Paramicromerys betsileo, Huber, 2003
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publication ID |
https://doi.org/ 10.1046/j.1096-3642.2003.00046.x |
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persistent identifier |
https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03F987F6-FFE2-FF96-FF39-0E7F3480FC0A |
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treatment provided by |
Carolina |
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scientific name |
Paramicromerys betsileo |
| status |
sp. nov. |
PARAMICROMERYS BETSILEO View in CoL , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 102, 103 View Figures 102–121 , 122 View Figures 122–130 , 133–153 View Figures 131–138 View Figures 139–146 View Figures 147–153 )
Type. Male holotype from Vohiparara (21∞14¢S, 47∞24¢E), 900 m a.s.l., Ranomafana National Park, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar; December 5–7, 1993 (N. Scharff, S. Larcher, C. E. Griswold, R. Andriamasimanana); in CAS .
Etymology. Named for the Betsileo, one of the major tribes in Madagascar. The species name is a noun in apposition.
Diagnosis. Closely related to the type species P. madagascariensis , with almost identical palps, distinguished by the more widely spread male cheliceral apophyses (compare Figs 132 and 133 View Figures 131–138 ). The MCZ has another close relative from the ‘eastern highlands’, differing primarily by details of the dorso-distal element of the procursus (‘d’ in Fig. 134 View Figures 131–138 ; MCZ 34057).
Male (holotype). Total length 1.8, carapace width 0.76. Leg 1: 21.9 (5.5 + 0.3 + 5.3 + 8.3 + 2.5), tibia 2: 3.1, tibia 3: 2.2, tibia 4: 2.8; tibia 1 L/d: 83. Habitus as in Figures 102 and 103 View Figures 102–121 . Carapace ochre-yellow with blackish margin; sternum blackish except laterally. Legs ochre-yellow with dark rings on femora and tibiae (subdistally). Opisthosoma ochre-grey, with blackish spots posteriorly and light grey spots shining through cuticle. Ocular area distinctly separated from carapace, with each triad on additional elevation; distance PME-PME 260 Mm; diameter PME 80 Mm; distance PME-ALE 30 Mm. Thoracic furrow indistinct, only frontally slightly indented dark line. Sternum wider than long (0.56/0.46). Chelicerae as in Figures 133, 136 View Figures 131–138 and 141 View Figures 139–146 , tips of apophyses without modified hairs ( Fig. 140 View Figures 139–146 ), distance between tips of apophyses 215 Mm. Palps as in Figures 134 and 135 View Figures 131–138 , trochanter with three apophyses, one prolateral, one ventral pointing in retrolateral direction, and one retrolateral (‘p’, ‘v’, and ‘r’ in Fig. 142 View Figures 139–146 ); procursus with distinctive dorsodistal element (‘d’ in Fig. 134 View Figures 131–138 ). Embolus simple membranous tube (‘e’ in Fig. 134 View Figures 131–138 ). Legs without spines, without curved hairs, few vertical hairs (most hairs missing in holotype, but present in other specimens); retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 10%; tarsus 1 with>20 pseudosegments (distally about 20 very distinct). Epiandrous spigots and ALS spigots as in Figures 146 View Figures 139–146 and 148 View Figures 147–153 .
Variation. Tibia 1 in 20 other males 4.8–5.8 (x = 5.34). Some males have more dark spots dorsally on the opisthosoma.
Female. In general similar to male, but femora proximally with dorso-frontal blackish pigment; distal palpal segments black; with significantly more variation in pattern on opisthosoma. Some females with several black spots parallel to marginal lines on carapace. Tibia 1 in 27 females: 3.6–4.8 (x = 4.06). Epigynum as in Figures 122 View Figures 122–130 , 137 View Figures 131–138 and 153 View Figures 147–153 , with pair of transparent prominences and pockets about 215 Mm apart ( Figs 137 View Figures 131–138 and 153 View Figures 147–153 ). Dorsal view as in Figure 138 View Figures 131–138 . Spinnerets and ALS spigots as in Figures 147 and 149 View Figures 147–153 .
