Persiscape caspica sp. n.

(Figs. 1 A–B, 9D, 10E–F, 13A–C, 15B)

Type material: Holotype ♂ and paratype 1♀ (MMUE), IRAN: Mazandaran Province: Javaher-Deh Vil., 36°52′N 50°28′E, 09 June 2000 (Y. M. Marusik).

Etymology: This species is named after the Caspian region where the specimens were collected.

Diagnosis: Persiscape caspica sp. n. is most similar to P. ecbatana sp. n., but it can be distinguished by having the embolus shorter than the lamellar process ( v. embolus and lamellar process equal in length), relatively shorter patellar apophysis (cf. Figs. 10C and 10E), elongate tegulum, c. 1.2× longer than wide (v. as long as wide), and by the scape which is c. 1.4× wider than long (v. 2× wider than long) (Fig. 13A).

Description of male: Habitus as in Fig. 1B. Total length 5.90. Carapace 2.86 long, 1.94 wide. Eye sizes and PME interdistance: AME: 0.10, ALE: 0.15, PME: 0.12, PLE: 0.16, PME–PME: 0.11. Carapace, sternum, labium, chelicera, and maxilla reddish brown. Carapace with dark margins, two wide, light submarginal bands, two wide, brown lateral bands, and a wide, light median band (Fig. 1 A–B). Legs the same colour as the carapace, with distinct annulations. Abdomen dark reddish brown, with two distinct dark gray submarginal bands dorsally with numerous small light gray patches, and a dark reddish cardiac mark. Spinnerets dark brown, apical segment lighter. Leg I measurements: 9.48 (2.53, 1.04, 2.08, 2.29, 1.54).

Palp as in Figs. 9D, 10 E–F; tegulum c. 1.2× longer than wide; embolus and lamellar process subequal in length; embolus with triangular extension near the base.

Description of female: Habitus as in Fig. 1A. Total length 6.78. Carapace 2.32 long, 1.90 wide. Eye sizes and PME interdistance: AME: 0.08, ALE: 0.16, PME: 0.11, PLE: 0.15, PME–PME: 0.10. Colouration as in male. Leg I measurements: 7.87 (2.03, 1.0, 1.68, 1.84, 1.32).

Epigyne as in Figs. 13 A–C; scape large, occupies most of the fovea, c. 1.35× wider than long; receptacle with 2 globular chambers.

Distribution: Known only from the type locality in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran (Fig. 15B).