Ischyropsalis dentipalpis Canestrini, 1872

Schönhofer, Axel L. & Martens, Jochen, 2010, On the identity of Ischyropsalis dentipalpis Canestrini, 1872 and description of Ischyropsalis lithoclasica sp. n. (Opiliones: Ischyropsalididae), Zootaxa 2613, pp. 1-14 : 4-8

Ischyropsalis dentipalpis Canestrini, 1872

Figs 5–10 , 22–28 , 33–38, 39

Ischyropsalis dentipalpis Canestrini, 1872: 9 ; Roewer 1923: 686; Dresco 1959: 383; Martens 1969a: 137, 165, 170, 177, 189–190, 192, 194, 201–204, 208, 217, 219, 240, 259; Martens 1978: 1978: 197, 200, 206, 212, 218 (partim); Isaia et al. in press.

I. (Odontopalpa) dentipalpis: Hadži, 1931: 117 , 152.

Ischyropsalis helvetica Roewer, 1916: 152 (new synonym); Roewer 1923: 691 (partim: only diagnosis and description of Ψ); Hadži 1928: 15; Roewer 1950: 13, 17, 20, 38; Avram 1964: 245, 255; Martens 1969a: 191, 201–204, 217, 240; Martens 1978: 49 –50, 188–189, 197, 199, 212, 218–222; Breuss 1993: 251 –255; Breuss 1995: 227, 233, 234, 239; Rhoner & Trüssel 1997: 76 –81; Breuss 2002: 227 –228, 230–232; Blick & Komposch 2004: 3; Breuss 2004: 133; Komposch & Gruber 2004: 485, 489–490, 508, 527; Komposch 2009a: 398 –399, 420, 441–442, 464, 466, 472, Komposch 2009b: 494.

Neotype: ITALY, Prov. Aosta, Gressoney, Pozzo A di Punta Jolanda ( Ao / Ao 2075), 2256 m, N: 45.84° E: 7.84°, 1ɗ, E. Lana leg. 23.08.2006 (CJM 5918); SWITZERLAND, Kanton Tessin (Ticino), holotype of I. helvetica , 1Ψ (SMF RI/1282, Roewer 1916, Martens 1969a). The original type locality is Gressoney-St. Jean, Italy, N: 45.78°, E: 7.83°. The original type (1ɗ, A. Grecco leg. Aug. 1871; Canestrini 1872) was lost during the 1970 flood in Genova. Roewer (1950) declared the ɗ of SMF RII/229/5 (South Tyrol, Dolomites, Rosengarten, N: 46.47° E: 11.65°, 1ɗ 1Ψ) to be the allotype of " I. helvetica ". This is not a valid action because it was not proposed in the original description. Martens (1969a) revealed this material to belong to Ischyropsalis manicata L. Koch, 1865 and the locality appears to be a false geographic indication by Roewer (see discussion in Martens 1969a; Helversen & Martens 1972). The name “ helvetica ” has been used for I. manicata by several authors (see Martens 1969a).

