Micariabeaufortia ( Tucker, 1923 )

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 : 29-34

Micariabeaufortia ( Tucker, 1923)

Figs 11–12 , 37, 40, 41 , 43, 46, 48 , 50–52 , 56 , 66 , 88, 90, 91 , 96, 99, 100 , 103 , 107,113–116

Epikurtomma beaufortia Tucker, 1923: 333 , pl. 10, fig. 54 (♀)

Micariabeaufortia Murphy 2007: 67 , figs 550–551 (♀); Marusik & Omelko, 2017: 463 , figs 1–20, 23–24, 26–29 (♀ ♂).

Remarks. The type material for M. beaufortia was not examined in this study. However, conspecificity was accurately determined by comparing the male and female genital features of the non-type material from near the type locality to the illustrations of Tucker (1923) (♀ plate X: fig. 54) and Marusik & Omelko (2017) (♂ and ♀ in figs 1-10).

Type material. ♀ holotype: SOUTHAFRICA: Western Cape: Beaufort West, leg. W.F. Purcell, X.1905 (SAMC B1638)—not examined .

Other material examined. BOTSWANA: Kweneng District: Thamaga, on rock, hand collecting, 24°43’S, 25°32’E, leg. R. Jocqué, 28.I.2003, 1 ♂ (MRAC 212746); Francistown, Selkirk Mine, Site 14, pitfalltraps, 21°17.382’S, 27°45.786’E, leg. D.H. Jacobs, 1–28.III.2008, 1 ♂ (NCA 2008/2891). ETHIOPIA: Oromia Region: Adama, 40 km East of Nazret (Adama), under stones, Acacia /Commiphora woodland, hand collecting, leg. A. Russell-Smith, 21.III.1986, 2 ♂ (MRAC 225604); Adama, Harbona, under rocks, hillside, hand collecting, 08°44’N, 39°33’E, leg. A. Russell-Smith, 2.VII.1986, 1 ♂ (MRAC 225605). Shewa Region: Langano Lake, Cynodon grassland, 1600 ma.s.l., 07°36’N, 38°43’E, leg. A. Russell-Smith, 21.VII.1986, 1 ♂ (MRAC 225571). LESOTHO: Berea District: Near Koali, under rocks on hillside, 1800 m a.s.l., 29°15’S, 27°47’E, leg. J. van Niekerk, 8.I.2013, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/2337). Butha–Buthe District: Near Butha–Buthe, under rocks, 1768 m a.s.l., 28°46.714’S, 26°16.262’E, leg. J. van Niekerk, 24.III.2014, 1 ♀ (NCA 2014/1129); same locality, under rocks on mountainside, 1780 ma.s.l., 28°47’S, 28°15’E, leg. J. van Niekerk, 14.XII.2012, 3 ♀ (NCA 2013/2367), 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/2345); Valley near Butha–Buthe, under rocks, 2150 m a.s.l., 28°48’S, 28°16’E, leg. J. van Niekerk, 18.X.2012, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/1861). Leribe District: Viewing Point near Seshutes airport, 2340 m a.s.l., 29°17.115’S, 28°32.939’E, leg. C. Haddad, 8.III.2003, ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1483). Quthing District: Ha Lazaro, under rocks on hillside, 2355 m a.s.l., 30°18.207’S, 28°07.872’E, leg. C. Haddad, 12.XI.2003, 1 ♀ (NCA 2018/28). Tsaba–Tseka District: Mohale Dam, Island 5, 2025 ma.s.l., 29°25.396’S, 28°05.903’E, leg. C. Haddad, 6.XII.2003, 2 ♂ (NCA 2017/1484). NAMIBIA: Hardap Region: Reutersbrunn, Diamond Area II, in salsola, SE 2414 Db, leg. E. Griffin, 6.IV.1986, 4 immatures (SMN). Oshikoto Region: Andoni, pitfalltraps, 18°30’S, 16°45’E, 19.V–20.VI.1986, 6 immatures (SMN 39453); Etosha National Park, 18°31’S, 16°46’E, 27.III–18.IV.1988, 35 ♂ 8 ♀ 8 immatures (SMN 40869); Andoni, South, handcollecting, 18°30’S, 16°45’E, leg. A. Russell-Smith, I.1997, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (MRAC 215420); Fishers Pan, pitfall traps, 18°47’S, 16°55’E, leg. E. Griffin, 14.II–22.III.1987, 1 ♂ 1 immature (SMN 40135). SOUTHAFRICA: Eastern Cape: Fort Beaufort, Mpofu Nature Reserve, thorn field (transect 1) SLP2, 32°36.6’S, 26°36.00’E, leg. S.L. Peinke, 29.I.2009, 1 ♂ (NCA 2011/824); Grahamstown, 1820 Settlers Monument, damp grassland, hand collecting, 33°19.14’S, 26°31.14’E, leg. T. Russell-Smith, 23.IV.1977, 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2872); Great Fish River Nature Reserve, Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve, Site 4, pitfall traps, 33°07.8’S, 26°39.00’E, leg. M. Wolmarans, 30.VII.2010, 1 ♀ (NCA 2011/911); Great Fish River NR, Farm Bucklands, on soil, pitfall traps, 27°51.6’S, 17°09.6’E, leg. M. Burger, 4.X.1993, 1 ♂ (NCA 96/62); Middelburg, 31°29’S, 25°01’E, associated with termites, hand collecting, leg. M. de Jager, 29.IX.1991, 1 ♀ (NCA 92/44). Free State: Amanzi Private Game Reserve, Acacia karroo woodlands, 28°35.785’S, 26°26.335’E, leg. V. Butler, 1–30.IX.2012, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/3377); samelocality, open grassland, 28°35.845’S, 26°26.280’E, leg. V. Butler, immature female, 2 ♂ (NCA 2013/3350); same locality, Acacia karroo woodlands, 28°35.785’S, 26°26.335’E, 1–31.III.2013, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/4287); Bethulie, Tussen–die–Riviere Nature Reserve, rocky hill, hand collecting, 30°17.4’S, 26°03.6’E, leg. L.N. Lotz & C. Haddad, 14.X.2008, 1 immature (NMBA 12702); Bloemfontein, Botanical Gardens, pitfalltraps, 29°04.8’S, 26°06.00’E, leg. R. Poller & S. Otto, XII.2008, 1 ♂ (NMBA 11166); Bloemfontein district, Farm Deelhoek, under rocks, hand collecting, 28°50.295’S, 26°06.545’E, leg. C. Haddad, 21.X.2001, 1 ♂ (NCA 2017/1476); Bloemfontein, Roodewal, 5 Dryer Ln., under rocks next to dam, hand collecting, 29°06’17.3“S, 26°20’00.3“E, leg. R. Booysen, L. Whitehead & N. Smit, 15.XI.2018, 1 ♀ 1 immature (NCA 2020/85); samelocality, on ground, under rocks, with Anoplelepis ants, hand collecting, 29°06’17.3“S, 26°20’00.3“E, leg. R. Booysen, S. Pekár, E. Liznarova & O. Michálek, 27.XI.2018, 1 ♂ (NCA 2020/86); Bloemfontein, University of the Free State, West Campus, Trinervitermes trinervoides termitaria and surrounding grassland, pitfall traps, 1425 m a.s.l., 29°06’S, 26°10’E, leg. C. Haddad & H. Badenhorst, 6– 26.III.2019, 10 ♂ 4 ♀ (NCA 2019/845); Bloemfontein district, Farm Hopefield, bluegum leaf litter, 28°54.00’S, 26°13.8’E, leg. C. Haddad, 24.II.2002, 1 ♂ (NCA 2002/416); same locality, ground surface, hand collecting, 22.XII.2001, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2002/415); Bloemfontein, Langenhoven Park, on paving in garden, 1415 m a.s.l., 29°05.099’S, 26°09.569’E, leg. C. Haddad, 1.I.2003, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1485); Naval Hill, pitfalltraps, 1440 m a.s.l., 29°03.6’S, 26°08.4’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, V.1990, 1 ♂ (NMBA 6186); samelocality, 1480 ma.s.l., 1 ♀ 1 immature (NMBA 6095); samelocality, 1440 ma.s.l., 1 ♂ (NMBA 6082); Naval Hill, Eastern Plateau, 1250 ma.s.l., 29°03.6’S, 26°08.4’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, II.1991, 5 ♂ (NMBA 7161); samelocality, X.1990, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 6955); same locality, I.1991, 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 7096); samelocality, III.1991, 1 ♂ (NMBA 7202); Naval Hill, Hangmanskloof, 1250 ma.s.l., 29°03.6’S, 26°08.4’E, VII.1990, 2 ♂ (NMBA 7036); Naval Hill, Hangmanskloof North, 29°03.6’S, 26°08.4’E, XI.1990, 1 ♂ (NMBA 6987); Naval Hill, Hangmanskloof South, 1250 ma.s.l., 29°03.6’S; 26°08.4’E, XII.1991, 7 ♂ 1 ♀ 1 immature (NMBA 7607); samelocality, II.1991, 6 ♂ 1 immature (NMBA 7145); samelocality, IX.1990, 7 ♂ (NMBA 6315); samelocality, pitfalltraps, XI.1991, 1 ♂ 1 immature (NMBA 7539); samelocality, III.1991, 1 ♂ (NMBA 7185); samelocality, XI.1990, 3 ♂ (NMBA 6990); samelocality, I.1991, 9 ♂ 4 ♀ 2 immatures (NMBA 7080); samelocality, X.1990, 2 ♂ (NMBA 6944); Naval Hill, Observatory, 1250 ma.s.l., II.1991, 1 ♀ (NMBA 7164); Naval Hill, West Plateau, I.1991, 2 ♂ (NMBA 7109); Boshof, Elliesdal 1062, pitfalltraps, 28°10.8’S, 25°18.6’E, leg. Entomol. Staff, IV–VIII.1987, 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 1813); Brandfort, Amanzi Private Game Reserve, Acacia woodland, 1425 ma.s.l., 28°21.00’S, 26°15.00’E, leg. V. Butler & C. Haddad, 17.XII–1.I.2011, 2 ♂ (NMBA 15925); Florisbad, 1250 ma.s.l., 28°27.6’S, 26°03.00’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, 08.XII.1987, 1 ♀ (NMBA 16912); samelocality, 08–21.XII.1987, 1 ♀ (NMBA 8413); samelocality, 09–23.XI.1987, 1 ♂ (NMBA 4954), 1 ♂ (NMBA 4939); samelocality, 1250 ma.s.l., 17.I–1.II.1988, 1 ♀ (NMBA 3724); samelocality, 8.XII.1987, 1 ♂ (NMBA 17096); samelocality, 5–19.I.1988, 1 ♀ (NMBA 3631); samelocality, 12–23.IX.1988, 1 ♂ (NMBA 8519); samelocality, 08.XII.1987, 1 ♂ (NMBA 17448); same locality, 21.XII–5.I.1987 –88, 1 ♀ (NMBA 8394); same