Lepthercus kwazuluensis, Ríos-Tamayo & Lyle, 2020

Ríos-Tamayo, Duniesky & Lyle, Robin, 2020, The South African genus Lepthercus Purcell, 1902 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) phylogeny and taxonomy, Zootaxa 4766 (2), pp. 261-305 : 277-279

Lepthercus kwazuluensis sp. nov.

( Figs. 2C , 9 A–J, 10A–D, 24) http://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:9465C34C-22D2-4A26-8356-A245F6C97412

Material examined. Type material: Holotype ♂. SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal Province, Sani Pass (29°36′S 29°17′E, 3000m), 24.vi.2006, UP students leg., ( NCA 2010 /3732) . – Paratype. SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal Province, Pietermaritzburg, Town Bush [29°34’S 30°19’E], 16.x.1969, Lamoral, B.H. leg., 1 ♀ (NM 9807).

Other material examined: SOUTH AFRICA: Free State Province: Golden gate, 16.viii.1985, Mus. Staff leg., 1 ♂ ( NMBA 00917). Same data, 4.vii.1985, 1 ♂ ( NMBA 00775). Harrismith, S of Mt. Pierre (28°32′S 28°39′E), 12.i.1992, Lotz, L. N. leg., 1 imm ( NMBA 05550). KwaZulu-Natal Province: Sani Pass (29°35′S 29°17′E, 2700m), 22.i.2010, UP students leg., 1 ♂ ( NCA 2011/376). Same data, 1 ♂ ( NCA 2011/376). Same data, 1♂ ( NCA 2011/377). Same data, 24.i.2006, 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2010/3733). Same data, 1 ♂ ( NCA 2010/3734). No specific locality, (29°39′2.73”S 29°58’33.88”E), v.2014, Yekwayo, I. leg., 1 ♀ ( NCA 2015/1542). La Mercy [29°38’S 31°7’E], viii.1996, Beje, S. leg., 1 ♀ ( NCA 97/182). Umzinto, Vernon Crookes Nat. Res (30°16’S 30°35’E), 28.ix.1995, Lotz, L. legs., 1 ♀ ( NMBA 07771). Pietermaritzburg, Town Bush [29°34’S 30°19’E], xi.1936, Lawrence, R.F & Rump, W.G. leg., 1 ♀ (NM1321). Same data, x.1960, Lawrence, R.F. leg., 2 ♀♀ (NM8057). Same data, (29°37’S 30°22’E, 2400ft), 23.viii.1983, Croeser, P.M.C & C.E. Griswold. leg., 2 ♀♀, 1imm (NM16636). Same data, vii.1968, Lamoral, B.H. leg., 1 ♀ (NM12465). Pietermaritzburg, Bisley [29°42’S 30°17’E], vi.1951, Lawrence, R.F. leg., 1 ♀ (NM5452). Durban [29°51’S 31°1’E], 1925, Akerman, C. leg., 1 ♀, 1 imm (NM16643). Cathkin Peak [29°4’S 29°21’E], i.1938, Lawrence, R.F. leg., 1 ♀ (NM2171). Champagne Castle Hostel [29°2’S 29°25’E], i.1958, Lawrence, R.F. leg., 1 ♀ (NM6976). Same data, i.1957, Lawrence, A.Y, R.F. Lawrence & J.Y. Lawrence. leg., 2 ♀♀ (NM6424). Dargle [29°28’S 30°6’E], 12.xi.1942, Lawrence, R.F & W.G. Rump. leg., 1 ♀ (NM3836). Same data, Lawrence, R.F. leg., 1 ♀ (NM3849). Pietermaritzburg, Worlds view, Waltle Forest (29°36’S 30°23’E), 7.i.1970, Lamoral, B. leg., 1 ♀ (NM12507). Same data, vi.1942, Lawrence, R.F. & C. Holliday. leg., 1 ♀ (NM3808). Natal (no locality or collector), 1905, 2 ♀♀ (NM1355). Umhlali, Sheffield Beach [29°29’S 31°15’E], vii.1937, Lawrence, R.F. leg., 1 ♀ (NM1552). Umhlali, Chakas Rock [29°31’S 31°13’E], vii.1951, Lawrence, R.F. & A.Y. Lawrence. leg., 1 ♀ (NM5618). Mar- gate [30°50’S 30°22’2E], Rump, W.G. leg., 2 ♀♀ (NM2913). Port Shepstone (30°42’S 30°27’E), x.1936, Lawrence, R.F. leg., 1 ♀, 2 imm (NM1139). Eastern Cape Province: Komga, Kei Mouth (32°40’S 28°22’E), 12.ii.2006, Lotz, L. leg., 1 ♀ ( NMBA 10084). Eagles Grag (30°48’S 27°45’E), 17.viii.1985, Mus. Staff leg., 1 ♂ ( NMBA 00974).

