Lacronia serripes (Mello-Leitão, 1923)

Carvalho, Rafael N. & Kury, Adriano B., 2023, Between areolated and band-shaped spots: a revision of Lacronia Strand, 1942 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae), European Journal of Taxonomy 859, pp. 1-56 : 41-46

Lacronia serripes (Mello-Leitão, 1923)

Figs 4D , 9C , 16–18 ; Tables 6–7

Luederwaldtia serripes Mello-Leitão, 1923a: 519 , fig. 5.

Luederwaldtia serripes – Roewer 1929: 218. — Mello-Leitão 1932: 166. — B. Soares 1946: 520. — Soares & Soares 1954: 270. — H. Soares 1966: 284, figs 7–10. — Muñoz-Cuevas 1973: 226.

Lacronia serripes – Strand 1942: 397. — Kury 2003a: 174; 2003b: 30. — Kury & Orrico 2006: 148.

Diagnosis

Lacronia serripes can be differentiated from the other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: 1) mesotergum areas I–IV with light-colored tubercles contrasting with its background (without areolated spots surrounding the tubercles) ( Figs 16A, C , 17A, D ); 2) mesotergum area II with two paramedian pairs of conspicuous tubercles ( Fig. 17A ); 3) Ti III proventral face with a comb of three spines (iII) on the distal third, the larger ones touching each others’ tip ( Fig. 17E ); 4) Tr IV prolateral proximal/central portion with an isosceles triangle-shaped apophysis with a prodorsal protuberance ( Fig. 17A, G ); 5) Tr IV prodorsal and prolateral distal portions only with ordinary tubercles ( Fig. 16F– G ); 6) Mt IV with a dorsal row of conical spines (absent only on the proximal a fifth) ( Fig. 17J ); 7) subapical portion of the stylus covered by tiny spines on lateral faces ( Fig. 18B, D ); 8) sub-apical portion of the stylus swollen ( Fig. 18B, D ); 9) ventral process flabellum scallop-shaped, straight (not bent ventrad) ( Fig. 18A–D );

Type material

Holotype BRAZIL • ♂; State of São Paulo, Ilha dos Alcatrazes ; MZSP 550 (examined).

Additional material examined

BRAZIL – State of Rio de Janeiro • 7 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀, 1 juv; Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande ; 14 Dec. 1985; R.L.C. Baptista leg.; MNRJ 6100ꜝ . – State of São Paulo • 1 ♂; Ilhabela, Ilha São Sebastião ; 8–10 Feb. 1948; H. Urban leg.; MNRJ 9286ꜝ • 3 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Salesópolis ; MZSP 9973 • 10 ♂♂, 8 ♀♀; Estação Biológica de Boracéia ; 26 Nov. 1968; E.X. Rabello leg.; MZSP 14343 • 3 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; same collection data as for preceding; 6 Nov. 1968; MZSP 18308ꜝ • 1 ♀; São Sebastião, Ilha dos Alcatrazes ; Oct. 1921; MZSP 13590 .

Redescription

Male

MZSP 14343 for the external body illustrations and description; MZSP 9973 for genitalic illustrations. MEASUREMENTS. DS: CW 2.0, CL 1.5, AW 3.7, AL 2.4; legs I–IV measurements in the Table 6 ; right / left tarsal (distitarsal) counts: 5(3) / 4(2) - 11(3) / 11(3) - 7 / 7 - 7 / 7.

DORSUM. DS gamma-pyriform, longer than wide, with lateral borders of the AS convex, widest and thickest at mesotergum area II, with a slightly convex posterior border ( Figs 16A , 17A ). DS anterior border with a pair of shallow cheliceral sockets divided by a smallcentral projection ( Fig. 17A ). Carapace with one or two pair(s) of prominent tubercles posterior ro ocularium ( Figs 16A , 17A ). Ocularium elliptical (in dorsal view), high (ca 3 × the eye diameter), almost forming a 90º angle to the DS, placed in the anterior portion of the carapace ( Figs 16A–B , 17A–B, D ). Ocularium with a pair of divergent spines (ca 3 × the eye diameter), slightly inclined frontwards ( Figs 16A–B , 17A–B, D ). Mesotergum divided in four clearly defined areas ( Fig. 17A, D ). AS lateral borders with two yellowish prominent tubercles contrasting with the background ( Figs 16A–B , 17A ). Mesotergum areas I and IV divided into left and right halves by a longitudinal median groove ( Fig. 17A ). All areas tuberculate on the center, with all yellowish tubercles contrasting with the background ( Figs 16A–B , 17A, D ). Mesotergum area I with a pair of prominent tubercles ( Figs 16A , 17A ). Mesotergum area II with two pairs of prominent tubercles ( Figs 16A , 17A ). Mesotergum area III with a pair of paramedian outstanding spines (ca 1.5 × the ocularium spines) ( Fig. 17A, C–D ). Mesotergum area IV with transversal rows of four to five prominent tubercles ( Fig. 17A ). DS posterior border with a transversal row of prominent tubercles (same color as the background) ( Figs 16A–B , 17A, D ). Free tergites III with a transversal row of prominent tubercles ( Fig. 17A ). Free tergite III with a transversal row of ordinary tubercles ( Fig. 17A ). Anal operculum covered by ordinary tubercles.

