Sinoalaria species can be recognised by the following combination of genitalic characters: In males, palpal tibia retrolaterally bears an apophysis (Figs 1B, D, 3B, 5B, D, 7B, D, 9B, D, 15B, D) (vs retrolateral tibial apophysis is lacking in all other theridiosomatid genera); median apophysis distinct, stretching along the longitudinal axis of pedipalp with two curved, pointed distal ends (Figs 1A, 3A, C, 5A, D, 7A, C, 9A, C, 15A, C) (vs never seen in any other theridiosomatid genus); embolus long and whip-shaped, mostly enveloped in conductor (Figs 1A, C, 3A, C, 5A, C, D, 7A, C, 9A, C, 15A, C) (vs embolus not whip-shaped in almost all of theridiosomatid genera, embolus whip-shaped but proportionately much shorter and partly enveloped in Ogulnius O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1882, as in Coddington 1986: figs 100, 101, 116, 118). In females, the epigynal plate possesses a distinct scape (Figs 2E–G, 4E–G, 6D–F, 8E–G, 10E–G, 11C–E, G, 12D, E, 13D–F, 14C–E, 16E–G) (vs scape is absent, or present but reduced in some theridiosomatid genera); vulva centrally with a U-shaped medial structure (Figs 2G, 4G, 6F, 8G, 10G, 11E–G, 12E, F, 13F, 14E, 16G) (vs medial structure lacking, or present but V-shaped in some theridiosomatid genera); copulatory ducts rise and curl up to form two folds (or chambers, or bursae) at each side: the ventral one usually located anteriorly, with lower degree of sclerotization than the dorsal and posterior one (Figs 2G, 4G, 6F, 8G, 10G, 11E–G, 12E, F, 13F, 14E, 16G) (vs such conformation of the copulatory ducts is never seen in any other theridiosomatid genus).

See Zhao and Li (2012).

Ten species from southwestern China to Laos, Vietnam and to Thailand: Sinoalaria bicornis (♂♀) and S. navicularis (♂♀) from Laos, S. chengguanensis (♂♀), S. nitida comb. nov. (♂♀), S. prolata comb. nov. (♂♀), S. shenhei sp. nov. (♀) and S. shuidi sp. nov. (♀) endemic to China, S. xiaotu sp. nov. (♂♀) endemic to Vietnam, S. cavernicola from Laos and Thailand, S. chi sp. nov. (♂♀) from Vietnam and Thailand.

2♂ 6♀, Laos: Vien Tiane Province, Vang Vieng District: 13.2 km north of Vieng keo Village, Tham Hoy, 19°02.352'N, 102°25.422'E, 256 m, 3.XII.2012, Z. Yao and S. Li leg.; 4♂ 12♀, 11.95 km north of Vieng keo Village, Pha Thao Cave, 19°01.752'N, 102°25.956'E, 290 m, 3.XII.2012, Z. Yao and S. Li leg.; 3♂ 8♀, 10.37 km north of Vieng keo Village, Kieo Cave, 19°00.882'N, 102°25.902'E, 286 m, 2.XII.2012, Z. Yao and S. Li leg.; 1♂ 7♀, 4.01 km north of Vieng keo Village, Lom Cave, 18°57.456'N, 102°26.244'E, 314 m, 2.XII.2012, Z. Yao and S. Li leg.

Males of S. bicornis resemble those of S. xiaotu sp. nov. in the general shape of the male palp. The palps of the two species share the similarly short median apophysis which is ≤ 1/2 of tegulum length, and the indistinct embolic base (Figs 1A, B, 15A–C) (median apophysis relatively large, > 1/2 of tegulum, embolic base prominently visible in all other congeners, including S. chengguanensis and S. chi sp. nov., etc.; Figs 5, 7), but differ in the following: (1) cymbium basally with a cluster of eight setae in S. bicornis (six setae in S. xiaotu sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 1B and Fig. 15B); (2) median apophysis relatively larger, ca 1/2 of tegulum length in S. bicornis (extremely small, ≤ 1/3 of tegulum length in S. xiaotu sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 1A, C, D and Fig. 15A, C); (3) conductor with a nearly triangular, relatively blunt apex in S. bicornis (with a needle-shaped, sharper apex in S. xiaotu sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 1A, C, D and Fig. 15 A–C). Females resemble those of S. cavernicola and S. chi sp. nov. in having a distinctly long, narrow, completely membranous, and rugose scape (scape either relatively short and wide, or heavily sclerotized, not rugose in other Sinoalaria species, such as S. shuidi sp. nov. and S. xiaotu sp. nov.; Figs 14C, D, E, 16E, F), but can be distinguished from S. cavernicola and S. chi sp. nov. by the scape apically with two notch (only with a hood in S. cavernicola and S. chi sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 2E, F and Figs 4E, F, 8E, F), ventral and anterior folds of copulatory ducts slightly sclerotized (completely membranous in S. cavernicola and S. chi sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 2G and Figs 4G, 8G).