locality, 5.I.1988, 1 ♂ (NMBA 16913); samelocality, 8–21.XII.1987, 1 ♂ (NMBA 3394), 1 ♂ (NMBA 8376); same locality, 1–15.II.1988, 1 ♂ (NMBA 8494); Krugersdrift Dam, in canal, hand collecting, 28°25.2’S, 25°33.00’E, leg. Mus. Staff, 28.VIII.1985, 3 immatures (NMBA 9901); samelocality, SE 2825 Dd, leg. C. Pieterse, 23.IV.1985, 1 immature (NMBA 169); samelocality, leg. Mus. Staff, 21.X.1985, 1 ♂ (NMBA 979), samelocality, 1 immature (NMBA 982); samelocality, 28.VIII.1985, 1 ♀ (NMBA 891); samelocality, Ziziphus bushes, beating, leg. C. Pieterse, 18.IV.1985, 5 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 165); samelocality, in canal, hand collecting, leg. Mus. Staff, 22.VIII.1985, 1 ♂ (NMBA 858); Fauresmith, Kalkfonteindam, in webs & on ground, 29°18.6’S, 25°09.6’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, 9.IV.2008, 2 immatures (NMBA 12099); samelocality, grassveld, pitfalltraps, 10–14.IV.2008, 4 ♂ 4 ♀ (NMBA 12183); same locality, Koppie, 14–18.IV.2008, 1 ♀ (NMBA 12205); samelocality, rocky hill, 8–11.IV.2008, 1 ♂ (NMBA 11988); Gariep Dam Nature Reserve, Nama karoo veld, pitfall traps, 1340 m a.s.l., 30°35’S, 25°32’E, leg. M. Morake & N. Tshabalala, 10.IV.2017, 1 ♂ (NCA 2019/910); same data but sweeping, 1 ♀ (NCA 2019/926); Golden Gate, pitfall traps, SE 29 29 Aa, leg. Mus. Staff, V.1985, 1 ♂ (NMBA 765); Hennenman, 2 km South of Whites, Various, 28°00.6’S, 27°00.6’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, X.1993, 1 ♂ 1 immature (NMBA 6295); Hoopstad, Sandveld Nature Reserve, Odontotermes mound chimney, hand collecting, 27°51.00’S, 25°55.8’E, leg. C. Haddad, 25.X.2003, 1 ♂ (NCA 2002/529); same locality, grassland and shrubs, pitfall traps, 27°26.4’S, 25°07.6’E, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 2–30.X.2009, 2 ♂ (NMBA 14612); Swartsrus 1193, beating, 27°27.00’S, 25°18.00’E, leg. Mus. Staff, 24.X.1985, 1 ♀ (NMBA 991); Luckhof district, Farm Bankfontein, Vanderkloof Dam, 30°04.557’S, 24°52.204’E, leg. C. Haddad, 26.IV.2019, 1 ♂ (NCA 2019/410); samelocality, 30°04.448’S, 24°53.023’E, leg. C. Haddad, 27.III.2018, 2 ♀ (NCA 2019/409); Petrusburg, Petrusburg Rd., among Arctotis flowers, 29°10.8’S, 25°04.2’E, leg. Entomol. Staff, 20.VIII.1987, 1 ♀ (NMBA 1893); Theunissen, Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, site 4, gravel plain, pitfalltraps, 28°18.00’S, 26°28.8’E, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 31.VIII–30.IX.2009, 1 ♀ (NMBA 14279); 30.IX–28.X.2009, 2 ♂ (NMBA 14339); same locality, Site 6, N shore of dam, near water, 31.VIII–30.XI.2009, 1 ♀ (NMBA 14260). Gauteng: Johannesburg, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (Site 4), Along hillside, between entrance & site 4, hand collecting, 26°16.998’S, 28°04.002’E, leg. Spider Club members, 13.I.2013, 1 ♂ (KNR0742); Midrand, Halfway House, crops, potatoes, 25°59.4’S, 28°07.8’E, leg. J. Finley, 2.IV.1989, 3 immatures (NCA 76/1105); Pretoria/Tshwane, Faerie Glenn Nature Reserve, leg. P. Webb, 26.IV.2014, 3 immatures (NCA 2014/2481); Knoppieslaagte, pitfalltraps, 25°57.00’S, 27°58.2’E, leg. D. Uys, 19.III.1979, 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2001/65); Rietondale Research Station, on soil, 25°44.4’S, 28°11.4’E, leg. A. van den Berg, 24.III.1998, 1 ♂ (NCA 2007/1317); samelocality, leg. J. Nkwana, 16.VI.1998, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2007/1319). KwaZulu–Natal: Ndumo Game Reserve, Mjanshi, Main Road, hand collecting, 26°54.222’S, 32°16.025’E, leg. C. Haddad, 10.II.2015, 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/1717); Pongola, Ngotche, Farm Vergeval, Camponotus ant mimic, 27°21.00’S, 31°36.6’E, leg. A.S. Dippenaar et al., 4.IV.1967, 1 ♀ (NCA 84/476); Sani Pass, pitfall traps, 1200 m a.s.l., 30°11.4’S, 30°24.4’E, leg. University of Pretoria Students, 28.I.2008, 1 ♀ (NCA 2011/855). Limpopo: Dendron, Farm Amsterdam, under stones, hand collecting, 23°22.2’S, 29°19.2’E, leg. A.S. Dippenaar et al., 19.IV.1967, 1 ♂ (NCA 84/477); Mopani, Ndengeza, pitfall traps, 23°18.534’S, 30°24.486’E, leg. E. Mauda, 14.VI.2014, with egg sac, 2 ♀ (NCA 2015/2474), 