Conapesquius heteracanthus ( Mello-Leitão, 1936 ), Carvalho & Kury, 2025

Carvalho, Rafael N. & Kury, Adriano B., 2025, Further draining of Discocyrtus to expand Neopachylinae (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae): absorption of taxa and establishment of new genera and species, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society (zlae 023) 203 (1), pp. 1-65 : 25-31

Conapesquius heteracanthus ( Mello-Leitão, 1936) gen. et comb. nov.

( Figs 7–11 )

• Discocyrtus heteracanthus Mello-Leitão 1936: 7 , fig. 5.

Discocyrtus heteracanthus —B. Soares 1945b: 193; B. Soares 1945d: 372; H. Soares 1945: 211; Soares and Soares 1954: 250; Kury 2003: 136.

• Discocyrtus guarauna Piza 1940a: 59 . NEW SYNONYMY

Discocyrtus guarauna —B. Soares 1945b: 193; B. Soares 1946: 515; H. Soares 1945: 227; Soares and Soares 1954: 250; Kury 2003: 163.

Type data

Discocyrtus guarauna : 2 ♀ syntypes ( MZSP 49 !, examined), from BRAZIL, Paraná, [Teixeira Soares], Guaraúna . Discocyrtus heteracanthus : ♂ ♀ syntypes ( MNRJ 42278 !, examined), from BRAZIL, Paraná, ‘Cachoeirinha’ [= currently Arapoti, now abandoned Railway Station, -24.149 342°, -49.822 454°] .

Records

BRAZIL: state of Paraná: Morretes, Porto de Cima [nowadays a district of Morretes] (H. Soares 1945).

Diagnosis

Conapesquius heteracanthus ( Mello-Leitão, 1936) can be distinguished from C. brevifemur , C. rectipes , and C. spinifemur due to (1) ocularium and its pair of spines almost forming a right angle ( Figs 9B , 10C ); (2) scutal area III with a pair of outstanding cylinders with a broad base ( Figs 8A, D, F, 9A–B , 10A, 10C ); (3) Fe III straight ( Figs 8A, 9A, C ); (4) flabellum hand-shaped, provided with five branches with short spines ( Fig. 11D); (5) females’ Tr IV prolateral face unarmed on the distal portion ( Fig. 9D–E ); (6) females’ Fe IV retrolateral face unarmed.

Non-type material examined

BRAZIL: state of Paraná: Antonina : 1 ♂ ( IBSP 8679 ) , 3 ♂ 1 ♀ ( IBSP 8809 ), [-25.4286°, -48,7119°], Rio Cachoeira , 15–19. iv.2004, Hofer, H. leg. ; 1 ♀ ( UFPR), RPPN Reserva Natural Guaricica ( SPVS), 10.iii.2017, Pinto, A. P. leg. ; 2 ♂ ( UFPR), idem, 23–27.x.2017, Pinto, A. P. leg. ; 2 ♀ ( UFPR), idem, Alojamento Bom Jesus , 16–20.iv.2018, Pinto, A. P. leg. ; 11 ♂ 6 ♀ 1 juv ( MNRJ 377 ), idem, Trilha dos Fornos, -25.30 252°, -48.66 005°, 125 m, 16.xi.2021, Carvalho, R. N. et al. leg .; 1 ♂ 1 ♀ ( MNRJ 60568 ), idem, Trilha da Rede , -25.302 599°, -48.672 713°, 112 m, 07.xi.2019, L.N. Ázara, R. N. Carvalho & A.B. Kury leg. ; 3 ♂ 2 ♀ 1 juv ( MNRJ 60569 ), idem, Trilha do Corvo , -25.325 467°, -48.675 008°, 40 m, 08.xi.2019, L.N.Ázara, R. N. Carvalho & A.B. Kury leg. ; 3 ♂ 2 ♀ ( MNRJ 60571 ), idem, Trilha do Ferro , -25.304 346°, -48.680 888°, 68 m, 10.xi.2019, L.N. Ázara, R.N. Carvalho & A.B. Kury leg. Guaraqueçaba : 1 ♂ 1 ♀ ( MNRJ 60570 ), Reserva Biológica Bom Jesus , -25.296 235°, -48.613 820°, 178 m, 09.xi.2019, L.N. Ázara, R. N. Carvalho & A.B. Kury leg. Morretes : 1 ♂ 1 ♀ ( MZSP 1010 )!, [-25.4397°, -48.9048°], ix.1946, Gofferjé, C. N. leg. ; 1 ♂ 1 ♀ ( MZSP 1033 )!, [-25.4814°, -48.829°], 1946, Hatschbach, G. G. leg. ; 6 ♂ 4 ♀ ( MNRJ 5442 )!, Parque Estadual do Marumbi , [-25.433°, -48.9166°], 27.i.1990, Baptista, R. L. C. leg .; 5 ♂ 2 ♀ ( MZSP 18757 ) !, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ ( MZSP 18774 )!, idem, 09–09.iv.1999, Pinto-da-Rocha, R. & Chagas Jr., A. leg. ; 1 ♂ 1 ♀ ( MZSP 36237 ), idem, x.1946, Imaguirei, K. leg. ; 1 ♂ ( MHNCI 6325 ), Porto de Cima , 08.ix.1986, Bérnils, R. S. leg .; 1 ♂ ( MHNCI 174 ) !, 1 ♀ ( MHNCI 175 )!, idem, Prainha , [-25.4369°, -48.8764°], i.1944, Leprevost leg. ; 1 ♂ 2 ♀ ( MHNCI 6341 ), Véu da Noiva , 18.vi.1988, Wosiack & Bornschein leg. ; 1 ♂ 1 ♀ ( MZSP 18807 )!, idem, -25.4166, -48.933, 08.iv.1999, Pinto-da-Rocha, R. & Chagas Jr., A. leg. ; 1 ♂ 1 ♀ ( MNRJ-HS 149 )!, Vista Cavalcanti , 24.iii.1946, Hatschbach, G. leg. Quatro Barras : 1 ♂ ( MHNCI 6333 ), Alto da Serra , [-25.35°, -48.9167°], 26.v.1987, Segalla, M. V. leg .; 2 ♂ 2 ♀ ( MHNCI 6612 A), 12.viii.1989, Pinto-da-Rocha, R. leg .