Figure 1. 

Male palp of Sinoalaria bicornis (Lin, Li & Jäger, 2014) A prolateral view B retrolateral view C dorsal view D ventral view. Abbreviations: Co = conductor; Cy = cymbium; EB = embolic base; Em = embolus; MA = median apophysis; Pc = paracymbium; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; SCy = setae on cymbium; Te = tegulum. Scale bars: 0.20 mm.

Figure 2. 

Sinoalaria bicornis (Lin, Li & Jäger, 2014), male habitus (A, B), female habitus (C, D) and epigyne (E–G) A dorsal view B ventral view C ventral view D dorsal view E intact, ventral view F cleared, ventral view G cleared, dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; FD = fertilization duct; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A–D); 0.20 mm (E–G).

See Lin et al. (2014). Male palp as in Fig. 1, epigyne as in Fig. 2E–G, and habitus as in Fig. 2A–D.

Laos (Fig. 17).

1♂ 10♀, Laos: Ban Kouanphavang Khammouane Province: 30.02 km northeast of Thakhek Town, Tham Kamouk Cave, 17°37.914'N, 104°07.458'E, 193 m, 24.XI.2012, Z. Yao and S. Li leg.; 2♂ 5♀, Thailand: Satun Province: Thung wa District, Cave without name-cave A & B, 07°03.966'N, 99°50.478'E, 12 m, 1–3.XII.2013, F. Ballarin leg.; 1♂ 8♀, Thung wa District, Cave without name,07°06.276'N, 99°47.502'E, 25 m, 29.XI.2013, F. Ballarin leg.

Males of S. cavernicola and S. chi sp. nov. share the following features: the proximal process of median apophysis with a blunt and serrated tip, and the distal process of median apophysis with a slightly furcated apex (Figs 3A, 7A) (proximal process not serrated, distal process not furcated in all other Sinoalaria species, including S. chengguanensis and S. navicularis; Figs 5A, 9A), but can be differ from the latter by: (1) distal process of median apophysis long and narrow, slightly longer and distinctly narrower than base of median apophysis in S. cavernicola (short and wide, slightly shorter and narrower than base of median apophysis in S. chi sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 3A and Fig. 7A); (2) both rami on distal process of median apophysis distinct, are of equal length, the lower one with a relatively blunt tip in S. cavernicola (the lower ramus tooth-shaped, apex sharp, distinctly longer than the indistinct upper ramus in S. chi sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 3A and Fig. 7A); (3) embolic base relatively larger, wider than 2/3 of tegulum length in S. cavernicola (relatively smaller, its width ca 1/2 of tegulum length in S. chi sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 3B and Fig. 7B); (4) embolus relatively shorter, terminating at ca 10 o’clock position both in retrolateral and ventral view in S. cavernicola (distinctly longer, terminating at ca 8 o’clock position in retrolateral view, terminating at ca 4 o’clock position in ventral view in S. chi sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 3B, C and Fig. 7B, C). Females of S. cavernicola are also similar to those of S. chi sp. nov. by the epigynal plate with a long, completely membranous, rugose scape which distally with a pocket-like hood, and by the similar configurations of vulva (Figs 4E–G, 8E–G), but they can be differentiated by the shapes and the courses of copulatory ducts: the ventral and anterior folds represented by two nearly globular bursae, the dorsal and posterior folds running horizontally, forming only one loop in S. cavernicola (Fig. 4G); in contrast, the ventral and anterior folds represented by two oblong bursae, the dorsal and posterior folds represented by a longitudinal loop and a horizontal loop in S. chi sp. nov. (Fig. 8G).

Figure 3. 

Male palp of Sinoalaria cavernicola (Lin, Li & Jäger, 2014) A prolateral view B retrolateral view C ventral view D dorsal view. Abbreviations: Co = conductor; Cy = cymbium; EB = embolic base; Em = embolus; MA = median apophysis; Pc = paracymbium; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; Te = tegulum. Scale bars: 0.20 mm.

Figure 4. 

Sinoalaria cavernicola (Lin, Li & Jäger, 2014), male habitus (A, B), female habitus (C, D) and epigyne (E–G) A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsal view D ventral view E intact, ventral view F cleared, ventral view G cleared, dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; FD = fertilization duct; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A–D); 0.20 mm (E–G).

See Lin et al. (2014). Male palp as in Fig. 3, epigyne as in Fig. 4E–G, and habitus as in Fig. 4A–D.

Laos and Thailand (Fig. 17).

Holotype ♂ and paratypes 13♂ 8♀ (IZCAS), China: Guizhou Province, Bijie City, Chengguan Town, Xiaohe Village, Xiniu Cave, 27°21.231'N, 105°17.186'E, 1515 m, 30.IV.2007, J. Liu and Y. Lin leg.

