Rhaucus serripes ( Simon, 1879 )

García, Andrés F. & Kury, Adriano B., 2017, Taxonomic revision of the Andean harvestman genus Rhaucus Simon, 1879 (Arachnida, Opiliones, Cosmetidae), Zootaxa 4338 (3), pp. 401-440 : 417-422

Rhaucus serripes ( Simon, 1879) comb. rest.

( Figs 1f , 9–11 , 18c , 23 )

Erginus serripes Simon, 1879: 204 .

Flirtea serripes: Roewer, 1912a: 77 ; 1923: 348, figs 396–397; 1927: 593; Mello-Leitão, 1932: 78; Kury, 2003: 62.

Rhaucus (Erginus) serripes: Henriksen in Sørensen, 1932: 352 .

Metarhaucus fuscus Pickard-Cambridge, 1905: 572 ; Roewer, 1923: 342; 1927: 588; Kury, 2003: 70. New synonymy

Erginus fuscus: Roewer, 1912a: 68 .

Metarhaucus reticulatus Roewer, 1912b: 145 , pl. 7, fig. 4; 1923: 343, fig. 387; 1927: 588; 1959: 80; Forcart, 1961: 51; Flórez & Sánchez, 1995: 368; Kury, 2003: 70. New synonymy

Erginus reticulatus: Roewer, 1912a: 68 .

Rhaucus (Rhaucus) geographicus Sørensen, 1932: 369 . New synonymy

Flirtea geographica: Mello-Leitão, 1933: 110 [by implication]; Kury, 2003: 61. Flirtea paucimaculata Roewer, 1963: 58 , fig. 24; Flórez & Sánchez, 1995: 368; Kury, 2003: 62. New synonymy Type material. Holotype ♂ of Erginus serripes : MNHN, dry pinned, examined by photograph. Holotype ♂ of Metarhaucus fuscus : BMNH, examined by photograph. Types of Metarhaucus reticulatus : MHNN; SMF RI 299; ♂♀ syntypes, ERPC; 3♀ “paratypes” NHMB 63a, examined by photograph. Types of Rhaucus geographicus : 1♂ 3♀ syntypes, ZMUC, BMNH, examined by photograph. Types of Flirtea paucimaculata : holotype ♂, examined by photograph, 4♂ 3♀ paratypes SMF 12710; 1♂ 1♀ paratypes SMF 12716.

Distribution and habitat. COLOMBIA, Boyacá Department: Arcabuco, Villa de Leyva. Cundinamarca Department: Bogotá, Cogua, La Calera, Sesquilé, Soacha, Subachoque, Villapinzón, Zipaquirá. Between 2630 and 3400 m a.s.l., especially in Northern Andean páramo and Cordillera Oriental montane forests ecoregions ( Figs 23 , 24a–b ).

Diagnosis. Differs from the other species of Rhaucus by having DS with island-blots pattern ( Figs 9a , 10a ); DS profusely covered with granules, including tubercles of area III ( Fig. 10a ), contrasting with smoother tubercles in all other species of Rhaucus .

Redescription. Male (ICN-AO-1376).

Measurements: CL=2, CW=4.2, AL=4, AW=5.2, BaCh=0.5, FeL III=6, FeL IV=8, TiL III=4.2, TiL IV=4.6. Intraespecific variation of body and appendages measurements in Table 1.

Dorsum ( Figs 1f , 9 , 10a–b , 18c ): Dorsal scutum alpha type, very granulate ( Figs 9a , 10a ), with blots that resemble islands and reach the sides of ocularium ( Figs 9a , 10a , 18c ). Abdominal scutum widest at level of groove II; areas I–IV granulate. Carapace with some granules on the anterior region ( Fig. 9a ). Ocularium low without median depression, armed with a cluster of granules ( Figs 9c–e , 10a–b ). Lateral margins of DS with a few granules on the medial region ( Fig. 10a ). Mesotergum delimited, divided into four areas: area I with a pair of medium-sized paramedian tubercles; area II with a pair of small paramedian tubercles; area III with a pair of paramedian, domeshaped, coarsely granulated tubercles and another pair of medium-sized tubercles, laterally displaced; area IV with a pair of small paramedian tubercles ( Figs 9c , 10a–b ). Posterior border of scutum sub-straight and with a row of tubercles. Free tergites I–III with a row of tubercles ( Figs 9a, 9d–e , 10a–b ).

