Micariafelix, Booysen & Haddad, 2021

Booysen, Ruan & Haddad, Charles R., 2021, Revision and molecular phylogeny of the spider genus Micaria Westring, 1851 (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) in the Afrotropical Region, Zootaxa 4940 (1), pp. 1-82 : 46-50

Micariafelix sp. nov.

Figs 20 , 38, 39, 42 , 44, 45, 47 , 49, 53 , 60 , 81 , 86, 87 , 92, 93, 95 , 97, 98, 101 , 102, 104, 105, 106 , 133–136 , 171

Type material. Holotype ♀, SOUTHAFRICA: Gauteng: Pretoria / Tshwane, Rietondale Research Station , 25°43’S, 28°14’E, pitfalltraps, leg. J. Nkwana, 16.VII.1998 (NCA 2007/1320).

Paratypes: CAMEROON: North Province: Faro Department, Faro Game Reserve , wooded savanna, pitfall traps, 08°24’N, 12°49’E, leg. R. Jocqué, R. Loosveldt, L. Baert & M. Alderweireldt, 4.V.2007, 1 ♂ (MRAC 221195) . SOUTH AFRICA: Free State: Bloemfontein, Free State National Botanical Gardens , against NE slope of koppie, 29°04.8’S, 26°06.00’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, VII.2007, 1 ♂ (NMBA 10607) . Limpopo: Mopani, Ndengeza , pitfalltraps, 23°18.534’S, 30°24.486’E, leg. E. Mauda, 21.I.2015, 2 ♂ (NCA 2015/2478) . Western Cape: George, Outeniquastrand , in garden, hand collecting, 34°02.754’S, 22°17.037’E, 75 m a.s.l., leg. C. Haddad, 31.XII.2017, 5 ♂ (NCA 2019/407) . ZIMBABWE: Matobo: Matobo National Park, Pomongwe , 20°32’S, 28°30’E, leg. M. Fitz- Patrick, XII.2004, 1 ♂ (NMZ/A15251) .