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2475), 1 ♂ 2 ♀ (NCA 2015/2480), 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2481), 2 ♀ (NCA 2015/2488); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. E. Mauda, 9.VI.2014, 3 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2485), same data but pitfall traps, 5 ♂ 3 ♀ (NCA 2015/2484); same locality, pitfall traps, leg. E. Maude, 21. I.2015, 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2473); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. E. Maude, 26.I.2015, 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2477). Mpumalanga: Belfast, Kloof, leaf litter, leg. M. Filmer, 27.XII.1990, 1 immature (NCA 91/652); Carolina, Grootpan Farm 456JS, Site 1, 27 km NW Carolina, Strathrae Colliery EIA, sweeping, 1692 ma.s.l., 23°58.18’S, 29°55.44’E, leg. D.H. Jacobs, 13.II.2012, 3 ♂ (NCA 2013/5308); Grootpan Farm 564JS, 01F, 27 km NW of Carolina, Strathrae Colliery EIA, pitfalltraps, 1689 ma.s.l., 25°54.18’S, 29°55.44’E, leg. D.H. Jacobs, 12.VI.2012, 1 ♀ (NCA 2012/4435); Dullstroom, Verloren Valei Nature Reserve, soil surface, handcollecting, 28°18.00’S, 30°06.9’E, leg. P. Webb, 23.XII.2015, 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2491); Kruger National Park, Skukuza Camp, leg. A. Leroy, 29.XI.2005, 1 ♀ (NCA 2007/1316). Northern Cape: Douglas, ca. 20 km east of Douglas on R357, On ground with Anoplolepis custodiens ant, 1035 ma.s.l., 28°59.358’S, 23°58.372’E, leg. C. Haddad, 21.IX.2001, 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1477); Kathu, Farm Sacha, pitfalltraps, 27°42.500’S, 22°57.967’E, 24–27.II.2003, 2 ♂ (NCA 2017/1478); Kuruman, 1 km Sof Kuruman, on ground with Anoplolepis custodiens ants, hand collecting, leg. C. Haddad, 1350 m a.s.l., 27°28.887’S, 23°26.624’E, leg. C. Haddad, 21.I.2004, 1 ♂ (NCA 2017/1479); Nieuwoudtville, Hantam National Botanical Garden, under stones, 31°22.2’S, 19°06.6’E, leg. T. Russell-Smith, 26.VIII.2008, 1 ♂ 1 immature (NCA 2015/2817); Prieska, Green Valley Nuts, Pistachio orchard, pitfall traps, 29°40.8’S, 22°44.4’E, leg. C. Haddad, 18. IX.2001, 3 ♂ 2 ♀ (NCA 2002/483); samelocality, leaf litter sifting, 29°40.8’S, 22°44.4’E, leg. C. Haddad. 28.V.2002, 1 immature (NCA 2002/486). Western Cape: Beaufort West, Karoo National Park, web in grass, hand collecting, leg. A. Leroy, 2.IV.1989, 1 immature (NCA 89/691); Cape Town, Devil’s Peak slope, 33°57.00’S, 18°25.8’E, leg. F. Purcell, VII.1898, 1 immature (SAM 4283); Signal Hill, 33°54.6’S, 18°24.00’E, leg. W.F. Purcell, VIII.1898, 1 ♀ (SAMC 4400); samelocality, leg. R.M. Lightfoot, VI.1897, 1 immature (SAM 3386); De Hoop Nature Reserve, back dune, leaf litter, leg. C. Haddad, 25.III.2005, 2 immatures (NCA 2005/569); Matjiesfontein, Farm Jagerskraal, open ground, pitfalltraps, 33°13.802’S, 20°24.907’E, leg. Z. Mbo, 10.IX–15.X.2015, 4 immatures (NCA2016/2732); Prince Albert, Tierberg, old lands, 33°13.2’S, 22°01.8’E, leg. R. Dean, 14.VI.1988, 1 ♂ (NCA 91/1259). ZIMBABWE: Matobo: Rowallan Park, 20°25’S, 28°31’E, leg. M. FitzPatrick, VII.2005, 1 ♂ (NMZ/ A15859 ), 1 ♂ 2 ♀ 4 immatures (NMZ/ A15297 ), 1 ♀ (NMZ/ A15297 ); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, I.2005, 1 ♂ 4 ♀ 1 immature (NMZ/A15287); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, 27.VII.2004, 1 ♂ (NMZ/ A14870 ); same locality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, V.2005, 2 ♂ 1 immature (NMZ/A15465); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, XI.2004, 1 ♂ 2 ♀ 2 immatures (NMZ/ A15218 ); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, XII.2004, 1 ♂ (NMZ/A15229); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, XI.2005, 1 ♂ (NMZ/A16457); same locality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, III.2005, 6 ♂ 3 ♀ (NMZ/ A15420 ); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, IV.2005, 3 ♂ 4 ♀ (NMZ/A15452); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, X.2004, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ 2 immatures (NMZ/A15107); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, I.2006, 1 ♀ (NMZ/A16560).

