Theridion papillatum, Gao & Li, 2014

Gao, Cai-Xia & Li, Shu-Qiang, 2014, Comb-footed spiders (Araneae: Theridiidae) in the tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, Southwest China, Zoological Systematics 39 (1), pp. 1-135 : 115-122

Theridion papillatum sp. nov. ( Figs 97–100 )

Holotype ♂, China, Yunnan, Xishuangbanna, Menglun Nature Reserve , secondary tropical seasonal moist forest (21º54.390'N, 101º16.811'E), 10 August 2007, Guo Zheng leg. Paratypes 3♀, same data as holotype. Etymology. The specific name derives from the Latin adjective papillatus and means withbuds, in reference to the embolus with mastoid process .

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

Diagnosis. The new species is somewhat similar to T. sangzhiense , but can be distinguished by having the conductor membranous; the embolus with tiny apophyses, the tegular apophysis with an acute tip, and the median apophysis stick-shaped.

Male (measurements of holotype). Total length 1.30. Prosoma 0.50 long, 0.55 wide, yellow, with 5 long setae. Sternum 0.63 long, 0.63 wide, yellow with long setae. Opisthosoma 0.85 long, 0.93 wide, pale, with sclerotized ring around pedicel and spinnerets, with black, white spots, without colulus. Eye measurements: AME 0.09, ALE 0.06, PME 0.06, PLE 0.06, AME-AME 0.04, AME-ALE 0.02, PME-PME 0.04, PME-PLE 0.04. Clypeus height about 2.00 times AME diameter, yellow with black spot. Chelicerae: yellow, with spines, without tooth; fangs long. Endites: 0.18 long, 0.13 wide, yellow, with brown pro-edges. Labium fused with sternum, 0.06 long, 0.13 wide, with 6 setae, pale yellow without spot. Leg measurements: I 1.68 (0.50, 0.19, 0.40, 0.31, 0.28); II 1.67 (0.50, 0.19, 0.33, 0.40, 0.25); III 1.40 (0.43, 0.19, 0.28, 0.25, 0.25); IV 1.68 (0.50, 0.19, 0.40, 0.31, 0.28). Leg I yellow, without spot; femur with slender setae, without spine; patella with 1 distal spine; tibia with 2 spines; metatarsus, tarsus without spines; legs II–IV similar to leg I, yellow, without

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135 spot. Pedipalpus ( Figs 97A–B , 98A–B , 100A–D ): tibia pale yellow, with 1 trichobothrium; cymbium pale yellow, without spot; paracymbium hooked; subtegulum broad; tegulum confined; median apophysis stick-shaped, without apophysis; embolus short, with tiny apophyses; conductor membranous; tegular apophysis with acute tip.

Female (measurements of paratypes). Total length 1.40–1.55. Prosoma 0.60–0.63 long, 0.50–0.58 wide, flat, yellow, with black stripes, long setae. Sternum 0.36–0.38 long, 0.36– 0.38 wide, pale yellow. Opisthosoma 0.90–1.13 long, 0.80–1.13 wide, pale, with sclerotized ring around pedicel and spinnerets, with black spots. Legs pale yellow, similar to male. Epigynum ( Figs 97C–D , 99A–B ): epigynum flat, with 2 membranous circles; copulatory openings large; spermathecae circular, yellow, crimpled; copulatory ducts short, from middle part of spermathecae, opening to anterior margin of atrium; fertilization ducts yellow, from posterior edge of spermathecae.

Distribution. Only known from type locality (Yunnan).

Figures

Fig. 97. Theridion papillatum sp. nov., holotype male and paratype female. A. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; B. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view; C. Epigynum (vulva), ventral view; D. Epigynum (vulva), dorsal view. Scale bars = 0.05mm.

Fig. 98. Theridion papillatum sp. nov., holotype male.A. Pedipalpus, ventral view; B. Embolus, ventral view. Scale bars = 0.05mm.

Fig. 99. Theridion papillatum sp. nov., holotype male and paratype female. A. Epigynum (vulva), ventral view; B. Epigynum (vulva), dorsal view; C. Male habitus, dorsal view; D. Male habitus, lateral view; E. Female habitus, dorsal view. Scale bars: A–B= 0.05mm; C–E = 0.50mm.

Fig. 100. Theridion papillatum sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus (cymbium removed), ventral view; B. Pedipalpus, ventral view; C. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; D. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view. Scale bars = 0.05mm.