Other material investigated: ITALY, Prov. Aosta, Aosta Valley, Brusson, Miniera, 1400 m, N: 45.76° E: 7.71°, 1 juv., Gobetti leg. June 1971 (CJM 1497); Piemonte, Prov. Torino, Brosso, Valchiusella Valley, Buca del Ghiaccio della Cavallaria (Pi/To 1609), 1550 m, N: 45.52° E: 7.80°, 2Ψ, E. Lana leg. 15.10.2006 (CJM 5920); 1juv., same locality, E. Lana leg. 26.07.2003 (CJM 5921); 1Ψ, same locality, E. Lana leg. 20.10.2003 (CJM 5922); Ceres, Stura di Ala-Valley, Cava "B" di pietra ollare del Servais, 1390 m, N: 45.32° E: 7.33°, 1ɗ 1Ψ, E. Lana leg. 29.09.2002 (CJM 5930); Ribordone, Locana-Valley, Boo' d' la Faia (Pi/To 1596), 1780 m, N: 45.47° E: 7.51°, 2ɗ 2Ψ, E. Lana leg. 12.08.2001 (CJM 5928); Sparone, Locana-Valley, Grotta "La Custreta" (Pi/To 1593), 1350 m, N: 45.45° E: 7.55°, 2ɗ, E. Lana leg. 23.07.2000 (CJM 5923). - SWITZERLAND, Kanton Graubünden, Dischma-Tal, 2180 m, N: 46.77° E: 9.87°, N slope, ridge area, 1ɗ, B. Wartmann leg. 10.06.1979, M. Wolf ded. Sept. 1983 (CJM 2144); Misox Valley, Calanca Valley, near Selma, N: 46.32° E: 9.12°, small cave, 1Ψ, M. Wolf leg. 30.04.1977 (CJM 2145); Kanton Obwalden, Melchsee-Frutt, Kerns, cave system M37-M40-M68, 1775 m, N: 46.90° E: 8.28°, sector M68 MP57.3, 1Ψ, M. Trüssel leg. 0 8.09.1994 (CJM 3766); Obere Grosswaldhöhle M34, 1593 m, N: 46.90° E: 8.28°, entrance region MP 1/3, 1ɗ, infested with Gregarinida, M. Trüssel leg. 11.09.1994 (CJM 3767); Kanton Tessin (Ticino), Sonogno, Fiadariö dal Ràgn, N: 46.35° E: 8.78°, 1Ψ, D. Ferrini leg. 0 3.08.1957 (CJM 1481); Valle Verzasca, Frasco, Cà di Vecc, N: 46.33° E: 8.80°, 1ɗ, D. Ferrini leg. Aug. 1956 (CJM 1480); Bellinzona, Bocca di Gaggio above Mte Carasso, 1950 m, 1Ψ, P.M. Giachino leg. 22.07.1984 ( MTSN).

