Aname attenuata (Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918) stat. rev.

Figs 1, 6, 18–20

Dolichosternum attenuatum Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918: 169, pl. 24 figs 121–122.

Aname distincta (Rainbow, 1914) – Raven 1981: 338 (synonymised Dolichosternum Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918 with Aname L. Koch, 1873; synonymy of A. attenuata (Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918) with A. distincta (Rainbow, 1914) here rejected); 1985a: figs 19, 36, 48, 67–69 (illustrated male QMB S1267 [Eidsvold region], and illustrated females QMB S1263 [Cooyar], QMB S1268 [Gailes], EUQ [Bunya Mountains], all here identified as A. attenuata (Rainbow & Pulleine, 1918)) .

Aname “MYG684” – Rix et al. 2021: figs 3, 5, 7.

Diagnosis

Males of A. attenuata can be distinguished from all species for which males are known except A. blackdownensis, A. convoluta sp. nov., A. ferruginea sp. nov., A. giraulti, A. intermedia sp. nov., A. pallida, and A. vigilata sp. nov. by a moderate to large body size (carapace length>4.0 mm), and the presence of a long embolus (embolus length /bulb length>1.5), a proximal excavation less than or equal to half the length of metatarsus I, and a prominent and sharp heel on metatarsus I (Fig. 18Q). Males of A. attenuata can be distinguished from those of A. ferruginea, A. giraulti, and A. pallida by the presence of an embolus that is not reflexed and does not have a small hook at the tip, and the presence of thorn-like setae along the retrolateral edge of the asetose depression on the palp tibia (Fig. 18K–M; cf. Figs 15, 25, 27). Males of A. attenuata can be distinguished from those of A. blackdownensis, A. intermedia, and A. vigilata by the presence of a copulatory organ with an un-demarcated embolus, such that the bulb tapers gradually into the curving embolus (Fig. 18L; cf. Figs 21, 29, 33). Males of A. attenuata can be distinguished from those of A. convoluta by the presence of a shorter embolus (embolus length/ bulb length <2.0) (Fig. 18L; cf. Fig. 23).

Females of A. attenuata can be distinguished from all species for which females are known except A. blackdownensis, A. convoluta sp. nov., and A. platensis sp. nov. by the presence of spermathecae with two vesicles, with relatively long and straight lateral vesicles (lateral vesicle length /genitalia width>0.25), and long medial vesicles (medial vesicle length / lateral vesicle length>1.0) that project at an antero-medial angle (Figs 19L, 20L). Females of A. attenuata can be distinguished from those of A. convoluta by the presence of spermathecae with less elongate medial vesicles (medial vesicle length / genitalia width <0.5) (Figs 19L, 20L; cf. Fig. 24). Females of A. attenuata can be distinguished from those of A. blackdownensis by the absence of bristle-like setae covering the posterior part of the abdomen (Figs 19B, D, 20B, D; cf. Fig. 22). Females of A. attenuata can be distinguished from those of A. platensis by the presence of spermathecae with thinner, undulating medial vesicles (medial vesicle length / width ~4.1; cf. ~ 3.3 in A. platensis) (Figs 19L, 20L; cf. Fig. 32).

Type material

Holotype

AUSTRALIA – Queensland • ♀; Eidsvold; 25°22′ S, 151°07′ E; AMS KS8213.

