Lacronia utaru, Carvalho & Kury, 2024

Carvalho, Rafael N. & Kury, Adriano B., 2024, Filling a geographic gap: a new species of genus Lacronia Strand, 1942 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae) from southern Brazil, Zootaxa 5496 (3), pp. 417-428 : 420-426

publication ID	https://doi.org/ 10.11646/zootaxa.5496.3.7
publication LSID	lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C331701F-4EDB-43D5-8C4F-947028239A03
DOI	https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13346981
persistent identifier	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/47119D64-A910-438E-8EFD-A211D80F6831
taxon LSID	lsid:zoobank.org:act:47119D64-A910-438E-8EFD-A211D80F6831
treatment provided by	Plazi
scientific name	Lacronia utaru
status	sp. nov.

Treatment

Lacronia utaru sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:47119D64-A910-438E-8EFD-A211D80F6831

( Figs. 2–5 View FIGURE 2 View FIGURE 3 View FIGURE 4 View FIGURE 5 , 6B View FIGURE 6 )

Type series. Holotype ♂ ( MHNCI), from Brazil, Paraná State, Morretes, Porto de Cima, 10.vi.1989, Segalla. M. V. leg.; 1 ♂ paratype ( MNRJ 3697 View Materials ), from Brazil, Paraná State, Paranaguá, Estação Ecológica do Guaraguaçu , Estrada do Bosque (-25.6193°, -48.52682°, alt.: 16 m); 15–16.i.2024, Carvalho R. N. & Kury, A. B. leg.

Type locality. Brazil, Paraná State, Morretes, Porto de Cima (-25.422°, -48.88552°).

Etymology. The specific name is a noun in apposition referring to the Utaru, an agrarian tribe in the universe of the game Horizon Forbidden West developed by Guerrilla Games. The body painting of the Utaru exhibits a color and shape pattern very similar to that found on the tubercles highlighted on the AS lateral borders of this new species.

Diagnosis. Lacronia utaru sp. nov. can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of male characters: a) AS lateral borders with light-colored tubercles contrasting with its background (without areolated spots surrounding the tubercles) at the height of mesotergum areas II–IV ( Figs. 2A–D View FIGURE 2 , 3A, C–D View FIGURE 3 , 4A–B View FIGURE 4 ); b) Ocularium elliptical in dorsal view, almost perpendicular in relation to the carapace ( Fig. 4B View FIGURE 4 ); c) Carapace and mesotergum areas I–IV with ordinary tubercles not contrasting with its background ( Figs. 2A–D View FIGURE 2 , 3A, C–D View FIGURE 3 , 4A View FIGURE 4 ); d) Ti III proventral face with a comb of three spines (iII) on the distal third, the larger ones not touching each other’s tip ( Fig. 4D View FIGURE 4 ); e) Tr IV prolateral proximal/central portion with an almost isosceles triangle-shaped apophysis with a prodorsal basal protuberance (like in L. serripes ) ( Figs. 3A–B View FIGURE 3 , 4A, G–H View FIGURE 4 ); f) dorsal face of Mt IV with a row of 14 conical spines (iIIIIIIIIIiIii) ( Figs. 2C View FIGURE 2 , 3E View FIGURE 3 , 4K View FIGURE 4 ); g) ventral process of stylus flabellum scallop-shaped, slightly bent ventrad ( Fig. 5B View FIGURE 5 ). Female is unknown.

Description. DS measurements of ♂ holotype: CW 2.7, CL 1.8, AW 4.8, AL 3.0; legs I–IV measurements in Table 1 View TABLE 1 ; tarsal counts: 5(3) / 6(3) - 11(3) / 11(3) - 7 / 7 - 7 / 8.

