Orchestina communis, Henrard & Jocqué, 2012

Henrard, Arnaud & Jocqué, Rudy, 2012, 3284, Zootaxa 3284, pp. 1-104 : 28-35

Orchestina communis new species

Figures 89–137, 609

TYPE: Holotype Male : Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luki Forest Reserve, -5.63333°, 13.06666°, old secondary forest, canopy, Nov. 12, 2006, 2007, De Bakker D., Michiels J.P. ( MRAC 228891 PBI _ OON 9022 ).

ETYMOLOGY: The specific name refers to the fact that this a common and abundant species in canopy fogging samples.

DIAGNOSIS: Males of O. communis can be recognized by the large leaf-shaped setae on the diamond-shaped labium ( Figs. 120–123), the group of strong, converging setae on distal part of the chelicerae, the palpal femur ventrally swollen at base ( Fig. 98, 100) and the palpal cymbium rounded ( Fig. 99). Females have leaf-shaped dorsolateral extensions in the genitalia ( Fig. 104, Ex) and the sclerotized parts (AUS + Pr) appear x-shaped through the cuticle ( Fig. 102).

Note: Dalmas (1916) described O. paupercula on a single female specimen from Gabon. The species was diagnosed on the base of the size of the eyes only. Since the genital area was badly damaged no details on the female genitalia could be provided in the original description. We describe three species ( O. communis , O. crypta and O. probosciformis ) from the Luki Forest Reserve which is the closest locality to Gabon from where we have data. However, it is impossible to attribute one of our species to O. paupercula on the base of Dalmas’ diagnosis and it therefore remains species inquirenda.

It is also clear from the descriptions by Dalmas (1916) that Orchestina communis shares some features with O. pilifera Dalmas 1916 and O. dentifera Simon 1893 both from Sri Lanka ( Ceylan). Apart from the presence of a group of strong setae on the apical part of the chelicerae (see Figs. 115, 116), the main similarities are found in the palpal conformation: the strongly swollen palpal tibia, the subbasal patella attachment to the tibia, the rounded cymbium and the pear shaped bulbus with slender, tube-shaped embolus. However, O. pilifera lacks the conspicuous basal enlargement of the palpa femur, present in O. communis and in O. dentifera , and the latter is clearly distinguished by the basal conical outgrowth on the chelicerae and the different shape of the palpal tibia (see Dalmas 1916, p.227 fig. 21).

MALE (PBI_OON 9022). Total length 1.25. CEPHALOTHORAX: Carapace ( Figs. 89, 90, 92–94, 107, 109) yellow, broadly oval in dorsal view (CW/CL ≈ 0.82), pars cephalica strongly elevated in lateral view, anteriorly narrowed to between 0.5 and 0.75 times its maximum width. Clypeus vertical in lateral view. Eyes ALE-PME touching, PME oval; PLE-PME separated by less than PME radius. Sternum ( Figs. 108) longer than wide, yellow, anterior margin unmodified, posterior margin not extending posteriorly of coxae IV, with tiny dark spots, except in the centre; setae abundant, evenly scattered. Mouthparts ( Figs. 91, 93, 108, 115–117, 119–123): Chelicerae endites and labium yellow. Chelicerae ( Figs.115–117) straight; with group of three strong, converging setae on distal part of each paturon, base of fang with pair of setae finely divided in distal two thirds. Labium ( Figs. 119–123) diamond shaped, anterior margin indented at middle, sclerotization as in sternum; with 6 or more setae on anterior margin, with two short strong setae near anterior margin, subdistal region with two needle like setae; central region with two pairs of wide, flattened, symmetric leaf shaped setae and with one small flattened seta in centre. Endites ( Fig. 93, 117, 119, 122) serrula absent, same as sternum in sclerotization, distally with small dorsal swelling; anterior tip with oblique, folded projection, slightly widened towards extremity. ABDOMEN ( Figs. 89, 92, 93): ovoid; dorsum soft portions yellow, color pattern variable; sometimes faint with median chevrons hardly visible, sometimes clear with several chevrons. Pedicel scutum absent, but abdomen not extending anterior of pedicel. Spinnerets ( Figs. 135–136): ALS with four spigots, PMS with one spigot, PLS with two spigots. LEGS: yellow; patella plus tibia I slightly longer than carapace (TL/CL ≈ 1.16), metatarsi apical part provided with group of small modified setae ( Fig. 131) on prolateral side of leg I, II and III; tarsi bearing claws with proximal tooth divided itself in three smaller teeth ( Fig. 129–130). Leg spines absent. Tarsal organ ( Figs. 132–134) pear shaped. GENITALIA: Palp ( Figs. 98–100, 124): femur ventrally swollen and abruptly narrowed proximally; patella shorter than femur, without prolateral row of ridges, attached to tibia sub-basally; tibia more than two times as wide as femur; cymbium pale orange, without distal patch of setae, spherical, with dorsal, dark, comma-shaped spot; setae densest on prolateral face; bulb yellow, stout, tapering apically; embolus slender, tube-shaped, flattened at tip ( Fig. 124), bent inwards, forming an angle of about 135° with axis of bulb.