Venter ( Fig. 9b ): Stigmatic area with a few granules. Stigmata large, oval and transverse. Coxa I with two parallel rows of tubercles increasing size distally and with an anterior smooth space for the pedipalps to rest; coxa II longer than coxa I, granulate; coxa III longer than I and II, granulate, with posterior margin sigmoid; coxa IV strongly backward, granulate. Genital operculum slightly granulate.

Pedipalps ( Figs 11a–c ): Coxa dorsally and ventrally with one meso-distal granule. Trochanter with one dorsal short tubercle and two ventral tubercles fused at base (mesal taller); femur compressed, dorsally with a row of aligned setiferous tubercles of different sizes –not reaching the distal portion–, ventrally the same, tubercles just more separated between them. Patella distally depressed with dorsal granules; tibia depressed, spoon-shaped, dorsally granulate, with lateral borders tuberculate and some spiniferous tubercles at distal portion; inner surface slightly striated ( Fig. 11b ). Tarsus long, conical, with some dorsal granules and ventrally with two rows of thickened setae ( Fig. 11c ).

Chelicera ( Figs 9 , 11d–f ): Chelicera swollen. Basichelicerite rectangular, with a few granules, the proximal border with a row of separated tubercles and the anterior border smooth, the ectal face with two large proximal joined tubercles and a group of four distal tubercles, the dorso-distal and the basal-distal ones larger than the others, the mesal face with some small granules ( Figs 11d–e ). Hand with one tubercle near the joint of the movable finger. Fixed finger with the inner surface finely grooved. Movable finger with one conical, sub-basal tooth and with the distal portion of the inner surface dentate ( Fig. 11f ).

Legs ( Figs 9a–b , 10c–e ): Coxae I–II dorsally with one posterior process; coxa III with one proximal retrolateral tubercle; coxa IV coarsely granulate, with a prominent anterolateral clavi inguines and with a posterolateral multicapitate apophysis ( Fig. 9a ). Trochanter I–II dorsally with some minute granules and ventrally with some tubercles; trochanter III with some dorsal and ventral granules ( Fig. 10d ); trochanter IV more granulate than III, with one proximal tubercle and a row of ventral tubercles in retrolateral view ( Fig. 10e ). Femora I–IV sub-straight, very granular; III–IV dorsally granulate (IV more granular than III) and ventrally with two longitudinal rows of triangular tubercles all along its length and one prolateral and one retrolateral row of tubercles, increasing in size distally: in femur III the last one tubercle thinner and in femur IV, the two last tubercles close together ( Figs 10d– e ). Patellae I–IV dorsally very granulate, curved; patellae III–IV with the distal border coarsely granular, ventrally densely granulate and with two large tubercles on the retrolateral-ventral side. Tibiae I–IV granulate; tibiae III–IV strongly curved, with two longitudinal rows of tubercles –of different sizes– very close together in all the length (in tibia IV the distal tubercle is fused and the prolateral row of tubercles almost joins the ventral row) ( Figs 10d–e ). Metatarsus I–IV with one ventrodistal seta. Tarsi I–II with one smooth claw; tarsi III–IV with 2 subparallel smooth claws and a tarsal process ( Fig. 10c ). Tarsal counts: 6(3)–6(3)/13(3)–15(3)/9–9/11–11. Intraspecific variations in Table 2.

Color (in ethanol): Carapace Strong Reddish Brown (40), reticulated on the ocularium. Areas I–IV Dark Reddish Brown (44). Blots in carapace Brilliant Greenish Yellow (98). Pedipalps, coxae I–IV, free tergites and chelicera Strong Reddish Brow n (40). Trochanters I–IV and legs I–III Strong Yellowish Brown (74). Legs IV Strong Reddish Brown (40).

