Karstia prolata, Zhao, Qingyuan & Li, Shuqiang, 2012

Zhao, Qingyuan & Li, Shuqiang, 2012, Eleven new species of theridiosomatid spiders from southern China (Araneae, Theridiosomatidae), ZooKeys 255, pp. 1-48 : 10-12

Karstia prolata sp. n. Figs 1314

Material examined.

Holotype: CHINA, Guangxi: Pingxiang City, Youyi County, Bantou Village, Niuyan Cave, 22°05.666'N, 106°45.439'E, elevation ca 251 m, 18 January 2011, Z.G. Chen & Z.W. Zha (IZCAS), 1 female.

Paratypes: [same data as holotype] (IZCAS), 9 females.

Etymology.

The specific name is derived from the Latin word ‘prolatus’ meaning elongated’, and refers to the extended epigynal scape; adjective.

Diagnosis.

Females distinguished by the protruding scape and the overlapped, stout spermathecae. The long acute-angled scape protrudes vertically from the posterior epigynal margin (Figs 13B, F), which is different from other known Karstia species and Baalzebub species.

Description.

Relatively large in total body length, compared to other theridiosomatid species. Carapace greenish tan, with brown ocular region. Sternum yellow with dark margins. Femur yellow, brown from patella to tarsus. Abdomen beige with evenly distributed silver spots within dorsal area and 8 or more rows of mesally disrupted greenish grey patches, with a large, wedge-shaped greenish grey patch between epigyne and spinnerets (Figs 13 D–E).

Vulva: Epigyne with a long, apiculate scape protruding perpendicularly (slightly tilted) from posterior margin of epigyne plate, flanked by a cluster of long sinuous setae on each side (Figs 13A, E–F). Two deep grooves occur at the posterior base of epigyne which are likely connected to the copulatory openings (Figs 13B, E). Tip of scape glossy black (Fig. 13A). Spermathecae peanut-shaped, juxtaposed (Fig. 13C). Copulatory ducts’ routing simple, half-looped (Figs 13C, 14B).

Female: Total length 3.85, carapace 1.92 long, 1.25 wide, clypeus 0.15, sternum 0.63 long, 0.65 wide, coxae IV separated by 2.00 times their width. Posterior median eyes separated by half their diameter. Macrosetae: Leg I: femur d 2, p 1, patella d 2, tibia d 2, p 2, v 1, r 1, metatarsus p 1, v 3, r 1; Leg II: femur d 2, patella d 2, tibia d 1, p 2, v 1, r 1, metatarsus p 1, v 2, r 1; Leg III: femur d 1, v 1, patella d 1, tibia d 1, p 2, v 2, metatarsus d 3; Leg IV: tibia d 2, p 1, metatarsus d 2. Metatarsal trichobothria: Tm I: 0.13; Tm II: 0.22; Tm III: 0.27; Tm IV: 0.22. Leg measurements: I 6.35 (2.00, 0.75, 1.35, 1.50, 0.75); II 5.25 (1.50, 0.70, 1.10, 1.20, 0.75); III 3.35 (0.95, 0.45, 0.70, 0.75, 0.50); IV 4.60 (1.50, 0.50, 1.00, 1.00, 0.60).

Male unknown.