Other material examined: CAMEROON: North Province: Faro Department, Faro Game Reserve, gallery forest, pitfalltraps, 08°24’N, 12°49’E, leg. R. Jocqué, R. Loosveldt, L. Baert & M. Alderweireldt, 5.V.2007, 1 ♂ (MRAC 221186). ETHIOPIA: Oromia Region: Yabelo, Dembala Watcho, in grass, dry Acacia bushland, hand collecting, 04°53’N, 38°05’E, leg. A. Russell-Smith, 10.X.1982, 1 ♂ (MRAC 225641). Shewa Region: Addis Alem, 10 km Wof Addis Alem, under stones, in pasture, 09°02.828’N, 38°24.452’E, leg. A. Russel–Smith, 28.VI.1988, 1 ♂ (MRAC 225606). MALAWI: Northern Region: Rhumphi District, Nyika plateau, herbaceous vegetation with Phillipia, pitfall traps, 750 m a.s.l., 10°40’S, 33°50’E, leg. R. Jocqué, 6–18.XII.1981, 4 ♂ (MRAC 155746). MOZAMBIQUE: Inhaca Island: wetland, pitfalltraps, 26°01’S, 32°54’E, leg. T. Steyn, 15–29.IX.1993, 1 ♂ (MRAC 209338); samelocality, 4–18.X.1993, 1 ♂ (MRAC 209071); samelocality, 5–15.III.1994, 1 ♂ 1 ♀; samelocality, 8–23.IV.1994, 4 ♂ 1 ♀ 1 immature (MRAC 209739); samelocality, 5–15.III.1994, 1 ♀ 1 ♂ (MRAC 209383); 28.V–19.VI.1994, 1 ♂ (MRAC 209724); samelocality, 25.VI–9.VII.1994, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (MRAC 208988); samelocality, 10–24.I.1994, 1 ♂ (MRAC 209342); samelocality, 30.IV–14.V.1994, 1 ♀ (MRAC 209908); same locality, 24.I–7.II.1994, 2 ♂ (MRAC 208959); samelocality, 14–28.V.1994, 1 ♂ 1 immature (MRAC 209807); samelocality, 23–30.IV.1994, 5 ♂ 1 ♀ (MRAC 209782), samelocality, 21.II–5.III.1994, 1 ♀ (MRAC 209447); samelocality, 3–24.IX.1994, 1 ♂ (MRAC 215930); samelocality, 13–27.XII.1993, 2 ♂ (MRAC 208972); same locality, 9–23.VII.1994, 1 ♂ (MRAC 209212); samelocality, 15–29.XI.1993, 1 ♂ (MRAC 209334); samelocality, 20.VII–3.VIII.1994, 1 ♂ (MRAC 215955). NAMIBIA: Erongo Region: Rossing Mine Survey, E. camp pond, under stones near water, hand collecting, SE 2215 CA, leg. E. Griffin, 25.IX.1984, 1 immature (SMN 39045). Karas Region: Karasburg District, Karabib 327, pitfalltraps, 28°33’S, 17°50’E, leg. E. Marais & J. Irish, 19.IX–4.X.1988, 1 immature (SMN); Keetmanshoop District, Khabus 146, 26°17’S, 18°14’E, leg. N. & G. Olivier, 23.VII–1.XII.1988, 1 immature (SMN); samelocality, 26°18’S, 18°13’E, leg. N. & G. Olivier, 1 immature (SMN); Mount Stormberg, 3 km NNE Stormberg, in leaf litter under dry bush, hand collecting, 28°12’S, 17°14’E, leg. E. Marais, 11.III.1990, 1 immature (SMN). Kunene Region: Omaruru District, Ugab River, 2 km WBrandberg West,sweeping, 20°58.083’S, 14°06.060’E, 23.X.1998, 1 immature (SMN 44863). Omusati Region: Dorstland, pitfalltraps, 18°46’S, 14°44’E, leg. E. Griffin, 24.III–26.IV.1988, 1 immature (SMN). Oshikoto Region: Etosha National Park, Kamaseb?, 19°04’S, 16°41’E, 8.VIII–14.IX.1987, 1 immature (SMN); Namutoni, Bloubokdraai, 18°50’S, 16°57’E, leg. E. Griffin, 10.VIII–14.IX.1987, 1 immature (SMN). SOUTHAFRICA: Eastern Cape: Graaff–Reinet, Asante Sana Game Reserve, Waterkloof, High altitude tussock grassland, few shrubs, 2166 m a.s.l., 32°15.00’S, 24°55.98’E, leg. J. Midgley, 25.XI.2009, 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2338). Free State: Amanzi Private Game Reserve Game Reserve, Vachellia karroo woodland, 28°36.365’S, 26°25.030’E, leg. V. Butler, 30.IX–31.XI.2012, 1 ♂ (NCA 2017/1345); Bloemfontein, Free State National Botanical Gardens, 1380 ma.s.l., 29°03’S, 26°12’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, XI.2008, 1 ♂ (NMBA 10942); samelocality, grassland, leg. C. Haddad, 9.XII–4.I.2010, 1 ♂ (NMBA 15021); samelocality, Searsia lancea and grassland, leg. C. Haddad & L. Mosese, 8.V–8.VI.2018, 7 ♂ (NCA 2018/1227); Bloemfontein, Farm Hopefield, on Odontotermes mound, handcollecting, 28°51.781’S, 26°09.750’E, leg. C. Haddad, 4.XI.2001, 1 ♂ (NCA 2017/1474); same locality, under cattle dung pad, 22.XII.2001, 1 ♂ (NCA 2017/1475); Bloemfontein, Langenhoven Park, 29°05.108’S, 26°09.565’E, on ground in garden with ants, hand collecting, leg. C. Haddad, 29.X.2017, 1 ♀ (NCA 2020/87); same locality, on ground with ants, hand collecting, leg. C. Haddad, 19.II.2018, 1 ♀ (NCA 2020/89); De Brug, sweeping, 29°05.4’S, 