Males of S. chengguanensis resembles those of S. bicornis and S. xiaotu sp. nov. by their cymbium dorsal-basally bears a cluster of several long setae (Figs 1B, D, 5B, D; 15B, D) (such cluster of several long setae is absent in all other Sinoalaria species, as in Figs 3, 7, 9), but can be distinguished from the latter two by the distinctly visible embolic base, and by the large median apophysis which is longer than 1/2 of tegulum length in S. chengguanensis (embolic base indistinct, median apophysis relatively small, no more than 1/2 of tegulum length in S. bicornis and S. xiaotu sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 5 and Figs 1, 15). The female of S. chengguanensis appears to be closely related to S. navicularis and S. shenhei sp. nov. in having a similarly shield-shaped, utterly exposed scape, and similar configurations of vulva (Figs 6D–F, 10D–F, 13D–F), but can be recognised from S. navicularis by the scape heavily sclerotized, with a small transverse opening at its distal end (vs almost completely membranous, rugose, distally with a curved, pocket-like hood) (cf. Fig. 6D–F and Fig. 10D–F); and from S. shenhei sp. nov. can be recognised by the tongue-shaped scape with a distinctly narrowed proximal part (vs scape shaped like an inverted bowling pin, slightly narrowed proximally) (cf. Fig. 6D–F and Fig. 13D–F), the dorsal and posterior folds of copulatory ducts nearly circular, slightly sclerotized (vs trapeziform, heavily sclerotized) (cf. Fig. 6F and Fig. 13F), and by the abdomen dorsally white with numerous small black spots (vs dorsum of abdomen basically black, with three bands which consisting of white small spots, forming a trident-shaped pattern) (cf. Fig. 6B, C and Fig. 13A).

Figure 5. 

Male palp of Sinoalaria chengguanensis (Zhao & Li, 2012) A prolateral view B retrolateral view C embolic division, dorsal view D ventral view. Abbreviations: Co = conductor; Cy = cymbium; EB = embolic base; Em = embolus; MA = median apophysis; Pc = paracymbium; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; SCy = setae on cymbium; Te = tegulum. Scale bars: 0.20 mm.

Figure 6. 

Sinoalaria chengguanensis (Zhao & Li, 2012), male habitus (A), female habitus (B, C) and epigyne (D–F) A dorsal view B dorsal view C lateral view D intact, ventral view E cleared, ventral view F cleared, dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; FD = fertilization duct; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A–C); 0.20 mm (D–F).

See Zhao and Li (2012). Male palp as in Fig. 5, epigyne as in Fig. 6D–F, and habitus as in Fig. 6A–C.

China (Guizhou) (Fig. 17).

Holotype ♂ and Paratype 1♀, Vietnam: Hang Dai Ca, 20°33.520'N, 105°53.287'E, 30.XII.2013, H. Sterner leg.

Vietnam. 1♂ 2♀, Hang Boi, 20°15.533'N, 105°53.278'E, 24–25.XII.2013, H. Steiner leg.; 1♂ 5♀, Hang Tra Tu, 20°06.492'N, 105°55.040'E, 28.XII.2013, H. Steiner leg.

The specific name is derived from the Chinese pinyin ‘chǐ’, which means ‘tooth’, referring to the tooth-shaped lower ramus on distal process of median apophysis; noun in apposition.

Males of S. chi sp. nov. resemble those of S. cavernicola. The two species share a similarly slender and filiform embolus, sheet-shaped paracymbium with a spine-like tip, and the median apophysis with serrated proximal process and slightly bifurcated distal process but differ by: (1) distal process of median apophysis short and wide, slightly shorter and narrower than the base of median apophysis in S. chi sp. nov. (long and narrow, slightly longer and distinctly narrower than base in S. cavernicola) (cf. Fig. 7A and Fig. 3A); (2) the lower ramus on distal process of median apophysis tooth-shaped, apex sharp, distinctly longer than the indistinct upper ramus in S. chi sp. nov. (both rami distinct, are of equal length, the lower one with a relatively blunt tip in S. cavernicola) (cf. Fig. 7A and Fig. 3A); (3) embolus distinctly longer, terminating at ca 8 o’clock position in retrolateral view, terminating at ca 4 o’clock position in ventral view in S. chi sp. nov. (terminating at ca 10 o’clock position both in retrolateral and ventral view in S. cavernicola) (cf. Fig. 7A, C and Fig. 3A, C); (4) embolic base relatively smaller, its width ca 1/2 of tegulum length in S. chi sp. nov. (embolic base wider than 2/3 of tegulum length in S. cavernicola) (cf. Fig. 7B and Fig. 3B). Females also resemble those of S. cavernicola in having a completely membranous, rugose scape which distally with a pocket-like hood (the combination of these features are absent in all other congeners), and the general shape of the endogyne but can be distinguished from the latter by the ventral and anterior folds of copulatory ducts represented by two oblong bursae, the dorsal and posterior folds represented by a longitudinal loop and a horizontal loop in S. chi sp. nov. (ventral and anterior folds represented by two more or less globular bursae, dorsal and posterior folds running horizontally, forming only one loop in S. cavernicola) (cf. Fig. 8G and Fig. 4G).