Distribution. Known only from the Ranomafana National Park area (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Fianarantsoa: Ranomafana N. P. Vohiparara : type above together with 2♂ 6♀ , same collection data. Vohiparara: Piste Touristique (21∞13.6¢S, 47∞24.0¢E), c. 1000 m a.s.l., April 12–23, 1998 (C. E. Griswold, D. H. Kavanaugh, N. P. Penny, M. J. Raherilalao, J. S. Ranorianarisoa, J. Schweikert, D. Ubick), 7♂ 11♀ in CAS . Vohiparara village (21∞12.8¢S, 47∞23.0¢E), April 10–11, 1998 (same collectors), 3♀ in CAS . Ranomafana N. P., roadside vegetation near park entrance, c. 21∞14.3¢S, 47∞26.0¢E, c. 800 m a.s.l., April 22, 1998 (same collectors), 3♂ 3♀ in CAS . Ranomafana N. P. Talatakely (21∞14.9¢S, 47∞25.6¢E), April 5–30, 1998 (same collectors) 4♂ 1♀ in CAS . Talatakely at 21∞15¢S, 47∞26¢E, 915–1000 m a.s.l., October 30–November 20, 1998 (V. F. Lee & K. J. Ribardo), 1♀ in CAS . Talatakely at 21∞15¢S, 47∞25¢E, 900 m a.s.l., December 5–7, 1993 (N. Scharff, S. Larcher, C. E. Griswold, R. Andriamasimanana), 2♂ 4♀ in CAS . Vatoharanana (21∞16.7¢S, 47∞26.1¢E), primary forest, c. 1200 m a.s.l., April 15, 1998 (C. E. Griswold, D. H. Kavanaugh, N. P. Penny, M. J. Raherilalao, J. S. Ranorianarisoa, J. Schweikert, D. Ubick) 1♂ 1♀ in CAS . Ranomafana N. P. at 21∞12¢S, 47∞27¢E, forest, from foliage, April 1992 (V. & B. Roth, S. Kariko), 1♂ in CAS . 7 km W Ranomafana at 21∞16¢S, 47∞25¢E, 900 m a.s.l., on low foliage and saplings, montane rainforest, September 5, 1993 (W. Steiner), 3♀ in USNM . 7 km W Ranomafana at 21∞12¢S, 47∞27¢E, 900 m a.s.l., March 1–13, 1990 (W. E. Steiner), 3♂ in USNM . 7 km W Ranomafana at 21∞12¢S, 47∞27¢E, 1100 m a.s.l., November 1–7, 1998 (W. E. Steiner), 2♂ 1♀ in USNM ; same locality, Pyrethrin fogging of dead leaves on fallen tree, montane rainforest, October 8– 21, 1988 (W. E. Steiner) 1♂ in USNM ; same locality at 1000 m a.s.l., Pyrethrin fogging of treefall and vine tangle, montane rainforest, March 1–7, 1990 (W. E. Steiner), 1♂ in USNM . Valohoaka camp 8 km SW Ranomafana (21∞19¢S, 47∞24¢E), 1040 m a.s.l., beating low vegetation and dead leaf masses, montane rainforest, September 9, 1993 (W. Steiner), 1♂ 5♀ in USNM . Ranomafana N. P. at 21∞S, 47∞30¢E, April– May 1992 (S. Kariko, V. & B. Roth), 3♂ 2♀ in MCZ (33990, 33951, part of 33989).
PARAMICROMERYS CODDINGTONI , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 110, 111 View Figures 102–121 , 123 View Figures 122–130 , 154–167 View Figures 154–158 View Figures 159–167 )
Type. Male holotype from Montagne d’Ambre , 2.79 air km NE of park entrance (12∞32¢S, 49∞10¢E), ~ 1000 m a.s.l., forest, Antsiranana, Madagascar; November 21–30, 1993 (J. Coddington, C. E. Griswold, N. Scharff, S. Larcher, R. Andriamasimanana); in CAS .
Etymology. Named for the first collector, Jonathan Coddington from the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D. C.
Diagnosis. Dark patterned species with oval opisthosoma ( Fig. 110 View Figures 102–121 ), with similar palps as P. ralamboi , but very different colour pattern; distinguished from this and other known congeners also by the shape of procursus ( Fig. 155 View Figures 154–158 : distal elements) and epigynum ( Fig. 157 View Figures 154–158 ).
Male (holotype). Total length 1.6, carapace width 0.7. Leg 1: 15.6 (3.9 + 0.3 + 4.0 + 5.6 + 1.8), tibia 2: 2.3, tibia 3: 1.7, tibia 4: 2.3; tibia 1 L/d: 67. Habitus as in Figures 110 and 111 View Figures 102–121 . Carapace ochre with dark brown pattern, sternum brown, lighter frontally medially. Legs ochre-yellow, with dark rings subdistally on femora and tibiae. Opisthosoma grey with large spots shining through cuticle and dark pattern on surface; ventrally posteriorly as in female (cf. Fig. 123 View Figures 122–130 ), frontally central dark spot and transversal band, genital area large spot. Ocular area distinctly separated from carapace, triads on additional elevations; distance PME-PME 220 Mm; diameter PME 70 Mm; distance PME-ALE 30 Mm. Thoracic furrow deep and distinct. Sternum wider than long (0.56/0.40). Chelicerae as in Figure 156 View Figures 154–158 , without modified hairs on tips of apophyses ( Fig. 159 View Figures 159–167 ); distance between tips of apophyses 30 Mm. Palps as in Figures 154 and 155 View Figures 154–158 , trochanter with two prolateral apophyses (large one pointing in retrolateral direction), and two small retrolateral apophyses ( Fig. 163 View Figures 159–167 ); procursus as in Figures 154, 155 View Figures 154–158 and 164 View Figures 159–167 , with small sclerotized cone proximally, distinct hinged process and additional distal structure that also appears hinged (arrow in Fig. 164 View Figures 159–167 ); embolus simple (‘e’ in Fig. 155 View Figures 154–158 ), with transparent distal spine. Legs with about 20 spines distally on femora 1 ventrally in single row, without curved hairs, few vertical hairs; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 11%; tarsus 1 with numerous pseudosegments, but only distally about 10 fairly distinct ( Fig. 166 View Figures 159–167 ).