Other material examined

AUSTRALIA – Queensland • 1 ♂; Fraser Island, Orchid Beach, Eliza Avenue; 24°58′ S, 153°19′ E; 20 Aug.–17 Dec. 1997; R. J. Raven, P. Fishburn and P. Lawless leg.; pitfall trap; QMB S43412 • 1 ♂; Fraser Island, Marcoo [Marloo]; 24°58′ S, 153°18′ E; Nov. 1999; R.J. Raven leg.; QMB S55376 • 1 juv.; Good Night Scrub National Park; 25°13′ S, 150°35′ E; 20 Feb. 2019; M.G. Rix and J.D. Wilson leg.; excavated, open burrow in creek bank, dry rainforest; QMB S111402 • 1 ♂; Fraser Island; 25°14′ S, 153°08′ E; 8 Jul. 1998; P. Lawless and D. Wilson leg.; pitfall trap; QMB S72543 • 2 ♂♂; Fraser Island; 25°14′ S, 153°07′ E; 16 Aug. 1999; QMB S50855 • 1 ♂; Hervey Bay; 25°17′ S, 152°40′ E; 12 Jul. 1991; Hervey Bay Shire Council leg.; QMB S20000 • 1 ♂; 1 km E of One Tree Hill; 25°17′ S, 151°55′ E; 180 m a.s.l.; 19 Mar.–28 May 2000; D.J. Cook and G.B. Monteith leg.; pitfall trap, vinescrub; QMB S57237 • 1 ♂; 1 km E of One Tree Hill; 25°17′ S, 151°55′ E; 180 m a.s.l.; 14 Dec. 1999 – 19 Mar. 2000; G.B. Monteith leg.; pitfall trap, vinescrub; QMB S57783 • 1 ♀; Good Night Scrub National Park; 25°18′ S, 150°35′ E; 167 m a.s.l.; 20 Feb. 2019; M.G. Rix and J.D. Wilson leg.; excavated, open burrow on bank next to road, dry rainforest; QMB S111405 • 1 ♂; Takura, 1266 Torbanlea-Pialba Road; 25°19′ S, 152°40′ E; 7 Jun. 2005; J. Weldon leg.; hand collected, in bedroom; QMB S66986 • 1 ♂; 5.5 km SE of One Tree Hill; 25°20′ S, 151°55′ E; 120 m a.s.l.; 19 Mar.–28 May 2000; D.J. Cook and G.B. Monteith leg.; pitfall trap, vine scrub; QMB S57686 • 2 juvs; Eidsvold; 25°22′ S, 151°07′ E; AMS KS8214 • 1 ♂; Eidsvold; 25°22′ S, 150°55′ E; 8 Aug. 1961; M.A. Tesch leg.; QMB S9356 • 1 ♂; 3.5 km SE of Farlie’s Knob; 25°32′ S, 152°19′ E; 120 m a.s.l.; 20 Dec. 2000 – 23 Mar. 2001; G.B. Monteith and D.J. Cook leg.; pitfall trap, hoop pine scrub; QMB S56738 • 1 ♂; Binjour, Swains Road; 25°32′ S, 151°30′ E; 340 m a.s.l.; 20 Dec. 1997 – 26 Apr. 1998; G.B. Monteith leg.; pitfall trap, vine scrub; QMB S31718 • 1 ♀; Binjour, Swains Road; 25°32′ S, 151°30′ E; 371 m a.s.l.; 24 Apr. 2023; J.D. Wilson and M.G. Rix leg.; excavated, open burrow on ground; QMB S118309 • 1 ♂; 3 km SW of Wetheron; 25°34′ S, 151°42′ E; 150 m a.s.l.; 27–28 Jan. 1999; D.J. Cook leg.; pitfall trap, vine scrub; QMB S59932 • 1 ♂; 3 miles from Mundubbera, on loop road from Munduberra-Eidsvold Road; 25°35′ S, 151°17′ E; 11 Aug. 1961; P.R. Webb leg.; excavated, open burrow, semi-brigalow patch; QMB S1267 • 1 ♂; St Mary State Forest; 25°41′ S, 152°23′ E; 5 Sep. 1995; M. Starkey leg.; QMB S30133 • 1 ♂; Narayan Research Station; 25°44′ S, 150°46′ E; 9 Jan. 1980; J. Hodgekinson leg.; QMB S54428 • 1 ♂; St Mary State Forest; 25°44′ S, 152°31′ E; R. Zellow leg.; QMB S118362 • 1 ♂; Tiaro; 25°44′ S, 152°31′ E; 5 Sep. 1995; M. Starkey leg.; hand collected, in house after spraying; QMB S30132 • 1 ♂; Stockhaven, near Ban Ban National Park; 25°48′ S, 151°59′ E; 450 m a.s.l.; 25 Jan.