Nanometa trivittata ( Keyserling, 1887 ), 2020

Álvarez-Padilla, Fernando, Kallal, Robert J. & Hormiga, Gustavo, 2020, Taxonomy And Phylogenetics Of Nanometinae And Other Australasian Orb-Weaving Spiders (Araneae: Tetragnathidae), Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 2020 (438), pp. 1-107 : 1-107

Nanometa trivittata ( Keyserling, 1887) ,

comb. nov. Figures 3 , 9–13 , 37

Meta trivittata Keyserling, 1887: 213 , pl. 19, fig. 4. “ Nanometinae sp.” Álvarez-Padilla and Hormiga,

2011: 74, figs. 71–76 (SEMFAP049).

TYPE MATERIAL: Female holotype likely destroyed (R. Raven, personal commun.). Specimen originally deposited at the Museum Godeffroy (ceNAK), Sydney; from Mr. Bradley’s collection, Cape York. Drawings and description are considered accurate for specimen identification.

DIAGNOSIS: The broad and caudally straight epigynal septum (figs. 9D, 13D), the shape of the conductor apex and CEBP (figs. 10C, F, 13A–C) are unique to this species. In addition, Nanometa trivittata can be differentiated from other large Nanometa species by the following unique combination of characters: epigynum flat, genital openings large and separated by a wide septum ca. one half epigynum width, posterior middle section excavated with a pit of variable depth (figs. 9B, D, 10A, B, 13D). Median plate trapezoidal with ventral side wider (fig. 10A). CEBP has one long apophysis with a round tip and a tiny sclerotized basal spine (fig. 10C, F). CEMP an arc-shaped cuticular ridge (fig. 10C–E), tip separated from the cymbium, hook shaped and bent ca. 90° (fig. 10E). Cymbium distal margin protruded and finger shaped (fig. 10E, F).

DESCRIPTION: Female (TEAU003) total length 5.6. Cephalothorax length 2.1, width 1.6. Clypeus height 0.84 AME diameter. Cephalothorax background yellow, dark brown on the cephalic area and carapace edges (fig. 9A, C). Eyes subequal in size, lateral smaller. Sternum brown (fig. 9E). Cheliceral promargin and retromargin with three and two teeth respectively, ca. five cheliceral denticles. Abdomen dorsum background dark gray, most guanine patches forming a medial line divided into four to six lateral lobes delineated by dark-brown chevrons, lateral areas of the abdomen dorsum with intercalated areas of guanine patches and dark-brown spots (fig. 9A). Lateral line of guanine patches complete (fig. 9C). Ultrastructure of abdomen, tracheae, and spinnerets (figs. 11D, 12A) observed with SEM. Abdomen cuticle flat reticulated; median tracheal trunks branched, lateral tracheae tube shaped (fig. 11D). ALS with one major ampullate, one nubbin, ca. 60 piriform, tartipores present (fig. 12B). PMS with one nubbin, one minor ampullate, one cylindrical, and three central aciniform spigots (fig. 12C). PLS araneoid triplet spigots tips clustered together, ca. 12 aciniform spigots distributed in two parallel rows, two cylindrical gland spigots at the periphery (fig.12D). Femur I length 3.36. Copulatory ducts modified as membranous sacs with smooth cuticle (figs. 9H, 11C, 13E), spermathecae and “copulatory sacs” sclerotization variable (fig. 9F, H) accessory duct glands clustered on the internal surfaces (fig. 11C). Description based on specimens (TEAU003, TEAU006, TEAU008, TEAU023, TEAU035).

Male (TEAU036): Same as female except as noted. Total length 4.23. Cephalothorax length 2.0, width 1.5. Clypeus 0.95 AME diameter (fig. 9I). Cephalothorax and abdomen coloration lighter than in female, sternum coloration yellow. Cheliceral denticles ca. six. Booklung covers and coxa IV surfaces examined with SEM. Stridulatory organ formed by a thin cuticular ridge on booklung anterior edge, opposite to several cuticular ridges on coxa IV retrolateral surface. Femur I length 4.73. Basal apophysis of conductor tip slen- der and as long as the distal apophysis, distal apophysis thicker, heavily sclerotized and ending in a curved tip (figs. 11E, F, 13A–C). Description based on specimens (TEAU004, TEAU036).