Male genitalia ( Figs 11f–h ): VP of penis subrectangular with very concave distal border; VP with two lateral, elongated, dense patches of type 4 microsetae and a longitudinal gap in between ( Fig. 11h ). VP with two apical MS C curved and laterally inserted; two MS D, the most distal large and straight, following the same lateral row as MS C; the other (D2) smaller, inserted dorso-laterally on the middle third of VP; two MS A straight and laterally inserted, near D2 ( Fig. 11g ); two small MS E volcano-shaped on the ventral face, close together; one small MS B volcano-shaped inserted laterally at the base of the VP ( Fig. 11h ). Glans mostly smooth; stylus long, tip surface tuft-shaped, fin-like process ( Fig. 11f ).

Female. Similar to male, but differs by having carapace at areas I–IV level more globose; anterior part of carapace narrower and coda divergent; tubercles of area III taller; legs III–IV thinner; tubercles in ventral rows of legs III–IV smaller; chelicerae are not hyperthelic in females ( Figs 9d–e ).

Other material examined. 60 specimens (31 males, 28 females, 1 juv.) in 25 lots. COLOMBIA: Boyacá Department: Villa de Leyva , 1♂ 3♀ (ICN-AO-262), S.F.F. Iguaque sector Carrizal [05°41'N 73°27'W], 2800 m, 31.xii.2004, E. Flórez, G. Giribet & M. Porras leg. ; 3♂ 2♀ (ICN-AO-298), S.F.F. Iguaque sector Carrizal [05°41'N 73°27'W], 2900 m, 9.vi.2001, E. Flórez leg. ; 3♂ 1♀ (ICN-AO-1376), S.F.F. Iguaque [5.720016N - 73,457901W], 2800 m, 22.ix.2013, A. García & S. Galvis leg. ; 1♂ (IAvH-3000018/IAvH-I-4), S.F.F. Iguaque , lagoon shore [05°38'N 73°29'W], 3450 m, 13.ix.1998, E. González leg. ; 1♀ (IAvH-3000073/IAvH-I-3), S.F.F. Iguaque, Cabaña Carrizal [05°25'N 73°27'W], 2850 m, 22–24.iv.2001, P. Reina leg. ; 1♂ (IAvH-3000006/IAvH-I-11), S.F.F. Iguaque , lagoon shore [05°38'N 73°29'W], 3340 m, 14.x.1998, S. Sierra leg. ; 4♂ 2♀ (MNRJ 19377), S.F.F. Iguaque [05°42'N 73°27'W], 2941 m, A. García & A.B. Kury leg.; Arcabuco, 1♀ (IAvH-3000020/IAvH-I-105), close to El Cometa [05°44'N 73°29'W], 3000 m, iv.1998, D . Dávila & E. González leg. Cundinamarca Department: La Calera , 1♀ (ICN-AO-85) [4°43'N 73°58'W], 2900 m, 25.v.1978 ; 1♂ 1♀ (ICN-AO-94), Bosque El Granizo , 3200 m, 3.iii.1991, O. Muñoz & K. Estupiñan leg. ; 1♀ (ICN-AO-480), Finca La Esperanza [4°42'N 73°57'W], 29.x.2005, M. Romero leg. ; 1♂ (ICN-AO-1009), vía a Mundo Nuevo [4°38'4N 73°54'W], 2850 m, 17.x.2000, E. Flórez leg. ; 1♂ (ICN-AO-293), P.N.N. Chingaza , 3400 m, 20.vii.1987 ; 1♀ (ICN-AO-426), P.N.N. Chingaza, Valle de los Frailejones [04°62'N 73°72'W], 24.iii.2003, J. Cepeda leg.; Zipaquirá , 2♀ (ICN-AO-215), Vereda Ventalarga, Represa Pantanoredondo [5°2'N 74°2'W], 3000 m, 27.iv.2003, E. Flórez & UN-Octapodos group leg.; Sesquilé, 1♀ (ICN-AO-239), Cerro Las Tres Viejas [5°1'N 73°47'W], 3250 m, 28.i.2001, J. Betancur leg.; Subachoque , 1♂ (ICN-AO-400), Vereda El Tobal, Finca El Cerro [4°55'N 74°12'W], 2900 m, 28.vii.2002, F . Gomez leg.; Villapinzón, 1♂ (ICN-AO-440), Páramo de Guacheneque, camino al Pozo del Oso [05°10'N 73°33'W], 7.iv.2012; Sibaté , 1♀ (ICN-AO-486), San Miguel, antes del Alto del Cuchuco [4°26'N 74°17'W], 2630 m, 1.xii.1979, UN biology students leg.; Bogotá , 1♂ 1♀ (ICN-AO-1039), vía a la Vírgen de la Peña [4°34'N 74°3'W], 2700 m, 12.v.2012, M. Medrano & A. Garcia leg. ; 2♂ 3♀ (ICN-AO-995), Club Campestre , 22.vi.1997, F . López leg.; 1♂ 1♀ ( MNRJ 8711 ), Páramo de Cruz Verde , 4.x.1992, D . Vera leg.; 1♂ 1♀ (MNRJ 00175)[ Meterginus uniformis M-L in schedula]; Cogua, 2♂ 3♀ (ICN-AO-1212), Parque Forestal Embalse del Neusa [5.141987, -73.962285], 3100 m, 3.xi.2013, C. Perafán & D. Martínez leg.; Soacha , 1♂ (ICN-AO-1440), Bogotá-Silvania road, near Chusacá [4°32'N 74°16'W], 1.xii.1979, G group leg.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Photographs of live males of Rhaucus. a – b, Rhaucus vulneratus: a. Showing the five transverse orange lines on DS, b. Morph without transverse lines on DS, c. Rhaucus robustus, d. Rhaucus quinquelineatus, e. Rhaucus florezi sp. nov., f. Rhaucus serripes. [Photographs by A. García (a, b, d) and courtesy of John Uribe (c) and Miguel Medrano (e – f)].

