Aptostichus sarlacc, Bond, Jason E., 2012

Bond, Jason E., 2012, Phylogenetic treatment and taxonomic revision of the trapdoor spider genus Aptostichus Simon (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Euctenizidae), ZooKeys 252, pp. 1-209 : 119-122

Aptostichus sarlacc sp. n. Figures 236-242Map 29

Types.

Male holotype (AP417) from California, San Bernardino County, 14.5km N, 16km E of Ridgecrest sand dunes, 35.7553, -117.5006 4, 960m, coll. D. Giuliani 15.ii.1981-12.iv.1981; male paratype (AP416) from California, Kern County, 11.3km, N 9.6km W of Inyokern, 35.7362, -117.9849 4, 2193m, coll. D. Giuliani 4.iv.1986; male paratype from California, Inyo County, Owens Valley, 9.6km S-SW of Independence, 36.7414, -118.2623 5, 1961m, coll. D. Giuliani 1.xi.1986-12.vi.1987. Deposited in CAS.

Etymology.

The specific epithet is a noun in apposition taken from the fictional creature in George Lucas’ science fiction saga, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Diagnosis.

Males can be distinguished from other known closely related species of Aptostichus (e.g., Aptostichus cahuilla , Aptostichus aguacaliente ) by having a long curved metatarsus IV relative to femur IV length and by having an abdomen devoid of any dorsal markings (Fig. 236). This species can be distinguished from geographical proximate members of the Simus species group, with similarly long fourth tarsi and by having a longer, more slender palpal tibia (Figs 241, 242). The distribution of Aptostichus sarlacc is distributed considerably further to the north of the aforementioned Hesperus species group taxa.

Description of male holotype.

Specimen preparation and condition. Specimen collected dead from pitfall trap, preserved 70% EtOH. Coloration likely faded. Pedipalp, leg I left side removed, stored in vial with specimen. General coloration. Carapace, chelicerae, legs strong brown 7.5YR 4/6. Abdomen uniform very pale brown, lacking distinct dorsal markings (e.g., paratype coloration pattern, Fig. 236). Cephalothorax. Carapace 3.41 long, 2.95 wide, glabrous with only sparse thin black setae, stout black bristles along fringe; surface smooth, pars cephalica elevated. Fringe, posterior margin with black bristles. Foveal groove deep, moderately procurved. Eyes on low mound. AER slightly procurved, PER slightly recurved. PME, AME subequal diameter. Sternum moderately setose, STRl 1.90, STRw 1.62. Posterior sternal sigilla small, positioned towards lateral margin, anterior sigilla pairs small, oval, marginal. Chelicerae with distinct anterior tooth row comprising 5 teeth, posterior margin with patch of very small denticles. Palpal endites with patch of small cuspules on proximal, inner margin, labium with 3 small cuspules, LBw 0.60, LBl 0.29. Rastellum consists of 6 stout spines, 2 offset prolaterally. Abdomen. Setose, heavy black setae intermingled with fine black setae. Legs. Leg I: 3.60, 2.40, 2.14, 1.67, 1.12; leg IV: 3.44, 2.16. Light tarsal scopulae on tarsi legs I, II. Tarsus I with single, slightly staggered row of 13 trichobothria. Leg I spination pattern illustrated in Figures 239, 240; TSp 4, TSr 4, TSrd 3. Pedipalp. Articles slender, lacking distinct spines (Figs 241, 242). PTw 0.48, PTl 1.40, Bl 0.70. Embolus slender, curved at midpoint, with slight curve distally, lacking serrations (Figs 241, 242).

Variation (2). Cl 3.41-4.85, Cw 2.95-4.28, STRl 1.9-2.45, STRw 1.62-2.19, LBw 0.60-0.85, LBl 0.29-0.46, leg I: 3.60-5.00, 2.40-3.19, 2.14-2.97, 1.67-2.25, 1.12-1.53; leg IV: 3.44-4.75, 2.16-2.88; PTl 1.40-1.98, PTw 0.48-0.63, Bl 0.70-1.01, TSp 4-4, TSr 3-4, TSrd 3-3.

Description of female.

Known only from male specimens.

Material examined.

Known only from the type material.

Distribution and natural history.

Little is known about this species; it is very rare in collections and is only known from two specimens collected in the Mojave Desert in Inyo, Kern and San Bernardino Counties (Map 29).

Conservation status.

This species is rare in collections and is known from only two localities; its status is considered imperiled.

Species concept applied.

Morphological.