Distribution (new records with an asterisk)

BRAZIL: state of Paraná: Antonina *, Arapoti, Guaraqueçaba*, Morretes, Quatro Barras*, Teixeira Soares* ( Fig. 3 ).

Redescription

MNRJ 42278! (male syntype) and MNRJ 60568 (male) for the external body illustrations and description ( Figs 8–10); DS, measurements: CW 2.7, CL 1.9, AW 4.9, AL 2.7; Leg I–IV measurements in Table 7 ; Right/left tarsal (distitarsal) counts: 6(3)/6(3) - 12(3)/10(3) - 7/7 - 7/7. MNRJ-HS 149! for genitalic illustrations ( Fig. 11).

Dorsum: DS gamma-pyriform, as long as wide, with AS lateral margins strongly convex, widest at scutal area II and thickest at scutal area III, with sinuous posterior margin ( Figs 8A, D, 9A–B , 10A, C ). DS anterior margin divided by a small central projection in the center and a pair of shallow cheliceral sockets ( Figs 8A, 9A , 10A ). Carapace anterior portion with two transversal rows of five prominent subconical tubercles, and centrally covered by prominent and ordinary tubercles ( Fig. 10A ). Carapace posterior portion with a paramedian pair of prominent tubercles, surrounded by ordinary tubercles on lateral and posterior portions ( Fig. 10A, C ). Ocularium elliptical (in dorsal view), high (c. 3× the eye diameter), perpendicularly placed on the middle of the carapace ( Fig. 10A–C ). Ocularium with a pair of parallel spines (c. 2.5× the eye diameter) ( Figs 8A, D–E, 9A–B , 10A–C ). AS lateral margins with two rows of tubercles: one external, composed of four-five prominent subconical tubercles at areas II–IV; another internal one with ordinary tubercles from the posterior corner of the carapace to the posterior margin ( Fig. 8A). Mesotergum divided into four clearly defined areas ( Figs 8A, 9A , 10A ). All scutal areas tuberculate, with almost all tubercles individually covered/surrounded by light-colored spots ( Figs 7A , 9A , 10A ). Scutal area I divided into left and right halves by a longitudinal median groove ( Figs 8A, D, 9A , 10A ). Scutal area I with two pairs of prominent tubercles (c. 1.5× the ordinary tubercles) ( Fig. 10A, C ). Scutal area II with a transversal row of eight prominent tubercles (centrally arched to proximal margin) ( Fig. 10A ). Scutal area II with anterior-lateral margin slightly embracing the scutal area I, and with posterior-lateral margin embracing the scutal area III ( Figs 8A, 9A , 10A ). Scutal area III with a pair of remarkable cylindrical structures with a broad base (c. 7× the ordinary tubercles), with its surroundings covered by ordinary tubercles ( Figs 8A, D, F, 9A–B , 10A, C ). Scutal area IV with two transversal rows of four prominent subconical tubercles (c. 1.5× the ordinary tubercles) ( Figs 8D, 10A ). DS posterior border and free tergites I– III each with a transversal row of prominent tubercles (larger ones on the medial portion) ( Figs 8A, F, 9A , 10A ). Anal operculum tuberculate ( Figs 7C , 8F).

