Hoggicosa forresti Langlands & Framenau, 2010

Langlands, Peter R. & Framenau, Volker W., 2010, Systematic revision of Hoggicosa Roewer, 1960, the Australian ‘ bicolor’ group of wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae), Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 158 (1), pp. 83-123 : 97-99

HOGGICOSA FORRESTI ( MCKAY, 1973) COMB. NOV.

( FIGS 1C , 5E , 17A–D , 18 )

Lycosa forresti McKay, 1973: 385–389 , figs 1F–G, 2D–G; Main, 1976: 138–141, 149, 231, fig. 37B, plate B7; Brignoli, 1983: 450; McKay, 1985: 77.

Types: Holotype. ♀ from Western Australia: 8 miles west of Moorine Rock , 8.i.1970, W. H. Butler ( WAM 70 /44).

Paratypes. Western Australia: 1 ♀, Buntine Reserve, c. 3 miles east of Buntine Railway Station , 29°59′S, 116°42′E ( WAM 72 /635) ; 2 ♀, 1 juvenile (juv.), Buntine Reserve, c. 3 miles east of Buntine Railway Station , 29°59′S, 116°42′E ( WAM 72 /639-41) ; 1 ♂, Hyden , 32°27′S, 118°52′E ( WAM 69 /801) ; 1 juv., Lake Moore , near south end, 30°20′S, 117°58′E ( WAM 71 /198) ; 1 ♀, Nevoria mine, 10 miles east-south-east Marvel Loch , 31°30′S, 119°34′E ( WAM 70 /30) ; 1 ♀, Mt Magnet , 323 mile peg, 28°03′S, 117°50′E ( WAM 69 /467) ; 1 ♀, Rudall River , 22°28′S, 122°29′E ( WAM 71 /1151) ; 1 ♀, Southern Cross , 31°14′S, 119°19′E ( WAM 72 /634) ; 1 ♀, Southern Cross , 6 miles east, 31°16′S, 119°25′E ( WAM 69 /40) ; 1 juv., Tammin , 31°38′S, 117°29′E ( WAM 69 /38) ; 1 juv., Wongan Hills , 106.6 miles north-east, ( WAM 69 /792) ; 1 ♀, Wongan Hills, Ballidu Road , 135 mile peg, 30°54′S, 116°43′E ( WAM 69 /827) ; 1 juv., Wongan Hills - Ballidu Road , 135 mile peg, 30°54′S, 116°43′E ( WAM 69 /828) ; 1 juv., Wubin , 30°07′S, 116°38′E ( WAM 69 /41) ; 1 juv., Wubin , 20 miles north-east, 29°54′S, 116°52′E ( WAM 69 /43) ; 1 ♀, Wubin , 10 miles north-east, 30°00′S, 116°31′E ( WAM 69 /456) ; 1 ♀, Yandil Station , 26°22′S, 119°49′E ( WAM 38 /916) ; 1 ♀, 6 juv., Yellowdine , 38 miles south, 31°51′S, 119°39′E ( WAM 71 /69-75) .

Misidentification , these are H. alfi : 1 ♀, Mt Magnet, 323 mile peg, 28°03′S, 117°50′E ( WAM 69 /791); 1 ♀, Paynes Find area, 323 mile peg, 29°15′S, 117°41′E ( WAM 70 /186) .

Misidentification, these are H. castanea : 1 ♀, Morawa , 29°13′S, 116°00′E ( WAM 70 /172) ; 1 ♀, Mt Magnet , 323 mile peg, 28°03′S, 117°50′E ( WAM 69 /46) ; 1 ♀, Kulin , 32°40′S, 118°9′E ( WAM T 53819; 33/1607) ; 1 ♀, Coonana , 12 miles north-west, 30°54′S, 123°01′E ( WAM 69 /35) ; 1 ♀, Laverton , Police Station, 28°38′S, 122°24′E ( WAM 26 /716, published as WAM 26 / 717 in McKay, 1973) ; 1 ♀, Marloo Station , 28°19′S, 116°11′E ( WAM 69 /42) .

Currently missing: 1 ♀, Carrabin ( WAM 69 /37) ; 1 juv., no locality ( WAM 71 /76) ; 1 ♂, no locality ( WAM 69 /465) .

