Theridion echinatum, Gao & Li, 2014

Gao, Cai-Xia & Li, Shu-Qiang, 2014, Comb-footed spiders (Araneae: Theridiidae) in the tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, Southwest China, Zoological Systematics 39 (1), pp. 1-135 : 100-103

Theridion echinatum sp. nov. ( Figs 84–86 )

Holotype ♂, China, Yunnan, Xishuangbanna, Menglun , primary tropical seasonal rainforest (21º55.035'N, 101º16.500'E), 22 July 2007, Guo Zheng leg.

Paratype 1♂, Menglun Nature Reserve , secondary tropical seasonal moist forest (21º54.718'N, 101º16.940'E), 27 July 2007, Guo Zheng leg.

Etymology. The specific name derives from the Latin adjective echinatus and means spiny, in reference to the cymbium with a strong spine.

Diagnosis. The new species is very similar to T. albioculum , but can be distinguished by having the median apophysis with a process and the conductor membranous.

Male (measurements of holotype). Total length 3.20. Prosoma 1.30 long, 1.23 wide, flat, pale yellow, with black

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135 stripes, 4 setae. Sternum 0.68 long, 0.63 wide, yellow, with setae. Opisthosoma 1.65 long, 1.35 wide, pale, with black transverse stripes, without colulus. Eye measurements: AME 0.13, ALE 0.09, PME 0.09, PLE 0.09, AME-AME 0.09, AME-ALE 0.03, PME-PME 0.09, PME-PLE 0.09. Clypeus height about 2.50 times AME diameter, yellow, with 3 setae. Chelicerae: yellow, with 2 anterior teeth, 1 spine; fangs long and slender. Endites: 0.32 long, 0.20 wide, yellow, with brown pro-edges. Labium fused with sternum, 0.08 long, 0.25 wide, with many setae, yellow. Leg measurements: I 7.76 (2.30, 0.63, 1.60, 2.13, 1.10); II 5.58 (1.75, 0.50, 1.23, 1.30, 0.80); III 3.96 (1.15, 0.33, 0.85, 1.00, 0.63); IV 5.11 (2.00, 0.50, 0.88, 1.10, 0.63). Leg I coxa pale yellow, without spot; femur pale yellow, without spot; patella pale yellow; tibia yellow, without spot; metatarsus and tarsus grey; femur without strong spine, patella with 2 strong spines; tibia with 2 rows of spines; metatarsus and tarsus with many spines, trichobothria. Legs II–IV similar to leg I femur II–IV yellow, with black spot; tibia II, III yellow, with black ring; metatarsus II, III grey, with black ring; tibia II grey, with black ring; tibia II–IV with 2 strong spines. Pedipalpus ( Figs 84A–B , 85A–B , 86A–D ): tibia yellow, with 2 trichobothria; cymbium yellow, with long spine; paracymbium hooked; subtegulum broad; tegulum confined; median apophysis with long apophysis; embolus long, flagelliform, with basal hollow; conductor membranous; tegular apophysis long.

Variation. Male paratype. Total length 2.85; prosoma 1.33 long, 1.20 wide; sternum 0.75 long, 0.75 wide; opisthosoma 1.38 long, 1.08 wide. Leg I coxa yellow, without black spot; femur yellow, with black spot; patella yellow,

© Zoological Systematics, 39 (1): 1–135

without spot; tibia yellow, with black spot; metatarsus and tarsus grey. Legs II–IV femora yellow to grey; patella, tibia, metatarsus and tarsus grey.

Female. Unknown.

Distribution. Only known from type locality (Yunnan).

Figures

Fig. 84. Theridion echinatum sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; B. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view. Scale bar = 0.10mm.

Fig. 85. Theridion echinatum sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus, ventral view; B. Embolus, ventral view. Scale bars = 0.10mm.

Fig. 86. Theridion echinatum sp. nov., holotype male. A. Pedipalpus (cymbium removed), ventral view; B. Pedipalpus, ventral view; C. Pedipalpus, prolateral view; D. Pedipalpus, retrolateral view. Scale bars = 0.10mm.