Mallinella sobria (Thorell, 1890) 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 : 126-127

The sobria -group

The sobria -group is phylogenetically defined by one synapomorphic (the basally constricted RTA; Ch. 48, state 2) and four homoplasious characters including the heavily sclerotized male dorsal scutum (Ch. 14, state 2), the bladelike embolus (Ch. 73, state 1), the broad, triangular apico-prolateral process (Ch. 81, state 2) and the prominent baso-retrolateral ridge on the TA (Ch. 88, state 1).

Members of the sobria -group are recognized by a combination of characters: the elongated PVS are sharply pointed; the RTA is widest at half its length and laterally constricted at base; the embolic base is round, the filiform embolus is blade-like, usually with an elevated mesal ridge; the triangular ventral sclerite of the conductor is sharply pointed and directed anteriad; the epigynal plate is broad and slightly excavated anteriorly; the modified distal part of spermathecae is strongly convoluted. Although the extraordinary modification of the spermathecae is easily recognizable, the male genitalia are all very similar, to the extent that species identification based on the male palp alone may be impossible.

Species account. Five species: Mallinella caperata sp. nov., M. cirrifera sp. nov., M. clavigera sp. nov., M. kritscheri sp. nov., M. sobria ( Thorell, 1890) comb. nov.

Distribution. Sumatra.