Other material examined: 64 males, 48 females, and 19 juveniles from 105 records (Appendix S1).

Diagnosis: Most similar to H. forresti are H. brennani and H. castanea . Males and females of H. forresti may be distinguished from both by the presence of a prominent black lanceolate stripe on the anterior of the dorsal abdomen ( Fig. 1C ). In addition, H. brennani has a pale venter with dark patterning compared with the black venter of H. forresti and H. castanea . McKay (1973) indicated the leg colouration of forresti , with a pale diamond on the femur, as a diagnostic feature, but females of H. castanea can also display this leg coloration, but lack a dark lanceolate stripe. Males of H. forresti may be distinguished from H. castanea by the pars pendula, which is thin and transparent and joins below the embolus tip ( Fig. 7C ), whereas in H. castanea it is thick and opaque and joins at the tip of the embolus ( Fig. 7A ). The tegular apophysis may be used to distinguish H. brennani males, which have a flange on the ventral process ( Fig. 5C, D ) that is lacking in H. forresti ( Fig. 5E ).

Description: Male: Based on WAM T47762, North Baandee Nature Reserve, 31°38′S, 117°43′E, WA. Dorsal shield of prosoma brown, faint radial pattern, covered with black and white setae. Sternum light brown, labium brown, with scattered black setae. Chelicerae dark brown with white setae. Legs brown with black setae, pale diamond shape at base of femurs. Also pale with white setae on retrolateral side of ventral surface of legs I and II. Opisthosoma dorsally mottled grey. Black median lanceolate stripe at anterior end with black setae ( Fig. 1C ). Cover of black and white setae. Opisthosoma laterally cream with white setae. Venter with black triangular patch extending to spinnerets. Terminal apophysis of pedipalp strongly curved apically ( Fig. 17A, B ). Pars pendula transparent and connected to embolus just below embolus tip ( Fig. 7C ). Subterminal apophysis present, but small and difficult to see beneath terminal apophysis ( Fig. 7C ). Tegular apophysis with rounded ventral process projecting perpendicular. Prominent curved ridge between ventral process and apical point ( Fig. 5E ).

Female: Based on WAM T47762, data as above. Dorsal shield of prosoma pale orange with white setae covering. Sternum, labium, and chelicerae as male. Legs dark brown with black setae, same pale diamond shape on femur as male. Ventral side of legs on femur and patella brown, remainder pale. Opisthosoma dorsally as male with faint transverse rows from end of black stripe to spinnerets. Opisthosoma laterally cream with some black patches. Venter as male. Epigyne with broad anterior pockets ( Fig. 17C ). Internal epigyne with large ovoid anterior pockets and ‘s’ shaped sclerotized median septum channels ( Fig. 17D ).

Variation: The carapace of males can be darker with a more obvious radial pattern; some display a less obvious leg pattern or lack it altogether with grey/ brown legs. The dorsal opisthosoma can vary but always has a dark lanceolate stripe. The dark lanceolate stripe is sometimes surrounded by cream or with black extensions in the middle (bulges). The length between the process and the tip of the tegular apophysis can vary, but the pars pendula and subterminal apophysis are always the same.

Remarks: McKay (1973) noted atypical specimens from Forrest, Rawlinna, and Fitzgerald River in his description. Our examination of these specimens identified them as H. castanea .

Measurements: ♂ (♀) both T47762: TL, 18.1 (20.3); PL, 9.6 (11.0); PW, 8.0 (8.6). Eyes: AME, 0.54 (0.54); ALE, 0.32 (0.36); PME, 0.95 (1.32); PLE, 0.91 (1.14). Sternum (length/width): 4.1/3.6 (4.8/4.0). Labium (length/width): 1.45/1.36 (1.59/1.59). OL, 8.6 (9.3); OW, 4.3 (6.0). Legs, lengths of segments (femur + patella/tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): pedipalp, 4.6 + 4.3 + – + 3.6 = 12.5; I, 9.7 + 11.4 + 9.3 + 5.0 = 35.4; II, 9.3 + 10.8 + 9.3 + 4.8 = 34.2; III, 8.6 + 10.0 + 9.6 + 4.8 = 33.0; IV, 10.7 + 12.1 + 12.1 + 5.6 = 40.5 (pedipalp, 5.0 + 5.0 + – + 3.6 = 13.6; I, 9.3 + 11.4 + 7.1 + 4.3 = 32.1; II, 8.8 + 10.7 + 7.1 + 4.3 = 30.9; III, 7.8 + 9.7 + 8.3 + 4.3 = 30.1; IV, 10.0 + 12.1 + 11.4 + 5.0 = 38.5).