26°00.00’E, leg. W. Kaiser, 22.IV.2004, 1 ♂ (NMBA 9398); Maselspoort, Eucalyptus bark, 2.II.2005, 1 ♀ (NCA 2008/2019); samelocality, Naval Hill, pitfalltraps, 1480 ma.s.l., 29°03.6’S, 26°08.4’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, VI.1990, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 6118); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. L.N. Lotz, V.1990, 1 ♀ (NMBA 6101); University of the Free State West Campus, Trinervitermes trinervoides termitaria and surrounding grassland, 1425 m a.s.l., 29°06’S, 26°10’E, leg. C. Haddad & H. Badenhorst, 3–26.III.2019, 1 ♂ (NCA 2019/853); same locality, Searsia lancea and grassland, 1430 m a.s.l., leg. C. Haddad & L. Mosese, 10.V–11.VI.2018, 3 ♂ (NCA 2018/1195), 1 ♂ (NCA 2018/1203); Brandfort, Amanzi Private Game Reserve, pitfall traps, Searsia burchelli woodlands, 28°35.52’S, 26°25.32’E, leg. V. Butler, 31.I.2013, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/3826); Florisbad, pitfalltraps, 1250 m a.s.l., 28°27.6’S, 26°03.00’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, 8.XII.1987, 1 ♂ (NMBA 16911); Edenville, Farm Lusthoff, hand collecting, 27°55.00’S, 27°39.6’E, Dr. Karny, 3.VI.1967, 1 ♂ (NCA 84/483); Harrismith, Platberg Nature Reserve, montane grassland and plantation, 2036 m a.s.l., 28°16.843’S, 29°12.034’E, leg. H. Wood, C. Haddad & C. Griswold, 22.I.2011, 1 ♀ (CAS, CASENT 9037064); Heilbron, Vaal Dam, near Oranjeville, overgrazed grassland, pitfall traps, 26°36.00’S, 28°09.6’E, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 1.IX–1.X.2009, 1 ♂ (NMBA 15214); samelocality, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 1–29.X.20009, 1 ♂ (NMBA 15208); Hoopstad, Sandveld Nature Reserve, grasslands, 27°26.4’S, 25°07.6’E, 30.X–4.XII.2009, 1 ♂ (NMBA 15328); Theunissen, Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, unburned site 3, pitfalltraps, 28°18.00’S, 26°28.8’E, leg. C. Haddad, S. Otto & R. Poller, 1–30.IX.2006, 1 ♂ (NMBA 13808); same locality, unburned site 1, 1 ♂ (NMBA 13699); same locality, unburned site 3, 28.VII–1.XI.2006, 1 ♂ (NMBA 13667); samelocality, site 3. Acacia karroo trees, woodland, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 31.VIII–30.XI.2009, 6 ♂ (NMBA 14208); samelocality, leg. C. Haddad, S. Otto & R. Poller, 1–30.IX.2006, 1 ♂ (NMBA 13807); same locality, unburned site 3, leg. R. Poller & S. Otto, 24.II–27.III.2006, 1 ♂ (NMBA 13318); same locality, unburned site 2, leg. C. Haddad, S. Otto & R. Poller, 22.XI–23.XII.2005, 1 ♂ (NMBA 13849); samelocality, site 4, gravel plain, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 31.VIII–30.XI.2009, 1 ♂ (NMBA 14278); same locality, unburned site 1, C. Haddad, 22.XI–23.XII.2005, 1 ♂ (NMBA 13356); Winburg, Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve, grasslands, 28°10.2’S, 27°07.2’E, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 30.IX–28.X.2009, 1 ♂ (NMBA 14558); samelocality, grassland, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler 29.X–5.XII.2009, 1 ♂ (NMBA 15321). Gauteng: Pretoria/Tshwane, Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Site 1, 25°48.162’S, 28°12.756’E, leg. R. Lyle & P. Marais, 15.XI.2013, 2 ♂ (NCA 2017/184), 1 ♂ (NCA 2017/183); Rietondale Research Station, sunflower & canola fields, pitfall traps, 25°44.4’S, 28°11.4’E, leg. T. Bird, 15.X.1998, 2 ♂ (NCA 2002/1003), 4 ♂ 1 immature (NCA 2002/1004). KwaZulu–Natal: Howick, Umgeni Valley, dense vegetation near river, hand collecting, 29°28’S, 30°14’E, leg. M. Alderweireldt & R. Jocqué, 18.VII.1990, 1 ♂ (MRAC 171688); Ndumo Game Reserve, Crocodile Farm, Pongola River Floodplain, Acacia xanthophloea bark, handcollecting, 26°54.426’S, 32°19.185’E, leg. C. Haddad, 24.I.2006, 1 ♀ (NCA 2014/1481); samelocality, Red Cliffs, handcollecting, 26°51.157’S, 32°12.364’E, leg. R. Booysen, 13.I.2019, 1 ♀ (NCA 2019/408); Ngome State Forest, pitfall traps, 27°49’S, 31°26’E, leg. M. van der Merwe, 1.XII.1992, 2 ♂ (NCA 94/474); samelocality, Patch 2 (grass), leg. M. van der Merwe, 1.I.1993, 1 ♂ (NCA 94/440); Pongola, Ngotche, Farm Vergeval, hand