Psechrus himalayanus Simon, 1906

Bayer, Steffen, 2012, The lace-sheet-weavers — a long story (Araneae: Psechridae: Psechrus), Zootaxa 3379 (1), pp. 1-170 : 64-68

Psechrus himalayanus Simon, 1906

Figs 31a–d , 32a–k , 82l , 85g , 88h , 91h

Psechrus himalayanus Simon 1906: 287 (Description of ♂). [Lectotype ♂ (SB 14), here designated, from INDIA: Uttarakhand Province: Dehradun; Smythier leg. before 1905; Simon Coll.-No. 17595; MNHN AR5206; Paralectotype p.s.a. ♀ (SB 724), with same data as for lectotype; MNHN AR5206, all type material examined]. Kulczyṅski 1908: 568. Berland and Berland 1914: 132. Fage 1929: 360. Lehtinen 1967: 261. Hubert 1973: 678, figs 7–12 (Description of ♂ and ♀, illustration of ♂ and ♀). Levi 1982: 119, figs 7–12 (Description of ♂ and s.a. ♀, illustration of ♂ and s.a. ♀). Griswold 1993: 7, ad part (Record of ♂ from Kooloo valey, India; other record from Nepal misidentified, see P. marsyandi ). Jäger 2007: 45. Sebastian and Peter 2009: 528.

Additional material examined (5 ♂♂, 19 ♀♀, 2 s.a. ♂♂, 10 s.a. ♀♀, 2 juvs). Without any note on recording locality: GVOT Museum Madras; Coll. H. Wiehle; Wiehle det. Psechrus alticeps Pocock ; 1 ♀ ( SB 1 ), SMF. INDIA: Himachal Pradesh Province: Kooloo valley ; M.M. Carleton leg. [1870’s?] ; 1 ♂ ( SB 172 ), MCZ 82515. Uttarakhand Province: Pulna , 2200 m, forest, between rocks; S. Quasin leg. 27.X.2009 ; 1 ♀ ( SB 908 ), WII. Govind Ghat , 1800–2400 m; forest, between rocks; S. Quasin leg. 25.X.2009 ; 1 ♀ ( SB 907 ), SMF; 1 s.a . ♂ ( SB 909 ), WII. Dehradun, Wildlife Institute of India, Campus , N 30°16'59.8'', E 77°58'31.4'', 587 m, forest, wall; P. Jäger leg. at night 14. III.2011 ; 1 ♀ ( SB 988 ), SMF; P. Jäger leg. at night 13. III.2011; 6 s.a. ♀♀ ( SB 989–994 ) , 1 juv. ( SB 995 ), SMF; P. Jäger leg. at night 19. III.2011; 1 s.a. ♀ ( SB 987 ), SMF. Rudraprayag, riverside Alaknanda river , N 30°17'12.0'', E 78°58'44.9'', 667 m, between rocks; P. Jäger & S. Quasin leg. at night 18. III.2011 ; 1 juv. ( SB 996 ), SMF. Kathgodam , 10 minutes N of this town, 1240 m; E. Ross & D.Q. Cavagnaro leg. 01.XII.1961 ; 1 s.a. ♀ ( SB 975 ), CAS 9032234. NEPAL: Rapti Province: Near Daban (‘apres Dhoban’); M. Hubert leg. 07.V.1970 ; 1 ♂ ( SB 17 ), MNHN. Liwang (‘ Libang’ ), 1500–1600 m; M. Hubert leg. 17.V.1970 ; 1 ♂ ( SB 731 ), MNHN AR5159; M. Hubert leg. 19.V.1970 ; 1 ♀ ( SB 732 ), MNHN AR5162; M. Hubert leg. V.1970 ; 3 ♀♀ ( SB 744–746 ), MNHN AR5163. Liwang (‘ Libang’), Tobeiem; M. Hubert leg. 02.V.1970 ; 2 ♂♂ ( SB 725–726 ) , 1 ♀ ( SB 727 ), MNHN AR5157. Liwang (‘ Libang’ ), Ninguana, jungle; M. Hubert leg. 22. IV.1970 ; 3 ♀♀ ( SB 738–740 ), MNHN AR5158; M. Hubert leg. 02.V.1970 ; 3 ♀♀ ( SB 733–735 ), MNHN AR5161. Liwang (‘ Libang’), Taktem; M. Hubert leg. 04.V.1970 ; 3 ♀♀ ( SB 741–743 ), MNHN AR5160. Bagmati Province: Kathmandu Valley ; 1956–1958; 1 s.a . ♀ ( SB 770 ), MCZ 82518. Patan ( Kathmandu ); X.1956, III.–IV.1957 ; 1 s.a. ♀ ( SB 771 ), MCZ 82510. Narayani Province: Chitawan District, 15 km S of Meghauli, Sauraha, Chitawan National Park , forest near Rapti R., 200 m; J. Coddington leg. 31.V.1985 ; 1 s.a. ♂ ( SB 755 ), USNM. BHUTAN: Timphu Province: Timphu river ; leg. 28. IV.1972, ‘ Bhutan Expedition 1972’; [7/5] ; 1 ♀ ( SB 607 ), NHMB 2738a .