–2 Jun. 1999; G.B. Monteith and G. Thompson leg.; pitfall trap, rainforest; QMB S59923 • 1 ♂; Cooloola Cove, Queen Elizabeth Drive; 25°58′ S, 152°59′ E; Nov. 1999; R. J. Raven leg.; QMB S60855 • 1 ♂; Cooloola Cove, 110 Bayside Road; 25°58′ S, 152°59′ E; 15 Apr. 2005; G. Webb leg.; QMB S66989 • 1 ♂; Cobbs Hill; 26°02′ S, 151°54′ E; 19 Dec. 1992 –NA; S. Hamlet leg.; pitfall trap; QMB S27400 • 1 ♂; 10 km ENE of Wonga Hills Pastoral; 26°03′ S, 150°55′ E; 320 m a.s.l.; 11 Dec. 2001 – 4 Mar. 2002; D.J. Cook and G.B. Monteith leg.; pitfall trap, brigalow; QMB S58064 • 2 ♂♂; Wonga Hills Pastoral, site 1; 26°04′ S, 150°49′ E; 480 m a.s.l.; 11 Dec. 2001 – 4 Mar. 2002; D.J. Cook and G.B. Monteith leg.; pitfall trap, vine scrub; QMB S58051 • 1 ♂; Wonga Hills Pastoral; 26°04′ S, 150°50′ E; 520 m a.s.l.; 11 Dec. 2001 – 4 Mar. 2002; D.J. Cook and G.B. Monteith leg.; pitfall trap, vine scrub; QMB S58407 • 1 ♂; Kilkivan; 26°05′ S, 151°58′ E; 26 Oct. 1991; QMB S25567 • 1 ♂; Boat Mountain, summit; 26°09′ S, 151°59′ E; 26 Jan.–20 Apr. 1995; G.B. Monteith leg.; intercept trap, vine scrub; QMB S46422 • 1 ♂; Goomeri; 26°11′ S, 152°01′ E; 18 Aug. 1952; P. Stimmer leg.; QMB S9366 • 1 ♂; Gympie; 26°11′ S, 152°39′ E; 1987; M. DeBaar leg.; QMB S6776 • 1 ♂; Gympie; 26°11′ S, 152°39′ E; 9 Jun. 1989; E. Wharton and A. P.C. leg.; hand collected, in tree; QMB S6891 • 2 ♂♂; 23 km ENE of Barakula; 26°13′ S, 150°35′ E; 400 m a.s.l.; 18 Dec. 2001 – 4 Mar. 2002; G.B. Monteith and D.J. Cook leg.; pitfall trap, brigalow; QMB S58058 • 1 ♂; Jimna State Forest, Marumba Creek; 26°40′ S, 152°21′ E; 10 Apr. 1979; K. McDonald leg.; QMB S9373 • 1 ♂; Bellthorpe-Jimna Road; 26°43′ S, 152°32′ E; 20 Jan.–9 Mar. 1997; G.B. Monteith leg.; pitfall trap, open forest; QMB S38069 • 2 ♂♂; Bellthorpe-Jimna Road; 26°46′ S, 152°38′ E; 9 Mar.–15 May 1997; G.B. Monteith leg.; intercept trap, open forest; QMB S37645 • 1 ♂; Maidenwell; 26°50′ S, 151°45′ E; 11 May 2005; S. Thomas leg.; QMB S69851 • 2 ♂♂; Moore, near Toogoolawah; 26°53′ S, 152°13′ E; 1 Jul. 1983; C. Krisanski leg.; hand collected, in house; QMB S10039 • 1 ♂; Kilcoy; 26°56′ S, 152°33′ E; 3 Apr. 2000; L. Blunt leg.; QMB S45073 • 1 ♂; Belle [Bell]; 26°56′ S, 150°58′ E; 1 Mar. 1984; QMB S9810 • 1 ♂; Kilcoy; 26°57′ S, 152°33′ E; 1 Jun. 1993; P. Strong leg.; hand collected, in house; QMB S21266 • 2 ♂♂; Marlaybrook property, SW of the Bunya Mountains; 26°58′ S, 151°35′ E; 1–6 Mar. 1976; R. J. Raven and V. E. Davies leg.; QMB S9369 • 1 ♂, 1 ♀, 1 juv.; Marlaybrook property, SW of the Bunya Mountains; 26°58′ S, 151°35′ E; 5 Mar. 1976; R. J. Raven leg.; excavated, bottle tree scrub; QMB S9385 • 2 ♂♂; Blackbutt Range; 26°60′ S, 150°59′ E; 2 Jan. 1981; I.A. McKenzie leg.; excavated, burrow webbed over; QMB S9374 • 1 ♂; Caboolture; 27°04′ S, 152°56′ E; 26 Apr. 1989; J. Jesberg leg.; QMB S11470 • 1 ♂; Caboolture; 27°04′ S, 152°56′ E; 21 Jun. 1955; J.S. Mackay leg.; QMB S9370 • 1 ♂; Toogoolawah; 27°05′ S, 152°14′ E; Jul. 2001; A. Stafford leg.; QMB S29063 • 1 ♂; Coominya; 27°26′ S, 152°14′ E; 19 Jun. 1997; D. Marchioni leg.; QMB S34622 • 1 ♂; Fernvale; 27°27′ S, 152°39′ E; 21 Jun. 1994; Ipswich, Queensland Ambulance Service leg.; QMB S21984 • 1 ♂; Toowoomba; 27°34′ S, 151°51′ E; 17 Apr. 2001; G. Sharp leg.; QMB S54401 • 1 ♂; Hatton Vale; 27°34′ S, 152°28′ E; 4 May 1983; Ipswich, Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade leg.; QMB S6717 • 1 ♂; Goodna, Carole Park; 27°37′ S, 152°55′ E; 17 Apr. 1984; Queensland Oilseed Crushers leg.; QMB S9815 • 1 ♀; Goodna, Ric Nattrass Environmental Park, corner of Eric and Bertha Street; 27°37′ S, 151°32′ E; 58 m a.s.l.; 22 Sep. 2020; M.G. Rix leg.; excavated, open burrow on ground, open eucalypt forest; QMB S124049 • 1 ♂; Camira; 27°38′ S, 152°54′ E; 27 Apr. 1983; J. Moore leg.; QMB S9819 • 1 ♂; Amberley; 27°38′ S, 152°41′ E; 6 Jun. 1984; Royal Australian Air Force leg.; QMB S10278 • 1 ♂; Roadvale; 27°55′ S, 152°41′ E; 8 May 1986; P. Claridge leg.; QMB S9359 .

