Fuchiba similis sp. n.

Figs 11, 41, 42, 49

Etymology: From Latin similis (alike), the name refers to the similarities in epigyne structure to F. capensis sp. n.

Diagnosis: This species can be recognised by the fine transverse corrugations anteriorly on the epigyne, and by the larger ST II than F. capensis sp. n. Male unknown.

Description:

Female.

Measurements: CL 1.93, CW 1.63, AL 2.87, AW 2.30, TL 4.70, FL 0.08, SL 0.97, SW 0.90, AME–AME 0.10, AME–ALE 0.05, ALE–ALE 0.41, PME–PME 0.13, PMEPLE 0.19, PLE–PLE 0.71. Length of leg segments: I 1.23+0.65+1.00+0.75+0.60=4.23; II 1.17+0.63+0.83+0.72+0.53=3.88; III 0.97+0.53+0.67+0.73+0.40=3.30; IV 1.27+0.58+1.10+1.20+0.47=4.62.

Carapace, including eye region, deep orange-brown, slightly darker laterally (Fig. 11); carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline; surface finely granular, covered in dense, short fine setae, interspersed with long erect setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, eyes subequal; clypeus height equal to 1.25× AME diameter; AME separated by distance slightly less than their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 0.5× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes slightly larger than laterals; PME separated by 1.25× their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 1.75× PME diameter. Chelicerae deep orange-brown; anterior surface with scattered short, fine setae, interspersed with long, fine erect setae; promargin with three widely spaced teeth, median tooth slightly larger than distal tooth, proximal tooth smallest; retromargin with three subequal teeth sharing single base. Sternum bright orange, dark orange-brown along border; surface smooth, covered in short fine setae. Abdomen: cream with distinct grey chevron markings dorsally, posterior branches continuing laterally, converging at spinnerets (Fig. 11); cream laterally and ventrally with faint grey mottling; oval, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, slightly longer than wide; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short fine setae, interspersed with long erect setae; dorsum with three pairs of sigilla present, first at 1/3 abdomen length, posterior pairs close together at midpoint; venter with indistinct small oval sclerites, running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs I to IV uniform yellow-brown; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae interspersed with long erect setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Epigyne with fine transverse corrugated ridges anteriorly and circular ridges posteriorly; copulatory openings situated laterally in these depressions; entrance ducts short and broad; ST II bent medially, narrowing before entering round anteromedian receptacles; ST I anterolaterally situated, with fine duct leading to fertilisation ducts posteriorly.

Holotype: ♀SOUTH AFRICA: “ Ngome State Forest / 27°49'S, 31°26'E / X.1992 / M. van der Merwe / 2C/ 10 – Pit trap / open forest //” (NCA, 94/436).

Biology: The holotype was collected by pitfall trapping in open forest.