Figure 7. 

Male palp of the holotype of Sinoalaria chi sp. nov. A prolateral view B retrolateral view C ventral view D dorsal view. Abbreviations: Co = conductor; Cy = cymbium; EB = embolic base; Em = embolus; MA = median apophysis; Pc = paracymbium; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; Te = tegulum. Scale bars: 0.20 mm.

Figure 8. 

Sinoalaria chi sp. nov., female paratype and male holotype, male habitus (A, B), female habitus (C, D) and epigyne (E–G) A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsal view D ventral view E intact, ventral view F cleared, ventral view G cleared, dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; FD = fertilization duct; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A–D); 0.20 mm (E–G).

Male (holotype) (Fig. 8A, B): Carapace shaped like a water drop, brown, darker in the front, without distinct pattern; pars cephalica distinctly narrowed, cervical groove and radial grooves faint. Anterior eye row distinctly recurved, posterior eye row slightly procurved. Sternum shield-shaped, dark. Mouthparts reddish brown. Legs uniformly yellowish, femora slightly darker. Abdomen round, dorsum basically black, with a lengthwise yellowish median stripe extending almost of whole abdomen length, gradually narrow posteriorly, with three pairs of yellowish speckles on either side; venter black centrally, yellowish marginally. Measurements: Total length 2.4. Carapace 1.1 long, 0.8 wide. Clypeus 0.1 high. Sternum 0.5 long, 0.4 wide. Abdomen 1.1 long, 1.1 wide. Length of legs: I 3.1 (1.1, 0.3, 0.7, 0.6, 0.4); II 2.3 (0.7, 0.3, 0.5, 0.5, 0.3); III 1.7 (0.5, 0.2, 0.5, 0.3, 0.2); IV 2.3 (0.8, 0.3, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2).

Palp (Fig. 7A–D): Tibia small, cup-shaped, ca 1/3 length of cymbium. Retrolateral tibial apophysis small but distinct, thumb-like, ca 1/3–1/2 length of tibia. Cymbium narrow, ca 2.3× longer than wide, dorsally bears several long and sparse setae, basally without tufty setae. Paracymbium ca 1/8–1/7 length of cymbium, represented by a small sheet, distally bears a needle-shaped spine. Tegulum capacious, oval, 1.3× longer than wide; sperm duct distinct. Median apophysis large, located prolaterally to tegulum, consisting of a broad base and two process; proximal process ca 2/3 length of base, distally serrated; distal process wide, slightly shorter than base, distally slightly bifurcated, upper ramus indistinct, lower ramus tooth-shaped. Embolic base large, represented by enlarged tubercle, located at the 9–10 o’clock position to tegulum in retrolateral view, its width ca 1/2 tegulum length. The free part of embolus long and slender, filiform, in retrolateral view, arising at approximately the 8–9 o’clock position, forming a loop, terminating at ca 8 o’clock position, its tip curved behind embolic base. Conductor tubular and translucent, enveloping the second half of embolus, apex pointing retrolaterally.

Female (paratype). Somatic features as in Fig. 8C, D and coloration distinctly darker than in male. Measurements: Total length 3.2. Carapace 1.5 long, 1.1 wide. Clypeus 0.1 high. Sternum 1.1 long, 0.9 wide. Abdomen 2.1 long, 1.6 wide. Length of legs: I 4.4 (1.4, 0.4, 1.1, 1.0, 0.5); II 3.5 (1.1, 0.4, 0.9, 0.7, 0.4); III 2.4 (0.6, 0.3, 0.6, 0.5, 0.3); IV 3.2 (1.0, 0.3, 0.8, 0.7, 0.4).

Epigyne (Fig. 8C–E). Epigynal plate large, distinctly wider than long, the arrangement of the various parts of the vulva are faint through the tegument. Scape long, rugose, translucent, extending from posterior margin of epigynal plate, ca 1.8× plate length; apex blunt and slightly sclerotized, represented by a small pocket-like hood. Copulatory ducts strongly convoluted, located laterally to spermathecae: ventral and anterior folds of copulatory ducts represented by two oblong bursae, bursae surface membranous, ca 2/3 length of epigyne plate, the two bursae separated by ca 1.7× their widths; dorsal posterior folds tubular, heavily sclerotized and strongly convoluted, forming a longitudinal loop and a horizontal loop, finally connecting with ventral surface of spermathecae. Spermathecae bean-shaped, strongly sclerotized, ca 1/2 length of epigyne plate, 2× longer than wide, located centrally and juxtaposed, the two spermathecae closely spaced. Fertilization ducts short, ribbon-shaped, membranous, located on dorsal-basal surface of spermathecae; apical parts separated by ca 1.5× fertilization duct length, apex curved and sharp.