Diagnosis. Micaria beaufortia can be distinguished from other Afrotropical Micaria in having a divided anterior hood (females), as well as posterior pockets basal to each of the spermathecae that are curved. Both sexes are large (4–5 mm) in comparison to other Afrotropical species and possess a narrow white transverse median band with a perpendicular dotted or solid stripe extending towards the spinnerets ( Fig. 1 ).

Description. Female (non–type from Bloemfontein, NCA 2019/845): Measurements: TL 4.85, CL 1.85, CW 1.15, CL:CW 1.61, CLH 0.13, CLH:AME 2.06. Eyes: ALE 0.10, AME 0.06, PLE 0.08, PME 0.06, AME–AME 0.04, PME–PME 0.08, MOQAW 0.18, MOQPW 0.21, MOQL 0.20. SL 0.94, SW 0.73, AL 2.60, AW 1.80. Leg measurements: Palpal segment lengths: 0.54, 0.30, 0.35, 0.60. Leg I: 1.25, 0.56, 0.97, me 0.79, 0.86. II: 1.12, 0.57, 0.95, 0.78, 0.84. III: 1.11, 0.54, 0.86, 0.93, 0.80. IV: 1.80, 0.65, 1.40, 1.60, 0.93. TLoflegs (I–IV): 4.43, 4.26, 4.24, 6.38; leg formula: 4123.