Variation. Tibia 1 in 10 other males: 3.6–4.2 (x = 3.88). Dark rings on legs sometimes missing or very indistinct.
Female. In general similar to male, but legs without spines; tibia 1 in 14 females: 2.8–3.2 (x = 3.03). Epigynum large brown plate ( Fig. 123 View Figures 122–130 ), with pockets almost touching medially ( Figs 157 View Figures 154–158 and 161 View Figures 159–167 ); with narrow posterior plate (‘p’ in Fig. 161 View Figures 159–167 ). Dorsal view as in Figure 158 View Figures 154–158 . ALS and PMS as in Figure 160 View Figures 159–167 .
Distribution. Known only from type locality (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Montagne d’Ambre : type above, together with 10♂ 16♀, same collection data, in CAS ; and 1♂ in separate vial, same collection data, in CAS .
PARAMICROMERYS RALAMBOI , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 116, 117 View Figures 102–121 , 126 View Figures 122–130 , 168–172 View Figures 168–172 )
Type. Male holotype from Montagne d’Ambre , 2.79 air km NE of park entrance (12∞32¢S, 49∞10¢E), ~ 1000 m a.s.l., forest, Antsiranana, Madagascar; November 21– 30, 1993 (J. Coddington, C. E. Griswold, N. Scharff, S. Larcher, R. Andriamasimanana); in CAS .
Etymology. Named for Emile Ralambo (1879–1963), outstanding Malagasy artist, representative of the national romanticism.
Diagnosis. Light species with oval opisthosoma, with similar palps as P. coddingtoni , but very different colour pattern (compare Figs 110 and 116 View Figures 102–121 ); distinguished from this and other known congeners also by the shape of procursus (distal elements) and epigynum ( Figs 169 and 171 View Figures 168–172 ).
Male (holotype). Total length 2.1, carapace width 0.9. Leg 1: 23.2 (5.7 + 0.4 + 5.5 + 9.0 + 2.6), tibia 2: 3.5, tibia 3: 2.4, tibia 4: 3.5; tibia 1 L/d: 69. Habitus as in Figures 116 and 117 View Figures 102–121 . Carapace, sternum and legs pale ochre-yellow, only ocular area and clypeus light brown. Opisthosoma ochre-grey with black spots posteriorly (type with smaller spots than photographed male); ventrally no pigments. Ocular area distinctly separated from carapace, triads on low elevations; distance PME-PME 220 Mm; diameter PME 80 Mm; distance PME-ALE 40 Mm. Thoracic furrow distinct but shallow. Sternum wider than long (0.68/0.52). Chelicerae as in Figure 170 View Figures 168–172 , distance between tips of apophyses 50 Mm. Palps as in Figures 168 and 169 View Figures 168–172 , trochanter with small retrolateral and large prolateral apophyses; procursus with distinct hinged process (‘hp’ in Fig. 168 View Figures 168–172 ); embolus simple (‘e’ in Fig. 169 View Figures 168–172 ), with transparent distal spine. Legs with about 12 spines distally on femora 1 ventrally in single row, without curved hairs, few vertical hairs; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 12%; tarsus 1 with>30 pseudosegments, distally quite distinct.
Variation. Tibia 1 in 4 other males: 5.2–5.7.
Female. In general similar to male. Some females with black palps. Two females with wide black median band on carapace. Some females with dark rings subdistally on tibiae. Tibia 1 in 4 females: 3.8–4.5. Epigynum with median conical protrusion, pair of pockets (‘p’ in Fig. 171 View Figures 168–172 ) about 50 Mm apart, narrow posterior plate ( Figs 126 View Figures 122–130 and 171 View Figures 168–172 ). Dorsal view as in Figure 172 View Figures 168–172 .
Distribution. Known only from type locality (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Montagne d’Ambre : type above, together with 5♂ 5♀, same collection data, in CAS .
PARAMICROMERYS QUINTERI , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 173, 174 View Figures 173–176 )
Type. Male holotype from Marojejy, 10.5 km NW Manantenina (14∞26.4¢S, 49∞44.5¢E), Antsiranana, Madagascar; November 6–12, 1996 (E. L. Quinter), 1625 m a.s.l., along tributary at head Andranomifototra River, beating vegetation; in AMNH .
Etymology. Named for the collector, Eric Quinter from the American Museum of Natural History, New York.
Diagnosis. Light species with cylindrical opisthosoma, distinguished from similar species ( P. mahira , rabeariveloi , coddingtoni , ralamboi ) by the shape of the distal elements of the procursus ( Figs 173 and 174 View Figures 173–176 ).