Northern Vietnam (Fig. 17).

1♂ 4♀, Laos: Khammouan Province, 2.5 km WNW, Ban Tathot, Eingang, 17°37.897'N, 103°07.502'E, 200 m, 20.II.2003, P. Jäger leg.; 4♀, Tham Koun Dôn, 17°333.82'N, 104°52.132'E, 24.II.2006, H. Steiner leg.

Males of S. navicularis can be distinguished from all other congeners by the navicular median apophysis (Fig. 9A). The female of S. navicularis is distinguished from other congeners except S. chengguanensis and S. shenhei sp. nov. by the scape with a moderate size, utterly exposed, like a shield attached to the abdomen (Figs 6D, 10E, 13D) (scape not as above, either distintly long and narrow, such as S. bicornis, S. cavernicola, S. chi sp. nov. and S. xiaotu sp. nov. as in Figs 2E–G, 4E–G, 8E–G, 16E–G, or distintly short and wide, such as S. nitida and S. shuidi sp. nov. as in Figs 11C–E, 14C–E), but differ from the latter two by the scape almost completely membranous, rugose (more sclerotized, not rugose in S. chengguanensis and S. shenhei sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 10E–G and Figs 6D–F, 13D–F).

Figure 9. 

Male palp of Sinoalaria navicularis (Lin, Li & Jäger, 2014) A prolateral view B retrolateral view C ventral view D dorsal view. Abbreviations: Co = conductor; Cy = cymbium; EB = embolic base; Em = embolus; MA = median apophysis; Pc = paracymbium; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; Te = tegulum. Scale bars: 0.20 mm.

Figure 10. 

Sinoalaria navicularis (Lin, Li & Jäger, 2014), male habitus (A, B), female habitus (C, D) and epigyne (E–G) A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsal view D ventral view E intact, ventral view F cleared, ventral view G cleared, dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; FD = fertilization duct; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A–D); 0.20 mm (E–G).

See Lin et al. (2014). Male palp as in Fig. 9, epigyne as in Fig. 10 E–G, habitus as in Fig. 10A–D.

Laos (Fig. 17).

Paratype 1♀ (IZCAS), China: Guangxi: Hechi City, Jinchengjiang District, Hechi Town, Laba Village, Shoushui Cave, 24°41.229'N, 107°52.609'E, 268 m, 31.III.2011, Z. Chen and Z. Zha leg. Examined.

Sinoalaria nitida morphologically is similar to S. shuidi sp. nov. by the scape shorter than length of epigynal plate, with a swollen apex (Figs 11C–E, 14C–E) (scape longer than length of epigynal plate, distally not swollen in all other congeners, such as S. chengguanensis, S. chi sp. nov., S. shenhei sp. nov. and S. xiaotu sp. nov.; Figs 6E, F, 8E, F, 13E, F, 16E, F). From S. shuidi sp. nov., S. nitida can be distinguished by the following features: (1) the scape shaped like a nose, apex nearly as wide as stem (shaped like a water drop, apex distinctly wider than its stem in S. shuidi sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 11C–E and Fig. 14C, D); (2) the spermathecae peanut-shaped (globular in S. shuidi sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 11E, F and Fig. 14E).

Figure 11. 

Sinoalaria nitida (Zhao & Li, 2012), comb. nov., female habitus (A, B) and epigyne (C–G) A dorsal view B ventral view C intact, ventral view D cleared, ventral view E cleared, dorsal view F anterior view G posterior view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; FD = fertilization duct; N = notch; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A, B); 0.20 mm (C–G).

See Zhao and Li (2012). Habitus as in Fig. 11A, B, epigyne as in Fig. 11C–G.

China (Guangxi) (Fig. 17).

Holotype ♀ (IZCAS), China: Guangxi, Pingxiang City, Youyi County, Bantou Village, Niuyan Cave, 22°05.666'N, 106°45.439'E, 251 m, 18.I.2011, Z. Chen and Z. Zha leg. Examined.

This species can be distinguished from all other species of the genus Sinoalaria by the wide, triangular, scape that protrudes vertically from the posterior epigynal margin (Fig. 12C–E).

Figure 12. 

Sinoalaria prolata (Zhao & Li, 2012), comb. nov., female habitus (A–C) and epigyne (D–F) A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view D intact, ventral view E cleared, posterior view F cleared, anterior view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A–C); 0.20 mm (D–F).

See Zhao and Li (2012). Habitus as in Fig. 12A–C, epigyne as in Fig. 12D–F.

China (Guangxi) (Fig. 17).

Holotype ♀, China: Yunnan, Baoshan City, Longling County, Longjiang Town, Xiaoheishan Provincal Nature Reserve, 24°49.733'N, 98°45.601'E, 2020 m, 22.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.