Venter: Cx I– III sub-parallel to each other, individually with ventral longitudinal rows of 7–12 setiferous tubercles (Cx I rows with higher and sharper tubercles than the others) ( Fig. 9C ). Cx II with a retroventral distal row of four acuminated tubercles. Cx III with a retroventral distal row of nine acuminated tubercles. Cx IV much larger than the others, directed obliquely ( Fig. 9C ). Intercoxal bridges are well marked ( Fig. 9C ). Stigmatic area Y-inverted-shaped, clearly sunken concerning Cx IV’s distal part ( Fig. 9C ). Cx IV covered by ordinary tubercles. Stigmata are visible ( Fig. 9C ). Free sternites with a transverse row of ordinary tubercles.

Chelicera: Basichelicerite elongate, bulla well marked ( Fig. 10A ), with four marginal setiferous tubercles on the ectal face ( Fig. 10A ); hand not swollen.

Pedipalps: Tr with two geminated ventral setiferous tubercles. Fe with a ventral basal and a mesal distal setiferous tubercle. Pa unarmed ( Figs 8A, D–E, 9A–C ). Ti with a row of four spines (IiII) on ventro-mesal ( Fig. 8A) and ventro-ectal faces. Ta with two rows of spines—three (IIi) ventro-mesal ( Fig. 8A) and four (IIIi) ventro-ectal.

Legs: All the unmentioned podomeres are unarmed or without relevant armature. Cx I–II dorsal proximal face with anterior and posterior basal apophyses (linked with ozopores); simple ones on Cx I, prominent ones on Cx II (posterior apophysis bifurcated, with the anterior bud larger and swollen). Tr I– III each with several ventral tubercles. Fe I– III straight ( Fig. 9A–C ). Fe and Ti I– III with prodorsal, proventral, retroventral, and retrodorsal rows of small tubercles (Fe III proventral and retroventral tubercles larger and sharper than others). Fe II– III with an outstanding apical retrodorsal spur ( Fig. 9A ). Cx IV reaching the free tergite I ( Figs 8A, 9A , 10A ). Cx IV tuberculate between prodorsal and ventral faces ( Fig. 8D). Cx IV with a prodorsal distal apophysis which is detected in two different shapes: (1) ‘scythe-shaped’ (subapically curved to posterior), bearing a small accessory blunt branch on its central posterior third ( Figs 8, 10K–L ), or (2) subconical and thin, centrally curved to posterior ( Figs 9A–C , 10A, C ). Cx IV with a short retrolateral apophysis, fused with a small secondary branch ( Figs 8A–B, 9A, C ). Tr IV rectangle-shaped (in dorsal view) ( Figs 8A–C, 9A–C , 10A ). Tr IV tuberculate on dorsal and ventral faces ( Fig. 10A, F–H ). Tr IV distal portion with a transversal apophysis (similar to a hook) on prodorsal and retrodorsal faces (retrodorsal attenuated, with two prominent subconical tubercles above it) ( Fig. 10A, E–F, H ). Tr IV proximal portion with a conical apophysis on prolateral and retrolateral faces (retrolateral largest) ( Figs 8B, 10A ). Tr IV prolateral face with two central and one distal prominent subconical tubercles ( Figs 8B, 10A ). Tr IV distal portion with a subconical prominent tubercle on retrodorsal and retrolateral distal faces ( Fig. 10A, E–H ). Fe IV sub-straight, arched on the proximal portion towards the prodorsal face ( Figs 8B, D, F, 9B , 10E–H ). Fe IV dorsal face with six conical spines (IiIiII), all centrally bent to the retrolateral portion ( Fig. 10E–F, H ). Fe IV prodorsal, prolateral and retrodorsal faces with a longitudinal row of ordinary tubercles ( Fig. 10E–H ). Fe IV proventral face with seven prominent tubercles (interpolated by ordinary ones) and a distalmost conical spine ( Fig. 10F–G ). Fe IV retroventral face with two outstanding tubercles and a subconical spine (bent retrolaterad) on proximal half, and a subconical spine (bent retrolaterad) and two conical spines on distal half ( Fig. 10G–H ). Fe IV retrolateral face with a prominent tubercle on the proximal half and three conical spines on distal half ( Fig. 10E, G–H ). Fe IV apical portion with a sizeable spur on prodorsal and retrodorsal faces ( Fig. 10E–H ). Pa IV dorsally covered by prominent subconical tubercles (some are outstanding, mainly on dorsal and retrodorsal faces) ( Fig. 10F ). Pa IV proventral and retroventral faces with a row of three spines ( Fig. 10J ). Ti IV with all faces containing longitudinal rows of spines (proventral and retroventral larger than others) ( Fig. 10I–J ). Mt IV with all faces containing longitudinal rows of small spines. Mt IV with proventral and retroventral apical spurs.