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition referring to Kwazulu-Natal province, where the species is most abundant.

Diagnosis. Males of L. kwazuluensis sp. nov., can be distinguished by the presence of a tapering embolus with a long lateral keel ( Fig. 9G, H ), similar to L. mandelai sp. nov., but differs in the low number of chelicerae denticles (5 vs 30) and low number of prolateral spiniform setae on the pedipalp tibiae ( Fig. 9E ). Females can be differentiated for others species in “Group dregei” by the presence of a spermathecae with a base with an abrupt transition to the stalk, and the base with an apical projection ( Fig. 10D ), stalks curved outward with oval receptacles.

Description. Male holotype (NCA 2010/3732, Fig. 9 A–J). Total length 9.16. Carapace ( Fig. 9A ): length 3.72, width 3.38, rounded, with lateral marginal bristles, with a little pubescence. Cephalic region: length 2.35; clypeus short with 4 bristles on the edge, numerous long bristles in front of the OQ and between the PME. Fovea: width 0.39, short and straight. Ocular measurements: AME 0.10, ALE 0.17, PME 0.14, PLE 0.12, OQ length 0.39, 0.62 width; AME–ALE 0.05, PME–PLE 0.03, AME–PME 0.07, ALE–PLE 0.10, AME–AME 0.09, OM–OMP 0.25. Chelicerae: length 2.11, width 1.15, with dorsal-anterior bristles, intercheliceral tumescence small, well–marked and with setae ( Fig. 9C ). Fang groove with 6 promarginal teeth and 5 basomedial denticles. Labium: length 0.26, width 0.70, with one cuspule. Maxillae: length 1.26, width 0.64, with about 68 minuscule cuspules on inner corner ( Fig. 2C ), prolateral face slightly curved, soft area small, with long uniformly distributed hairs. Sternum ( Fig. 9B ): rounded, length 2.12, maximum width 1.19. Abdomen: length 4.11, covered by dense brown hair and bristles. PMS: length 0.53; PLS: length of basal:medial:apical segments 0.70:0.45:0.60; total length 1.75. Lengths of legs and palp: I: 3.29, 1.67, 1.77, 2.25, 1.51, 10.49. II: 3.11, 1.58, 1.86, 2.00, 1.47, 10.02. III: 2.71, 1.44, 1.64, 2.35, 1.25, 9.39. IV: 3.24, 1.62, 2.33, 3.20,1.63, 12.02. Palp: 1.95, 1.03, 1.39, —, 0.74, 5.11.