11 juv., same data as holotype.

The specific name is an adjective and derived from the Chinese pinyin ‘shēn hēi’, which means ‘pitch-black’, referring to the basic color of body.

The new species is similar to S. chengguanensis (Fig. 6) in the general appearance of the epigyne. From S. chengguanensis, the female of S. shenhei sp. nov. can be distinguished by the shape of the scape, the different shape and degrees of sclerotization of copulatory ducts, as well as the color of habitus: (1) scape shaped like an inverted bowling pin, slightly narrowed proximally in S. shenhei sp. nov. (scape tongue-shaped, proximal part distinctly narrowed in S. chengguanensis) (cf. Fig. 13D–F and Fig. 6D–F); (2) dorsal and posterior folds of copulatory ducts trapeziform, heavily sclerotized in S. shenhei sp. nov. (nearly circular, slightly sclerotized in S. chengguanensis) (cf. Fig. 13F and Fig. 6F); (3) dorsum of abdomen basically black, with three bands which consisting of small white spots, forming a trident-shaped pattern in S. shenhei sp. nov. (abdomen dorsally white with numerous small black spots in S. chengguanensis) (cf. Fig. 13A and Fig. 6B, C).

Figure 13. 

Holotype female of Sinoalaria shenhei sp. nov., habitus (A, B) and epigyne (C–F) A dorsal view B ventral view C intact, lateral view D intact, ventral view E cleared, ventral view F cleared, dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; FD = fertilization duct; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A, B); 0.20 mm (C–F).

Female (holotype) (Fig. 13A, B): Carapace nearly pyriform, uniformly black; cervical groove and radial grooves faint. Anterior eye row recurved, posterior eye row almost straight in dorsal view. Sternum shield-shaped, centrally light orange with sparse setae, marginally dark. Mouthparts yellowish. Legs dark brown except black femur. Abdomen nearly round, posteriorly with a prominent caudo-dorsal hump, covered with sparse long setae, setal base sclerotized. Dorsum of abdomen basically black, with three bands consisting of small white spots forming a trident-shaped pattern. Venter of abdomen black, centrally with numerous brown small spots. Measurements: Total length 3.5. Carapace 1.3 long, 1.1 wide. Clypeus 0.1 high. Sternum 0.7 long, 0.6 wide. Abdomen 2.5 long, 2.4 wide. Length of legs: I 3.4 (1.1 0.3, 0.9, 0.7, 0.4); II 2.5 (0.6, 0.3, 0.6, 0.6, 0.4); III 2.2 (0.5, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.3); IV 3.0 (1.0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.3).

Epigyne (Fig. 13C–F). Epigynal plate nearly as wide as long, spermathecae and copulatory ducts are faint through epigynal plate before dissection. Scape as long as epigynal plate, shaped like an inverted bowling pin, apex with a pocket-like hood; protruding from concaved posterior margin of epigynal plate. Copulatory ducts coils located anterolaterally to spermathecae: ventral and anterior folds represented by two hyaline and triangular bursae, ca 1/3 length of epigyne plate, the two folds widely separated by ca 2.1× their width; the dorsal and posterior fold trapezoid, heavily sclerotized, separated by ca 1.3× their diameters. Spermathecae fist-shaped, strongly sclerotized, located centrally and juxtaposed, not overlapping with copulatory ducts; the two spermathecae touch each other. Fertilization ducts short, acicular, membranous, located on posterior surface of spermathecae.

Male. Unknown.

Known only from the type locality (Fig. 17).

Holotype ♀ and Paratypes 3♀, China: Guangxi, Liuzhou City, Luzhai County, Zhongdu Town, Xiamotun Village, Jiulong Cave, 24°44.917'N, 109°39.844'E, 257 m, 15.VII.2013, H. Zhao leg.

The specific name is derived from the Chinese pinyin ‘shuǐ dī’, which means water drop, referring to the scape that is shaped like a water drop; noun in apposition.

This new species is similar to S. nitida in having the scape shorter than length of epigynal plate, with a swollen apex (Figs 11C–E, 14C–E) (scapes of all other congeners, such as S. chengguanensis, S. chi sp. nov., S. shenhei sp. nov. and S. xiaotu sp. nov., which are no shorter than the length of epigynal plate, distally not swollen; Figs 6E, F, 8E, F, 13E, F, 16E, F), but can be distinguished by the scape shaped like a water drop, apex distinctly wider than its stem in S. shuidi sp. nov. (scape shaped like a nose, apex nearly as wide as stem in S. nitida), and by the spermathecae globular in S. shuidi sp. nov. (peanut-shaped in S. nitida) (cf. Fig. 14C–E and Fig. 11C–G).

Figure 14. 