Male (holotype). Total length 2.2, carapace width 0.8. Leg 1 missing; tibia 2: 3.6, tibia 3: 2.3, tibia 4: 3.4. Habitus very similar to P. mahira (cf. Figs 104 and 105 View Figures 102–121 ). Prosoma and legs ochre-yellow. Opisthosoma ochre-grey. Ocular area barely elevated, triads on low elevations; distance PME-PME 300 Mm; diameter PME 60 Mm; distance PME-ALE 30 Mm. Thoracic furrow present only frontally, very shallow. Sternum wider than long (0.68/0.60). Chelicerae as in P. coddingtoni (cf. Fig. 156 View Figures 154–158 ), distance between tips of apophyses about 35 Mm. Palps as in Figures 173 and 174 View Figures 173–176 ; trochanter with retrolateral ridge and large prolateral apophysis; femur with small apophysis proximo-dorsally; procursus with hinged process (‘hp’ in Fig. 173 View Figures 173–176 ); embolus with distinctive bend (arrow in Fig. 174 View Figures 173–176 ), with transparent distal spine. Legs without spines (but first legs missing!), without curved hairs, few vertical hairs; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 2 at 11%; tarsus 2 with>20 pseudosegments, distally quite distinct.
Female. Unknown.
Distribution. Known only from type locality (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Marojejy : type above .
PARAMICROMERYS MAHIRA , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 104, 105 View Figures 102–121 , 175, 176 View Figures 173–176 )
Type. Male holotype from Ranomafana National Park, Mahira, summit (about 21∞S, 47.5∞E), Fianarantsoa, Madagascar; April 11, 1992 (‘Albert for Kariko/Roth’), in MCZ (33971).
Etymology. Named for the type locality. The specific name is a noun in apposition.
Diagnosis. Light species with cylindrical opisthosoma, distinguished from similar species ( P. quinteri , rabeariveloi , coddingtoni , ralamboi ) by the shape of the distal elements of the procursus ( Figs 175 and 176 View Figures 173–176 ).
Male (holotype). Total length 2.4, carapace width 0.8. Leg 1 missing; tibia 2: 4.0, tibia 3: 2.6, tibia 4: 3.6. Habitus as in Figures 104 and 105 View Figures 102–121 . Prosoma and legs ochre-yellow. Opisthosoma ochre-grey. Ocular area barely elevated, triads on low elevations; distance PME-PME 320 Mm; diameter PME 80 Mm; distance PME-ALE 40 Mm. Thoracic furrow present only frontally, very shallow. Sternum wider than long (0.64/ 0.48). Chelicerae as in P. ralamboi (cf. Fig. 170 View Figures 168–172 ; lost by author). Palps as in Figures 175 and 176 View Figures 173–176 , coxa with indistinct hump ventrally, trochanter with apophyses retrolaterally, ventrally (small) and prolaterally (large); procursus with distinct hinged process (‘hp’ in Fig. 175 View Figures 173–176 ); embolus simple, with transparent distal spine. Legs without spines (but first legs missing!), without curved hairs, few vertical hairs; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 2 at 11%; tarsus 2 with>15 pseudosegments, only distally fairly distinct.
Female. Unknown.
Distribution. Known only from type locality (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Fianarantsoa: Ranomafana N. P.: type above .
PARAMICROMERYS MANANTENINA , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 118, 119 View Figures 102–121 , 125 View Figures 122–130 , 177–190 View Figures 177–182 View Figures 183–190 )
Type. Male holotype from Marojejy Reserve , 8.4 km NNW Manantenina (14∞26¢S, 49∞45¢E), 700 m a.s.l., Antsiranana, Madagascar; November 10–16, 1993 (C. E. Griswold, J. Coddington, N. Scharff, S. Larcher, R. Andriamasimanana); in CAS .
Etymology. Named for the type locality. The specific name is a noun in apposition.
Diagnosis. Dark species with large pedipalps, distinguished from the closest known relative ( P. nampoinai ) by the pattern on the carapace (compare Figs 112 and 118 View Figures 102–121 ), the male cheliceral armature (compare Figs 179 and 180 View Figures 177–182 with Figs 193, 194 View Figures 191–197 ), the much larger hinged process on the procursus and the presence of a papilla on the bulb (‘pa’ in Fig. 177 View Figures 177–182 ). Also distinguished by the shape of the epigynum (compare Figs 124 and 125 View Figures 122–130 ).