Chaetotaxy: Leg I: femur, 1-1-1-1 d (centrals), 1 P A; patella, 1 P A; tibia, 1-1 P, 1-3-2 V, a cuticular spur, with an apical long and curved spine (longer than the spur) ( Fig. 9I, J ); metatarsus, 1-1 V POST, slightly curved, swollen in the midd-prolateral part of the segment, with small setae ( Fig. 9F, G ); tarsus, 0. Leg II: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1 P A; patella, 1-1-1 P SUP; tibia, 1-1 P, 1-2 V (1:2B), 2 V A ANT; metatarsus, 1-1-1 P, 2-1-3 V; tarsus, 0. Leg III: femur, 1-3-1-2 d, 1-2-2-2 D; patella, 1-1-1 P (shorts), 1 R; tibia, 1-1 P, 1-1 D, 1-1 R, 2-2-3 V; metatarsus, 1-1-1 P, 2-2-1-2 D, 2-2-3 V; tarsus, 0. Leg IV: femur, 1-1-1-1 d; patella, 0; tibia, 1-1 R, 1-2-2 V; metatarsus, 1-1-1-1-1 P, 1-2-1-1-1-2 D, 2-2-3 V; tarsus, 0. Palp ( Fig. 9D, E ): femur, 1-1-1-3 d; patella, 1 d; tibia, 1 P, 1 R A, (width/length: 0.45); tarsus, 0.

Scopulae: Metatarsi: I–II, sparse, uniformly distributed throughout the segment; III, sparse (1:3A), divided by narrow band of setae; IV, sparse (1:2A), divided by a wide band of setae. Tarsi: I–II, dense, uniformly distributed throughout the segment; III, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided; IV, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a wide band of setae. Trichobothria: Tibiae: I 6-7; II 8-7; III 6-7; IV 8-8. Metatarsi: I (2)1(1)1(3)1; II (3)1(2)1(4)1; III (3)1(2)1(4)1; IV (3)1(3)1(5)1. Tarsi: I 12; II 9; III-IV 12. No preening combs. Copulatory bulb: small, with an embolus slightly acuminate and curved, with a long lateral keel ( Fig. 9G, H ), spermatic duct almost straight. Color: Carapace and legs orange–yellow. Abdomen dorsally dark; Sternum and center of abdomen lighter; spinnerets ventrally dark.

Female paratype (NM9807, Fig. 10 A–D). Total length 17.88. Carapace ( Fig. 10A ): length 5.88, width 3.79. Cephalic region: length 3.79, clypeus small, with 5 marginal bristles; 5 bristles in front of the OQ and 3 between the PME, line of dorsal setae until the fovea. Fovea: width 0.50. Ocular measurements: AME 0.16, ALE 0.31, PME 0.22, PLE 0.32, OQ length 0.65, width 1.10; AME–ALE 0.09, PME–PLE 0.03, AME–PME 0.10, ALE–PLE 0.06, AME–AME 0.15, PME–PME 0.43. Chelicerae ( Fig. 10C ): length 4.27, width 2.56; with dorsal–retrolateral bristles. Fang groove with 9 promarginal teeth and 35 mesobasal denticles. Labium: length 0.71, width 0.94, with 3 cuspules. Maxillae: length 2.34, width 1.07, with 100 cuspules on posterior inner corner, prolateral face curved, soft area small, with long uniformly distributed hairs, serrula present. Sternum ( Fig. 10B ): length 3.38, maximum width 2.90. Abdomen: length 8.23, with small bristles in the dorsum. PMS: length 0.94; PLS: length of basal:medial: apical segments 1.56:0.59:1.28; total length 3.43. Lengths of legs and palp: I: 4.60, 2.91, 2.96, 2.65, 1.77, 14.89. II: 4.07, 2.63, 2.40, 2.24, 1.70, 13.04. III: 3.56, 2.08, 1.80, 2.45, 1.44, 11.33. IV: 4.66, 2.43, 3.12, 3.70, 1.65, 15.56. Palp: 3.13, 1.86, 1.75, —, 1.93, 8.67.