Holotype female of Sinoalaria shuidi sp. nov., habitus (A, B) and epigyne (C–E) A dorsal view B ventral view C intact, ventral view D cleared, ventral view E cleared, dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; FD = fertilization duct; N = notch; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A, B); 0.20 mm (C–E).

Female (holotype) (Fig. 14A, B): Carapace pear-shaped, pars cephalica distinctly dark in ocular area; cephalic region distinctly narrowed, cervical groove distinctly delimited, radial grooves distinguishable and vein-shaped. Anterior eye row recurved, posterior eye row almost straight in dorsal view. Sternum shield-shaped, centrally dark yellowish brown, marginally dark, with sparse setae. Mouthparts yellowish brown. Legs yellow, all legs with conspicuous dark annuli in the distal parts of femur, and patella. Abdomen spherical, covered with sparse long setae, setal base sclerotized; dorsum basically yellow, with four pair of black spots: 1^st pair <-shaped, the other three pairs nearly triangular; venter yellow, centrally with a cup-shaped black speckle. Measurements: total length 3.0. Carapace 1.4 long, 1.1 wide. Clypeus 0.2 high. Sternum 0.7 long, 0.6 wide. Abdomen 2.0 long, 1.5 wide. Length of legs: I 5.7 (1.7, 0.6, 1.3, 1.3, 0.8); II 4.7 (1.5, 0.6, 0.9, 0.9, 0.8); III 3.3 (0.8, 0.5, 0.7, 0.8, 0.5); IV 4.3 (1.5, 0.5, 0.9, 0.9, 0.5).

Epigyne (Fig. 14C–E). Epigynal plate nearly as wide as long, spermathecae and copulatory ducts are faint through epigynal plate before dissection. Scape relatively short, ca 3/4 of length of epigynal plate, with a slightly narrow stem and swollen apex, shaped like a water drop, apex with two pocket-like notches; proximal part originating from posterior portion of the plate. Copulatory ducts coils located laterally to spermathecae: ventral and anterior folds represented by two oval bursae, bursae surface hyaline, ca 1/2 length of epigyne plate, the two bursae separated by ca 2× their widths; dorsal and posterior folds heavily sclerotized, tubular, thick, not convoluted, extending horizontally to connect with ventral surface of spermathecae. Spermathecae nearly globular, strongly sclerotized, located centrally and juxtaposed, overlapping with distal part of dorsal and posterior folds of copulatory ducts; spermathecal diameter ca 2/5 length of epigyne plate, the two spermathecae closely spaced. Fertilization ducts short, acicular, membranous, located on posterior surface of spermathecae; apical parts separated by ca 2× fertilization duct, apex sharp.

Male. Unknown.

Known only from the type locality (Fig. 17).

Holotype ♂ and Paratypes 6♀, Vietnam: Bac Can, Barbie National Park, Beilan cave, 22°22.766'N, 105°36.790'E, 280 m, 2.IV.2012, Z. Yao leg.; 1♂ 6♀, same data as holotype, 18.X.2012, H. Zhao and Z. Chen leg.

1♂ 2♀, Vietnam: Phu Tho, Xuan Son National Park, Lun Cave, 21°07.022'N, 104°57.443'E, 398 m, 26.X.2012, H. Zhao and Z. Chen leg.

The specific name is derived from the Chinese pinyin ‘xiǎo tū’, which means ‘small apophysis’, referring to the small median apophysis which is no more than 1/3 of tegulum length; noun in apposition.

Males of S. xiaotu sp. nov. can be distinguished from congeners except S. bicornis by the similar indistinct embolic base and the small median apophysis which is no more than 1/2 of tegulum length (Figs 1A, B, 15A–C) (embolic bases prominently visible, large median apophysis longer than 1/2 of tegulum length in all other Sinoalaria species, including S. chengguanensis and S. chi sp. nov., etc.; Figs 5, 7), but differ from the latter by the: (1) median apophysis extremely small, no more than 1/3 of tegulum length, both proximal process and distal process are indistinct in S. xiaotu sp. nov. (median apophysis relatively larger, ca 1/2 of tegulum length, proximal process finger-like, distal process hook-shaped in S. bicornis) (cf. Fig. 15A–C and Fig. 1A); (2) cymbium basally with a cluster of six setae in S. xiaotu sp. nov. (with a cluster of eight setae in S. bicornis) (cf. Fig. 15D and Fig. 1B); (3) the apex of conductor needle-shaped, sharp in S. xiaotu sp. nov. (nearly triangular, relatively blunt in S. bicornis) (cf. Fig. 15C and Fig. 1A). Females of this species can be distinguished from all other congeners by the heavily sclerotized and dumbbell-shaped scape (Fig. 16E, F).

Figure 15. 

Male palp of the holotype of Sinoalaria xiaotu sp. nov. A prolateral view B retrolateral view C ventral view D dorsal view. Abbreviations: Co = conductor; Cy = cymbium; EB = embolic base; Em = embolus; MA = median apophysis; Pc = paracymbium; RTA = retrolateral tibial apophysis; SCy = setae on cymbium; Te = tegulum. Scale bars: 0.20 mm.

