Tegenaria amirani Seropian, Bulbulashvili et Makharadze sp. nov.

Figs 1–9

Type material.

Holotype ♂ (CaBOL-ID 1009928): Georgia: Shida Kartli, Gori, Kvernaki ridge; 41.9927°N, 44.1352°E; 705 m a. s. l.; heathland, S exposed dry rocky slope; leg. N. Bulbulashvili; 30 Jun. 2024 . Paratypes. 1 ♀ (CaBOL-ID 1009929): same data; leg. G. Makharadze . 1 ♂ (CaBOL-ID 1020867): Tbilisi, Dighomi Vill.; 41.7796°N, 44.6995°E; 724 m a. s. l.; heathland, dry rocky slope; leg. A. Seropian; 2 June 2023 .

Diagnosis.

The new species belongs to the lyncea species group, defined by Brignoli (1978), in having a hammer-shaped conductor with pronounced pro- and retrolateral branches. Males of Tegenaria amirani sp. nov. are similar to those of T. podoprygorai (Kovblyuk, 2006) and T. terskovi Ponomarev, 2023, from which they are distinguished by median (= tegular) apophysis (MA) positioned at ca. 12–1 o’clock (Figs 1, 3) [vs. originating at ca. 3 o’clock (Kovblyuk 2006: fig. 3; Ponomarev and Shmatko 2023: figs 1–2)], tip of conductor with ventral branch shorter than dorsal (Figs 2, 4) [vs. longer (Kovblyuk 2006: figs 1–3; Ponomarev and Shmatko 2023: figs 1–2)], and differently shaped retrolateral tibial apophysis (Figs 1, 4–5). By the conformation of epigyne, female of the new species is similar to that of T. pseudolyncea (Guseinov, Marusik & Koponen, 2005), from which it can be distinguished by having general sternal pattern [vs. uniformly brown (Guseinov et al. 2005: 167)], terminal receptacula (TR) separated ca. by its diameter (Figs 6–7) [vs. separated ca. by 2 × its diameter (Guseinov et al. 2005: figs 61–62; Ponomarev et al. 2024: figs 49–50)], and overall smaller body size (5.42 vs. 7.6; Guseinov et al. 2005: 168).

Description.

Male (holotype). Total length 5.35. Carapace 2.61 long, 1.95 wide. Chelicerae red-brown, 1.28 long, with 4 pro- and 4 retromarginal teeth. Carapace light reddish; pars cephalica darker, with thin, dark median line; pars thoracica lighter, with uneven darker radiating pattern. Abdominal pattern as in Fig. 8. Sternum light reddish, with typical darker pattern. Spinnerets light grey; basal segment of anterior spinnerets darker. Legs yellowish, with darker coxae; coxae and femora with ventral dark grey spots. Leg measurements as in Table 1. Palpal structure as in Figs 1–5: femur ca. 1.6 × longer than tibia and patella together, patella subequal in length to tibia; tibia ca. 1.4 × longer than wide, apophysis with 2 pointy arms; cymbium ca. 1.6 × longer than wide, with tip ca. 1 / 5 of cymbial length, bulb almost as long as wide, tegulum oval, not extending beyond conductor, median apophysis (MA) short, thinner than conductor stem (CS); conductor large with longer prolateral arm; embolus long, originating at ca. 6 o'clock, mostly hidden under conductor flap.

Variation.

Males (n = 2). Total length 5.35–5.42. Carapace 2.61–2.63 long, 1.95–1.96 wide. Female (paratype). Total length 5.42. Carapace 2.65 long, 2.11 wide. Chelicerae light brown, 1.05 long, with 4 pro- and 4 retromarginal teeth. Coloration as in males, with lighter carapace, chelicerae, and coxae; coxae with ventral dark grey spots. Leg measurements as in Table 1. Epigyne and endogyne as in Figs 6–7. Epigynal plate slightly extends epigastric furrow, with distinct round receptacula and dark transverse duct visible; nipples absent. Endogyne with two pairs of round receptacula, connected by long duct; terminal receptacula separated from each other ca. its diameter.

Etymology.

Named after Amirani, a cultural hero from Georgian mythology, chained to a rock as punishment for stealing fire and gifting it to humanity, in a reference to the rocky outcrops the new species inhabits; noun in apposition.

Habitat.

All specimens were individually collected under stones from dry and rocky slopes.

Distribution.

Known only from the aforementioned localities in Georgia.