Spariolenus khoozestanus Zamani, 2016

Moradmand, Majid, 2017, Three new species of the subterranean huntsman spider genus Spariolenus (Araneae, Sparassidae, Heteropodinae) in Iran, Subterranean Biology 24, pp. 11-25 : 14

Spariolenus khoozestanus Zamani, 2016 Fig. 8

Spariolenus khoozestanus Zamani, 2016: 421, figs 1-5 [holotype female (SMF) examined and illustrated]

Extended diagnosis.

This single female differs from those of other species in having the anterior half of the FC extend transversally while in other species extend more longitudinally (Fig. 8 A–C). The only exception is S. iranomaximus Moradmand and Jäger, 2011 but this species is unique in having wide spread HGO in SC and TC ( Moradmand and Jäger 2011: figs 12-13).

Comments.

This species is erected on the basis of a single female specimen collected in Lali city, close to the type locality of S. fathpouri sp. n. In the original diagnosis, this species was compared with S. tigris Simon, 1880 from India, occurring far away from the type locality. Nevertheless its closest similar species seems to be S. iranomaximus which is more widespread in Southwest Zagros (per. obs). Both species share the character of widened FC of vulva, the shape of the CO, EP and the pattern of MEP. Since there are variations in the females copulatory structures (in particular the vulva of S. iranomaximus (see Moradmand and Jäger 2011: figs 12, 18, 19), S. khoozestanus is probably a junior synonym of the former species, but until the male is discovered from the type locality the taxonomic decision cannot be made confidently.