Male (holotype) (Fig. 16A, B): Carapace nearly pyriform, yellowish white, with a wide U-shaped paramedian stripe starting from behind PLE, almost reaching the posterior margin of carapace; paramedian stripe centrally dark, marginally lighter. Anterior eye row distinctly recurved, posterior eye row almost straight in dorsal view. Sternum heart-shaped, centrally yellowish with sparse setae, marginally dark. Mouthparts yellowish brown. Legs uniformly yellowish white. Abdomen oval, clothed with dense setae. Dorsum of abdomen basically yellowish brown, with four pair of black spots: 1^st pair oval and separated by ca 1.5× width; 2^nd pair nearly fan-shaped, widely separated by ca 3× width; 3^rd pair and 4^th pair fused, represented by a pattern which is shaped like ‘][’. Venter of abdomen yellowish white, centrally with a pentagon-shaped black speckle. Measurements: Total length 1.8. Carapace 1.0 long, 0.8 wide. Clypeus 0.1 high. Sternum 0.5 long, 0.4 wide. Abdomen 1.2 long, 1.1 wide. Length of legs: I 3.6 (1.2, 0.4, 1.0, 0.6, 0.4); II 3.2 (1.0, 0.4, 0.9, 0.6, 0.3); III 2.3 (0.6, 0.3, 0.6, 0.5, 0.3); IV 2.8 (0.7, 0.3, 0.7, 0.7, 0.4).

Figure 16. 

Sinoalaria xiaotu sp. nov., female paratype and male holotype, male habitus (A, B), female habitus (C, D) and epigyne (E–G) A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsal view D ventral view E intact, ventral view F cleared, ventral view G cleared, dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory duct; DPF = dorsal and posterior fold of copulatory duct; FD = fertilization duct; Sc = scape; Sp = spermatheca; VAF = ventral and anterior fold of copulatory duct. Scale bars: 0.50 mm (A–D); 0.20 mm (E–G).

Palp (Fig. 15A–D): Tibia small, cup-shaped, ca 1/5–1/4 length of cymbium, with several short and sparse setae. Retrolateral tibial apophysis small, ca 1/4–1/3 length of tibia, nearly triangular, apex blunt. Cymbium narrow, ca 2.2× longer than wide, dorsally bears several long and sparse setae; basally with a cluster of six setae, the setae conspicuous and almost 1/2 of cymbial length. Paracymbium blade-shaped, ca 1/6–1/5 length of cymbium, apex acute. Tegulum broad, oval, 1.4× longer than wide, central surface with reticular grooves, marginally smooth; sperm duct distinct. Median apophysis small, ≤ 1/3 of tegulum length, with a papilliform proximal process and a digitiform distal process, both processes are indistinct. Embolus filiform, in retrolateral view, arising at approximately the 4–5 o’clock position, extending behind tegulum, terminating at ca 10 o’clock position, embolic base indistinct. Conductor tubular and relatively sclerotized, thick except needle-shaped apex.

Female (one paratype). Somatic features as in Fig. 16C, D and coloration slightly darker than in male. Measurements: Total length 2.2. Carapace 1.0 long, 0.7 wide. Clypeus 0.1 high. Sternum 0.5 long, 0.4 wide. Abdomen 1.4 long, 1.1 wide. Length of legs: I 3.4 (1.0, 0.3, 0.8, 0.9, 0.4); II 2.4 (0.7, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.3); III 1.9 (0.5, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.3); IV 2.7 (0.9, 0.3, 0.6, 0.6, 0.3).

Epigyne (Fig. 16E–G). Epigynal plate slightly wider than long, the arrangement of the various parts of the vulva obscured through epigynal plate before dissection. Scape long, heavily sclerotized, surface smooth; proximal part fuse to ventral plate of epigyne, originating from posterior portion of the plate, extending posteriorly, ca 1.3× length of the plate; proximally widest, then gradually narrowing distally, finally widening at apex, shaped like a dumbbell-shaped. Copulatory ducts coils located anterolaterally to spermathecae: ventral and anterior folds represented by two large bursae, bursae surface hyaline and egg-shaped; almost all part of dorsal and posterior folds covered by posterior part of spermathecae. Spermathecae nearly globular, strongly sclerotized, located centrally and juxtaposed, overlapping with dorsally postero-interior part of copulatory ducts; spermathecal diameter ca 1/3 length of epigyne plate, the two spermathecae closely spaced. Fertilization ducts short, acicular, membranous, located on posterior surface of spermathecae; apical parts separated by approximately the length of fertilization duct, apex sharp.

Known only from Barbie National Park and Xuan Song National Park in Vietnam (Fig. 17).

Figure 17. 

Distribution records of the species from genus Sinoalaria.