VARIATION: Females (N = 7) total length 5.3– 7.2, cephalothorax length 2.1–2.8, width 1.6–2.2. The depth of the median septum pit varies from almost flat to considerably deep. Males (N = 6) total length 3.4–6.5, cephalothorax length 2.0– 3.2, width 1.3–2.4. CEBP apophysis tip varies in shape from a rounded spatula to a broken tip. Conductor tip apophyses vary in length and orientation angle.

DISTRIBUTION: This species can be found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions of eastern Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria (fig. 37C).

NATURAL HISTORY: Nanometa trivittata builds vertical (n = 2) or horizontal (n = 1) orb webs, with relatively few radii (13–14; n = 3) and few loosely spaced radii (fig. 3C, D). The hub is open.

MATERIAL EXAMINED: N = 144. AUSTRALIA: New South Wales: 4 km W of Washpool State Forest , 29° 15′ 51.89″ S, 152° 22′ 41.53″ E, 684 m, 1 male, 1 immature, AM KS9334 ; Border Ranges National Park, Brindle Creek Rd, 28° 22′ 42.2″ S, 153° 4′ 9.4″ E, 713 m, G. Hormiga & N. Scharff, 22–23 March 2010, temperate rainforest, general collecting at night, 8 females, 2 males, 3 immatures (1 female illustrated by G. Hormiga, 1 female image and description voucher TEAU023, 1 female for SEM voucher TEAU033, 1 female epigynum variation voucher TEAU006) GWU ; Bow Cave, Jenolan , 33° 49´6.12″ S, 150° 1′ 19.4″ E, 844 m, G. Smith, 15 May 1988, 2 males, 1 female, AM KS19045 ; Jamberoo Mountain , 34° 39′ 6.34″ S, 150° 41′ 40.56″ E, 613 m, J. Noble, 23 December 1995, 1 female, AM KS53629 ; Ku- Ring-Gai Chase National Park, McCarr’s Creek , 33° 37′ 53.62″ S, 151° 15′ 14.42″ E, 167 m, D.J. Bickel, 22 November 1986, 1 female, AM KS32217 ; Macquarie Pass National Park, Cascades Rainforest walk, 34° 34′ 1.4″ S, 150° 40′ 22.6″ E, 127 m, G. Hormiga & N. Scharff, 15 March 2010, 2 females, GWU ; Macquarie Pass National Park, Clover Hill Rd , 34° 33′ 51.6″ S, 150° 38′ 59.3″ E, 214 m, G. Hormiga & N. Scharff, 16 March 2010, 1 female, sifted litter (image voucher TEAU008) ; New England National Park, Wright’s Lookout Trail , 30° 30′ 17.21″ S, 152° 24′ 9.82″ E, 1300 m, A. Newton & M. Thayer, 27 February–6 March 1980, Nothofagus moorei rainforest, tree ferns, pyrethrin fogging, 1 male, AMNH ; Port Macquarie, Sea Acres Nature Reserve , 31° 28′ 0″ S, 152° 56′ 0″ E, 0–10 m, G. Williams, 26 January–13 February 1999, subtropical rainforest, malaise trap, 1 male, AM KS58338 ; Toonumbar National Park, Iron Pot Creek, Hanrahans Rest , 28° 28′ 0″ S, 152° 53′ 0″ E, 105 m, D. Bickel, 17–18 December 1998, rainforest, yellow pans, 1 male, AM KS59114 ; Werrikimbe National Park, Cobcroft Park , 31° 13′ 0″ S, 152° 11′ 0″ E, 1010 m, D. Bickel, 17–18 November 1998, rainforest, sweeping, 1 male, AM KS59043 ; Blue Mountains National Park, Mount Wilson, -33.49882, 150.41474, 955 m, G. Hormiga & N. Scharff, 3 April 2014, GH1663. Queensland: 7 km SW Kenilworth, Yabba Creek Forest , 26° 37′ 7.77″ S, 152° 39′ 28.18″ E, 150 m, S. Peck & J. Peck, 18 June–15 August 1982, wet sclerophyll FIT, 2 females, AMNH ; Atherton Tablelands, Dambulla National Park, Mobo Creek Walk , 17° 10′ 15.8″ S, 145° 38′ 23.8″ E, 716 m, G. Hormiga, N. Scharff, & J. Pedersen, 14 February 2012, 1 female, 3 immatures (DNA voucher GH1152) GWU ; Tully Falls National Park, S of Ravenshoe, Charmillin Creek , Wabunga Wayemba , 17° 42′ 0.8″ S, 145° 31′ 20.8″ E, 931 m, G. Hormiga, N. Scharff, & J. Pedersen, 12 February 2012, rainforest walkabout, general collecting 1 female (DNA voucher GH1150) GWU ; Bellenden Ker Range, NQ Cable Tower 3, 17° 15′ 29.85″ S, 145° 50′ 7.83″ E, 1054 m, 17–24 October 1981, 1 female, QM S26353 ; Eungella, Schoolhouse, 21° 8′ 0″ S, 148° 29′ 0″ E, 701 m, R. Raven & J. Gallon, 11–15 February 1986, rainforest, general collection, 1 female, QM S7043 . Eungella , Schoolhouse , 21° 8′ 0″ S, 148° 29′ 0″ E, 701 m, R. Raven & J. Gallon, 11–15 February 1986, rainforest, general collection, 2 males, 3 females, 6 immatures QM S7056 ; Mount Hypipamee National Park, The Crater , 17° 25′ 35.8″ S, 145° 