collecting, 27°21.00’S, 31°36.6’E, leg. Dr. Karny, 25.V.1967, 1 immature (NCA 84/482); samelocality, ant mimic, 26.VI.1967, 1 ♂ (NCA 84/481); Sani Pass, pitfall traps, 900 m a.s.l., 30°12.00’S, 30°24.00’E, leg. University of Pretoria Students, 20.I.2008, 1 ♂ (NCA 2011/853); samelocality, 1200 ma.s.l., 30°11.4’S, 30°24.4’E, 25.I.2006, 2 ♂ 1 immature (NCA 2011/856); Ulundi, Ophathe Game Reserve, overgrazed savanna, 560 m a.s.l., 28°22.135’S, 31°23.363’E, leg. C. Haddad, 29.IX–3.X.2008, 1 ♂ (NCA 2008/4112); Umzinto, Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, 30°09.6’S, 30°21.6’E, leg. Schüle, 27.XI–17.XII.2001, 1 ♂ (NMBA 9721). Limpopo: Mopani, Ndengeza, NAT 02/B3, 23°18.534’S, 30°24.486’E, leg. E. Mauda, 14.VI.2014, 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2486), pitfalltraps, 23°18.534’S, 30°24.486’E, leg. E. Mauda, 14.VI.2014, 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2481); samelocality, leg. E. Mauda, 21.I.2015, 2 ♂ (NCA 2015/2479), 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2489); samelocality, leg. E. Mauda, 14.VI.2014, 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2482), 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2476); Vyeboom village, 23°8.634’S, 30°22.781’E, leg. E. Mauda, 25.I.2015, 1 ♂ (NCA 2016/214). Mpumalanga: Carolina, Grootpan Farm 493JS, 03F, 28 km WNW of Carolina, Strathrae Colliery EIA, 1664 m a.s.l., 25°57.72’S, 29°51.48’E, leg. D.H. Jacobs, 12.IV.2012, 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/4373); Delmas, Farm Rietvallei, unsprayed maize, 26°04.8S, 28.34.2’E, leg. M. van Jaarsveld, 31.III.2005, 1 ♂ (NCA 2007/1322); PAL3024, unsprayed maize, 4.I.2005, 1 ♂ (NCA 2007/1315); Dullstroom, Roger Croall’s Farm (biennual), R’3, pitfalltraps, 25°31.02’S, 30°06.00’E, leg. L. Makaka, 29.XI.2009, 1 ♂ (NCA 2009/5248); Grootpan Farm 456JS, Strathrae Colliery EIA, Site 1, 27 km NW Carolina, sweeping, 1692 m a.s.l., 23°58.18’S, 29°55.44’E, leg. D.H. Jacobs, 13.II.2012, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/5307); Kruger National Park, Rhenosterkoppies, 03 Cr, pitfalltraps, 25°04.247’S, 31°36.865’E, leg. Graham Ellis, 6–9.VI.2007, 1 ♂ (NCA 2008/1898). Western Cape: Beaufort West, Farm 77, Karoo, Area 4, Site 2, 32°20.64’S, 23°21.24’E, leg. D.H. Jacobs, 12.XII.2007, 1 ♂ (NCA 2008/4699); Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Olifantsbaai, dry riverbed, pitfall traps, 32°00’S, 22°00’E, leg. R. Jocqué, 10–24.I.1989, 1 ♂ (MRAC 169790); Cape Town, Bergvliet Flats, Diep Rivier, 34°03.00’S, 18°27.00’E, leg. W.F. Purcell, XII.1899, 1 immature (SAM 6149); Klein–Dassenberg Rd,Trinity Farms, handcollecting, 33°34.94’S, 18°36.08’E,leg.D.Ubick, 25–27.XII.2012, 1 ♀ (CAS, CASENT 9055493); Signal Hill, under stones in Renosterveld, 33°55.08’S, 18°24.18’E, leg. T. Russell- Smith, 3.V.1976, 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2893); George, Outeniquastrand, thicket, leaf litter & foliage, 34°02.754’S, 22°17.037’E, leg. C. Haddad, 7.I.2015, 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/1777); samelocality, leaf litter in garden, 75 m a.s.l., leg. C. Haddad, 27.XII.2018, 1 ♂ (NCA 2020/90); Hermanus, Fisherhaven, sieving leaf litter, 10 m a.s.l., 34°24.434’S, 19°07.558’E, leg. C. Haddad, 19.III.2004, 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1480); Sedgefield, Ruigtevlei, garden, handcollecting, 34°01’S, 22°52’E, leg. R.J. Dowsett, XII.1984, 1 ♂ (MRAC 166114); Stellenbosch, Weltevreden, Apple Orchards, 33°55.8’S, 18°51’E, leg. I. Rencken, 12.X.1992, 3 ♂ (NCA 96/182); Swartberg Nature Reserve, Swartberg Pass, Fynbos and riparian vegetation, hand collecting, 836 m a.s.l., 33°17.980’S, 22°03.015’E, leg. L. Almeida, C. Griswold & T. Meikle, 22.X.2011, 1 ♀ (CAS, CASENT 9042372). ZAMBIA: Southern Province: Livingstone, Livingstone Airport nr runway, leaf litter, 17°49.075’S, 25°48.848’E, leg. C. Haddad, J. Parau & F. Jordaan, 1.XII.2006, 1 ♀ (NCA 2007/878). ZIMBABWE: Harare: Newlands, Walmer Drive, pitfalltraps, 3–551 ma.s.l., 17°48.410’S, 31°04.963’E, leg. M. Cumming, 4.XII.2002, 1 ♂ (NCA 2010/4800).