Description

Male (QMB S58407)

GENERAL (Fig. 18A–Q). Body length 16.54, in good condition, colour presumably faded due to preservation.

DORSAL PROSOMA (Fig. 18A, E–F). Carapace length 6.58, width 5.48, length/width 1.20, clypeus to fovea length/carapace length 0.70, caput width/carapace width 0.70, carapace red-brown, caput slightly darker than thorax, reflective setae present, moderate on caput, light on thorax, fovea procurved, fovea width/carapace length 0.17 (Fig. 18A, F); chelicerae dark red-brown, rastellum absent or inconspicuous, chelicerae length/carapace length 0.57 (Fig. 18A); eye group rectangular, width/length 2.03, eye tubercle present (Fig. 18E).

ABDOMEN (Fig. 18B, D). Abdomen length 6.07, grey-brown, dorsal pattern absent, with consistent cover of short setae.

VENTRAL PROSOMA (Fig. 18C, G–I). Labium cuspules absent (Fig. 18H); maxillae heel distinct, cuspules present, count =about 90, extending posteriorly onto heel, extending laterally about 25% of maxillae length (Fig. 18C, I); coxae cuspules absent, thorn-like setae on prolateral face present (Fig. 18C, I); sternum length/width 1.30, central sternum with consistent covering of moderate setae, row of longer setae around posterior edges (Fig. 18G–H); posterior sigilla ovoid, central sternum to posterior sigilla length/sternum length 0.26, posterior sigilla length/sternum length 0.10 (Fig. 18G–H); other sigilla small, round and lateral (Fig. 18G–H).