Dorsum. DS gamma-pyriform, as long as wide, with lateral borders of the AS convex, widest at mesotergal area II and higher at mesotergal area III, with posterior border convex ( Figs. 3A View FIGURE 3 , 4A View FIGURE 4 ). DS anterior border with a pair of shallow cheliceral sockets separated by a small central projection ( Fig. 4A View FIGURE 4 ). Carapace with one pair of prominent tubercles posterior to the ocularium ( Fig. 4A View FIGURE 4 ). Ocularium elliptical (in dorsal view), high (ca. 4 × eye diameter), almost forming a 90º angle with DS, placed in the anterior portion of the carapace ( Figs. 2A View FIGURE 2 , 3A, C View FIGURE 3 , 4A–B View FIGURE 4 ). Ocularium with a pair of almost parallel spines (ca 2 × the eye diameter), slightly inclined frontwards ( Figs 2B View FIGURE 2 , 4A–C View FIGURE 4 ). Mesotergum divided in four clearly defined areas ( Figs 2A, D View FIGURE 2 , 3A View FIGURE 3 , 4A View FIGURE 4 ). AS lateral borders with 8–12 yellowish prominent tubercles contrasting with the background at level of mesotergum areas II–IV ( Figs. 2A–D View FIGURE 2 , 3A, C View FIGURE 3 , 4A–B View FIGURE 4 ). Mesotergum area I divided into left and right halves by a longitudinal median groove ( Figs. 2A–B, D View FIGURE 2 , 3A View FIGURE 3 , 4A View FIGURE 4 ). All areas tuberculate, with tiny tubercles not contrasting with the background ( Figs. 2A–B, D View FIGURE 2 , 3A View FIGURE 3 , 4A View FIGURE 4 ). Mesotergum area I with a pair of prominent tubercles ( Figs. 4A–B View FIGURE 4 ). Mesotergum area III with a pair of outstanding paramedian spines (ca. 1.5 × the ocularium spines) with subconical apex. ( Figs 2A–D View FIGURE 2 , 3A, C–D View FIGURE 3 , 4A–B, E View FIGURE 4 ). Mesotergum area IV with a transversal row of four to five prominent tubercles ( Fig. 4A View FIGURE 4 ). DS posterior border with a transversal row of prominent tubercles (same color as the background) ( Figs. 2A, C–D View FIGURE 2 , 3A, C–D View FIGURE 3 , 4A–B View FIGURE 4 ). Free tergites I–III with a transversal row of ordinary tubercles ( Figs. 2C View FIGURE 2 , 3A, C–D View FIGURE 3 , 4A View FIGURE 4 ). Anal operculum covered by ordinary tubercles ( Figs. 2C View FIGURE 2 , 3D View FIGURE 3 ).

Venter. Cx I–III sub-parallel to each other, each with ventral longitudinal rows of setiferous tubercles (Cx I rows with higher and sharper tubercles than the others) ( Fig. 2E View FIGURE 2 ). Cx II retro-ventral margin with a longitudinal row of acuminate tubercles on the distal third ( Fig. 3B View FIGURE 3 ). Cx III retro-ventral border with a transversal row of acuminate tubercles on the centro-distal two thirds ( Fig. 3B View FIGURE 3 ). Cx IV much larger than the others, directed obliquely ( Figs. 2E View FIGURE 2 , 3B View FIGURE 3 ). Intercoxal bridges well-marked ( Figs 2E View FIGURE 2 , 3B View FIGURE 3 ). Stigmatic area inverted-Y-shaped, clearly sunken in relation to Cx IV distal part ( Figs. 2E View FIGURE 2 , 3B View FIGURE 3 ). Cx IV covered by ordinary tubercles. ( Figs 2E View FIGURE 2 , 3B View FIGURE 3 ). Cx IV posterior border and stigmatic area each with a transversal row of ordinary tubercles ( Fig. 2E View FIGURE 2 ). Stigmata visible ( Figs 2E View FIGURE 2 , 3B View FIGURE 3 ). Free sternites with a transverse row of ordinary tubercles.

Chelicerae. Basichelicerite elongate, bulla well-marked, with marginal setiferous tubercles (two–three mesal and posterior, two ectal) ( Figs. 2B View FIGURE 2 , 3A, C View FIGURE 3 , 4A View FIGURE 4 ); hand not swollen.