Etymology. The species name is Latin for happy and refers to the extremely “happy face” the female epigyne has when viewed upside–down.

Diagnosis. The female epigyne of this species differs from that of M. chrysis in the anterior hood that is much more curved in the middle, whereas that of the latter is longer and more flattened. The males of M. felix sp. nov. are distinguished from those of M. chrysis by the basal curvature in the sperm duct that is smaller than that of M. chrysis , and the cymbial tip that is longer than that of M. chrysis .

Description. Female (holotype from Rietondale Research Station, NCA 2007/1320): Measurements: TL 2.56, CL 1.20, CW 0.73, CL:CW 1.64, CLH 0.05, CLH:AME 1.25. Eyes: ALE 0.05, AME 0.04, PLE 0.05, PME 0.05, AME–AME 0.02, PME–PME 0.04, MOQAW 0.10, MOQPW 0.14, MOQL 0.19, SL 0.68, SW 0.48, AL 1.37, AW 0.80. Leg measurements: Palpal segment lengths: 0.38, 0.22, 0.24, t 0.32. Leg I: 0.70, 0.29, 0.54, 0.40, 0.56. II: 0.65, 0.29, 0.52, 0.49, 0.54. III: 0.49, 0.25, 0.43, 0.52, 0.43. IV: 0.95, 0.35, 0.79, 0.87, 0.63. TLoflegs (I–IV): 2.49, 2.49, 2.12, 3.59; leg formula: 4123.