Male (holotype). Total length 2.8, carapace width 1.25. Leg 1: 34.6 (8.0 + 0.5 + 8.4 + 14.0 + 3.7), tibia 2: 5.0, tibia 3: 3.4, tibia 4 missing; tibia 1 L/d: 70. Habitus as in Figures 118 and 119 View Figures 102–121 . Carapace light ochre with dark brown pattern as in Figure 118 View Figures 102–121 , sternum brown with central circular light spot. Legs ochre to light brown, coxa, trochanter and femur with blackish pigment. Opisthosoma grey, with blackish spots superficially (posteriorly) and many dark spots shining through cuticle; ventrally posteriorly like female (cf. Fig. 125 View Figures 122–130 ), with black longitudinal stripe connecting to black trapezoidal spot at genital area. Ocular area elevated, triads on additional elevations; distance PME-PME 460 Mm; diameter PME 140 Mm; distance PME-ALE 50 Mm. Thoracic furrow distinct, relatively deep. Sternum wider than long (0.88/0.72). Chelicerae as in Figures 179 and 180 View Figures 177–182 , distal apophyses connected to chelicerae by membranous cuticle; with one tiny globular hair imbedded in tip of each distal apophysis ( Figs 189 and 190 View Figures 183–190 ). Palps as in Figures 177 and 178 View Figures 177–182 ; coxa with small hump ventrally, trochanter very complex (‘t’ in Fig. 183 View Figures 183–190 ) with three prolateral apophyses (largest one pointing in retrolateral direction), and bifid retrolateral apophysis; femur with proximodorsal apophysis (arrow in Fig. 178 View Figures 177–182 ) and retrolateral ridge; palpal tarsal organ situated on sclerotized cone ( Figs 178 View Figures 177–182 and 187 View Figures 183–190 ), procursus with large hinged process (‘hp’ in Figs 177 View Figures 177–182 and 184 View Figures 183–190 ) and complex tip ( Fig. 185 View Figures 183–190 ); bulb with distinctive papilla (‘pa’ in Fig. 177 View Figures 177–182 ), embolus with short side branch, without distal spine (‘e’ in Fig. 183 View Figures 183–190 ). Legs with spines in single rows ventrally distally on femora 1 (about 13) and 2 (about 4), without curved hairs, few vertical hairs; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 9%; tarsus 1 with>40 pseudosegments, fairly distinct distally. Epiandrous spigots as in Fig. 186 View Figures 183–190 . ALS and PMS as in Fig. 188 View Figures 183–190 .
Variation. Tibia 1 in 4 other males: 7.0–8.0. Other males with up to 17 spines on femora 1; superficial pattern on opisthosoma very variable in intensity. Tibia 2/ 4 in other male: 4.4/4.3.
Female. In general similar to male. Tibia 1 in 3 females: 5.8–6.8. Epigynum large but simple brown plate ( Figs 125 View Figures 122–130 and 181 View Figures 177–182 ), apparently without pockets. Dorsal view as in Fig. 182 View Figures 177–182 .
Distribution. Known only from type locality (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Marojejy Res. : type above, together with 5♂ 5♀, same collection data, in CAS .
PARAMICROMERYS NAMPOINAI , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 112, 113 View Figures 102–121 , 124 View Figures 122–130 , 191–197 View Figures 191–197 )
Type. Male holotype from Montagne d’Ambre , 2.79 air km NE of park entrance (12∞32¢S, 49∞10¢E), ~ 1000 m a.s.l., forest, Antsiranana, Madagascar; November 21– 30, 1993 (J. Coddington, C. E. Griswold, N. Scharff, S. Larcher, R. Andriamasimanana); in CAS .
Etymology. Named for Malagasy King Andrianampoinimerina (also Nampoina; died in 1810), a remarkable organizer and administrator who developed a complex social system and administrative structure without benefit of written records and therefore of bureaucracy.
Diagnosis. Dark species with large pedipalps, distinguished from the closest known relative ( P. manantenina ) by the pattern on the carapace (compare Figs 112 and 118 View Figures 102–121 ), the male cheliceral armature (compare Figs 179 and 180 View Figures 177–182 with Figs 193 and 194 View Figures 191–197 ), the much smaller hinged process on the procursus and the absence of a papilla on the bulb (compare Figs 177 View Figures 177–182 and 191 View Figures 191–197 ). Also distinguished by the epigynum with frontal apophyses (compare Figs 124 and 125 View Figures 122–130 ).
Male (holotype). Total length 2.8, carapace width 1.25. Leg 1: 27.1 (6.5 + 0.5 + 6.5 + 10.2 + 3.4), tibia 2: 4.0, tibia 3: 3.2, tibia 4: 4.3; tibia 1 L/d: 50. Habitus as in Figures 112 and 113 View Figures 102–121 . Carapace ochre with dark brown pattern as in Figure 112 View Figures 102–121 , sternum brown with lighter stripe medially. Legs ochre with dark ring distally on femora. Opisthosoma grey, with blackish spots superficially (posteriorly) and many dark spots shining through cuticle. Ocular area elevated, triads on additional elevations; distance PME-PME 320 Mm; diameter PME 140 Mm; distance PME-ALE 50 Mm. Thoracic furrow distinct, relatively deep. Sternum wider than long (0.88/0.64). Chelicerae as in Figures 193 and 194 View Figures 191–197 , with two tiny globular hairs imbedded in tip of each distal apophysis ( Fig. 195 View Figures 191–197 ); distance between tips of apophyses 515 Mm. Palps as in Figures 191 and 192 View Figures 191–197 ; coxa with small apophysis ventrally, trochanter with two prolateral apophyses, one ventral and one retrolateral apophysis; femur with proximo-dorsal apophysis (arrow in Fig. 192 View Figures 191–197 ) and retrolateral ridge; procursus with sclerotized cone proximally (probably carrying the tarsal organ as in P. manantenina ), with small hinged process (‘hp’ in Fig. 191 View Figures 191–197 ); bulb without papilla, embolus (‘e’ in Fig. 191 View Figures 191–197 ) with short side branch, without distal spine. Legs with spines in single rows ventrally distally on femora 1 (about 5), without curved hairs, few vertical hairs; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 11%; tarsus 1 with>30 pseudosegments, fairly distinct distally.