Further material not investigated: The following records were compiled from confirmed published data, personal communication of authors and photographs. Furthermore the previous references confirm the presence of I. dentipalpis from close-by localities. We list all these data to outline the distribution of I. dentpalpis more accurately. AUSTRIA, Tyrol: Samnaun mountain group, Idalpe near Ischgl, in Kar of the Vellilbach, SW exposed ridge, coarse rocky debris in the background, 2570 m, N: 46.99° E: 10.33°, 1ɗ, K.H. Steinberger leg. by pitfall traps 15.08.– 28.08.1991 ( CWB, Breuss 1993); Vorarlberg, Montafon, Garneratal, 1600 m, N: 46.91° E: 10.00°, 1ɗ, K.H. Steinberger leg. by pitfall traps 1998–2001 ( CWB, Breuss 2002). - ITALY, Valle d'Aosta, La Salle, Borna d’la Glace or Grotta ghiacciata di Chabaudey (2001 Ao / AO) 1545 m, N: 45.73° E: 7.06°, 1 specimen, R. Monti leg. 11.09.1901 ( Pavesi 1904; Gozo 1908; Martens 1969a); Piemonte, Prov. Torino, Ceres, Borna del Servais B (old soapstone mine), 1350 m, N: 45.32° E: 7.33°, 1juv., M. Isaia, M. Paschetta photographed 14.10.2009 (Isaia et al. in press); Galleria Santa Barbara, Miniere di talco di Fontane, Comune di Prali, N: 44.93° E: 7.08°, 1ɗ 1Ψ M. Isaia, M. Paschetta photographed 25.02.2008 (Isaia et al. in press); Prov. Vercelli, Pozzo di S. Quirico, Borgosesia (2567 Pi/VC, as “Grotta del Pozzo, sul Monte Fenera”), 640 m, N: 45.705° E: 8.315°, 1 Ex., Calderini leg. autumn 1897 (as Ischyropsalis luteipes, Gozo 1908 ; Martens 1969a). - SWITZERLAND, Kanton Graubünden: Rätikon, S slope of Sulzfluh, Herrenhöhle (2113/17), 30 m from entrance, 2330 m, N: 47.01° E: 9.84°, 1ɗ 1Ψ, W. Breuss leg. 0 6.10.1992 ( NHMW, Breuss 1993); 1juv., W. Breuss leg. Oct. 1992 ( Breuss 1995); Kleinhöhle gegenüber Abgrundhöhle (2113/16), in potholes 5 m from entrance, 2310 m, N: 47.01° E: 9.84°, 2ɗ 2Ψ, W. Breuss leg. 0 6.10.1992 ( CWB, Breuss 1993, 1995); Seehöhle in der Sulzfluh, 2300 m, N: 47.01° E: 9.84°, 1Ψ, Hauser leg. 24.05.1961 ( MHNG, Martens 1969a); Kanton Nidwalden, Wolfenschiessen, Veloständerhöhle, 1955 m, N: 46.90° E: 8.38°, 1ad, Höhlengruppe Hergiswil leg. 25.07.1997, A. Rhoner det. ( CAR, Rhoner & Trüssel 1997); Kanton Obwalden, Melchsee-Frutt, near Arviböden, Neotektonikhöhle (M40), 1775 m, N: 46.78° E: 8.27°, eggs, M. Trüssel leg. 13.08.1995 ( CAR, Rhoner & Trüssel 1997); eggs, M. Trüssel leg. 10.08.1996 ( CAR, Rhoner & Trüssel 1997); near Bettenalp, Bettenhöhle (M39), 1815 m, N: 46.78° E: 8.27°, 1ad, A. Rohner leg. 13.02.1995 ( CAR, Rhoner & Trüssel 1997); Kerns, Tausendfüsserhöhle M29, 2075 m, N: 46.90° E: 8.28°, 1ad, K. Fischer vid. et det. 06.10.2007; 1ad, U. Fischer vid. 14.12.2003, M. Trüssel det.; Cave M77, 2090 m, 1 specimen, M. Trüssel vid. et det. 26.07.2000; Obere Grosswaldhöhle M34, 1593 m, N: 46.90° E: 8.28°, 1ɗ, M. Trüssel vid. 22.10.2004; 1Ψ, M. Trüssel vid. 22.10.2007; Cave S4 at Schwarzhorn, 2422 m, N: 46.90° E: 8.28°, eggs, M. Trüssel vid. et det. 04.04.2002; Alpnach, Mondmilchloch at Pilatus, 1710 m, N: 46.94° E: 8.27°, 1 specimen, M. Trüssel leg. 18.08.2002, A. Rohner det. ( CAR); Lungern, Klein Melchtal, Laucherhöhle, 1902 m, N: 46.79° E: 8.16°, 1 specimen, M. Trüssel leg. 19.10.2001, A. Rohner det. ( CAR); Engelberg, Bärenhöhle Hohfad, N: 46.82° E: 8.40°; 1ad, 2juv. M. Trüssel leg. 0 2.09.2006, A. Rohner det. (2 specimen CAR); Schwarzhorn/Graustock, Fikenloch, 2406 m, N: 46.78° E: 8.27°, 2ad, M. Trüssel leg. 0 4.07.1995 ( CAR, Rhoner & Trüssel 1997); Kanton Schwyz, Muotathal, Wasserberg, Unteres Böllenloch, 1378 m, N: 46.97° E: 8.76°, 1ad, F. Auf der Maur leg. 21.07.1996 ( CAR, Rhoner & Trüssel 1997); Silberen, Schilttloch, 2000 m, N: 46.99° E: 8.90°, 1ad, P. Morel leg. 0 6.09.1996 ( CAR, Rhoner & Trüssel 1997); Kanton Tessin, Frasco, Cà di Vecc, N: 46.33° E: 8.80°, 1ɗ, D. Ferrini leg. 15.04.1957 ( MNHN, Dresco 1959); 1juv., E. Dresco, L. Dresco, D. Ferrini leg. 21.08.1957 ( MNHN, Dresco 1959); Frasco, cave Frigee, N: 46.33° E: 8.80°, 1ɗ, D. Ferrini leg. 18.07.1957 ( MNHN, Dresco 1959).

Diagnosis: A species of the dentipalpis group (see Martens 1969a) with long and slender chelicerae. Among the species of the southern Alps it shares several characters with I. lithoclasica sp. n. and I. ravasinii Hadži, 1942 : apophyses present on the patellae of the pedipalps and a rounded prominent apophysis distally on the proximal cheliceral article. In the field these three species cannot be told apart by morphological characters but only by their allopatric ranges. Males of I. dentipalpis are characterised by shovel-shaped ventrad-pointing pedipalpal apophyses ( Figs 6, 8, 10 ), rounded, knob-like dorso-distal apophyses on the proximal cheliceral article with rounded bristle areas restricted to the front of the apophyses ( Figs 5, 7, 9 ), and by their distinct penis morphology ( Figs 22–28 ). Females are discernible by the presence of a large dorsal spine in the distal fifth of the proximal cheliceral segment, which is as large as the other large dorsal spines (Figs 36–38, see arrows), and by inconspicuous short and thick bristles on the opisthosomal sclerites. I. dentipalpis is locally sympatric with I. carli Lessert, 1905 , which lacks an apophysis on the pedipalpal patella in ɗ, possesses an inconspicuous rounded cheliceral apophysis with a small circular glandular field ( Martens 1978: figs 364–366), and is in general smaller, more compact, short-legged and blackish due to a stronger sclerotisation. Females of I. carli have a scutum parvum (dorsal abdominal sclerites fused, see Martens 1978: fig. 361) in contrast to the scutum laminatum (dorsal sclerites isolated) in I. dentipalpis .