Colouration: carapace dark brown; abdomen dark brown or black; legs Iand II with basal two–thirds of femora darkened; sternum, endites, labium, and chelicerae similar in colour to carapace. Carapace: decorated with squamose setae ( Fig. 39 ), smooth in texture; shallow transverse depression present on posterior third of carapace; pattern present medially as broad somewhat rectangular dark with radiating dark lines; posterior margin straight; fovea absent; anterior margin narrowing moderately from coxa I; PER recurved in dorsal view; AER recurved in anterior view. Chelicerae: decorated with plumose setae. Labium: triangular in shape; cluster of setae present on tip. Endites: oblique; constricted just above halfway; anterior margin round; cluster of setae present on inner–apical margin; serrula present. Sternum: broadest between coxa Iand II; posterior margin broadly rounded between coxa IV; decorated with aculeate setae. Legs: femora laterally flattened, highest at base, leg Imore pronounced in this fashion; rest of legs normal, thin; decorated with feathery setae. Leg macrosetae: Palps: 1pl, 2pl, 2pl, 1plv, 2rlv, 2vt. Leg I: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 2rlv, 1plv, 1rlv. II: 1d. III: 1do, 4vt, 1plv, 1rlv, 4vt. IV: 2vt. Scopulate setae present on metatarsi and tarsi of legs I–IV, two rows on former and four on latter. Abdomen: cylindrical in shape; constricted medially ( Fig. 92 ); decorated with squamose setae on posterior half ( Fig. 93 ), and branched sicate setae ( Fig. 94 ) and elongate squamose ( Fig. 95 ) on anterior half; no pattern visible on dorsum; anterior half of abdomen lighter in colour than posterior half; venter similar in colour to dorsum; sigilla not visible. Epigyne: in ventral view, anterior hood continuous, strongly recurved; copulatory opening at curved apex of copulatory duct. In dorsal view, copulatory ducts elongate, wide apart, “C” shaped, curled at apex; fertilisation duct elongate, originating from inner medial margin of spermathecae, curved laterally; spermathecae bean–shaped, longer than broad ( Figs 102 , 133, 134 ).

Male (paratype from Ndengeza, NCA 2015/2478): Measurements: TL 2.13, CL 1.08, CW 0.61, CL:CW 1.77, CLH 0.05, CLH:AME 1.12. Eyes: ALE 0.06, AME 0.04, PLE 0.05, PME 0.04, AME–AME 0.02, PME–PME 0.04, MOQAW 0.10, MOQPW 0.12, MOQL 0.15. SL 0.57, SW 0.41, AL 0.95, AW 0.45. Leg measurements: Palpal segment lengths: 0.25, 0.21, 0.16, 0.33. Leg I: 0.65, 0.24, 0.54, 0.44, 0.55. II: 0.64, 0.25, 0.48, 0.48, 0.54. III: 0.52, 0.23, 0.43, 0.54, 0.44. IV: 0.84, 0.32, 0.79, 0.89, 0.63. TLoflegs (I–IV): 2.42, 2.39, 2.16, 3.47; leg formula: 4123.

