Solenysa retractilis, 2011

Tu, Lihong & Hormiga, Gustavo, 2011, Phylogenetic analysis and revision of the linyphiid spider genus Solenysa (Araneae: Linyphiidae: Erigoninae), Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 161 (3), pp. 484-530 : 515

SOLENYSA WULINGENSIS GROUP

Composition: Four species, S. geumoensis Seo, 1996 , S. retractilis Tu sp. nov., and S. wulingensis Li & Song, 1992 , and S. tianmushana Tu sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Males of this group can be distinguished by the hidden proximal cymbial apophysis ( Fig. 21A ), except for S. tianmushana in which the proximal cymbial apophysis projects outwards ( Tu & Li, 2006b: fig. 4), by the additional paracymbial curve, orientated anteriorly ( Fig. 21A ) and by the membranous embolus ( Fig. 21D ). The twisted solenoid forming a loop on the ventral surface of epigynum is diagnostic for this species group ( Fig. 21G ), except for S. tianmushana , the female of which is unknown.

Description: Somatic characters as in genus description. Male palp ( Fig. 21A–D ): tibia unmodified. Cymbial probasal process hidden in large cymbial basal excavation. Paracymbium with additional proximal curve anteriorly orientated. Radix small, embedded in a membranous area that connects lamella characteristica and terminal apophysis. Lamella characteristica tripartite, anterior branch handleshaped, well sclerotized, extending forwards; second one largest, ribbon-like, dragging backwards, then turning forwards, tapering off distally; posterior one aciniform, well sclerotized. Terminal apophysis with three free ends: anterior one elongated forwards, companied with embolus, rounded apex with two apical processes; posterior one thin and sharp, translucent; median one slightly rolling distally. Embolus entirely membranous, without chitinized proper.

Epigynum ( Fig. 21G, H ): rounded triangular to half rounded, chitinized flat box. Anterior part wider and thicker than posterior part, with two ear-like lateral extensions. Seen in dorsal view, anterior margin trisected, the middle part forming epigynal collar ( Figs 10F, 21H ). Membranous solenoid connects from ventral side of it, forming a loop on ventral surface of epigynum in nonfunctional stage. Spermathecae triangular shaped, located at each side of epigynal collar. Copulatory ducts extremely short, opening on dorsal surface of epigynum. Fertilization ducts mesially directed.

Remarks: The male and female genitalic structures of S. retractilis , S. wulingensis , and S. geumoensis are very similar, differing only in small details. Comparatively, the male palp of S. tianmushana is more different in the proximal cymbial apophysis and in the morphology of terminal apophysis and lamella characteristic. However, the male of S. tianmushana still shares many characters with the other three species, such as the membranous embolus and the embedded radix. The morphology of the anterior terminal apophysis, with a rounded apex and two apical processes, suggests a close relationship between S. tianmushana and the species of the S. wulingensis group. As the female of S. tianmushana is unknown, we have included this latter species in the S. wulingensis group.

Distribution: China (Sichuan, Hunan, Zhejiang), Korea ( Fig. 22 ).

Figures

Figure 21. Solenysa wulingensis. A–B, male palp: A, retrolateral (arrow, paracymbial proximal curve); B, prolateral. C–D, male palpal embolic division: C, ventral; D, distal of C. E, anterior part of male abdomen showing smooth book lung cover. F, anterior part of male abdomen showing epiandrous fusules absent. G–H, epigynum: G, ventral; H, dorsal. Abbreviations: ATA, anterior terminal apophysis; CO, copulatory opening; DP, dorsal plate; DSA, distal suprategular apophysis; E, embolus; EC, epigynal collar; LC1, anterior branch of lamella characteristica; LC2, median branch of lamella characteristica; LC3, posterior branch of lamella characteristica; MS, macroseta; MT, median tooth on anterior terminal apophysis; MTA, median terminal apophysis; P, paracymbium; PBP, cymbial probasal process; PTA, posterior terminal apophysis; RLP, cymbial retrolateral process; SL, solenoid; STT, Solenysa tegular triangle. Scale bars in mm.

Figure 22. Distribution records of Solenysa species. Half-filled circle (), Solenysa retractilis sp. nov.; concentric circle (), Solenysa geumoensis Seo, 1996; circle filled with ‘i’ (), Solenysa wulingensis Li & Song, 1992; circle (•), Solenysa tianmushana sp. nov.; star (*), Solenysa protrudens Gao et al., 1993; cross (), Solenysa lanyuensis sp. nov.; flag (), Solenysa longqiensis Li & Song, 1992; balloon (), Solenysa yangmingshana sp. nov.; square (), Solenysa melloteei Simon, 1894; triangle (Δ), Solenysa akihisai sp. nov.; diamond (Ɨ), Solenysa partibilis Tu et al., 2007; pentagon (), Solenysa reflexilis Tu et al., 2007.