Revised diagnosis (see also diagnosis for himalayanus -group above). Males similar to P. marsyandi Levi, 1982 and P. inflatus sp. nov. in having the straight embolus (E) completely associated with conductor (C) ( Figs 31b , 33b , 35b ). Distinguished from marsyandi by the U-shaped sperm duct and the longer E and C ( Fig. 31b ). Distinguished from inflatus by the U-shaped sperm duct and the narrower C ( Fig. 31b ). Females similar to P. marsyandi in general shape of median septum (MS) and vulva. The former with anteriorly curved margins facing each other medially ( Fig. 32a , 34a ), running parallel with the margins of the lateral lobes (LL) ( Fig. 32a , 88h ) at those transversal sections. Distally both margins end by diverging ( Fig. 32a , 34a ), thereby building the copulatory openings (CO). Vulva with copulatory ducts (CD) flowing into spermatheca transversally from medial ( Fig. 32b , 34d ). Distinguished from marsyandi by the longer copulatory ducts and the flatter spermathecal heads (SH) ( Fig. 32b ).

Description. Male (measurements of lectotype first, those of other specimens given as ranges in parentheses): Body and eye measurements. Carapace length 6.9 (6.7–8.9), carapace width 5.0 (4.8–6.4), anterior width of carapace 2.5 (2.5–3.3), opisthosoma length 9.5 (7.8–10.9), opisthosoma width 3.7 (3.4–4.0). Eyes: AME 0.33 (0.32–0.38), ALE 0.37 (0.36–0.46), PME 0.40 (0.38–0.45), PLE 0.39 (0.37–0.44), AME–AME 0.13 (0.12–0.23), AME–ALE 0.05 (0.05–0.06), PME–PME 0.24 (0.22–0.29), PME–PLE 0.30 (0.29–0.38), AME–PME 0.52 (0.49–0.63), ALE–PLE 0.38 (0.37–0.48), clypeus height at AME 0.75 (0.68–0.90), clypeus height at ALE 0.73 (0.64–0.89).

Cheliceral furrow with three promarginal and four retromarginal teeth (one specimen with five retr.m. t.).

Measurements of palp and legs. Leg formula: 1423. Palp 8.7 (8.3–9.3) [3.2 (3.0–4.0), 1.4 (1.4–1.6), 1.4 (1.3–1.7), 2.7 (2.6–3.4)], I 64.1 (59.6–78.5) [16.9 (15.5–20.4), 3.3 (3.2–4.5), 17.8 (16.2–21.7), 18.0 (16.9–22.6), 8.1 (7.8–9.3)], II 49.2 (45.9–61.2) [13.7 (12.6–16.8), 3.0 (2.5–3.8), 12.9 (12.0–16.4), 13.4 (13.1–17.1), 6.2 (5.7–7.1)], III 32.6 (30.7–40.9) [9.5 (9.1–12.2), 2.3 (2.2–3.0), 8.0 (7.3–9.9), 8.7 (8.1–11.0), 4.1 (4.0–4.8)], IV 49.4 (46.4–61.6) [13.7 (12.7–17.1), 2.7 (2.3–3.4), 12.4 (11.7–15.8), 14.0 (13.6–17.4), 6.6 (6.1–7.9)].

Spination. Palp: 131 (131), 110 (110), 1101 (1101); legs: femur I 655 (566,556,646), II 655 (566) III 555 (555), IV 655 (545,555); patella I–IV 000; tibia I–II 3038 (3038), III 3034 (3034), IV 3036 (3035,3045); metatarsus I–IV 3035 (3035).

