Paroecobius private sp. nov.

(Figs 3 C–D, 5E, 6)

Etymology. The specific name refers to the character Private, from the American 3D, computer-animated comedy film “Penguins of Madagascar ”.

Type material. Female holotype (CASENT 9013402) from Madagascar: Toliara, Atsimo-Andrefana, Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa (24°6’S 43°45’S), 6.7 km 130° SE Efoetse, 23.0 km 174° S Beheloka, 18–22 March 2002, B.L. Fisher et al. leg. (BLF6160).

Diagnosis. Females of Paroecobius private differ from other species of the genus by the wide hood of the epigynum. The hood is also thin, not covering the atrium (Fig. 3C). Internally, the spermathecae differ from those of all other species of Paroecobius by having the fertilization and copulatory ducts connected to a constricted, wrinkled projection of the spermathecae (Figs 3D, 5E).

Description. Male. Unknown.

Female (holotype). Carapace homogeneously pale yellow. Anterior median eyes the largest, black and surrounded by a black ring, remaining eyes translucent. Clypeus pale yellow, with projection evenly rounded. Chelicerae, labium, endites, sternum, pedipalps, legs and spinnerets homogeneously pale yellow. Opisthosoma dorsally pale yellow, evenly covered with white spots, ventrally pale yellow. Epigynum are very translucent, the hood is slightly sclerotized (Fig. 3C). Total length 1.22. Carapace 0.46 long, 0.51 wide. Tibia I length 0.25, II 0.28, III 0.25, IV 0.25. Opisthosoma 0.76 long, 0.61 wide.

Distribution. Madagascar, province of Toliara (Fig. 6).

Additional material examined. None, known only from the type material.