Apricia longipalpis, Richardson, Barry J., 2016

Richardson, Barry J., 2016, New genera, new species and redescriptions of Australian jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae), Zootaxa 4114 (5), pp. 501-560 : 518-521

Apricia longipalpis sp. nov.

Figs 50–66

Type material. Holotype: M, Tinda Creek, N.S.W., Australia, 146.85 °E, 32.72 °S, 17 Oct. 1987, M. Żabka (AMS KS 64903); Paratype: 1 F, as for holotype (same vial).

Other material examined. AUSTRALIA: QUEENSLAND: 1 imm., Kuranda, 145.63 °E, 16.81 °S, Mar. 1951, G. Brooks ( MVMA BJR 1368); 1 imm., Toohey Forest, near Brisbane, 153.02 °E, 27.47 °S, 15 Aug. 1986, J. Rienks & Hill (QM S 3617); 1 M, 1 imm., Benaraby Rest Area, 151.32 °E, 24.00°S, 20 Jul. 1992, A.F. Longbottom ( WAM T 130216); NEW SOUTH WALES: 1 M, 100 km S of Singleton, 150.72 °E, 33.37 °S, 17 Oct. 1987, M. Żabka (AMS KS 64907); 2 M, 1 F, 110 km S of Singleton, 150.72 °E, 33.42 °S, 17 Oct. 1987, M. Żabka (AMS KS 64906); 1 M, Penrith, 150.07 °E, 33.75 °N, 11 Dec. 1896, Ramsay (AMS KS 117611 ); AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL TERRITORY: 2 M, 3 imm., Wombat Creek, 6 km NE of Piccadilly Circus, 148.85 °E, 35.32 °S, Feb. 1985, T.A. Weir, J. Lawrence & M-L. Johnson ( ANIC 42 000692).

Etymology. Reflects the very long palps that clearly distinguish this species from others in the genus ( Fig. 65). To be treated as a Latin adjective.

Remarks. Specimens of this species often are placed in Apricia jovialis in collections, due to some similarities in form and colour patterns.

Diagnosis. This species can be most easily separated from A. bracteata and A. jovialis by the length of the tibia and the patella of the male palp (each twice the length of the cymbium compared to each half the length of the cymbium in the other species in the genus, Fig. 65). The tibial apophysis is strongly built and square in shape in A. longipalpis ( Fig. 80), narrower with a rounded end in A. bracteata ( Figs 42, 44) and narrow and pointed in A. jovialis ( Fig. 27). The embolus is short and stubby in A. jovialis ( Fig. 26) and long and thin in the other two species ( Figs 42, 43, 59). It arises from a distinct mound on the anterior distal edge of the tegulum in all three species, however in A. bracteata this is small unlike the other two species.

In the female in each species there is a gland/diverticulum arising on the lateral edge of the spermatheca. In A. jovialis ( Fig. 28) this is relatively small and arises posterior to the entry point of the insemination duct. In A. bracteata ( Figs 45, 46) the positioning is the same but the gland is relatively large and directed laterally away from the spermatheca. In M. longipalpis ( Figs 61, 62) the gland is slightly shorter, the entrance lies immediately above that of the insemination duct and then moves directly along the top of the duct; it may in fact be fused onto the top of it.

Description. Male: Holotype: Cephalothorax ( Figs 50, 51) long and flat, dark brown, lighter pattern on the pars thoracica, mid to dark orange, darker on the sides. There are patches of pennate grey hairs all over the cephalothorax, and along the sides. Clypeus ( Fig. 53) dark brown, narrow, without a thick fringe of long white hairs. Chelicerae mid to dark brown, straight. Two medium sized promarginal teeth (one larger than the other) and one medium sized, unident, retromarginal tooth ( Fig. 52). Endites and labium brown grading to yellow distally ( Fig. 52). Sternum brown. Abdomen long and elliptical, dorsal surface dark brown with a distinctive light brown pattern ( Fig. 50), covered with scattered mid-brown hairs. Spinnerets large, varying in colour to match the abdomen. Ventral abdomen dark brown. Legs grading backwards from very robust to lightly built and from dark brown (L 1 and L 2) to mid brown. L 1 with short sparse grey fringe on patella and tarsus. Palps ( Figs 58–60) long, narrow and dark brown. The length of the tibia and the patella each twice the length of the cymbium ( Fig. 65). The tibial apophysis is strongly built and square in shape, curving inwards in the top quarter of its length. Cymbium long, narrow. Tegulum long, with a large proximal lobe. The embolus long and, after arising from a distinct mound on the anterior distal edge of the tegulum, forms a clockwise quarter circle. Dimensions: CL 3.84, EFL 1.36, CW 3.10, AEW 1.98, AMEW 1.30, PEW 2.04, AL 4.52, P 1 +T 1 3.65, L 1 7.99 (2.48 + 1.67 + 1.86 + 1.30 + 0.68), L 2 6.93 (2.04 + 1.42 + 1.61 + 1.18 + 0.68), L 3 5.88 (1.80 + 0.99 + 1.05 + 1.30 + 0.74), L 4 7.80 (2.23 + 1.30 + 1.80 + 1.49 + 0.99).

Female: Paratype: As for the male, except leg colours lighter and L 1 less robust ( Figs 54–57). Epigyne: no obvious evidence of guides ( Figs 61–64). Copulatory openings indistinct. Insemination ducts first move laterally a short distance then move in a posterior direction until joining the prolateral edge of the spermatheca. A medium sized gland or diverticulum lies immediately above that of the insemination duct and moves directly along the top of the duct; perhaps being fused onto the top of it. It enters the spermatheca immediately above the entrance of the insemination duct. The spermatheca is rounded with the short fertilization ducts opening from the anterior edge of the spermatheca. Dimensions: CL 3.34, EFL 1.24, CW 2.54, AEW 1.73, AMEW 1.11, PEW 1.80, AL 3.84, P 1 +T 1 2.23, L 1 4.71 (1.49 + 0.99 + 0.99 + 0.68 + 0.56), L 2 4.71 (1.49 + 0.99 + 0.99 + 0.68 + 0.55), L 3 5.20 (1.67 + 1.05 + 0.99 + 0.93 + 0.56), L 4 5.14 (1.30 + 1.11 + 0.49 + 0.68 + 0.56).

Distribution and biology. Whilst known from only a few specimens and probably uncommon, it is widespread in a range of habitats in temperate and subtropical parts of eastern Australia ( Fig. 66). Accordingly, its IUCN status would be LC. The BIOCLIM prediction suggests its range may include parts of Victoria and South Australia. It has been found under bark on eucalypts.