Description: Measurements: ɗ (n=9), Ψ (in parentheses, n=9). Body length: 3.52–5.20 (3.28–7.76); leg II: 21.0–36.3 (23.5–33.8), femur 4.96–7.84 (5.28–7.44), patella 1.36–1.60 (1.36–1.76), tibia 3.44–6.64 (4.40– 6.56), metatarsus 6.08–10.64 (6.64–9.60), tarsus 5.20–9.60 (5.84–8.48); basal article of chelicera 3.20–4.80 (4.00–4.72). Ψ show a wider range in body length due to different states of gravidity but their chelicerae are less variable in size than in ɗ.

Penis morphology ( Figs 22–28 ): Truncus penis ( Figs 24, 27, 28 ) from base to below glans gradually narrowing, below glans slightly widening, noticeably bulged dorsally in the region of the glans, thereby strongly constricting distal third of glans (lateral view, Figs 22, 25, 28 ). Glans variable in length, slightly constricted in midsection or almost parallel-sided, distal end hemispherically rounded (ventral view, Figs 23, 26 ), sclerite of glans long and narrow, almost parallel-sided, basal end tapering ( Fig. 23 ) or divided into two inconspicuous lobes ( Fig. 26 ), median keel missing or very weakly developed, bristle cover dense, widely separated into two lateral areas (ventral view, Figs 23, 26 ), stylus remarkably long.

Chelicerae ( Figs 5, 7, 9 , 33–38): ɗ basal article long and slender; spination variable, individual spines irregularly arranged and offset to one another; dorsally with an irregular row of 6 spines, in most specimens dorso-distal spine as large as largest dorsal spines (Figs 33–35), 6 ventro-lateral and 5 ventro-medial spines of different size; dorso-distally a bulging, knob-like apophysis ( Figs 5, 7, 9 ), in lateral view protruding over article border and thus strongly influencing shape of apophysis; dorso-distal circular area on apophysis with sparse cover of bristles (brush-like) often marked by lighter brownish colour, in dorsal view area of bristles not reaching dorsal side of apophysis, in lateral view restricted to a small dorso-distal part of the apophyis ( Figs 5, 7, 9 ); Ψ as in ɗ but without apophysis and bristle area (Figs 36–38).

Legs: Robust, of medium length, dark brown, metatarsus and tarsus of lighter colour, base of femora whitish to yellowish.

Pedipalps ( Figs 6, 8, 10 ): ɗ with broad, shovel-shaped apophysis at ventro-distal end of patella pointing ventrad, apophysis absent in Ψ.

Prosoma: Cephalothorax flat, no ascent from thoracic tergite II, with some fine granules, matt; thoracic tergite II with 7–9 spines of different sizes; ocularium weakly developed, eyes widely separated, lenses small.

Opisthosoma: Areae finely spotted and granular, with transverse rows of inconspicuous small tubercles, each carrying a thick and short bristle. ɗ with scutum parvum, Ψ with scutum laminatum (in rare cases opisthosomal tergites I and II fused).

Distribution: ( Fig. 39 ). I. dentipalpis occurs in a large area in the northwestern Alps, roughly along the border zone between Switzerland and Italy, from the eastern border in southwestern Austria (western Tyrol) reaching to the Gran Paradiso Massiv in Italy. No records from France are known at present. This large distributional area so far appears fragmented into four smaller areas: 1) southwestern border zone of Austria (Vorarlberg and western Tyrol) and Switzerland (Kanton Graubünden), Rätikon and Silvretta Mountain group; 2) southern Lepontine Alps, only Swiss part with Kanton Tessin and neighbouring southern part of Kanton Graubünden; 3) central Swiss Pre-Alps, Kanton Schwyz and Obwalden; 4) Alpine area of northwestern Italy, Pennine, Graian and Cottian Alps. Here, three Italian distributional outliers are to be mentioned. The Gran Paradiso Massiv record represents the southwestern-most record and La Salle the northwestern-most record. The record from Borgosesia is remarkable for its low altitude (640 m). New records and denser sampling are needed to confirm the geographic isolation of these populations and single records (see Conservation).