29′ 8.9″ E, 910 m, D. Bickel, 13–27 April 1994, rainforest, pans collecting, 1 male, AM KS45010 ; Cedar Creek, via Samford , 27° 26′ 5.44″ S, 152° 59′ 54.37″ E, 24 m, R. Raven & J. Gallon, 5 February 1986, 1 male, 4 females, QM S58348 ; Lamington National Park, tracks nr. O’Reilly’s , 28° 14′ 5″ S, 153° 8′ 13″ E, 920 m, G. Hormiga, M. Kuntner, & F. Álvarez-Padilla, 13–17 April 2002, rainforest, 25 females, 3 male, 16 juveniles ( SEM 2 females image voucher TEAU035, 1 female image voucher TEAU003; 1 male image voucher TEAU004; SEM male palp expanded image voucher TEAU036) ; Lamington National Park, near O’Reilly’s Guesthouse, Python Rock Lookout Trail , 28° 13′ 32.1″ S, 153° 7′ 34.7″ E, 844 m, G. Hormiga & N. Scharff, 23 April 2011, 1 male (measurements voucher FAPM008) GWU ; Lamington National Park , road Canungra-O’Reilly’s, 28° 8′ 25″ S, 153° 6′ 55″ E, 750 m, G. Hormiga, M. Kuntner, F. Álvarez, 15–17 April 2002, dry forest ( SEM 1 male palp voucher TEAU034) ; Lamington National Park, 28° 14′ 0″ S, 153° 8′ 0″ E, 900 m. T. Churchill 6 February 1991, Nothofagus forest , 1 female QM S25430 . Victoria: Grey River, Otway Range , 38° 41′ 3.81″ S, 143° 50′ 21.29″ E, 15 m, D.F. King, 15 February 1974, rainforest, lattice web across river, 1 female, AMS KS20994 ; Warburton, Cement Ck , 37° 42′ 33.8″ S, 145° 43′ 33.61″ E, 670 m, A. Newton & M. Thayer, 10–17 January 1980, Nothofagus cunninghamii , etc, ex wet moss over forest stream, AMNH ; Warburton, Cement Ck , 37° 42′ 33.8″ S, 145° 43′ 33.61″ E, 670 m, A. Newton & M. Thayer, 16 January 1980, on and under rocks in stream, AMNH ; Great Otway National Park, Maits Rest rainforest, 38° 45′ 17.85″ S, 143° 33′ 17.69 E, 215 m, G. Hormiga & N. Scharff, 14–15 April 2014, 1 female, 2 juveniles, GWU ; Drummer Rainforest , ca. 10 km E of Cann River, 37° 34′ 3.47″ S, 149° 16′ 20.82″ E, 145 m, G. Hormiga & N. Scharff, 7 –8 April 2014, 1 male, 1 female, 1 juvenile, GWU ; Phillips Track , Young ; s Creek crossing, 0.5 km N of Triplet Falls, 38° 40′ 00″ S, 143° 28″ 60.0″ E, G. Milledge, 17 March 1991, Nothofagus cunninghami forest, direct search, NMV ; Phillips Track, Young’s Creek crossing, 0.5 km N of Triplet Falls, 38° 40′ 00″ S, 143° 28″ 60.0″ E, G. Milledge, 30 January 1995, Nothofagus cunninghami forest, direct search, 3 males, 10 females, 10 juveniles, NMV K-6320 ; Phillips Track, Young’s Creek crossing, 0.5 km N of Triplet Falls, 38° 40′ 00″ S, 143° 28″ 60.0″ E, G. Milledge, 31 January 1995, Nothofagus cunninghami forest, direct search, 2 females, NMV K-6322 ; Cement Creek, A. Neboiss, 5 February 1995, 2 females, 2 juveniles, NMV ; Strzelecki Ranges, Tarra-Bulga National Park, 0.5 km NNE of Tarra Valley Picnic Area, -38.4444444, 146.5416667. G. Milledge, 14 September 1995. Nothofagus cunninghami forest, direct search. 4 males, 2 females, 6 juveniles. NMV K-6325. Strzelecki Ranges , Tarra-Bulga National Park , 0.5 km NNE of Tarra Valley Picnic Area , - 38° 26′ 40″ S, 146° 34′ 20.0″ E, G. Milledge, 10 January 1996, Nothofagus cunninghami forest, direct search, NMV K-6329 ; Strzelecki Ranges, Tarra- Bulga National Park , 0.5 km NNE of Tarra Valley Picnic Area, 38° 26′ 40″, 146° 34′ 18″, G. Milledge, 5 March–7 May 1996, Nothofagus cunninghami forest, intercept trap, 1 male, NMV K-6327 ; Beech Forest. J. Clark, 11 January 1932, 1 male, NMV ; Otway Ranges, Maits Rest , 10 km W of Apollo Bay, - 38° 45′ 0″ S, 143° 34′ 0″ E, G. Milledge, 20 February 1992, Nothofagus cunninghami forest, direct search, NMV ; Central Highlands, the Big Culvert , 2.5 km ENE of Mt. Observation, 37° 33′ 36″ S, 145° 52′ 15′ E, G. Milledge, 19 February 1996, Nothofagus cunninghami forest, direct search, 2 females, NMV K-6323 ; along Carisbrook Creek , approx. 6 miles inland, 19 January 1974, 1 female, NMV ; Lind National Park, Olive Creek, A. Neboiss, 18 December 1976, 1 male, NMV ; Falls Creek Ski Village, A. Neboiss, 26 January 1957, 1 male, 1 female, NMV ; Lock Creek , 9 km W of Buldah, 37° 13′ 60″ S, 149° 3′ 0″ E, ANZSES Expedition, 9 January 1982. 1 male, NMV .

