Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902

Ríos-Tamayo, Duniesky & Lyle, Robin, 2020, The South African genus Lepthercus Purcell, 1902 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) phylogeny and taxonomy, Zootaxa 4766 (2), pp. 261-305 : 272-276

publication ID

https://doi.org/ 10.11646/zootaxa.4766.2.2

publication LSID

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BA570D47-FE77-446C-B000-9208C9A6E957

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3803498

persistent identifier

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03F11B20-FFD5-FF87-8EE8-3BEBFCA1D32D

treatment provided by

Carolina

scientific name

Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902
status

 

Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902

( Figs. 2J View FIGURE , 5 View FIGURE A–J, 6A–D, 7A–C, 24)

Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902: 379 . Raven, 1985a: 86, figs. 44–49.

Material examined. Type material: Holotype ♂. SOUTH AFRICA: Eastern Cape Province, from Doornnek in the Zuurbergen[Zuurberg], Alexandria Div., Cape Colony now [33°22′S 25°43′E], 1902, W.F. Purcell leg., ( SAM-ENW - X005692 ), examined. View Materials GoogleMaps

Other material examined: SOUTH AFRICA: Eastern Cape Province, Asante Sana Private Game Reserve, buttress bet. Waterkloof & Zuurkloof (32°16′S 24°58′E, 1613m), 23.x.2010, J. Midgley, leg., 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012/3206 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (1618m), 15.iv.2010, J. Midgley, leg., 1 ♀ ( NCA, 2012/2333 ) GoogleMaps ; same data, 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012/3239 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (1406m), 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012/3231 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (1620m), 1 ♂ ( NCA, 2012/3215 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°14′S 24°56′E, 1802m), 3 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012/3226 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (1806m), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012/2351 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (1613m), 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012 /3207) GoogleMaps ; Same data (1608m), 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012 /3218) GoogleMaps same data (1614m), 3 ♂♂ ( NCA, 2012/3220 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (1204m), 1 ♂ ( NCA, 2012/3209 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°17′S 24°58′E, 1202m), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3208) GoogleMaps same data (32°15′S 24°57′E, 1613m), 1 ♂ ( NCA0 2012/3214 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°15′ S 25°00′ E, 2013m), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012/3228 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°14′S 24°56′E, 2001m), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012/3213 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (1628m), 3 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012/3216 ) GoogleMaps ; same data, 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012/3217 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (1807m), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012/3222) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°14′S 24°56′E, 1795m), 1♂ ( NCA, 2012/3221 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°15′S 24°58′E, 2001m), 25.xi.2009, same collector, 1 ♂ ( NCA, 2012/3210 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°14′S 24°56′E, 2001m), 1 ♂ ( NCA, 2012/3212 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°16′S 24°58′E, 1618m), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012/3205 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°15′S 24°58′E, 1999m), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012/3211 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°15′S 25°00′E, 1801m), 23.x.2010, GoogleMaps same collector, 1 ♂ ( NCA, 2012/3227 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°15′S 24°58′E, 1801m), 1 ♂ ( NCA, 2012/3240 ) GoogleMaps ; same data (32°14′S 24°56′E, 1802m), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3225) GoogleMaps ; same data, (32°15′S 25°00′E, 1792m), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3229) GoogleMaps ; same data, (32°16′ S 25°00′ E, 1406m), 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012/3230 ) GoogleMaps ; same data, Southern Karoo Riviere, Riverine Woodland (32°16′S 24°57′E), 7.iv-28.vii.2010, S. Van Noort leg., ASA09-WOO1-Y13, 1 ♂ ( SAM-ENW-C007744 ) GoogleMaps

.

Remarks. The type specimen (SAM-ENW-X005692, Fig. 6 View FIGURE A–D) is in poor condition, appearing to be bleached, resulting in a white coloration. The legs are very soft ( Fig. 6 View FIGURE A–D) and both bulbs have the embolus broken ( Fig. 6B View FIGURE ). To preserve the type specimen, the described male is based on NCA 2012/3206 from Asante Sana Private Game Reserve, 135 km N of the type locality. This specimen shares all the characters observed in the holotype.

Diagnosis. Males of L. dregei can be recognized inside the “Group dregei” by a short copulatory bulb with longitudinal keels extending along the embolus ( Fig. 5 View FIGURE F–H). It further differs from L. confusus sp. nov., by the strong bulb in lateral view, without a lateral keel ( Fig. 5F, H View FIGURE ). Females can be distinguished by the spermathecae with a base with an abrupt transition to the stalk; stalks curved outward with truncate receptacles ( Fig. 7C View FIGURE ). This species is similar to L. kwazuluensis sp. nov., but differs in the absence of the apical projection present in the base and by their truncate receptacles.