Palpal femur without modification, distally slightly broader than proximally ( Fig. 31d ).

Copulatory organ (see also diagnosis and general description for himalayanus -group). In male bulb subtegulum (ST) protruding distinctly underneath tegulum (T) ( Fig. 31a,b ). In comparison to P. marsyandi and P. inflatus sp. nov. T rather elongated. Palpal tibia in lateral view relatively slim ( Fig. 31c ). Cymbium dorsally with very dense scopula, covering ½ of the former.

Female: Body and eye measurements. Carapace length 6.3–9.1, carapace width 4.4–6.5, anterior width of carapace 2.7–3.6, opisthosoma length 11.0–13.9, opisthosoma width 6.4–7.2. Eyes: AME 0.32–0.38, ALE 0.39–0.46, PME 0.41–0.49, PLE 0.40–0.48, AME–AME 0.19–0.25, AME–ALE 0.06–0.07, PME–PME 0.23–0.31, PME–PLE 0.32–0.42, AME–PME 0.59–0.73, ALE–PLE 0.45–0.61, clypeus height at AME 0.73–0.96, clypeus height at ALE 0.70–1.02.

Cheliceral furrow with three promarginal and four retromarginal teeth.

Measurements of palp and legs. Leg formula: 1423. Palp: 7.9–10.8 [2.7–3.6, 1.1–1.6, 1.5–2.1, 2.6–3.5]; Legs: I 43.6–54.4 [12.0–15.0, 3.0–4.1, 12.1–15.2, 11.0–13.6, 5.5–6.5], II 34.4–42.8 [9.9–12.4, 2.6–3.5, 9.2–11.5, 8.5–10.5, 4.2–4.9], III 23.6–30.8 [7.2–9.2, 2.0–2.8, 5.5–7.7, 5.9–7.5, 3.0–3.6], IV 34.6–44.5 [9.9–13.1, 2.4–3.2, 8.9–11.3, 8.8–11.3, 4.6–5.6].

Palpal claw with 14–15 teeth.

Spination. Palp: 131, 110, 1101, 1014; legs: femur I 566 (556), II 556, III–IV 555; patella I–IV 000; tibia I–II 3038, III 3034 (3024,3036), IV 3036 (3034,3035); metatarsus I–III 3035, IV 3034 (3035).

Copulatory organ (see also diagnosis and general description of himalayanus -group). Epigyne with flat bulges posterior to the CO ( Fig. 32a,h,k ). Slit sense organs and epigynal muscle sigilla outside epigynal field. Anterior to epigyne lots of slightly curved wrinkles.

Primordial copulatory organ. Pre-epigyne: Pre-septum ( Fig. 32g ) not as cross-rectangular in appearance as in adult MS. Distinguished from the similar P. marsyandi by the shorter distance between distal endings of anterior margins of pre-LL ( Fig. 32g ).

Pre-vulva: Pre-vulva ( Fig. 32f ) already similar to adult one. Distinguished from the similar P. marsyandi by the longer pre-copulatory ducts.

The pre-pre-epigyne ( Fig. 32d ) is similar to the pre-epigyne, but distinctly smaller. The pre-pre-vulva ( Fig. 32e ) also, but the pre-pre-receptacula are just recognisable as very small balls.

Colouration of male and female (see also description for himalayanus -group and Psechrus ). Median bands on carapace serrated and often broader than in other Psechrus species. Lateral bands narrow (almost diameter of PME) and serrated. Light longitudinal line ventrally on opisthosoma continuous and medium-sized to broad. If measured centrally on opisthosoma, its width is ca. 0.7–1.1 times the width of one half of the cribellum.

Variation of copulatory organs. Males: In one male ( SB 725 from Tobeiem , Nepal, not illustrated) T with darker colour than generally. Females : In some specimens flat bulges below CO more distinct ( Fig. 32k ). Curves of lateral margins of MS may be less sharp ( Fig. 32h ). SH in some specimens ( Fig. 32b ) flatter than in others ( Figs 32i–j ).

Remarks: Hubert (1973) first described the female of P. himalayanus . He recorded males, which were unambiguously conspecific with the male type specimen. Some of them had been recorded at exactly the same localities as females he had determined as P. himalayanus . This material was also examined herein. Moreover, a female from the type locality Dehradun was available for the present study ( Figs 32a–c ). This specimen matches the females examined in Hubert (1973). Consequently, the females described in Hubert (1973) and in the present study unambiguously belong to P. himalayanus .