Coloration (in vivo) ( Fig. 7 ): DS anterior margin and carapace background Dark Yellowish Brown (78). DS lateral margins (between the anterior portion and the scutal area II) Strong Yellow (84). Mesotergum background, DS posterior margin and free tergites I– III Dark Grayish Olive (111). Mesotergum central diamond layer and the DS posterior margin Strong Greenish Yellow (99). DS ordinary tubercles Light Yellow Green (119). DS and free tergites I– III prominent tubercles Vivid Greenish Yellow (97) or Pale Greenish Yellow (104). Scutal area III paramedian armature Blackish Red (21), with apex Dark Reddish Orange (38). Ch glossier background Deep Yellow Green (118). Pp glossier background Strong Yellow Green (117), irregularly covered by Dark Grayish Olive Green (128) spots. Tr I– III background Strong Greenish Yellow (99). Fe–Mt I– III background combines Deep Greenish Yellow (100) and Dark Grayish Olive (111). Fe II– III retrodorsal apical spur Deep Yellow (85). Cx–Tr IV background Dark Reddish Brown (44). Cx–Fe IV with the apophyses’ apex Strong Reddish Brown (40). Fe–Mt IV background Blackish Red (21). Ti IV distal portion Vivid Yellow (82).

Coloration (in ethanol) ( Fig. 9 ): DS anterior margin and carapace background Dark Olive Brown (96). DS lateral margins (between the anterior portion and the scutal area II) Dark Yellow (88). Mesotergum background Olive Black (114). Mesotergum central diamond layer, DS posterior margin and free tergites I– III Light Olive (106). Mesotergum grooves between areas I– IV combines Moderate Yellow (87) and Olive Black (114). DS prominent tubercles Pale Yellow (89). Scutal area III paramedian armature Olive Black (114), with apex Strong Yellowish Brown (74). Ch glossier Dark Grayish Olive Green (128), with honeycombed details Moderate Greenish Yellow (102). Pp and Tr I– III background Light Yellow Green (119) covered by Olive Black (114) spots. Fe–Mt I– III background combines Olive Black (114) and Strong Greenish Yellow (99). Ti III distal portion Light Yellow Green (119). Cx–Tr IV background Dark Yellowish Brown (78). Fe–Mt IV background Dark Olive Brown (96). Ti IV distal portion Vivid Greenish Yellow (97).

Male genitalia: VP slightly divided into a distal half forming a trapezium (widest at the apex) with latero-apical flaps and a proximal half elliptical ( Fig. 11A–B). VP ventral surface entirely covered with microsetae of type 1 ( Fig. 11B–C). All macrosetae cylindrical, inserted on lateral of VP. MS A1–A3 thick and acuminated, on the basal half of VP ( Fig. 11A, C). MS B1 short, inserted ventrally, showing longitudinal asymmetry (proximal to A2 on the right side, to A3 on the left side) ( Fig. 11B–C). MS C1–C3 thick and acuminated, forming a triangle on the distal half of VP ( Fig. 11A–C). MS D1 short, closer to C3 than A1 ( Fig. 11C). MS E1–E2 very reduced, located on the laterodistal flange of VP—E1 above C1, E2 placed between C1 and C2 ( Fig. 11C). Glans sac arising from the middle bulge on the podium, not extended as a dorsal process ( Fig. 11A, C). Stylus and its ventral process axis fused basally, forming a pedestal above the glans ( Fig. 11A, D). Stylus cylindrical, bent at the distal part (forming a plateau) and armed with a set of ventral subapical spines ( Fig. 11A–B, C). Stylus without any expansion or flattening, in situ reaching the distal margin of VP ( Fig. 11A). Ventral process bent dorsad, as long and thinner than the stylus ( Fig. 11B, D). Flabellum slightly bent ventrad, hand-shaped (with three branches provided by short spines) ( Fig. 11D).