Description. Male (NCA 2012/3206, Fig. 5 View FIGURE A–J). Total length 10.01. Carapace ( Fig. 5A View FIGURE ): length 4.40, width 3.31, with lateral marginal bristles. Cephalic region: length 2.70; clypeus short with 5 bristles in the edge, 2 long bristles in front of the OQ. Fovea: width 0.47, almost straight. Ocular measurements: AME 0.14, ALE 0.21, PME 0.16, PLE 0.21, OQ length 0.43, 0.68 width; AME–ALE 0.04, PME–PLE 0.04, AME–PME 0.07, ALE–PLE 0.08, AME–AME 0.08, OMP–OMP 0.28. Chelicerae: length 2.19, width 1.25, with dorsal-anterior bristles, intercheliceral tumescence small, well-marked and with setae ( Fig. 5C View FIGURE ). Fang groove with 6 promarginal teeth (2 smaller in the apex) and 11 mesobasal denticles. Labium: length 0.41, width 0.64, dorsally slightly concave. Maxillae: length 1.33, width 0.61, with about 45 cuspules on inner corner, prolateral face slightly curved, soft area small, with long uniformly distributed hairs. Sternum ( Fig. 5B View FIGURE ): length 2.21, maximum width 1.73. Abdomen: length 3.83, with small and long hair (longer in the anterior side). PMS: length 0.54; PLS: length of basal:medial:apical segments 0.85:0.50:0.94; total length 2.29. Lengths of legs and palp: I: 3.73, 2.15, 2.53, 2.88, 1.99, 13.28. II: 3.50, 1.87, 2.43, 2.74, 2.10, 12.64. III: 3.12, 1.59, 1.96, 2.88, 1.99, 11.54. IV: 4.14, 1.82, 3.25, 3.88, 2.11, 15.20. Palp: 1.85, 1.01, 1.23, —, 0.69, 4.78.

Chaetotaxy: Leg I: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1-1-1 D–R, 0-1-1 D–P; patella, 1 P A (short); tibia, 1-1 P, 1-1 R, 2-2-2 V, a long cuticular spur, slightly curved outwards, with an apical long spine ( Fig. 5I, J View FIGURE ); metatarsus, 1 P (1:3B), 1-1- 0-1 V, straight, 1/3 basal posterior slightly swollen with small dark setae ( Fig. 5J View FIGURE ); tarsus, 0. Leg II: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1-0-1-1 D–P, 1-1-1 D–R; patella, 1 P A (short); tibia, 1-1 P, 2-1-3 V; metatarsus, 2-2-0-2 V, 1 P (1:3B); tarsus, 0. Leg III: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1-1-1-1 D–P, 1-1-1-1 D–R; patella, 1-1 P (shorts), 1 R; tibia, 1-1 P, 1-1 D, 1-1 R, 2-2-3 V; metatarsus, 1-1 D (1:2B), 1-1-1 D–R, 1-1-1-1 D–P, 2-2-3 V; tarsus, 0. Leg IV: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1-1-1-1 P, 1-1-1 R; patella, 1 R; tibia, 1-1 P, 2-2-2 V, 1-1 R; metatarsus, 1-1-1 P, 1-1-1 D–R, 1-1-1 D–P, 2-1-1-3 V; tarsus, 0. Palp ( Fig. 5D, E View FIGURE ): femur, 1-1-3 d; patella, 1 D INF; tibia, 1-1 P, 1-1 P INF, 1-1 D, 1 R A, (width/length: 0.49); tarsus, 0.

Scopulae: Metatarsi: I–II, dense, uniformly distributed throughout the segment, with some long and fine setae; III, sparse (1:3A), IV, sparse A, divided by a wide band of setae. Tarsi: I–II, dense, uniformly distributed throughout the segment; III, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a narrow band of setae; IV, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a wide band of setae. Trichobothria: Tibiae: I 7-8; II 9-7; III 8-8; IV 10-10. Metatarsi: I (3)1(2)1(4)1; II (3)1(1)1(4)1; III (3)1(1)1(2)1(4)1; IV (3)1(1)1(2)1(5)1. Tarsi: I-III 12; IV 13. Preening combs: metatarsus: III, 2/3 P V; IV, 2 R V. Copulatory bulb: small, with a short and acuminate embolus with basal ridges and the tip curved ( Fig. 5 View FIGURE F–H). Color: Overall light orange-yellowish (ventrally lighter). Abdomen light dark with 3-4 posterior light bands, light yellow spinnerets.

