Helvetia labiata sp. nov.

Figs 6-7

Type. Female holotype from Barragem Itaúba, Estrela Velha, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 28.X.1999, A.H. Silva leg., deposited in MCN 31552 .

Etymology. The specific name is a Latin word meaning lipshaped and refers to the posterior part of the epigynum, with a “lip” formed by the posterior epigynal edge and by an anterior edge resulting from the medial junction of the copulatory openings.

Diagnosis. This species seems to be closely related to H. semialba by having copulatory ducts with similar length and shape, but can be differentiated by the shorter copulatory ducts, seen ventrally through the translucent epigynal integument (Figs 6 and 7).

Description. Female (holotype). Total length: 5.80. Carapace brown, 1.90 long, 1.15 wide, 0.60 high, with a narrow black stripe marginally and sparse white scales. Cephalic region black. Ocular quadrangle 0.90 long. Anterior eye row 0.95 wide and posterior 1.00 wide. Chelicera dark brown. Endite, labium and sternum brown. Palp yellow. Legs 4312 orange, Iwith brown stripes on metatarsus and tarsus. Length of femur: I 0.75, II 0.65, III 0.75, IV 1.10; patella + tibia: I 1.00, II 0.80, III 0.80, IV 1.25; metatarsus + tarsus: I 0.60, II 0.60, III 0.90, IV 1.00. Spination. Femur I, II, III, IV d1-1-1; tibia I v2, II v1 r, III v1 di, IV v2 di; metatarsus I, II v2-2, III, IV v0-3, p1di, r1di. Abdomen gray, with two longitudinal paramedian dark stripes extending to the posterior third, followed by transverse dark stripes; ventrally cream colored. Epigynum as in figures 6 and 7. Spinnerets dark gray.

Male. Unknown.

Additional material examined. None.

Distribution. Known only from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.