FEMALE (PBI_OON 9013). As in male except as noted. Total length 1.39. CEPHALOTHORAX ( Figs. 95–97, 110, 111, 112): Carapace ovoid in dorsal view (CW/CL ≈ 0.75). Clypeus sloping forward in lateral view. Mouthparts: Labium ( Figs. 112, 118) with 3–5 setae on anterior margin. Endites ( Fig. 118) serrula present in single row. ABDOMEN: without long posterior extension, rounded posteriorly; dorsum soft portions color pattern variable; sometimes faint with median chevrons hardly visible, sometimes clear with several chevrons. Book lung covers small. Pedicel tube short, unmodified, scutum absent, but abdomen extending anteriad of pedicel. Spinnerets ( Fig. 137): ALS with five spigots, PMS with two spigots, PLS with three spigots. LEGS: patella plus tibia I nearly as long as carapace (TL/CL ≈ 0.95). GENITALIA ( Figs 101–106, 125–128): Rounded semitransparent area (ARe) in front of epigastric fold, visible through cuticle in ventral view; with central dark area in the middle of x-shaped pattern (AUS + Pr). SEMs show ARe oval, anterior margin slightly indented, with deep ventral groove visible in ventral and lateral view ( Figs. 127, 128), fused at base with AUS and expanded around it distad; ARe shifted to posterior position putting AUS in front; Ex large, proximally gutter-like and distally expanded; posterior receptaculum absent.