VENTER. Cx I–III sub-parallel to each other ( Fig. 16C ), each with ventral longitudinal rows of setiferous tubercles (Cx I rows with higher and sharper tubercles than the others). Cx II and III with a retro-ventral distal row of acuminate tubercles. Cx IV much larger than the others, directed obliquely ( Figs 16C , 17A ). Intercoxal bridges well-marked ( Fig. 16C ). Stigmatic area Y-inverted-shaped, clearly sunken in relation to the Cx IV distal part ( Fig. 16C ). Cx IV covered by ordinary tubercles. Cx IV posterior border and stigmatic area each with a transversal row of ordinary tubercles. Stigmata visible ( Fig. 16C ). Free sternites each with a transverse row of ordinary tubercles.

CHELICERA. Basichelicerite elongate, bulla well-marked, with one setiferous tubercle on the ectal margin; 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 (ventro-mesal and ventro-ectal) of four spines (IiIi). Ta with two rows of spies: three (iII) ventro-mesal and three (III) ventro-ectal.

LEGS. All the unmentioned podomeres are unarmed or without relevant armature. Tr I–III each with several ventral tubercles. Fe I sub-straight; Fe II straight; Fe III sinuous ( Fig. 17E ). Fe and Ti I–III all faces with rows of small tubercles ( Fig. 17E ). Fe II–III with an apical retro-dorsal spur. Fe III with an apical prodorsal spur (reduced when compared to the retro-dorsal spur). Fe III and Ti III with proventral and retro-ventral rows of small acuminate tubercles with spines on the distal third [four proventral (iiII); three retro-ventral (iII), the largest ones touching each other’s tip] ( Fig. 17E ). Pa I–III covered dorsally by acuminated tubercles ( Fig. 17E ). Ti III mace-shaped ( Fig. 17E ). Cx IV reaching as far as mesotergum areas III–IV ( Fig. 17A ). Cx IV tuberculate between prodorsal and ventral faces ( Fig. 17A ). Cx IV with a thick prolateral distal conical apophysis, posteriorly crenated, with apical portion slightly curved backward ( Fig. 17A, F–H ). Cx IV with a retro-lateral distal spiniform apophysis, fused with a small secondary branch ( Fig. 17A, H–I ). Tr IV square-shaped in dorsal view ( Fig. 17A, F, H ). Tr IV with a prolateral proximal/central apophysis that is isosceles triangle-shaped, with a secondary prolateral medial protuberance ( Fig. 17A, F–H ). Tr IV with a prolateral distal sub-conical tubercle ( Fig. 17A, F–G ). Tr IV with a retro-lateral proximal conical apophysis ( Fig. 17A, F, H–I ). Tr IV with a retro-lateral distal spine ( Fig. 17A, F, H–I ). Tr IV ventral face tuberculate ( Fig. 17G–I ). Fe IV almost straight (in dorsal view), slightly arched on the central portion towards dorsal face ( Fig. 17F–I ). Fe IV with all the faces covered by longitudinal rows of acuminated tubercles (largest in size on the proventral and retroventral distal half) ( Fig. 17G–I ). Fe IV with three dorsal conical spines (two on central portion, one on apex) ( Fig. 17F–G, I ). Fe IV retro-lateral face with two to three central spines (iIi) ( Fig. 17F, H–I ). Fe IV retro-dorsal face with one conical spine (I) on the distal ¼ ( Fig. 17F, I ). Fe IV prodorsal and retrodorsal faces with an outstanding spur on distal apex ( Fig. 17F–G, I ). Fe IV proventral and retro-ventral faces with an outstanding spine on distal portion ( Fig. 17F–I ). Pa IV dorsally covered by spines and acuminated prominent tubercles ( Fig. 17F–G, I ). Pa IV proventral face with a row of four spines (iiii) ( Fig. 17G–H ). Pa IV retro-ventral face with two spines (ii) ( Fig. 17H–I ). Ti IV with all the faces (except ventral) covered by longitudinal rows of acuminated tubercles (retro-lateral and retro-dorsal faces with largest ones) ( Fig. 17F–I ). Ti IV prolateral face with two spines (iI) on the distal ¼ ( Fig. 17F–H ). Ti IV retro-lateral face with two outstanding spines (II) on the distal ¼ ( Fig. 17F, H–I ). Mt IV with a dorsal row of spines (absent on the proximal a fifth) ( Fig. 17J ).

COLOR (in alcohol) ( Fig. 16A–C ). Ocularium, DS background and Cx IV Strong Orange (50). Spines on ocularium Deep Brown (56). Tubercles on DS Brilliant Yellow (83). Spines of the mesotergum area III and Cx IV prodorsal distal apophysis Dark Violet (212). Ch and Pp background Strong Yellow (84). Legs –III background Moderate Greenish Yellow (102). Tr IV background Dark Orange Yellow (72) with apophyses Dark Grayish Red (20). Fe–Mt IV background Dark Yellow (88). Tubercles and spines on legs IIV Deep Brown (56).

