Mallinella sciophana (Simon, 1901) Dankittipakul & Jocqué & Singtripop, 2012

Dankittipakul, Pakawin, Jocqué, Rudy & Singtripop, Tippawan, 2012, Systematics and biogeography of the spider genus Mallinella Strand, 1906, with descriptions of new species and new genera from Southeast Asia (Araneae, Zodariidae) 3369, Zootaxa 3369 (1), pp. 1-327 : 116

The sciophana -group

The monophyly of the sciophana -group is defined by two synapomorphic (the anteriorly directed process on the TA and the peculiar shape of the epigynal plate) and three homoplasious characters including the reduced pattern on the dorsum of the opisthosoma (Ch. 19, state 4) and the modified TA (Ch. 82, state 3, Ch. 83 state 0). They can be recognized by the lengthened leg, especially the elongated metatarsi and tarsi in males.

The four species forming the sciophana -group exhibit several morphological peculiarities that can be considered the most bizarre genitalia of any known Mallinella species. The TA of the male palp is provided with 2-3 extremely elongated, anteriorly directed processes (Ch. 85, state 2). Females have a distinctive epigynal plate with a posterior median incision and strongly rebordered lateral margin (Ch. 91, state 7); the internal genitalia are short and strongly convoluted. Members of this species-group (node 11) are also supported by specialization of morphological structures including the greatly enlarged AME, and by their relatively long legs.

Species account. Four species: Mallinella cuspidata sp. nov., M. cuspidatissima sp. nov., M. karubei Ono, 2003 , M. sciophana ( Simon, 1901) comb. nov.

Distribution. Sumatra and Vietnam.