Variation. Tibia 1 in 2 other males: 6.3, 6.4. Other males with up to 9 spines on femora 1; one male also with about four spines on femora 2.
Female. In general similar to male. Tibia 1 in 4 females: 5.1–5.8. Epigynum with pair of distinctive apophyses frontally ( Fig. 124 View Figures 122–130 , ‘a’ in Fig. 196 View Figures 191–197 ) and light prominence medially, with pair of pockets (‘p’ in Fig. 197 View Figures 191–197 ) about 500 Mm apart. Dorsal view as in Fig. 197 View Figures 191–197 .
Distribution. Known only from type locality (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Montagne d’Ambre : type above, together with 2♂ 7♀, same collection data, in CAS .
PARAMICROMERYS SCHARFFI , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 114, 115 View Figures 102–121 , 127 View Figures 122–130 , 198–203 View Figures 198–203 )
Type. Male holotype from Talatakely (21∞15¢S, 47∞25¢E), 900 m a.s.l., Ranomafana National Park, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar; December 5–7, 1993 (N. Scharff, S. Larcher, C. E. Griswold, R. Andriamasimanana); in CAS .
Etymology. Named for the first collector, Nikolaj Scharff from the Zoological Museum, Copenhagen.
Diagnosis. Relatively large dark species, distinguished from known congeners by the shapes of procursus and male chelicerae ( Figs 198–201 View Figures 198–203 ), and by the shape of the epigynum ( Fig. 127 View Figures 122–130 ).
Male (holotype). Total length 3.2, carapace width 1.4. Leg 1: 39.1 (9.2 + 0.4 + 9.3 + 15.2 + 5.0), tibia 2: 5.8, tibia 3: 4.2, tibia 4: 5.8; tibia 1 L/d: 72. Habitus as in Figures 114 and 115 View Figures 102–121 . Carapace ochre with dark brown pattern, ocular area brown; sternum dark brown with light longitudinal stripe frontally. Legs ochre to light brown, trochanter and femora proximally with blackish marks. Opisthosoma grey with dark brown superficial pattern, ventrally with black stripes like female (cf. Fig. 127 View Figures 122–130 ) but merging and continuing towards brown genital area. Ocular area elevated, triads on additional elevations; distance PME-PME 320 Mm; diameter PME 120 Mm; distance PME-ALE 40 Mm. Thoracic furrow distinct and relatively deep. Sternum wider than long (0.88/0.80). Chelicerae as in Figs 200 and 201 View Figures 198–203 , distance between tips of apophyses 335 Mm. Palps as in Figures 198 and 199 View Figures 198–203 , trochanter with ventral and branched retrolateral apophysis; procursus with hinged process (‘hp’ in Fig. 198 View Figures 198–203 ); embolus simple membranous tube (‘e’ in Fig. 199 View Figures 198–203 ), without distal spine. Legs with spines ventrally on femora 1 (single row distally), without curved hairs, few vertical hairs; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 7%; tarsus 1 with numerous pseudosegments (probably>40), but difficult to count.
Variation. Tibia 1 in 7 other males 7.8–10.4 (the males from Mahira are larger than those from Talatakely and Vatoharanana: 10.1–10.4 vs. 7.8–8.9). Some males with about 5 spines on femora 1; some males also with dark spots shining trough cuticle on opisthosoma.
Female. In general similar to male. Tibia 1 in 11 females: 7.0–8.3 (x = 7.77). Epigynum as in Figures 127 View Figures 122–130 and 202 View Figures 198–203 , with pair of pockets (‘p’ in Fig. 202 View Figures 198–203 ) about 365 Mm apart. Dorsal view as in Figure 203 View Figures 198–203 .