Colouration: carapace dark brown; abdomen dark brown or black; endites, labium and chelicerae similar in colour to carapace; sternum lighter than carapace; legs Iand II with femora darkened ( Fig. 20 ). Carapace: decorated with squamose setae; smooth in texture; shallow transverse depression present on posterior third of carapace; pattern present medially, broad, somewhat rectangular dark, with radiating dark lines over entire carapace; posterior margin slightly round; anterior margin narrowing moderately from coxa I; PER recurved in dorsal view; AER recurved in anterior view; fovea absent. Chelicerae: decorated with plumose setae. Labium: triangular in shape; tuft of setae is present at tip. Endites: oblique; constricted just above halfway; anterior margin round; cluster of setae present on inner–apical margin. Sternum: shield-like; broadest between coxa Iand II; posterior margin tapering to point between coxa IV; decorated with aculeate setae ( Fig. 49 ). Legs: femora laterally flattened, highest at base; leg Imore pronounced in this fashion; rest of legs normal, thin. Leg macrosetae: Palps: 1pl, 1pl, 1plv, 2pl, 1plv, 2rlv, 2vt. Leg I: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 2rlv, 1plv, 1rlv. II: 1d. III: 1do, 4vt, 4vt. IV: 1vt, 2vt. Scopulate setae present on metatarsi and tarsi of legs I–IV, two rows on former and four on latter segment. Abdomen: cylindrical in shape; decorated with squamose setae on basal half and elongate sicate setae on anterior half; constricted medially; no dorsal pattern visible; venter uniformly dark brown; sigilla present, two white crescent–shaped pits in transverse constriction. Palp: retrolateral tibial apophysis present on retrolateral margin; median apophysis present on apical half next to embolus, curved prolaterally; sperm duct present on retrolateral surfaceof tegulum, curved at base; embolus base broad, tip thin and short; cymbium pear-shaped, widest at basal third, tapered apically; tegulum three-quarters the length of cymbium ( Figs 135, 136 ).

Distribution. Micaria felix sp. nov. is widespread throughout southern Africa, with isolated records from central and eastern Africa ( Map 4 ).

Figures

MAP 4. The distribution of Micaria felix sp. nov. in the Afrotropical Region .

FIGURES 18–26. Stereomicroscope photographs of the dorsal habitus of Afrotropical Micaria species: 18 M. durbana sp. nov. female and 19 male; 20 M. felix sp. nov. male; 21 M. gagnoa sp. nov. female and 22 male; 23 M. koingnaas sp. nov. male; 24 M. lata sp. nov. female; 25 M. laxa sp. nov. male; 26 M. mediospina sp. nov. male. Scale bars: 1.0 mm.

FIGURES 37–42. Scanning electron microscope images of Micaria carapace features: 37 M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923) male, squamose setae on carapace; 38 M. felix sp. nov. male, squamose setae on carapace; 39 same, female carapace; 40 M. beaufortia female, anterior view of eye region; 41 M. beaufortia male, dorsal view of eye region; 42 M. felix sp. nov. female, dorsal view of eye region. Abbreviation: SqS—squamose setae.

FIGURES 43–48. Scanning electron microscope images of cheliceral and endite features: 43 M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923) female, anterior view of chelicerae; 44 M. felix sp. nov. female, ventral view of chelicerae; 45 same, detail of plumose setae on chelicerae; 46 cheliceral teeth of M. beaufortia male; 47 mouthparts of female M. felix sp. nov.; 48 serrula of male M. beaufortia. Abbreviations: En—endite, PlS—plumose setae, Pt—promarginal teeth, Rt—retromarginal tooth, Se—serrula.

FIGURES 49–54. Scanning electron microscope images of Micaria sternum and leg features: 49 sternum of male M. felix sp. nov.; 50 sternum of female M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923); 51 squamose setae on male M. beaufortia sternum; 52 squamose setae on female M. beaufortia sternum; 53 tarsal organ on distal dorsal surface of tarsus I of male M. felix sp. nov.; 54 slit sensilla on distal ventral surface of metatarsus I of female M. fulgens (Walckenaer, 1802). Abbreviations: AS—aculeate setae, SS—slit sensilla, SqS—squamose setae, TO—tarsal organ.

