Mallinella microtheca, 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 : 255

Mallinella microtheca sp. nov.

(Figs 1112, 1168–1170)

Material examined. Holotype: ♀, MALAYSIA, Pahang State: Genting (Highland?), 27 November 1990, leg. F. & J. Murphy ( FJMC, coll. 18988).

Diagnosis. The female is somewhat similar to those of M. glomerata sp. nov. and M. stenotheca sp. nov. (Fig. 1114), it can be separated by the shape of the diverging spermathecae (Fig. 1169).

Etymology. The specific epithet, anoun in apposition, is latinized combination of Greek words (μlĸpOς = small; Ɵηκη= container) and refers to the small spermathecae.

Description. Female (holotype). Total length 7.35; prosoma 3.70 long, 3.06 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.28, ALE 0.20, PME 0.20, PLE 0.20, AME–AME 0.22, AME–ALE 0.54, PME–PME 0.20, PME–PLE 0.62; MOQ: 0.60 long, 0.64 anterior width, 0.62 posterior width. Leg measurements: I 14.10 (3.38, 4.42, 3.54, 2.74), II 11.69 (2.94, 3.68, 2.92, 2.14), III 11.76 (3.08, 3.54, 3.16, 1.98), IV 16.24 (3.92, 4.78, 5.06, 2.44).

Coloration. Carapace and sternum brown. Coxae and trochanters pale yellowish, other leg segments brown. Dorsum of opisthosoma dark sepia. Pattern indistinct (specimen not in a good condition): anteriorly with two pairs of faint, round spots; third pair represented by triangular transverse band; fourth and fifth pairs represented each by short transverse band.

Genitalia (Figs 1112, 1186–1170). Epigyne with strongly rebordered lateral margins, its, posterior margin protruding over epigastric furrow. Spermathecae diverging, constricted subapically.

Male. Unknown.

Distribution. Known only from the type locality.

Sub-group 3 accommodates species sharing a similar pattern on the dorsum of the opisthosoma as found in sub-group 2 but can be distinguished by the following diagnostic characters: the TA carries a pronounced baso-prolateral tooth, a bifid apico-prolateral process and a well-developed apico-retrolateral ridge; separation between truncated spermathecae and much more slender insemination ducts well marked.

The African–Indian–Northern Thai–Chinese–Vietnamese–Japanese species belong to this group. In the species collected in northern Thailand and China (Figs 1244–1246, 1248–1256) there is a significant modification on the lateral ramus of the embolus, whereas this part is gradually tapering in the Japanese species (Figs 1248–1256).