MATERIAL EXAMINED: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Kivu, plaine de la Ruindi, - 0.80000°, 29.30000°, July 10, 1972, Lejeune M., 1♂ ( MRAC 144630 PBI _OON 29271). Bandundu: Basoko , Old palm plantation, 60 years old, canopy, 1.23333°, 23.60000°, Mar. 07, 2009, De Bakker D., 1♀ ( MRAC PBI _OON 33268) ; as previous, 4♂ ( MRAC 228688 PBI _OON 33928) as previous, 1♀ ( MRAC PBI _OON 33272) ; as previous, 1♀ ( MRAC PBI _OON 33273) ; as previous, 7♀ ( MRAC 228701 PBI _OON 33942) ; as previous, 4♂ ( MRAC 228700 PBI _OON 33943) ; as previous, 8♀ ( MRAC 228696 PBI _OON 33947) ; as previous, 5♀ ( MRAC 228695 PBI _OON 33948) ; Yaekama, young secondary forest, canopy, 0.78333°, 23.30000°, June 07, 2009, De Bakker D., 2♂ 1♀ ( MRAC 228699 PBI _OON 33944). Equateur: Mbangi , Old secondary forest, canopy, 2.11666°, 21.73333°, June 24, 2009, De Bakker D., 1♂ ( MRAC 228693 PBI _OON 33923) ; as previous., 2♂ ( MRAC 228692 PBI _OON 33924) ; as previous, June 25, 2009, 2♂ ( MRAC 228690 PBI _OON 33926) ; as previous, 5♀ ( MRAC 228702 PBI _OON 33941) ; as previous, June 23, 2009, 1♂ 3♀ ( MRAC 228705 PBI _OON 33938) ; Mbangi, Old secondary forest, canopy, 2.11666°, 21.73333°, June 25, 2009, De Bakker D., 7♀ ( MRAC 228698 PBI _OON 33945) ; as previous, June 24, 2009, 1♂ 1♀ ( MRAC 228697 PBI _OON 33946) ; as previous, 2♂ 1♀ ( MRAC 228694 PBI _OON 33949) ; Monzé ( Engengele ), old secondary forest, canopy, 2.03333°, 22.73333°, June 30, 2009, De Bakker D., 5♀ ( MRAC 228691 PBI _OON 33925) ; as previous, 5♀ ( MRAC 228703 PBI _OON 33940) as previous, 4♂ ( MRAC 228704 PBI _OON 33939) ; as previous, June 29, 2009, 2♀ ( MRAC 228706 PBI _OON 33937) ; as previous, old palm plantation, 60 years old, canopy, June 30, 2009, 3♂ ( MRAC 228689 PBI _OON 33927). Congo Central: Luki Forest Reserve, Old secondary forest, canopy, -5.63333°, 13.06666°, Sept. 18, 2007, De Bakker D., Michiels J.P., 1♂ paratype ( MRAC 228959 PBI _ OON 8991 ) ; as previous, Sept. 17, 2007, 1♀ paratype ( MRAC PBI _ OON 8992 ) ; as previous, 4♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228958 PBI _OON 33695) ; as previous, 1♂ paratype ( MRAC PBI _ OON 8994 ) ; as previous, Sept. 20, 2007, 4♂ 10♀ ( MRAC 228770 PBI _OON 16774) ; as previous, Oct. 04, 2007., 3♂ 1♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228960 PBI _OON 33694) ; as previous, primary forest, canopy, Nov. 13, 2006, 1♀ paratype ( MRAC 228885 PBI _ OON 9011 ) ; as previous, 14♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228887 PBI _ OON 9012 ) ; as previous, 1♀ paratype ( MRAC 228890 PBI _ OON 9013 ) ; as previous, 1♂ paratype ( MRAC 228886 PBI _ OON 9014 ) ; as previous, 1♂ paratype ( MRAC 228883 PBI _ OON 9015 ) ; as previous, 17♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228889 PBI _ OON 9016 ) ; as previous, 35♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228884 PBI _ OON 9023 ) ; as previous, 20♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228773 PBI _OON 16769) ; as previous, Nov. 10, 2006, 47♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228779 PBI _OON 16770) ; as previous, Sept. 29, 2007, 14♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228952 PBI _OON 33151) ; as previous, 1♀ paratype ( MRAC 228952 PBI _OON 33152) ; as previous, Nov. 04, 2006, 30♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228897 PBI _OON 33314) ; as previous, Nov. 07, 2006, 30♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228896 PBI _OON 33315) ; as previous, Nov. 05, 2006, 30♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228895 PBI _OON 33316 as previous, 30♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228894 PBI _OON 33317) ; as previous, Nov. 12, 2006, d, 16♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228893 PBI _OON 33318) ; as previous, Nov. 07, 2006., 30♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228892 PBI _OON 33319) ; as previous, Nov. 04, 2006., 8♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228888 PBI _OON 33320) ; As previous, Sept. 29, 2007., 32♂ 33♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228952 PBI _OON 33589) ; As previous, Oct. 04, 2007., 15♂ 20 ♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228947 PBI _OON 33594) ; As previous, Oct. 03, 2007., 24♂ 21♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228944 PBI _OON 33597) ; as previous, Sept. 30, 2007., 2♂ 6♀ paratypes ( MRAC 228942 PBI _OON 33599) ; as previous, Sept. 17, 2007., 2♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228956 PBI _OON 33697) ; as previous, Oct. 03, 2007., 2 ♂ paratypes ( MRAC 228955 PBI _OON 33698). GHANA: Kakum forest , primary forest, canopy, 5.33333°, -1.38333°, Nov. 21, 2005, De Bakker D., Jocqué R. & Baert L., 6♀ ( MRAC 228753 PBI _ OON 8965 ) ; as previous, Nov. 25, 2005, 13♂ ( MRAC 228744 PBI _ OON 8974 ) ; as previous, Nov. 25, 2005, 13♀ ( MRAC 228746 PBI _ OON 8972 ) ; as previous, Nov. 18, 2005, 1♀ ( MRAC 228752 PBI _ OON 8966 ) ; as previous, Nov. 18 2005, 14♂ ( MRAC 228751 PBI _ OON 8967 ) ; as previous, Nov. 14, 2005, 2♂ ( MRAC 228755 PBI _OON 33280) ; as previous, Nov. 14, 2005, 6♀ ( MRAC 228761 PBI _OON 33286) ; as previous, Nov. 25, 2005, 1♀ ( MRAC 228961 PBI _OON 33891) ; as previous, secondary forest, canopy, Nov. 17, 2005, 3♀ ( MRAC 228750 PBI _ OON 8968 ) ; as previous, Nov. 24, 2005, 2♂ ( MRAC 228749 PBI _ OON 8969 ) ; as previous, Nov. 16, 2005, 3♂ ( MRAC 228748 PBI _ OON 8970 ) ; as previous, Nov. 22, 2005, 6♀ ( MRAC 228747 PBI _ OON 8971 ) ; as previous, Nov. 12, 2005, 2♀ ( MRAC 228745 PBI _ OON 8973 ) ; as previous, Nov. 19, 2005, 10♂ ( MRAC 228768 PBI _OON 16778 as previous, Nov. 19, 2005, 7♀ ( MRAC 228767 PBI _OON 16779) ; as previous, Nov. 24, 2005, 6♀ ( MRAC 228754 PBI _OON 33279) ; as previous, Nov. 23, 2005, 1♂ ( MRAC 228758 PBI _OON 33283) ; as previous, Nov. 17, 2005, 1♂ ( MRAC 228756 PBI _OON 33281) ; as previous, Nov. 15, 2005, 1♂ ( MRAC 228757 PBI _OON 33282) ; as previous, Nov. 22, 2005, 6♂ ( MRAC 228760 PBI _OON 33285) ; as previous, Nov. 15, 2005, 2♀ ( MRAC 228762 PBI _OON 33287). KENYA: Kakamega Forest , secondary forest, canopy, 0.21666°, 34.90000°, Jan. 01, 2002, Fre- und W., 2♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 16784) ; as previous, Feb. 01, 2002, 1♂ 2♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33624) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2001 