Pedipalps. Tr with two geminate ventral setiferous tubercles. Fe with a ventral basal and a mesal apical setiferous tubercle. Pa unarmed. Ti with two rows of four spines (IiIi) on ventro-mesal and ventro-ectal faces. Ta with two rows of spines: three (Iii) on ventro-mesal face and four (IiIi) on ventro-ectal face.

Legs. All the unmentioned podomeres are unarmed or without relevant armature. Tr I–III each with several ventral tubercles ( Figs. 3A–B View FIGURE 3 ). Fe I sub-straight ( Figs. 2E View FIGURE 2 , 3A–B View FIGURE 3 ); Fe II straight ( Figs. 2A, E View FIGURE 2 , 3A View FIGURE 3 ); Fe III sinuous ( Figs. 2A, E View FIGURE 2 , 3A, B View FIGURE 3 , 4D View FIGURE 4 ). Fe and Ti I–III with all faces covered by longitudinal rows of small tubercles ( Figs. 3A, B View FIGURE 3 , 4D View FIGURE 4 ). Fe II–III with an apical retro-dorsal spur ( Figs. 2A, E View FIGURE 2 , 3A View FIGURE 3 , 4D View FIGURE 4 ). Fe III with an apical prodorsal spur (much smaller than the retro-dorsal one) ( Fig. 3C View FIGURE 3 ). Fe III and Ti III with two rows (proventral and retro-ventral) of small acuminate tubercles, distally becoming spines (outstanding spines on Ti III) ( Figs. 3B View FIGURE 3 , 4D View FIGURE 4 ). Pa I–III covered dorsally by tubercles ( Figs. 2D View FIGURE 2 , 4D View FIGURE 4 ). Ti III mace-shaped ( Figs. 2B–C, E View FIGURE 2 , 3A–B View FIGURE 3 , 4D View FIGURE 4 ).

Coxa IV reaching the level of the mesotergum areas III–IV of DS ( Figs 2A View FIGURE 2 , 3A View FIGURE 3 , 4A View FIGURE 4 ); its prodorsal and ventral faces are covered by a mix of ordinary and prominent acuminated tubercles ( Figs. 2A, E View FIGURE 2 , 3A–C View FIGURE 3 , 4A View FIGURE 4 ); with a prodorsal distal thick cylindrical apophysis (slightly curved backwards in the distal fourth), posteriorly crenated ( Figs. 3A–D View FIGURE 3 , 4A, F–I View FIGURE 4 ); a retrolateral distal spiniform apophysis, fused with a small secondary branch ( Figs. 2A, D–E View FIGURE 2 , 3A–B, D View FIGURE 3 , 4A, G, I View FIGURE 4 ).

Trochanter IV square-shaped in dorsal view ( Figs. 2A View FIGURE 2 , 3A View FIGURE 3 , 4A, G View FIGURE 4 ); prodorsal distal face with three-four tubercles (two prolateral most prominent) ( Figs. 4A, F–G View FIGURE 4 ); prolateral proximal/central portion with an almost isosceles triangle-shaped apophysis, with a prodorsal basal protuberance ( Fig. 4A, G–I View FIGURE 4 ); ventral face tuberculate ( Figs 2E View FIGURE 2 , 3B View FIGURE 3 , 4H–J View FIGURE 4 ), retro-lateral face with a proximal conical apophysis (slightly curved dorsad on the distal portion), and with a reduced distal subconical apophysis ( Figs 2E View FIGURE 2 , 3A–B View FIGURE 3 , 4A, G, I–J View FIGURE 4 ).