LEG I (Fig. 18N–Q). Leg I red-brown, lighter on distal metatarsus and tarsus, femur length 5.83, patella length 3.63, tibia length 4.10, metatarsus length 4.00, tarsus length 2.54, total length 20.10, leg I length/ carapace length 3.05 (Fig. 18N–O); scopulae on distal metatarsus and tarsus (Fig. 18N–O); spine count Fe D 3, Fe PL 2, Pa PL 2, Ti PL 0, Ti RL 0, Me PL 0, Me RL 0, Ta 0 (Fig. 18N–O); tibia length/width [TIL/ TID] 3.51, even width along length, spur present, intermediate triangular/digitiform, knuckle present, megaspine angled at 23 degrees, length to distal face of spur/tibia length [TIS/TIL] 0.45, spur height/tibia width [TISH/TID] 0.63, megaspine length/tibia length 0.22 (Fig. 18N–P); metatarsus slightly sinuous, proximal excavation present, excavation concave with pronounced heel, heel sharp, excavation length/ metatarsus length [MIPEL/MIL] 0.48, metatarsus length/width [MIL/MID] 4.33 (Fig. 18N–O, Q).

PEDIPALP (Fig. 18J–M). Tibia length 2.95, width 1.01, length/width [PTL/PTD] 2.92, asetose depression present, depression length/palp tibia length [PDL/PTL] 0.58, retrolateral face with short, thorn-like setae along retrolateral edge of depression, ventral face with one elongate bristle-like seta below depression, prolateral face with patch of spines on distal half, disto-medial spine absent (Fig. 18J–K); patella prolateral face with 2 spines (Fig. 18J–K); cymbium with scopulae present distally (Fig. 18J–K); copulatory organ total length 1.62, length/palp tibia length 0.55 (Fig. 18L–M); bulb length/width 0.84 (Fig. 18L–M); embolus tapering from bulb, attenuate, tapering and curving relatively evenly to point, width at base/bulb width 0.30, embolus length/bulb length 1.92 (Fig. 18L–M).

Female (holotype, AMS KS8213)

GENERAL (Fig. 19A–L). Body length 19.63, in poor condition, significantly faded, damaged and deformed due to long-term preservation.

DORSAL PROSOMA (Fig. 19A, E–F). Carapace length 7.28, width 5.73, length/width 1.27, clypeus to fovea length/carapace length 0.71, caput width/carapace width 0.76, carapace orange-brown, reflective setae present, light on caput, light on thorax, fovea procurved, fovea width/carapace length 0.13 (Fig. 19A, F); chelicerae red-brown, rastellum absent or inconspicuous, chelicerae length/carapace length 0.40 (Fig. 19A); eye group rectangular, width/length 1.75, eye tubercle present (Fig. 19E).

ABDOMEN (Fig. 19B, D). Abdomen length 9.65, yellow-brown, dorsal pattern absent, with consistent cover of short setae.

VENTRAL PROSOMA (Fig. 19C, G–I). Labium cuspules absent (Fig. 19H); maxillae heel distinct, cuspules present, count =about 100, extending posteriorly onto heel, extending laterally about 35% of maxillae length (Fig. 19C, I); coxae cuspules absent, thorn-like setae on prolateral face present (Fig. 19C, I); sternum almost all setae rubbed off, row of longer setae around posterior edges (Fig. 19G–H).

LEG I (Fig. 19J–K). Leg I orange-brown, femur length 4.98, patella length 3.17, tibia length 3.33, metatarsus length 2.81, tarsus length 2.15, total length 16.44, leg I length/carapace length 2.26; scopulae on distal metatarsus and tarsus; spine count Fe D 1 (rubbed off), Fe PL 1 (rubbed off), Pa PL 2 (both rubbed off), Ti PL 1, Ti RL 4 (all rubbed off), Me PL 2, Me RL 3, Ta 0; tibia length/width [TIL/TID] 2.87.