to Oct. 01, 2001, 1♂ 2♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33627) ; as previous, Kakamega Forest , middle-aged secondary forest,, Feb. 01, 2007, 2♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 16785) ;); as previous, Jan. 01, 2002 to Feb. 01, 2002, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33573) ; as previous, Jan. 01, 2003, 2♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33575) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2001 to Oct. 01, 2001, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33378) ; as previous, 2♂ 2♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33379) ; as previous, Jan. 01, 2003 to Feb. 01, 2003, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33579) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2001 to Oct. 01, 2001, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33585) ; as previous, 5♂ 8♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33586) ; as previous, Jan. 01, 2003 to Feb. 01, 2003, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33600) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2001 to Oct. 01, 2001, 1♂ 2♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33603) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2002 to Oct. 01, 2002, 4♂ 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33612) ; as previous, Feb. 01, 2003, 2♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33605) ; as previous, 2♂ 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33609) ; as previous, Feb. 01, 2003, Freund W., 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33616) ; as previous, advanced secondary forest, canopy, Sept. 01, 2001 to Oct. 01, 2001, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33576) ; as previous, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33582) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2002 to Oct. 01, 2002, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33607) ; as previous, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33611) ; as previous, 1♂ 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33618) ; as previous, Feb. 01, 2002, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33621) ; as previous, 2♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33622) ; as previous, old secondary forest, Jan. 01, 2002 to Feb. 01, 2002, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33577) ; as previous, Feb. 01, 2003, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33584) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2002 to Oct. 01, 2002, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33580) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2002 to Oct. 01, 2002, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33578) ; as previous, Feb. 07, 1999 to Feb. 11, 1999, 2♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33583) ; as previous, Jan. 01, 2003 to Feb. 01, 2003, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33602) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2001 to Oct. 01, 2001, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33604) ; 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33604) ; as previous, 3♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33610) ; as previous, Sept. 01, 2002 to Oct. 01, 2002, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33608) ; as previous, Jan. 01, 2003, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33614) ; as previous, Feb. 01, 2002, 1♂ 2♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33625) ; as previous, canopy,, Feb. 07, 1999 to Feb. 11, 1999, Wagner T., 2♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33380) ; as previous, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33581) . UGANDA: Budongo forest , secondary forest, canopy, 1.65000°, 31.58333°, Jan. 05, 1997 to Jan. 15, 1997, Wagner T, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33601) ; as previous, Jan. 15, 1997 to Jan. 25, 1997, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33398) ; as previous, Jan. 15, 1997 to Jan. 25, 1997, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33403) ; as previous, July 01, 1995 to July 10, 1995, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33395) ; as previous, July 01, 1995 to July 10, 1995, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33401) ; as previous, July 01, 1995 to July 10, 1995, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33673) ; as previous, July 01, 1995 to July 10, 1995, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33677) ; as previous, July 01, 1995 to July 10, 1995, 1♂ 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33400) ; as previous, July 11, 1995 to July 20, 1995, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33676) ; as previous, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33678) ; as previous, 1♂ 2♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33672) ; as previous, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 16792) ; as previous, primary forest, canopy, 1.65000°, 31.58333°, Jan. 15, 1997 to Jan. 25, 1997, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 16793) ; as previous, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33397) ; as previous, Jan. 05, 1997 to Jan. 15, 1997, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33606) ; as previous, July 11, 1995 to July 20, 1995, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33671) ; as previous, July 11, 1995 to July 20, 1995, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33674) ; as previous, June 19, 1995 to June 30, 1995, 1♂ 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33402) ; swamp forest, canopy, 1.65000°, 31.58333°, Jan. 15, 1997 to Jan. 25, 1997, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33399) ; as previous, Jan. 15, 1997 to Jan. 25, 1997, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33675) ; as previous, July 11, 1995 to July 20, 1995, 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33613) ; 1♀ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33613) ; as previous, July 21, 1995 to July 31, 1995, 1♂ ( ZFMK PBI _OON 33396) .

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread from Ghana in West Africa throughout Central Africa to Kenya in eastern Africa ( Fig. 609).