Colouration: carapace dark brown; abdomen dark brown to black; sternum, endites, labium and chelicerae similar in colour to carapace; legs with femora slightly darkened ( Fig. 11 ). Carapace: carapace smooth; decorated with squamose setae ( Fig. 37 ), indistinct dark pattern radiating from the middle; two white lines present on posterior quarter; posterior margin with an indentation in the middle; anterior margin of carapace narrowing from coxa I; fovea absent; AER recurved in anterior view ( Fig. 40 ), PER procurved in dorsal view ( Fig. 41 ). Chelicerae: decorated with plumose setae ( Fig. 43 ). Labium: triangular in shape. Endites: oblique; constricted just above halfway; anterior margin flattened; cluster of setae present on inner–apical margin; serrula present ( Fig. 48 ). Sternum: broadest between coxa Iand II, tapered to rounded tip behind coxa IV; decorated with squamose setae ( Figs 50–52 ).

Legs: femora laterally flattened, highest at base, leg Imore pronounced in this fashion; rest of leg normal, thin; all tarsi pseudo–segmented. Leg macrosetae: Palps: 1do, 1pl, 1do, 1pl, 1pl, 3plv, 1rlv, 4vt. Leg I: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 1rlv, 1vt. II: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 1rlv, 1vt. III: 1do, 1pl, 1rl, 2pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 2vt, 1pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 4vt. IV: 1do, 2pl, 2pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 2vt, 1pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 4vt. Legs with four rows of scopulate setae on metatarsi and tarsi. Abdomen: cylindrical in shape; decorated with squamose seta; white setae forming a transverse dorsal stripe medially and longitudinally from midpoint of abdomen to spinnerets; venter similar in colour to dorsum; sigilla not visible. Epigyne: anterior hood divided; slightly angled; posterior pockets present posterior to spermathecae; copulatory opening located medially at bifurcation of copulatory ducts; spermathecae globular in shape. Copulatory duct originating from copulatory opening, extending posteriorly for short distance to anterior margin of spermathecae; fertilisation duct curved laterally, located basally on spermathecae; spermathecae globular ( Figs 103 , 113, 114 ).

