Linothele spinosa n. sp.

(Figs 15; 17 K-M; 19 F)

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: B9735F95-4D4F-46E2-9CDE-7F9CF1DAA503

TYPE MATERIAL. — Holotype. Peru • ♂ F1; near Iquitos; 2007; H. W. Auer leg.; NHRS-KASI000000036.

Paratypes. Peru • 1 ♀ *, 2 ♀ F1; same data as for holotype; NHRS-KASI000000037 .

ETYMOLOGY. — The specific epithet is a Latin adjective, meaning ‘spined’ and refers to the presence of preening-combs on ventrodistal posterior metatarsi, otherwise only observed in L. macrothelifera; the gender is feminine.

TYPE LOCALITY. — Iquitos, Peru.

DISTRIBUTION. — Only known from the type locality.

DIAGNOSIS. — The male of L. spinosa n. sp. can be distinguished from those of other species of Linothele by the MP [(IML*100)/ MAD = 416], being low and domed (Fig. 15C, D), as well as their proportionally long [(PL*100)/BD = 385] embolus bearing no keels (Fig. 15A, B). Females differ from those of most other species of Linothele by the presence of preening-combs and can further be distinguished from those of L. macrothelifera by their longer spermathecae stalks bearing an elongated vesicle (Fig. 15G) and their distribution.

DESCRIPTION

Male (holotype)

CL = 8.6. CT = 12. MC = 50-51. Colouration in alcohol: Prosoma, chelicerae, legs and pedipalps pale, yellow; opisthosoma (length: 12.04) with distinct pattern, mid-dorsally consisting of quadrate spots anteriorly, which become more rectangular posteriorly, or can be interconnected, forming longitudinal lines, laterally with several spots, ventrally with longitudinal lines and spots (Fig. 17K, L); maculae absent. Clypeus narrow. Palp measurements: 15.3 (5.6, 3.1, 4.8, 1.8). Leg measurements: I: 39.8 (9.7, 5.1, 8.8, 8.6, 7.6); II: 36.9 (9.0, 4.3, 7.9, 8.5, 7.2); III: 35.1 (8.4, 3.8, 7.2, 9.7, 6.0); IV: 43.9 (10.5, 4.2, 8.9, 12.9, 7.4). Leg formula 4123. Leg tarsi pseudo-segmented. Spinnerets: PMS: 1.43; PLS: apical segment broken off. Palpal organ: [(PL*100)/BD = 385], see Figure 15A, B. Megaspine and MP: [(IML*100)/MAD = 416], see Figure 15C, D.

Female

Colouration as for male, but prosoma, chelicerae, legs, and pedipalps light brown and dorsal pattern on opisthosoma more distinct (Fig. 17M). Colouration alive (Fig. 19F): Carapace covered with golden setae. Clypeus: narrow, see Figure 15H. Sternum, labium and maxillae: see Figure 15F. Leg formula: 4123. Scopula divided. Preening-combs present. Leg tarsi pseudo-segmented. Spinnerets: apical segment of the PLS rigid, see Figure 15E. Spermathecae: consisting of two apically elongated stalks with thin bases, bearing several short and an elongated vesicle at 1:2–1:3B, see Figure 15G.

Varibility

CL = 8.3-10.8. CT = 11-14. MC = 40-72. Palp measurements: 15.0-20.0 (5.0-6.3, 2.7-3.6, 3.7-5.2, 3.6-4.9). Leg measurements: I: 34.0-36.1 (8.9-9.6, 5.1-5.3, 8.0-8.5, 7.0-7.6, 5.0- 5.1); II: 26.0-34.1 (7.0-9.1, 3.8-5.2, 5.7-7.7, 5.5-7.1, 4.0-5.0); III: 24.5-32.9 (6.2-8.5, 3.0-4.4, 5.3-6.8, 6.4-8.4, 3.6-4.8); IV: 37.9-42.1 (8.0-10.5, 4.5-9.4, 7.0-9.2, 9.1-11.6, 4.4-6.0).

REMARKS

The male holotype has been preserved immediately after the moult to adulthood which might have caused its very light colouration.

NATURAL HISTORY

Unknown.