Apostenus maroccanus n. sp.

(Figs 25-28)

Type material: Holotype male from Morocco, Ifrane, S. Azrou, 1450m, in litter and under stones in Q uercus ilex forest, 7.11.1996; deposited in IRSNB; 1 male 2 female paratypes, same data (1 male 1 female in CRB, 1 female in IRSNB) .

Diagnosis: Distinguished from other Apostenus species by the uniform pale legs, and by the shape of the median apophysis and the embolus in the male palp.

Description:

Measurements: Male: Total length 2.2; carapace 1.04- 1.08 long, 0.86-0.91 wide. Female: Total length 3.0-3.1; carapace 1.10-1.12 long, 0.92-0.94 wide.

Legs: Tibiae I-II with 5 pairs of strong ventral spines, Mt l-II with 3 pairs of ventral spines, legs III-IV with normal spination.

Colour: Carapace yellowish orange with narrow dark margin, area before fovea and striae tinged with grey, in some specimens barely visible; legs uniform yellowish orange; abdomen greyish brown, males with triangular antero-dorsal reddish brown spot and three pairs of small postero-dorsal spots of same colour.

Palp (Figs. 25-26): Tibia with oblique, pointed apophysis; median apophysis a gently curved hook; embolus very thick, widened in middle.

Epigyne (Fig. 27): With narrow median septum, angular in upper half.

Vulva (Fig. 28): Receptacula very, large, circular; no distinct copulation ducts.

Other material examined: None.

Distribution: Morocco. Only known from the type locality.