Figures

FIGURE 3. Nanometa trivittata (Keyserling, 1887) from Australia. A, B. Adult male from Border Ranges National Park, New South Wales (DSC_1840, DSC_1868). C, D. Female web from Great Otway National Park (DSC_1454, DSC_1446; photos: G.H.).

FIGURE 9. Nanometa trivittata (female: TEAU006; male: TEAU004). A. Female, dorsal habitus. B. Epigynum, ventral. C. Female, lateral habitus. D. Epigynum, posterior or caudal. E. Female, ventral habitus. F.Epigynum, dorsal cleared. G. Female, frontal. H. Epigynum, dorsal digested. I. Male, frontal. Scale bars: A, C, F, 1.0 mm; B, D, F, H, 0.2 mm; G, I, 0.5 mm.

FIGURE 10. Nanometa trivittata (male: TEAU004; female: TEAU006). A. Epigynum, ventral. B. Epigynum, caudal. C. Pedipalp, ventral. D. Pedipalp, mesal. E. Pedipalp, dorsal. F. Pedipalp, ectal. Scale bars: 0.2 mm.

FIGURE 11. Nanometa trivittata (TEAU035). A. Epigynum, ventral; arrow indicates genital opening. B. Epigynum, caudal. C. Epigynum, dorsal. D. Tracheae. E. Pedipalp, ectal detail. F. Pedipalp, mesal detail. Scale bars: 0.1.

FIGURE 12. Nanometa trivittata (TEAU035). A. Spinning apparatus. B. ALS. C. PMS. D. PLS. Scale bars: A, 0.1 mm; B–D, 0.01 mm.

FIGURE 13. Nanometa trivititta (TEAU023). A. Pedipalp, ventral. B. Pedipalp, ectal. C. Pedipalp, dorsal. D. Epigynum, ventral. E. Epigynum, dorsal. Scale bars: A–D, 0.5 mm; E, 0.2 mm.

FIGURE 37. Distribution of Nanometa in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea. A. Map of region with areas of importance indicated. B. Western Australia. C. Eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. D. Southeastern Australia and Tasmania. E. New Zealand.