♂ (♀) (range, mean ± SD): TL, 13.6–20.0, 16.8 ± 1.7; PL, 7.9–10.3, 9.0 ± 0.7; PW, 6.3–8.3, 7.3 ± 0.6; N = 31 (TL, 17.1–22.4, 20.4 ± 1.3; PL, 9.3– 11.4, 10.5 ± 0.6; PW, 7.1–9.4, 8.6 ± 0.6; N = 18).

Natural history: Hoggicosa forresti has been collected from gritty, stony, and fine clayey loams as well as sandplains. Found in woodlands of Gimlet ( Eucalyptus salubris ), Salmon Gum ( E. salmonophloia ), and E. dundasii as well as Mallee ( Eucalyptus ) and Spinifex ( Triodia ). Adult females were collected all year round and adult males from November to May. This species excavates burrows armed with a trapdoor (see Main, 1976, fig. 37B).

Distribution: Southern Western Australia and South Australia ( Fig. 18 ). The record of a specimen from Cottesloe, Perth (WAM 22/5) is considered dubious and may be mislabelled.

HOGGICOSA NASTASHAE SP. NOV. ( Figs 1F , 19A–D , 20 , 22 )

Types: Holotype. ♀ from South Australia: Lake Gilles , 32°41′20′S, 136°55′20′E, 9.xii.1994, P. Hudson ( SAM NN14785 ).

Paratypes. South Australia: 1 ♀ from Lake Gilles , 32°41′20′S, 136°55′20′E, 15.v.1993, P. Hudson ( SAM NN14786 ) ; 1 ♀ from Lake Gilles , 32°43′S, 136°47′E, i.1996, P. Hudson ( SAM NN13801 ) .

Other material examined: Seven females and one juvenile from six records (Appendix S1).

Etymology: The specific epithet is a matronym in honour of the senior author’s mother, Natasha Langlands, in appreciation for all her love and support.

Diagnosis: This species can be distinguished from all other Hoggicosa by its striking dorsal abdominal pattern, which consists of black transverse markings on a pale cream abdomen ( Fig. 1F ). In addition, the anterior pockets of the epigynum are much larger than in any other species ( Fig. 19A ).

Description: Male: Currently unknown.

Female: Based on holotype. Dorsal shield of prosoma orange-brown, darker in eye quadrangle, faint radial pattern and cover of white setae. Sternum and labium brown with scattered black setae. Chelicerae dark brown with white setae. Legs grey. Opisthosoma dorsally cream with black transverse lines ( Fig. 1F ). Opisthosoma laterally and ventrally cream. Epigynum with broad and very elongate anterior pockets ( Fig. 19A ). Internal epigyne with spermatheca slightly wider than anterior pockets ( Fig. 19B ).

Remarks: A juvenile female displays the same dorsal abdominal pattern.

Measurements: ♀ holotype: TL, 19.0; PL, 9.0; PW, 6.8. Eyes: AME, 0.50; ALE, 0.36; PME, 1.04; PLE, 1.00. Sternum (length/width): 3.8/3.1. Labium (length/ width): 1.4/1.1. OL, 10.0; OW, 7.1. Legs, lengths of segments (femur + patella/tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): pedipalp, 4.3 + 4.0 + – + 2.7 = 11.0; I, 7.3 + 8.6 + 5.7 + 2.8 = 24.4; II, 7.0 + 8.3 + 5.4 + 2.8 = 23.5; III, 6.3 + 7.4 + 6.0 + 2.8 = 22.5; IV, 7.7 + 9.1 + 8.1 + 3.3 = 28.2.