Chaetotaxy: Leg I: femur, 1-1-1-1-1-1 d, 1 P A; patella, 0; tibia, 2 P (thins), 1-1-3 V (thins); metatarsus, 1-1-1 V; tarsus, 0. Leg II: femur, 1-1-1-1-1-1 d, 1 P A; patella, 1 pa; tibia, 1-1 P, 2-3 V (thins); metatarsus, 1-2-2 V; tarsus, 0. Leg III: femur, 1-1-1 d, 1 pa, 1 ra; patella, 1-1-1 P, 1 R; tibia, 1-1 P, 1-1 D, 1-1 R, 2-1-2-3 V; metatarsus, 1-1-1 P, 1-1-1 D–P, 1-1-1 D–R, 2-2-3 V; tarsus, 0. Leg IV: femur, 0; patella, 1-1 R; tibia, 1-1-2-1-1 R, 2-2-2 V; metatarsus, 2-1-1 P (3:4 A), 1-1-1 D–P (3:4 A), 1-1-2-1-1-1 D–R, 2-2-2-4 V; tarsus, 0. Palp: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1 P A; patella, 0; tibia, 1-2-1 P, 2-2-4 V; tarsus, 1 V B, 1 P INF (1:3 B).

Scopulae: Metatarsi: I–II, dense, uniformly distributed; III, sparse (A), divided by a wide band of setae; IV, 0. Tarsi: I–II dense, uniformly distributed; III, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a narrow band of setae; IV, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a wide band of setae (more than tarsi III). Trichobothria: Tibiae: palp 9-10; I 10- 10; II 10-11; III 9-10; IV 12-11. Metatarsi: I (4)1(1)1(2)1(4)1; II (3)1(2)1(3)1(5)1; III (4)1(2)1(5)1; IV (6)1(2)1(3)1(6)1. Tarsi: palp 12; I 13; II-III 12; IV 16. Preening combs: metatarsus: II 4 P V; III 4 P V–3 R V. Spermathecae: as in Fig. 10D . Color: Overall brown-reddish, sternum reddish. Abdomen and spinnerets light brown, spotted.

Distribution. Free State; KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces, South Africa ( Fig. 24 ).

Figures

FIGURE. 2. Preening comb. A Lepthercus haddadi sp. nov. (female paratype, NCA 2007/3847). Maxillary cuspules (males). B L. dippenaarae. C L. kwazuluensis. Serrula. D L. mandelai sp. nov. (female, NCA 2014/415A); E L. filmeri sp. nov. (female, NCA 91/1437); F L. haddadi sp. nov. (male, NCA 2007/1486); G L. haddadi sp. nov. (female, NCA 2007/3847); H L. engelbrechti sp. nov. (female, NCA 2018/385); I L. engelbrechti sp. nov. (male, NCA 2018/384); J L. dregei Purcell, 1902 (female, NCA 2012/2333); K L. sofiae sp. nov. (male, NCA 97/395).

FIGURE. 9. Lepthercus kwazuluensis sp. nov. (male holotype, NCA 2010/3732). A cephalothorax, dorsal view; B sternum, ventral view; C chelicerae, prolateral view, arrow indicates the intercheliceral tumesence; D right pedipalp, arrow indicates the small dorsal setae, and a normal anterior part of the retrolateral side of ventral excavation, retrolateral view; E right pedipalp, arrow indicates the abundant proventral rigid setae, prolateral view; F–H copulatory bulb, F retrolateral view, G ventral view, H prolateral view, arrow indicates the lateral keel; I, J tibia–metatarsus I, arrow indicates the metatarsus swollen in the middprolateral part, with small setae.

FIGURE. 10. Lepthercus kwazuluensis sp. nov. (female paratype, NM 9807). A habitus, dorsal view; B sternum, ventral view; C chelicerae, prolateral view; D spermathecae, arrows indicate the base with an apical projection.

FIGURE. 24. Distribution map of Lepthercus spp: ● Lepthercus confusus sp. nov., ○ Lepthercus dippenaarae sp. nov., Ɨ Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902, O Lepthercus engelbrechti sp. nov., A Lepthercus filmeri sp. nov., * Lepthercus haddadi sp. nov., D Lepthercus kwazuluensis sp. nov., ■ Lepthercus lawrencei sp. nov., v Lepthercus mandelai sp. nov., ▼ Lepthercus rattrayi Hewitt, 1917, ▲ Lepthercus sofiae sp. nov. Solid black line indicates the two species overlapped.