Femur IV straight in dorsal view and swollen at the centro-distal thirds ( Figs. 2A–E View FIGURE 2 , 3A–C, E View FIGURE 3 , 4G–J View FIGURE 4 ); a dorsal row of nine prominent subconical tubercles and conical spine, with a short apical spur ( Figs 4G–H, J View FIGURE 4 ); prodorsal face with a row of 16–17 prominent subconical tubercles ( Figs. 4G–H View FIGURE 4 ); prolateral face with a row of 14–15 subconical prominent tubercles ( Figs. 4G–I View FIGURE 4 ); proventral face with a row of seven sub-conical tubercles on proximal half, and eight prominent conical tubercles on distal half ( Figs 4H–I View FIGURE 4 ); ventral face with three–four sub-conical tubercles on proximal fifth ( Figs 4I View FIGURE 4 ); retro-ventral face with a row of nine subconical tubercles on proximal half, and six prominent conical tubercles on distal half (the second distal larger than the others, almost spine-shaped) ( Figs. 4I–J View FIGURE 4 ); a retro-lateral row of three sub-conical tubercles on the proximal third, three prominent tubercles and three conical spines interspersed on the centro-distal portion, and five–six ordinary tubercles on the distal fourth ( Figs 4G, I–J View FIGURE 4 ); a retro-dorsal row of 15 sub-conical tubercles on the proximal and central thirds, with a conical spine (slightly bent retro-laterad) on the distal third ( Figs 4G, J View FIGURE 4 ); a sizeable spur on prodorsal and retro-dorsal apical faces (retro-dorsal larger than prodorsal) ( Figs 4G–H, J View FIGURE 4 ); an outstanding spine on proventral and retro-ventral apical faces ( Figs 4H–J View FIGURE 4 ).

Patella IV dorsally covered by sub-conical tubercles and conical spines ( Figs. 2A, C–D View FIGURE 2 , 3C–E View FIGURE 3 , 4G–H, J View FIGURE 4 ); a proventral row of three spines (IIi) ( Figs 4H–I View FIGURE 4 ); with retro-ventral three spines (iII) ( Figs 4I–J View FIGURE 4 ).

Tibia IV dorsal face with a proximal conical tubercle on the proximal fifth, and two ordinary tubercles plus an apical reduced spur on the distal third ( Figs 4G–H, J View FIGURE 4 ); prodorsal face with six prominent subconical tubercles on the proximal 4/5 fifths ( Figs. 4G–H View FIGURE 4 ); prolateral face with nine prominent subconical tubercles on its entire length ( Figs 4G–H View FIGURE 4 ); proventral face with three ordinary tubercles on the basal fourth, five subconical tubercles on the central 2/4 fourths, and one subconical tubercle and one spine (I) on the distal fourth ( Figs 4H–I View FIGURE 4 ); retro-ventral face with five–six prominent subconical tubercles on the proximal 2/3 thirds and three spines (iiI) on the distal third ( Figs 4I–J View FIGURE 4 ); retro-lateral face with six–eight subconical spines on its entire length ( Figs 4G, I–J View FIGURE 4 ); retro-dorsal face with six–eight subconical spines on the proximal 4/5 fifths, with three subconical tubercles on the distal fifth ( Figs 4G, J View FIGURE 4 ); proventral and retro-ventral faces with an outstanding spine/spur on apical portion (retro-ventral largest than proventral) ( Figs. 4H–J View FIGURE 4 ).

Metatarsus IV dorsal face with a row of 14 conical spines (iIIIIIIIIIiIii) ( Figs. 2C View FIGURE 2 , 3E View FIGURE 3 , 4K View FIGURE 4 ); prodorsal, prolateral, retro-lateral and retrodorsal faces with a row of tiny tubercles ( Fig. 4K View FIGURE 4 ); proventral and retro-ventral faces with a row of sub-conical tubercles ( Fig. 4K View FIGURE 4 ); proventral and retro-ventral faces with a spur on apical portion ( Fig. 4K View FIGURE 4 ).

