Raveniola caudata species group

Diagnostic characters

Maxilla with numerous cuspules arranged in a triangular area (Figs 202–204). PMS medium-sized to large. Apical segment of PLS elongate and considerably longer than in other Raveniola spp. (Figs 555– 558 cf. Figs 559–618). Males: tibiae and metatarsi I–II without modified hairs (Figs 256, 258, 260, 290); cymbium moderately short (as in Figs 349–351); embolus broadly tipped, always with well-developed subapical keel (Figs 379–384, 466–468). Females: spermathecae (known only for one species of the group) very wide, each with two short, thin, and closely spaced stalks (Figs 487–488).

Species included

Raveniola caudata Zonstein, 2009, R. inopinata sp. nov., and R. redikorzevi (Spassky, 1937) .

Key to the species of the caudata group

Males

1. Carapace and legs ginger brown or brownish orange, abdomen paler, light yellowish brown, with or without dorsal pattern (Figs 1, 3); PMS larger, basal segment of PLS 1.8–2 times as long as PMS (Figs 555, 557); embolic keel larger and higher (Figs 379, 383) ...................................................... 2

– Carapace and legs dark sepia brown, abdomen almost uniformly greyish brown (not lighter than carapace, see Fig. 2); PMS smaller, basal segment of PLS 2.5 times as long as PMS (Fig. 556); embolic keel smaller and lower (Fig. 381) ......................................................... R. inopinata sp. nov.

2. Abdomen with clearly developed darker dorsal pattern (Fig. 3). Copulatory bulb 2.5 times as long as wide, with proximal part of embolus less tapering (Fig. 383)........... R. redikorzevi (Spassky, 1937) .

– Abdomen with indistinct dorsal pattern (Fig. 1). Copulatory bulb 2 times as long as wide, with proximal part of embolus more tapering (Fig. 379) ................................. R. caudata Zonstein, 2009 .

Females

Within the group, only the female of R. redikorzevi is currently known (see below).