MALE GENITALIA. VP slightly divided into a distal trapezoidal half (widest at base, with latero-apical flaps), and a proximal half elliptical ( Fig. 18A, C ). VP 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 triangle in lateral view (A1 on the basal portion of the distal part, A2–A3 on the proximal part, A2 dorsalmost) ( Fig. 18A–B, D ). MS B1 small, inserted ventrally, ventral and close to A3 ( Fig. 18B–D ). MS C1–C3 longer than the MS A, forming a row (C3 dorsalmost) on the distal ¼ of VP ( Fig. 18A–D ). MS D1 small, close to C3 ( Fig. 18A–D ). MS E1–E2 small, on the laterodistal flange of VP – E1 more ventrally placed between MS C1–C2, E2 same, below C3 ( Fig. 18D ). Glans sac arising

from the middle bulge on the podium, not extended as a dorsal process ( Fig. 18A–B, D ). Stylus and its ventral process axis fused basally, forming a prominent trapezoidal-shaped pedestal ( Fig. 18A–B, D ). Stylus cylindrical, almost straight, inserted on the pedestal forming a 25º angle, without conspicuous head (slightly swollen at subapical portion), with subdistal tiny spines ( Fig. 18A–B, D ). Ventral process is ¾ of the stylus length, slightly bent dorsad, with an apical flabellum ( Fig. 18B, D ). Flabellum not curved ventrally, scallop-shaped with serrulations and, with approximately 50% of the ventral process stem length ( Fig. 18B–D ).

Female (MZSP 9973) ( Fig. 9C )

DS, measurements: CW 2.2, CL 1.6, AW 3.9, AL 2.6; legs I–IV measurements in the Table 7 ; right / left tarsal (distitarsal) counts: 5(3) / 5(3) - 10(3) / 10(3) - 7 / 7 - 7 / 7.

DS gamma type. Cx IV narrower than in the males, with the prodorsal distal apophysis reduced to a single spine and without the retro-lateral distal apophysis. Tr IV prolateral face with a row of acuminated tubercles (without apophyses). Tr IV retro-lateral face with a prominent proximal spine and a distal one.

Fe IV thinner than in the male and unarmed on the distal portion. Mt IV dorsally covered by ordinary tubercles.

Intraspecific variation

In the minor morph males (compared to major morph): DS narrower; Cx IV with reduced prolateral and retro-lateral distal apophyses; Fe IV thinner, with reduced armature size. It was not found intraspecific variation among the major morph males or among females.

Records

BRAZIL, state of São Paulo: [Ilhabela]: Ilha dos Búzios; Ilha da Vitória (H. Soares 1966).

Geographic distribution (new records with an asterisk)

BRAZIL: state of Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis*. State of São Paulo: Ilhabela, São Sebastião, Salesópolis*.

Figures

Fig. 4. Lacronia spp., schematic illustrations of the ♂ DS, showing the background variation and tubercles patterns of the specimens in vivo (except for L. boraceae (B. Soares, 1942) comb. nov., which information was only available in alcohol). A. L. ceci Kury & Orrico, 2006. B. L. camboriu Kury, 2003. C. L. ricardoi Kury, 2003. D. L. serripes (Mello-Leitão, 1923). E. L. boraceae comb. nov. F. L. nigra (B. Soares, 1942) comb. nov. G. L. tenuis (Roewer, 1917) comb. nov. Scale bars = 1 mm.

Fig. 9. Lacronia spp., female specimens, dorsal habitus. A. L. boraceae (B. Soares, 1942) comb. nov., holotype (MZSP 114ꜝ), schematic illustration. B. L. nigra (Mello-Leitão, 1923) comb. nov., holotype of Discocyrtus fazi Piza, 1942 (MZSP 1549ꜝ), schematic illustration. C. L. serripes Mello-Leitão, 1923 (MZSP 9973). Scale bars = 3 mm.

Fig. 16. Lacronia serripes (Mello-Leitão, 1923), ♂ (MZSP 14343), specimen in alcohol. A. Habitus, dorsal view. B. Same, lateral view. C. Same, ventral view. Scale bars = 1 mm.

Fig. 17. Lacronia serripes(Mello-Leitão, 1923), ♂ (MZSP14342). A. Habitus, dorsal view.B. Ocularium, frontal view. C. Armature of mesotergum area III, posterior view. D. Habitus, lateral view. E. Left Fe– Ti III, proventral view. F. Right Fe–Ti IV, dorsal view. G. Same, prolateral view. H. Same, ventral view. I. Same, retro-lateral view. J. Right Mt–Ta IV, retro-lateral view. Scale bars: A, D–E, J = 2 mm; B–C = 1 mm; F–I = 3 mm.

Fig. 18. Lacronia serripes (Mello-Leitão, 1923), ♂ (MNRJ 9973), penis, distal part. A. Dorsal view. B. Right lateral view. C. Ventral view. D. Left lateral view. Scale bars = 100 μm.