Ecology: The present records suggest that I. dentipalpis , like I. lithoclasica sp. n., is a troglophilous species rather than a true troglobiont. It has been recorded several times in deep gravel beds and is probably able to disperse via this habitat, resulting in its large present distributional area. Caves are frequently inhabited for their cool, moist and dark microclimate. In Switzerland I. dentipalpis was recorded in caves at altitudes between 1378 m and 2406 m, most frequently above 2000 m. Epigeic records from Switzerland and Austria encompass altitudes from 1600 m to 2570 m. In Italy only cave records do exist, all being located between 1350 m to 1780 m. The lowest record at 640 m is an exception.

Conservation: Komposch (2009a) listed I. dentipalpis as critically endangered (threatened by extinction) in Austria. Although this might be true for the Austrian peripheral populations, the species itself is probably not threatened due to its large distributional area. On the other hand this large distribution appears fragmented and should be investigated for possible cryptic differentiation and general vulnerability of haplotype diversity of this in general rare opilionid. Furthermore, in view of the species’ restriction to high altitudes and low temperatures, global warming could lead to drastic reduction of suitable habitats in the near future.

Remarks: Although Pavesi (1904) mentioned Ischyropsalis dentipalpis from a cave in the Aosta Valley (Borna de la Glace), Gozo (1908), who did not see this material, stated that the species is not “cavernicolous”. In any case, the troglophilous I. carli is present in the Aosta Valley as well, and there are recent records (Gressoney-Saint-Jean, 1550–2000 m, alongside ski piste and streams, N: 45.76° E: 7.83°, 1ɗ, M. Negro leg.

30.6.2006, CJM 5933; 1ɗ, 5juv., A. Schönhofer leg. 13.– 14.09.2008, CJM 6328). The identity of Pavesi’s (1904) specimen could not be clarified because we could not locate it.

Figures

FIGURE 39. Localities of Ischyropsalis lithoclasica sp. n. (filled triangles) and I. dentipalpis (filled circles). Arrows point to locus typicus of I. dentipalpis (d) and of I. lithoclasica sp. n. (l).

FIGURES 5 – 14. Cheliceral and pedipalpal apophyses of ď. 5 – 10: Ischyropsalis dentipalpis; 5 – 6: Italy, Torino, Ceres (CJM 5930); 7 – 8: Switzerland, Ticino, Frasco (CJM 1480; see also figs 383 and 388 in Martens 1978); 9 – 10: neotype, Italy, Aosta Valley (CJM 5918). 11 – 14: Ischyropsalis lithoclasica sp. n., Italy, Prov. Bergamo; 11 – 12: Buco del Castello (CJM 1490; compare Fig. 11 with fig. 320 in Martens 1978); 13 – 14: holotype, Stalle Möschel (MSNB). 5, 7, 9, 11, 13: distal end of basal article and basal part of second article of right chelicera, medial view; 6, 8, 10, 12, 14: patella and parts of femur and tibia of right pedipalp, lateral view. Scale bar (for all) 1 mm. Arrows indicate diagnostic characters mentioned in the text.

FIGURES 15 – 28. Penes. 15 – 21: Ischyropsalis lithoclasica sp. n., Italy, Prov. Bergamo; 15 – 17: paratype, Buco del Castello (CJM 1490; see also figs 317, 323 in Martens 1978); 18 – 21: holotype, Stalle Möschel (MSNB). 22 – 28: Ischyropsalis dentipalpis, Italy; 22 – 24: Torino, Ceres (CJM 5930 CJM 5930; see also figs 382, 387 in Martens 1978); 25 – 28: neotype, Aosta Valley (CJM 5918). 15 – 16, 18 – 19, 22 – 23, 25 – 26: distal part of penis with glans and stylus, scale bar 0.5 mm; 17, 20 – 21, 24, 27 – 28: total penis, scale bar 1 mm; 15, 18, 21 – 22, 25, 28: lateral view; 16 – 17, 19 – 20, 23 – 24, 26 – 27: ventral view. Arrows indicate diagnostic characters mentioned in the text.