Female ( MNRJ 60568) ( Fig. 9D–F ): DS, measurements: CW 2.4, CL 1.7, AW 4.1, AL 2.6; Leg I–IV measurements in Table 8 ; Right/left tarsal (distitarsal) counts: 6(3)/6(3) - 9(3)/9(3) - 7/x - 7/7. DS posterior margin concave ( Fig. 9D ). AS margins less concave than detected on males ( Fig. 9D ). Scutal area III with a pair of paramedian conical spines (c. 20× the ordinary tubercles) ( Fig. 9D–E ). Cx IV narrower than males, with the prodorsal distal apophysis reduced to a single spine and without a retrolateral distal apophysis ( Fig. 9D, F ). Fe IV straight ( Fig. 9D–F ). Fe IV dorsal face with three spines ( Fig. 9E ). Fe IV proventral and retrolateral faces with a row of spines ( Fig. 9E–F ). Intraspecific variation: Some variations among minor morph males and major morph males were detected: (1) AS lateral margins with reduced subconical tubercles ( Figs 9A , 10A ); (2) Cx IV prodorsal apophysis not ‘scythe-shaped’, as a conical structure bent centrally ( Figs 9A–C , 10A ); and (3) Fe–Ti IV with reduced and thinner armature ( Fig. 9B–C ). Variation among major morph males: scutal area II with a transversal row of eight or ten prominent tubercles. No relevant intraspecific variation among the females was detected in the material studied.

Historical taxonomical remarks: After careful examination, it is apparent that the female holotype of Discocyrtus guarauna ( MZSP 49) shows conspicuous similarities to the female syntypes of Conapesquius heteracanthus ( MNRJ 42278!) and its ordinary specimens studied herein. Since the original description of Discocyrtus guarauna , no additional ordinary specimens have been reported in the literature. However, the type-locality of Teixeira Soares, Paraná, which is present within the Araucaria Forest province, does not align well with the geographical distribution of Conapesquius heteracanthus (most of records from the Atlantic Forest) ( Fig. 3 ). It remains uncertain whether the type-locality was erroneously assigned by Piza (1940a) or if the lack of further records of Conapesquius heteracanthus in the Araucaria Forest province is a result of limited available material. In the absence of conclusive evidence to refute the original data of Discocyrtus guarauna , it is proposed here as a junior subjective synonym of Conapesquius heteracanthus .

Figures

Figure 3. South Brazil, showing distribution of Conapesquius species. Shaded areas in the background are Morrone’s regionalization of the Neotropics (‘provinces’; Morrone et al. 2022): Araucaria Forest province (in light green) and Atlantic province (in dark green).

Figure 7. Habitus in vivo of Conapesquius heteracanthus (Mello-Leitão, 1936), from Brazil, Paraná, Antonina, RPPN Guaricica.♂ (A–C) and ♀ (D–F). Photographs of Adriano Kury.

Figure 9. Conapesquius heteracanthus (Mello-Leitão, 1936), ♂ (MNRJ 60568). A, habitus, dorsal view. B, same, lateral view. C, same, ventral view. ♀ (same voucher). D, habitus, dorsal view.E, same, lateral view.F, same, ventral view. Scale bars = 3 mm.

Figure 10. Conapesquius heteracanthus (Mello-Leitão, 1936), ♂ (MNRJ 60568). A, habitus, dorsal view. B, ocularium, anterior view. C, habitus, lateral view.D, armature of scutal area III, posterior view. E, right femur and patella IV, dorsal view.F, same, prolateral view. G, right femur IV, ventral view.H, same, retrolateral view.I, right tibia IV, dorsal view. J, same, ventral view.♂ syntype (MNRJ 42278). K, coxa IV, showing prodorsal and retrolateral apophyses, dorsal view. L, detail of the coxa IV prodorsal apophysis, lateral view.Scale bars:1 mm (B, D, K–L), 2 mm (I–J), 3 mm (A, C), 5 mm (E–H).

Tables

Table 8. Leg measurements of Conapesquius heteracanthus, ♀ (MNRJ 60568)

	Tr	Fe	Pa	Ti	Mt	Ta	Cl	Total
Pp	0.56	1.15	0.77	0.96	−	0.82	0.79	4.85
Leg I	0.55	1.77	0.72	1.42	2.11	1.28	–	7.86
Leg II	0.67	4.45	1.11	3.33	4.65	2.74	–	16.97
Leg III	0.76	3.16	0.82	1.90	3.33	1.87	–	11.85
Leg IV	1.14	4.38	1.18	2.67	5.41	2.27	–	17.06