FIGURES 55–60. Scanning electron microscope images of the lyriform organs of Micaria: 55 M. basaliducta sp. nov. male, patella I; 56 M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923) female, tarsus I; 57 M. bispicula sp. nov. male, patella I; 58 M. chrysis (Simon, 1910) male, patella I; 59 M. durbana sp. nov. female, patella IV; 60 M. felix sp. nov. male palpal patella. Abbreviation: LO—lyriform organ.

FIGURES 79–85. Scanning electron microscope images of the feathery setae of Micaria: 79 M. chrysis (Simon, 1910) male, femur IV; 80 M. durbana sp. nov. female, femur IV; 81 M. felix sp. nov. female, tibia IV; 82 M. scutellata sp. nov. male, tarsus I; 83 M. subopaca Westring, 1861 female, femur I; 84 M. dives (Lucas, 1846) female, femur IV; 85 M. pulicaria (Sundevall, 1831) female, femur I. Abbreviations: FS—feathery setae.

FIGURES 86–91. Scanning electron microscope images of leg setae of Micaria: 86 scopulate chemosensory setae on tarsus I of female M. felix sp. nov.; 87 trichobothrium on dorsal metatarsus I of female M. felix sp. nov.; 88 aculeate seta on femur I of male M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923); 89 scopulate setae on metatarsus I of female M. fulgens (Walckenaer, 1802); 90 scopulate seta on tibia I of female M. beaufortia; 91 claw tuft setae on tarsus I of female M. beaufortia. Abbreviations:AS—aculeate setae, Ch—chemosensory setae, CTS—claw tuft setae, ScS—scopulate setae, Tri—trichobothrium.

FIGURES 92–95. Scanning electron microscope images of the abdominal setae of Micaria: 92 dorsal abdomen of female M. felix sp. nov.; 93 squamose setae on posterior half of dorsal abdomen of female M. felix sp. nov.; 94 sicate setae on anterior half of dorsal abdomen of male M. scutellata sp. nov.; 95 elongate squamose setae on anterior half of dorsal abdomen of female M. felix sp. nov. Abbreviations: SiS—siccate setae, SqS—squamose setae.

FIGURES 96–101. Scanning electron microscope images of the spinnerets of Micaria: 96 ALS of male M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923); 97 ALS of female M. felix sp. nov.; 98 PMS of male M. felix sp. nov.; 99 PMS of female M. beaufortia; 100 PLS of female M. beaufortia; 101 PLS of male M. felix sp. nov. Abbreviations: Cy—cylindrical gland spigot, MaAm—major ampullate gland spigot, MiAm—minor ampullate gland spigot, Pi—piriform gland spigot, Tar—tartipore.

FIGURES 102–108. Scanning electron microscope images of the genital structure of Micaria: 102 epigyne of M. felix sp. nov., ventral view; 103 epigyne of M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923), posteroventral view; 104 left palp of male M. felix sp. nov., ventral view; 105 same, detail of distal end of tegulum; 106 palpal tibia of male M. felix sp. nov., retrolateral view; 107 RTA of male M. beaufortia, retrolateral view; 108 cymbial tip of male M. scutellata sp. nov., ventral view.Abbreviations:Ah—anterior hood, Co—copulatory opening, CyS—cymbial spine, Em—embolus, MA—median apophysis, Mp—mating plug, Pp—posterior pockets, RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis, Vts—ventral terminal spine.

FIGURES 133–136. Genital morphology of Micaria felix sp. nov.: 133 female epigyne, ventral view; 134 same, dorsal view; 135 male palp, ventral view; 136 same, retrolateral view. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

FIGURES 169–172. Habitus photographs of Micaria quinquemaculosa sp. nov. (169), M. tersissima Simon, 1910 (170) and M. felix sp. nov. (171, 172). Photographs by: Ruan Booysen (169, 170), Ondřej Michálek (171) and Christian Bro (172).