Male (non–type from Bloemfontein, NCA 2019/845): Measurements: TL 3.65, CL 1.50, CW 0.95, CL:CW 1.58, CLH 0.14, CLH:AME 2.19. Eyes: ALE 0.07, AME 0.06, PLE 0.08, PME 0.05, AME–AME 0.03, PME–PME 0.07, MOQAW 0.15, MOQPW 0.19, MOQL 0.20. SL 0.78, SW 0.60, AL 1.90, AW 0.95. Leg measurements: Palpal segment lengths: 0.59, 0.29, 0.29, 0.54. Leg I: 1.21, 0.56, 0.97, 0.81, 0.83; II: 1.17, 0.51, 0.90, 0.79, 0.81. III: 1.10, 0.43, 0.86, 0.81, 0.71. IV: 1.65, 0.53, 1.28, 1.45, 1.00. TLoflegs (I–IV): 4.38, 4.18, 3.91, 5.91; leg formula: 4123.

Colouration: carapace dark brown; abdomen dark brown to black; sternum, endites, labium and chelicerae similar in colour to carapace; femora slightly darkened ( Fig. 12 ). Carapace: smooth in texture; decorated with squamose setae; indistinct dark pattern radiating towards coxae; two white lines present on posterior quarter; posterior margin indented medially; anterior margin of carapace narrowed from coxa I; fovea absent; PER procurved in dorsal view; AER recurved in anterior view. Chelicerae: decorated with plumose setae. Labium: triangular, tapering to a rounded apex. Endites: slanting inwards towards chelicerae; constricted just above middle; anterior margin flattened; cluster of setae present on inner–apical margin. Sternum: shield-like; broadest between coxa I and II; truncated between coxa IV; decorated with brachiate and elongate barbed setae. Legs: femora laterally flattened, highest at base; leg Imore pronounced in this fashion, rest of leg normal, thin; all tarsi pseudo–segmented. Leg macrosetae: Palps: 1do, 1pl, 1do, 1pl, 1pl, 1plv, 3vt. Leg I: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 1rlv, 1vt. II: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 1rlv, 1vt. III: 1do, 1pl, 1rl, 2pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 2vt, 1pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 4vt. IV: 1do, 2pl, 2pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 2vt, 1pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 4vt. Legs with four rows of scopulate setae on metatarsi and tarsi. Abdomen: cylindrical in shape; decorated with squamose setae; white transverse median stripe located dorsally, formed by white setae; venter similar in colour to dorsum, white stripes sometimes present laterally towards anterior margin ( Fig. 12 ); sigilla not visible. Palp: RTA present dorsally ( Fig. 107 ); median apophysis present medially with slightly curved tip; sperm duct present on retrolateral surface of tegulum; embolus broad at base, retrolaterally curved tip; cymbium tip one third the length of the bulb ( Figs 115, 116 ).

Distribution. M. beaufortia is very widespread throughout South Africa and found in a few localities in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia ( Map 1 ).

Figures

MAP 1. The distribution of Micaria basaliducta sp. nov. (black circles) and M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923) (red stars) in the Afrotropical Region.

FIGURES 9–17. Stereomicroscope photographs of the dorsal habitus ofAfrotropical Micaria species: 9 M. basaliducta sp. nov. female and 10 male; 11 M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923) female and 12 male; 13 M. bimaculata sp. nov. female and 14 male; 15 M. bispicula sp. nov. female and 16 male; 17 M. chrysis (Simon, 1910) female. 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 65–71. Scanning electron microscope images of the lanceolate setae of Micaria: 65 M. basaliducta sp. nov. male, patella I; 66 M. beaufortia (Tucker, 1923) male, palpal tibia; 67 M. bispicula sp. nov. male, patella I; 68 M. koingnaas sp. nov. male, femur I; 69 M. parvotibialis sp. nov. male, tarsus IV; 70 M. plana sp. nov. male, patella I; 71 M. quadrata sp. nov. female, femur IV. Abbreviation: LS—lanceolate 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 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 1–2. Habitus photographs of a Micaria beaufortia (Tucker, 1923) female (1) and its ant model, an Anoplolepis custodiens (F. Smith, 1858) major worker (2). Photos by Ruan Booysen.

FIGURES 113–116. Genital morphology of Micaria beaufortia (Tucker, 1923): 113 female epigyne, ventral view; 114 same, dorsal view; 115 male palp, ventral view; 116 same, retrolateral view. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.