Female (NCA 2012/2333, Figs. 2J View FIGURE , 7 View FIGURE A–C). Total length 10.77. Carapace ( Fig. 7A View FIGURE ): length 4.37, width 3.02, with lateral marginal bristles. Cephalic region: Length 2.77, clypeus small with 6 marginal bristles; five bristles in front of the OQ. Fovea: width 0.45, almost straight. Ocular measurements: AME 0.13, ALE 0.27, PME 0.19, PLE 0.22, OQ length 0.43, width 0.75; AME–ALE 0.04, PME–PLE 0.02, AME–PME 0.08, ALE–PLE 0.03, AME–AME 0.10, PME–PME 0.30. Chelicerae: length 2.84, width 1.81; with dorsal–retrolateral bristles. Fang groove with 8 promarginal teeth and 11 mesobasal denticles. Labium: length 0.37, width 0.79, dorsally slightly concave. Maxillae: length 1.78, width 0.79, with 54 cuspules on inner corner, prolateral face slightly curved, soft with long uniformly distributed hairs; serrula as Fig. 2J View FIGURE . Sternum ( Fig. 7B View FIGURE ): length 2.28, maximum width 1.93. Abdomen ( Fig. 7A View FIGURE ): length 4.67, globose, with small bristles in the dorsum. PMS: length 0.53; PLS: length of basal:medial:apical segments 0.71:0.50:0.83; total length 2.04. Lengths of legs and palp: I: 3.09, 1.91, 1.98, 1.75, 1.39, 10.14. II: 2.78, 1.77, 1.63, 1.68, 1.38, 9.24. III: 2.20, 1.28, 1.26, 1.71, 1.24, 7.70. IV: 2.98, 1.59, 2.11, 2.54, 1.28, 10.50. Palp: 2.04, 1.13, 1.14, —, 1.37, 5.69.

Chaetotaxy: Leg I: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1 pa; patella, 0; tibia, 1p, 1-2 v; metatarsus, 1-1-1 V; tarsus, 0. Leg II: femur, 0; patella, 0; tibia, 1 P, 1-1-1-2 v; metatarsus, 2-2-2 V; tarsus, 0. Leg III: femur, 1-1-1-1 d; patella, 1 P, 2-1 R; tibia, 1 P (1:2 A), 1 D (1:2 A), 1-1 R, 2-2-3 V; metatarsus, 2-2-2 D, 1-1-1 R, 2-2-3 V; tarsus, 0. Leg IV: femur, 1-1- 1-1-1-1 d; patella, 0; tibia, 2-2-2 V, 1-1-1 R; metatarsus, 1-1-1 P, 2-2-2 D, 2-2-3 V; tarsus, 0. Palp: femur, 0; patella, 0; tibia, 2 P M, 2-3 v, 3 V A; tarsus, 2 V B.

Scopulae: Metatarsi: I–II, dense, uniformly distributed with some long and fine bristles; III, sparse A; IV, no present. Tarsi: I, dense, uniformly distributed; II, dense, uniformly distributed, divided by a row band of setae; III, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a narrow band of setae; IV, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a wide band of setae. Trichobothria: Tibiae: palp 8-9; I 7-9; II 9-10; III 9-8; IV 11-10. Metatarsi: I (5)1(2)1(5)1; II (4)1(2)1(4)1; III (6)1(2)1(5)1; IV (4)1(3)1(2)1(6)1. Tarsi: palp 13; I 13; II 14; III 14; IV 13. Preening combs: metatarsus: II 3 P V; III 2 P V–5 R V; IV, 2/3 R V. Spermathecae: as in Fig. 7C View FIGURE . Color: Overall light orange–yel-lowish (carapace litter dark), sternum lighter. Abdomen brown dark with 3–5 posterior light bands, spinnerets light yellow.

Distribution. Eastern Cape Province, South Africa ( Fig. 24 View FIGURE ).

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Arachnida

Order

Araneae

Family

Nemesiidae

Genus

Lepthercus

Loc

Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902

Ríos-Tamayo, Duniesky & Lyle, Robin 2020
2020
Loc

Lepthercus dregei

Raven, R. J. 1985: 86
Purcell, W. F. 1902: 379
1902
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