GENITALIA (Fig. 19D, L). Epigastric furrow unmodified (Fig. 19D); spermathecae with two vesicles each (Fig. 19L); lateral vesicle relatively straight, length 0.44, lateral vesicle length/genitalia width 0.30, length/width at base 1.42, crown un-demarcated (Fig. 19L); medial vesicle undulating anteriorly (Fig. 19L).

Female (QMB S118309)

GENERAL (Fig. 20A–L). Body length 18.58, in good condition.

DORSAL PROSOMA (Fig. 20A, E–F). Carapace length 6.31, width 4.35, length/width 1.45, clypeus to fovea length/carapace length 0.69, caput width/carapace width 0.72, carapace red-brown, reflective setae present, moderate on caput, light on thorax, fovea procurved, fovea width/carapace length 0.13 (Fig. 20A, F); chelicerae dark red-brown, rastellum absent or inconspicuous, chelicerae length/carapace length 0.45 (Fig. 20A); eye group rectangular, width/length 1.7, eye tubercle present (Fig. 20E).

ABDOMEN (Fig. 20B, D). Abdomen length 9.38, grey, dorsal pattern absent, with consistent cover of short setae.

VENTRAL PROSOMA (Fig. 20C, G–I). Labium cuspules absent (Fig. 20H); maxillae heel distinct, cuspules present, count =about 80, extending posteriorly onto heel, extending laterally about 30% of maxillae length (Fig. 20C, I); coxae cuspules absent, thorn-like setae on prolateral face present (Fig. 20C, I); sternum length/width 1.28, central sternum with consistent covering of short setae, row of longer setae around posterior edges (Fig. 20G–H); posterior sigilla ovoid, central sternum to posterior sigilla length/ sternum length 0.23, posterior sigilla length/sternum length 0.11 (Fig. 20G–H); other sigilla small, round and lateral (Fig. 20G–H).

LEG I (Fig. 20J–K). Leg I orange-brown, darker on patella and tibia, femur length 4.43, patella length 2.84, tibia length 2.99, metatarsus length 2.72, tarsus length 1.73, total length 14.70, leg I length/carapace length 2.33; scopulae on distal metatarsus and tarsus; spine count Fe D 1, Fe PL 1, Pa PL 2 (proximal rubbed off), Ti PL 2, Ti RL 4, Me PL 2, Me RL 3, Ta 0; tibia length/width [TIL/TID] 2.98.

GENITALIA (Fig. 20D, L). Epigastric furrow unmodified (Fig. 20D); spermathecae with two vesicles each (Fig. 20L); lateral vesicle relatively straight, length 0.35, lateral vesicle length/genitalia width 0.33, length/width at base 1.36, crown un-demarcated (Fig. 20L); medial vesicle undulating anteriorly, medial vesicle length/genitalia width 0.38, length/width 4.09, medial vesicle length/lateral vesicle length 1.16 (Fig. 20L).

Distribution and natural history

Aname attenuata occurs in south-eastern Queensland, in the Southeast Queensland and Brigalow Belt South bioregions, extending from around Eidsvold in the north to Toowoomba and Amberley/Redbank Plains in the south, and from around Dalby in the west to Cooloola (including K’gari – Fraser Island) in the east (Fig. 6). It constructs an open, silk-lined burrow without silk outside of the entrance, often on an angle, and with a hidden secondary ‘wishbone’ entrance (Fig. 6).

Remarks

Our (very limited) current molecular sample of A. attenuata indicates significant genetic divergence between northern (nominate) and southern populations (COI average pairwise divergence of 10.34%), and the COI sequences of specimens assigned to the species were not recovered as a monophyletic group. However, morphology of both males and females from the northern and southern extent of the distribution show no significant morphological differences, and we thus retain them within one species. The holotype of this species was synonymised with Aname distincta by Raven (1981), but morphological examination during this study revealed it to be a distinct species. Furthermore, most of the males and females imaged and identified as A. distincta in Raven (1985) are actually A. attenuata .