Distribution. Known only from the Ranomafana National Park area (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Fianarantsoa: Ranomafana N. P.: Talatakely: type above together with 4♀, same collection data, in CAS . Talatakely at 21∞14.9¢S, 47∞25.6¢E, April 5–30, 1998 (C. E. Griswold, D. H. Kavanaugh, N. P. Penny, M. J. Raherilalao, J. S. Ranorianarisoa, J. Schweikert, D. Ubick), 2♂ in CAS . Vatoharanana (21∞16.7¢S, 47∞26.1¢E), primary forest, c. 1200 m a.s.l., April 29, 1998 (same collectors) 2♂ 2♀ in CAS ; same collection data, under overhang along trail, 1♀ in CAS . Vohiparara: Piste Touristique (21∞13.6¢S, 47∞24.0¢E), c. 1000 m a.s.l., April 12, 14, 1998 (same collectors), 5♂ 8♀ in CAS . 7 km W Ranomafana at 21∞12¢S, 47∞27¢E, 1100 m a.s.l., October 8–21, 1988 (W. E. Steiner), 2♀ in USNM ; same collection data, flight intercept yellow pan trap in Malaise trap, island in stream, montane rainforest, 1♂ in USNM . Ranomafana N. P., Mahira , summit, April 11, 1992 (‘ Albert for Kariko / Roth’), 2♂ 2♀ in MCZ (33971) ; same locality, April 8, 1992 (V. Roth), on trail, mossy forest, 1♀ in MCZ (33958) . Ranomafana N. P., Mahira , trail, April 10, 1992 (‘ Georges for Kariko / Roth’), 1♂ 1♀ in MCZ (33972, 33985).
PARAMICROMERYS ROTHORUM , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 106, 107 View Figures 102–121 , 128 View Figures 122–130 , 204–208 View Figures 204–208 )
Type. Male holotype from Montagne d’Ambre (12∞30¢57≤S, 49∞11¢04≤E), Antsiranana, Madagascar; August 12, 1992 (V. & B. Roth); in CAS .
Etymology. Named for the collectors, Vincent and Barbara Roth.
Diagnosis. Small species with posteriorly elevated opisthosoma; distinguished from similar congeners by the male palp (shapes of trochanter apophyses and procursus; Figs 204 and 205 View Figures 204–208 ), and the shape of the epigynum ( Fig. 128 View Figures 122–130 ).
Male (holotype). Total length 1.7, carapace width 0.72. Leg 1 missing; tibia 2: 3.3, tibia 3: 2.1, tibia 4 missing. Habitus as in Figures 106 and 107 View Figures 102–121 . Carapace pale ochre with brown pattern as in Figure 106 View Figures 102–121 ; sternum brown, laterally light ochre. Legs ochre-yellow with dark rings subdistally on femora and tibiae and subproximally on metatarsi. Opisthosoma grey with dark brown pattern; ventrally pair of spots between genital area and spinnerets. Ocular area distinctly separated from carapace, with triads on additional elevations; distance PME-PME 280 Mm; diameter PME 80 Mm; distance PME-ALE 30 Mm. Thoracic furrow distinct (especially frontally), but not deep. Sternum wider than long (0.52/0.44). Chelicerae as in Fig. 206 View Figures 204–208 ; distance between tips of apophyses 55 Mm. Palps as in Figs 204 and 205 View Figures 204–208 , trochanter with large prolateral apophysis (‘t’ in Fig. 204 View Figures 204–208 ) and pair of smaller retrolateral apophyses; procursus complex, with at least one apparently hinged process; embolus simple (‘e’ in Fig. 205 View Figures 204–208 ), without distal spine. Legs without spines, without curved hairs, few vertical hairs (most hairs missing in holotype, but present in other specimens).
Variation. Leg 1 in other male examined: 22.0 (5.2 + 0.3 + 5.3 + 9.0 + 2.2); tibia 2: 3.2, tibia 3: 2.1, tibia 4: 2.9; tibia 1 L/d: 88; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 10%; tarsus 1 with>30 pseudosegments, distally fairly distinct.
Female. In general similar to male, but distal palpal segment black, with some slightly darker spots on carapace parallel to lateral black line; all femora dorsally proximally blackish. Tibia 1 in 3 females: 3.6–3.8. Epigynum as in Figures 128 View Figures 122–130 and 207 View Figures 204–208 , with pair of pockets (‘p’ in Fig. 207 View Figures 204–208 ) close together (distance about 50 Mm); dorsal view as in Figure 208 View Figures 204–208 .
Distribution. Known only from type locality (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Montagne d’Ambre : type above, together with 1♀, same data, in CAS ; same collection data, 1♂ 2♀ in CAS .
PARAMICROMERYS MAROJEJY , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 120, 121 View Figures 102–121 , 129 View Figures 122–130 , 209–212 View Figures 209–212 )
Type. Male holotype from Marojejy Reserve , 8.4 km NNW Manantenina (14∞26¢S, 49∞45¢E), 700 m a.s.l., Antsiranana, Madagascar; November 10–16, 1993 (C. E. Griswold, J. Coddington, N. Scharff, S. Larcher, R. Andriamasimanana); in CAS .
Etymology. Named for the type locality. The specific name is a noun in apposition.
Diagnosis. Light species with oval opisthosoma, easily distinguished from known congeners by the retrolateral apophysis on the male palpal femur (arrow Fig. 210 View Figures 209–212 ) and by the shapes of procursus and epigynum ( Figs 129 View Figures 122–130 and 209–211 View Figures 209–212 ).