FIGURE 9. Rhaucus serripes (ICN-AO- 1376). Habitus: a – d, male, a. Dorsal view, b. Ventral view, c. Frontal view, d. Lateral view. e. Female, lateral view. Scale bars = 1 mm.

FIGURE 10. Rhaucus serripes (ICN-AO- 1376). Male: a. Dorsal view, b. Lateral view, c. Tarsus I – IV, d. Leg III: dorsal, ventral and retrolateral view, e. Leg IV: dorsal, ventral and retrolateral view. Scale bars = 1 mm.

FIGURE 11. Rhaucus serripes SEM (ICN-AO- 1376). Male: a – c, pedipalp: a. Ectal view, b. Mesal view, c. Tarsus. d – f, chelicera: d. Basichelicerite, dorsal view, e. Dorso-ectal view, f. Fingers, ectal view. g – I, penis: g. Lateral view, h. Dorsal view, i. Ventral view.

FIGURE 18. Intraspecific variation of pattern of yellow markings on DS of Rhaucus spp.: a. Rhaucus vulneratus, b. Rhaucus quinquelineatus, c. Rhaucus serripes, d. Rhaucus robustus, e. Rhaucus florezi sp. nov.

FIGURE 23. Central Colombia, showing the geographic distribution of Rhaucus florezi sp. nov., Rhaucus serripes and Rhaucus robustus. Shaded areas in the background are WWF ecoregions. Abbreviations: NAP = Northern Andean Páramo; COMF = Cordillera Oriental Montane Forests; MVMF = Magdalena Valley Montane Forests. Solid red lines: administrative boundaries.

FIGURE 24. Habitat of Rhaucus spp.: a. Montane forests at Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Boyacá (Rhaucus florezi, Rhaucus quinquelineatus, Rhaucus serripes), b. Páramo at Chingaza National Natural Park, Cundinamarca (Rhaucus quinquelineatus, Rhaucus serripes, Rhaucus vulneratus) [Photographs by A García (b) and courtesy of Miguel Medrano (a)].