Color (in vivo) (MNRJ 3697, paratype) ( Figs 2A–E View FIGURE 2 ). Ocularium, DS background and its regular tubercles in a mixture of Light Brown (57) and Moderate Brown (58). Pair of spines on ocularium and mesotergum area III Dark Grayish Brown (62). DS lateral borders in a mixture of Brownish Orange (54) and Light Orange Yellow (70). AS posterior border and free tergites I–III Dark Greenish Yellow (103). Prominent tubercles contrasting with the AS lateral borders background Pale Yellow (89). Ch and Pp background in a mixture of Dark Greenish Yellow (103) and Grayish Olive (110). Cx I–III background in a mixture of Light Olive Brown (94) and Grayish Olive (110), with a dorsal distal semicircle Light Greenish Yellow (101). Fe–Mt I–II and Fe III proximal and central thirds background in a mixture of Light Olive (106) and Olive Gray (113). Fe III distal third and Pa–Mt III almost entirely Dark Grayish Olive (111). Cx–Tr IV background in a mixture of Dark Brown (59) and Strong Yellowish Brown (74), with a Tr IV dorsal distal semicircle Dark Grayish Yellow (91). Cx–Tr IV main apophyses Dark Grayish Reddish Brown (47), with apex Strong Orange (50). Fe–Pa IV and Ti IV proximal 4/5 almost entirely Dark Reddish Brown (44), with apex of the main spines Dark Orange Yellow (72). Ti IV distal fifth background Moderate Olive Brown (95), with proventral and retro-ventral spurs Light Yellow (86). Mt IV background Moderate Yellowish Brown (77). Mt IV dorsal spines Olive Gray (113), with apex Dark Grayish Yellow (91).

Color (in ethanol) (MHNCI, holotype) ( Figs. 3A–E View FIGURE 3 ). Ocularium, DS background, free tergites I– III and Cx IV Moderate Orange Yellow (71). Spines of the mesotergum area III and Cx IV prodorsal distal apophysis Dark Yellowish Brown (78), with apex Moderate Orange Yellow (71). Prominent tubercles contrasting with the AS lateral borders background Yellowish White (92). Ch and Leg III background Light Orange Yellow (70). Pp and Legs I –II background Purplish White (231). Tr – Mt IV background Dark Greenish Yellow (103). Cx IV and Tr IV main apophyses background Dark Grayish Brown (62).

Male genitalia. VP slightly divided into an apical square-shaped half (with latero-apical flaps), and a basal half elliptical ( Fig. 5A View FIGURE 5 ); ventral surface entirely covered with microsetae of type 1. All macrosetae inserted on the ventro-laterals of VP. MS A1–A3 cylindrical, thick, and acuminate, forming a diagonal row in lateral view (MS A1 dorsalmost) ( Figs. 5A–B View FIGURE 5 ). MS B1 small, inserted ventrally and close to MS A3 ( Fig. 5B View FIGURE 5 ). MS C1–C3 forming a longitudinal row (MS C3 dorsalmost) on the apical quarter of VP ( Figs. 5A–B View FIGURE 5 ). MS D1 small, closer to MS C3 than the MS A1 ( Figs. 5A–B View FIGURE 5 ). MS E1–E2 small, more ventrally on the laterodistal flange of VP. MS E1 placed between MS C1–C2 level, MS E2 same, below C3 (but closer to MS C3 than MS D1) ( Fig. 5B View FIGURE 5 ). Glans sac arising from the middle bulge on the podium, not extended as a dorsal process ( Figs 5A–B View FIGURE 5 ). Stylus and its ventral process axis fused basally, forming a prominent trapezoidal-shaped pedestal ( Fig. 5B View FIGURE 5 ). Stylus cylindrical, almost straight, inserted on the pedestal in a 10º angle, without a conspicuous head ( Figs. 5A–B View FIGURE 5 ); its subapical portion slightly swollen, with subdistal tiny spines on the lateral and ventral faces ( Figs. 5A–B View FIGURE 5 ). Ventral process of stylus cylindrical, almost straight, with ¾ of the stylus length, and a flabellum on the apical half ( Fig. 5B View FIGURE 5 ). Flabellum slightly bent ventrad, scallop-shaped with spines, with approximately 50% of the ventral process stem length ( Fig. 5B View FIGURE 5 ).