Male (holotype). Total length 2.0, carapace width 0.8. Leg 1: 21.1 (5.2 + 0.3 + 5.1 + 8.2 + 2.3), tibia 2: 2.9, tibia 3: 2.0, tibia 4: 2.8; tibia 1 L/d: 71. Habitus as in Figures 120 and 121 View Figures 102–121 . Carapace pale ochre-yellow, with pair of brown spots; sternum brown laterally, ochre to light brown medially. Legs ochre to light brown. Opisthosoma ochre-grey with dark pattern as in Figures 120 and 121 View Figures 102–121 ; ventrally posteriorly like female (cf. Fig. 129 View Figures 122–130 ), frontally dark spot with light central part. Ocular area barely elevated, only triads on low elevations; distance PME-PME 240 Mm; diameter PME 80 Mm; distance PME-ALE 30 Mm. Thoracic furrow indistinct and shallow frontally, absent posteriorly. Sternum wider than long (0.56/0.48). Chelicerae as in P. ralamboi (cf. Fig. 170 View Figures 168–172 ), distance between tips of apophyses 50 Mm. Palps as in Figures 209 and 210 View Figures 209–212 , trochanter with retrolateral sclerotized ridge, ventral small apophysis and bifid prolateral apophysis; femur with distinctive retrolateral apophysis (arrow in Fig. 210 View Figures 209–212 ); procursus with distinct hinged process (‘hp’ in Fig. 209 View Figures 209–212 ); embolus simple (‘e’ in Fig. 210 View Figures 209–212 ), with strong distal spine (flattened). Legs without spines, without curved hairs, few vertical hairs; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 8%; tarsus 1 with>20 pseudosegments, only a few distally fairly distinct.
Variation. Tibia 1 in 11 other males: 4.8–5.5 (x = 5.03).
Female. In general similar to male. Tibia 1 in 18 females: 3.2–4.0 (x = 3.51). Epigynum relatively small ( Fig. 129 View Figures 122–130 ), simple plate with pockets (‘p’ in Fig. 211 View Figures 209–212 ) about 35 Mm apart. Dorsal view as in Fig. 212 View Figures 209–212 .
Distribution. Known only from type locality (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Marojejy Res. : type above, together with 5♂ 8♀, same collection data, in CAS ; and 7♂ 18♀, same collection data, in CAS .
PARAMICROMERYS RABEARIVELOI , NEW SPECIES
( FIGS 108, 109 View Figures 102–121 , 130 View Figures 122–130 , 213–217 View Figures 213–217 )
Type. Male holotype from Marojejy Reserve , 8.4 km NNW Manantenina (14∞26¢S, 49∞45¢E), 700 m a.s.l., Antsiranana, Madagascar; November 10–16, 1993 (C. E. Griswold, J. Coddington, N. Scharff, S. Larcher, R. Andriamasimanana); in CAS .
Etymology. Named for Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo (1901–37), gifted Malagasy poet whose struggle against a severe colonial system cut short his work and, eventually, his life.
Diagnosis. Light species with cylindrical opisthosoma, easily distinguished from known congeners by the proximal and median position of the male cheliceral apophyses ( Fig. 215 View Figures 213–217 ). ‘Spermophora’ vyvato (which occurs at the same locality) has apophyses in a similar position (compare Figs 215 View Figures 213–217 and 240 View Figures 238–243 ), but extremely different palps.
Male (holotype). Total length 2.1, carapace width 0.84. Leg 1: 24.9 (6.1 + 0.4 + 5.8 + 9.8 + 3.5), tibia 2: 3.5, tibia 3: 2.4, tibia 4: 3.5; tibia 1 L/d: 64. Habitus as in Figures 108 and 109 View Figures 102–121 . Carapace pale ochre-yellow, laterally with black line and light brown band; sternum whitish. Legs ochre-yellow. Opisthosoma ochre-grey, with blackish spots as in Figures 108 and 109 View Figures 102–121 ; ventrally only small spot in genital area. Ocular area barely elevated, only triads on low elevations; distance PME-PME 200 Mm; diameter PME 80 Mm; distance PME-ALE 30 Mm. Thoracic furrow distinct but very shallow. Sternum wider than long (0.64/0.48). Chelicerae as in Figure 215 View Figures 213–217 . Palps as in Figures 213 and 214 View Figures 213–217 , trochanter with retrolateral and pointed prolateral apophyses; procursus apparently with ventral hinged process (difficult to see); embolus simple (‘e’ in Fig. 213 View Figures 213–217 ), with distal transparent spine. Legs without spines, without curved hairs, few vertical hairs; retrolateral trichobothrium of tibia 1 at 7%; tarsus 1 with>40 pseudosegments, distinct distally.
Variation. Tibia 1 in 2 other males: 5.4, 6.4.
Female. In general similar to male. Tibia 1 in 4 females: 4.6–5.1. Epigynum very small, light brown, as in Figures 130 View Figures 122–130 and 216 View Figures 213–217 . Dorsal view as in Figure 217 View Figures 213–217 .
Distribution. Known only from type locality (Map 2).
Material examined. MADAGASCAR: Antsiranana: Marojejy Res. : type above, together with 5♂ 7♀, same collection data, in CAS .
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