. Linzhiassamia zayuensis sp. nov., male (59, 61, 57 paratype), female (58, 60, 62 paratype) 57 male body, dorsal view 58 female body, dorsal view 59 left cheliceral fingers of male, frontal view 60 left cheliceral fingers of female, frontal view 61 right tarsal claw IV of male, lateral view 62 right tarsal claw IV of female, lateral view. Scale bars: 1 mm (57, 58); 0.5 mm (61–62), 0.25 mm (59–60).

Figures 63–69. Linzhiassamia zayuensis sp. nov., genitalia of male paratype (63–67) and female paratype (68–69) 63 penis, ventral view 64 distal part of penis, lateral view 65 same, dorsal view 66 distal part of penis (expanded), lateral view 67 same, dorsal view 68 ovipositor, dorsal view 69 same, ventral view. Pb, pars basalis, Pd pars distalis. Scale bars: 0.5 mm (63); 0.25 mm (64–69).

Figures 70–75. Photographs of male (70–72 paratype) and female (73–75 paratype) of Linzhiassamia zayuensis sp. nov. 70, 73 body and parts of appendages, dorsal view 71, 74 body and parts of appendages, lateral view 72, 75 body and parts of appendages, ventral view. Scale bars: 1 mm.