♀ (range, mean ± SD): TL, 16.7–23.6, 20.4 ± 3.3; PL, 8.9–11.4, 10.1 ± 1.2; PW, 6.4–8.6, 7.4 ± 0.9; N = 5.

Natural history: Several specimens have been collected in low depressions covered with vegetation of Chenopods and Samphire. Mature females collected from December to May. The holotype was dug from a burrow with a thick bathtub plug-like door ( Fig. 20 ).

Distribution: New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia ( Fig. 22 ).

Figures

Figure 1. Hoggicosa species, habitus photos (A–H) and male diagnostic character (I). A, Hoggicosa bicolor (Hogg) penultimate ♂ from Western Australia (WA), not registered. B, H. bicolor (Hogg) adult ♂ from Lorna Glen Station, WA, WAM T70329. C, Hoggicosa forresti (McKay, 1973) adult male from Lorna Glen Station, WA, WAM T65610. D, Hoggicosa storri (McKay) penultimate ♂ from WA, not registered. E, H. storri (McKay) adult ♂ from Lorna Glen Station, WA, WAM T70277. F, Hoggicosa natashae sp. nov. holotype ♀ from Lake Gilles, SA, SAM NN14785, Photo courtesy of D. Hirst. G, Hoggicosa alfi sp. nov. ♂ from type locality, Lorna Glen Station, WA, not registered. H, H. alfi sp. nov. ♀ from type locality, WAM T70334. I, Hoggicosa castanea (Hogg) lateral view of male cymbium tip with diagnostic macrosetae bent dorsally, from Gluepot Station, SA, SAM NN19314. Scale bars = 5 mm.

Figure 5. ♂ Hoggicosa species, male palp, tegular apophyses. A–B, Hoggicosa castanea (Hogg). A, north of Bower, South Australia (SA), WAM T64050; B, palpal variation from east of Mount Barren, Western Australia (WA), WAM T53507. C–D, Hoggicosa brennani sp. nov. holotype from Taylorville Station, SA, SAM NN17017; D, tegular apophysis ventral spur enlarged. E, Hoggicosa forresti (McKay) from North Baandee Nature Reserve, WA, WAM T47762. F, Hoggicosa wolodymyri sp. nov. from Queen Victoria Springs Nature Reserve, WA, WAM T52527. G–H, Hoggicosa storri (McKay). G, south of the type locality Yellowdine, WA, WAM T53406; H, palpal variation from Yuinmery, WA, WAM T62781. All scale bars = 0.2 mm except for D = 0.1 mm.

Figure 7. ♂ Hoggicosa species, male palp, palea region. A, Hoggicosa castanea (Hogg) from East Mt Barren, Western Australia (WA), WAM T53507. B, Hoggicosa duracki (McKay) from Hope Downs Station, WA, WAM T65119. C, Hoggicosa forresti (McKay) from Helena-Aurora Ranges, WA, WAM T47763. D, Hoggicosa wolodymyri sp. nov. from Queen Victoria Springs Nature Reserve, WA, WAM T52527. Scale bars = 0.1 mm. Note: twisting of terminal and subterminal apophysis is a result of scanning electron microscopy drying process.

Figure 17. Hoggicosa forresti (McKay) from North Baandee Nature Reserve, Western Australia, WAM T47762. A–B, ♂, palp. A, ventral; B, palea; C–D, ♀, epigynum. C, ventral; D, dorsal. Scale bars = 0.5 mm.

Figure 18. Distribution records of Hoggicosa brennani sp. nov. (black circles), Hoggicosa duracki (McKay) (grey circles), and Hoggicosa forresti (McKay) (white circles).

Figure 19. Hoggicosa natashae sp. nov. A–B, epigynum, ♀ holotype from Lake Gilles, South Australia (SA), SAM NN14785. A, ventral; B, dorsal. C–D, epigynum variation, ♀ from Cooper Creek, SA, SAM NN020. C, ventral; D, dorsal.

Figure 20. Hoggicosa natashae sp. nov. burrow

Figure 22. Distribution records of Hoggicosa natashae sp. nov. (grey circles) and Hoggicosa snelli (McKay) (white circles).