Distribution. India, Nepal, Bhutan ( Fig. 95 ).

Figures

FIGURES 31a–d. Psechrus himalayanus, ♂ lectotype SB 14 from India, Uttarakhand Prov., Dehradun. a–c ♂ palp (a prolateral, b ventral, c retrolateral view). d ♂ left palpal femur, retrolateral view.

FIGURES 32a–k. Psechrus himalayanus, ♀ primordial and adult copulatory organ. a–c ♀ SB 988, d–e p.s.a. ♀ paralectotype SB 724, both from India, Uttarakhand Prov., Dehradun. f–g s.a. ♀ SB 770 from Nepal, Bagmati Prov. h ♀ SB 733 from Nepal, Rapti Prov. i ♀ SB 607 from Bhutan, Timphu Prov. j–k ♀ SB 727 from Nepal, Rapti Prov. a, h, k Epigyne, ventral view. b, i–j Vulva, dorsal view. c Schematic course of internal duct system. g Pre-epigyne, ventral view. f Pre-vulva, dorsal view. d Pre-preepigyne, ventral view. e Pre-pre-vulva, dorsal view.

FIGURES 33a–d. Psechrus marsyandi, ♂ holotype SB 79 from Nepal, Gandaki Prov. a–c ♂ palp (a prolateral, b ventral, c retrolateral view). d ♂ left palpal femur, retrolateral view.

FIGURES 34a–i. Psechrus marsyandi, ♀ primordial and adult copulatory organ. a–c ♀ paratype SB 230 from Nepal, Gandaki Prov. d ♀ paratype SB 228, e–f ♀ paratype SB 226, g–h s.a. ♀ SB 748, i ♀ paratype SB 227, all from Nepal, Dhawalagiri Prov. a, f, i Epigyne, ventral view. b, d, e Vulva, dorsal view. c Schematic course of internal duct system. g Pre-epigyne, ventral view. h Pre-vulva, dorsal view.

FIGURES 35a–d. Psechrus inflatus sp. nov., ♂ holotype SB 952 from China, Yunnan Prov. a–c ♂ palp (a prolateral, b ventral, c retrolateral view). d ♂ left palpal femur, retrolateral view.

FIGURES 82a–r. Psechrus spp., photos of carapace (a–g), sternum (h–k) and ventral view of coxae of legs I–II (l-r). a P. libelti. b P. khammouan. c P. kenting. d P.fuscaisp. nov. e P. ghecuanus. f P.elachys sp. nov. g, k P. tauricornis sp. nov. h, o P. antraeus. i P. annulatus. j, p P.hartmanni sp. nov., l P. himalayanus, m P. ancoralis, n P.mulu, q P. senoculatus, r P. marsyandi. a ♀ SB 969 from Brunei Darussalam. b ♀ SB 382 from Laos, Khammouan Prov. c ♀ holotype SB 615 from Taiwan, Pingtung County. d ♀ holotype SB 954 from China, Yunnan Prov. e s.a. ♀ syntype SB 222 from Myanmar, Kayin Prov. f ♀ holotype SB 861 from Thailand, Satun Prov. g ♀ paratype SB 849, k juv. SB 851, both from Sri Lanka, Central Prov. h ♀ holotype SB 8 from Laos, Vientiane Prov. i ♀ paralectotype SB 830 from Indonesia, Jawa Barat Prov. j ♀ SB 630 from Sri Lanka. l ♂ lectotype SB 14 from India, Uttarakhand Prov. m ♂ paratype SB 26 from Laos, Luang Nam Tha Prov. n ♂ paratype SB 241 from Malaysia, Borneo, Sarawak Prov. o ♂ paratype SB 7 from Laos, Vientiane Prov. p ♂ SB 624 from Sri Lanka. q ♂ paratype SB 537 from China, Hunan Prov. r ♂ holotype from Nepal, Gandaki Prov.

FIGURES 85a–o. Psechrus spp., photos of left ♂ palp, ventral view (a, c–o) and retrolatero-ventral view (b). a P. ancoralis. b P.rani. c P.laos sp. nov. d P. antraeus. e P. khammouan. f P. steineri. g P. himalayanus. h P. marsyandi. i P. inflatus sp. nov. j P. ghecuanus. k P.pakawini sp. nov. l P. luangprabang. m P.demiror sp. nov.? n P. jaegeri sp. nov. o P.vivax sp. nov. a ♂ SB 321 from Laos, Luang Prabang Prov. b ♂ SB 122 from Vietnam, Lang Son Prov. c ♂ holotype SB 367 from Laos, Bolikhamsay Prov. d ♂ paratype SB 7 from Laos, Vientiane Prov. e ♂ SB 381 from Laos, Khammouan Prov. f ♂ paratype SB 64 from Laos, Khammouan Prov., Xe Bangfai cave system. g ♂ SB 17 from Nepal, Rapti Prov. h ♂ holotype SB 79 from Nepal, Gandaki Prov. i ♂ holotype SB 952 from China, Yunnan Prov. j ♂ SB 36 from Laos, Luang Nam Tha Prov. k ♂ paratype SB 142 from Thailand, Chiang Mai Prov. l ♂ SB 459 from Laos, Luang Nam Tha Prov. m ♂ SB 329 from “Indochina”. n ♂ paratype SB 302 from Laos, Champasak Prov. o ♂ holotype SB 367 from Thailand, Trat Prov., Koh Chang.

FIGURES 88a–o. Psechrus spp., photos of epigyne, ventral view. a P. ancoralis. b P.rani. c P.laos sp. nov. d P. antraeus. e P. khammouan. f P. steineri. g P. inflatus sp. nov. h P. himalayanus. i P. marsyandi. j P. pakawini sp. nov. k P. ghecuanus. l P. demiror sp. nov. m P. luangprabang. n P.jaegeri sp. nov. o P. vivax sp. nov. a ♀ SB 324 from Laos, Luang Prabang Prov. b ♀ SB 818 from China, Hongkong. c ♀ paratype SB 372 from Laos, Bolikhamsay Prov. d ♀ SB 294 from Laos, Vientiane Prov. e ♀ SB 382 from Laos, Khammouan Prov. f ♀ holotype SB 65 from Laos, Khammouan Prov., Xe Bangfai cave system. g ♀ paratype SB 961 from China, Yunnan Prov. h ♀ SB 607 from Bhutan, Timphu Prov. i ♀ paratype SB 227 from Nepal, Dhawalagiri Prov. j ♀ paratype SB 213 from Thailand, Chiang Mai Prov. k ♀ SB 39 from Laos, Luang Nam Tha Prov. l ♀ holotype SB 331 from “Indochina”. m ♀ SB 424 from Laos, Vientiane Prov. n ♀ paratype SB 300 from Laos, Champasak Prov. o ♀ paratype SB 366 from Thailand, Trat Prov., Koh Chang.

FIGURES 91a–o. Psechrus spp., photos of vulva, dorsal view. a P. ancoralis. b P. rani. c P.laos sp. nov. d P. antraeus. e P. khammouan. f P. steineri. g P. inflatus sp. nov. h P. himalayanus. i P. marsyandi. j P. pakawini sp. nov. k P. ghecuanus. l P. demiror sp. nov. m P. luangprabang. n P.jaegeri sp. nov. o P. vivax sp. nov. a ♀ SB 324 from Laos, Luang Prabang Prov. b ♀ SB 818 from China, Hongkong. c ♀ paratype SB 374 from Laos, Bolikhamsay Prov. d ♀ SB 294 from Laos, Vientiane Prov. e ♀ SB 382 from Laos, Khammouan Prov. f ♀ holotype SB 65 from Laos, Khammouan Prov., Xe Bangfai cave system. g ♀ paratype SB 951 from China, Yunnan Prov. h ♀ SB 988 from India, Uttarakhand Prov. i ♀ paratype SB 227 from Nepal, Dhawalagiri Prov. j ♀ paratype SB 214 from Thailand, Chiang Mai Prov. k ♀ SB 39 from Laos, Luang Nam Tha Prov. l ♀ holotype SB 331 from “Indochina”. m ♀ SB 424 from Laos, Vientiane Prov. n ♀ paratype SB 300 from Laos, Champasak Prov. o ♀ paratype SB 366 from Thailand, Trat Prov., Koh Chang.

FIGURE 95. Distribution of Psechrus himalayanus and P. marsyandi (both himalayanus-group).