1 ♂, 26°30'41.64"N, 115°59'19.02"E, 346 m, Jinjing Cave, Cuiweifeng Forest Park, Ningdu County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, China, 23 January 2021, K. Liu, D. Zhao & Z. Meng leg. (Lep-3).

Figure 1. 

Falcileptoneta monodactyla (Yin, Wang & Wang, 1984), male A habitus, dorsal view B palp, prolateral view C same, ventral view D same, ventro-retrolateral view E same, retrolateral view. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Figure 2. 

SEM micrographs of Falcileptoneta monodactyla (Yin, Wang & Wang, 1984), male right palp A tibial apophysis, retrolateral view B same, detail tip of tibial apophysis and spine, retrolateral view C tegular apophysis, ventral view.

See Liu et al. (2020) for both sexes.

Known from Jiangxi (new record) and Hunan (Liu et al. 2020), China (Fig. 29).

Holotype : ♂, China: Jiangxi Province, Ji’an City, Qingyuan District, Donggu Town, Dawu Mountain, 26°40'48.69"N, 115°25'07.79"E, 1031 m, 25.X.2020, K. Liu, Y. Ying & S. Yuan leg. (Lep-8). Paratype: 7 ♂, 2 ♀, the same data as the holotype (Lep-8).

The male of this species is similar to Leptonetela sexdentata Wang & Li, 2011 (see Wang and Li 2011: 15, figs 53A–D) in having a tongue-shaped prolateral lobe, but can be distinguished from it by dorsal habitus with obvious black-brown stripes (vs pale in L. sexdentata) and the foot-shaped median apophysis (vs square-shaped) (Figs 3, 8A–D). Females resemble that of Leptonetela rudong Wang & Li, 2017 (see Wang et al. 2017: 362, fig. 31C) in having a sub-rectangular atrium, but can be separated from it by the spermathecal stalk with seven spirals (vs six) and the slightly curved spermathecae (vs straight) (Fig. 4C).

Figure 3. 

Leptonetela dawu sp. nov., male holotype A habitus, dorsal view B palp, prolateral view C same, ventral view D same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis, PL – prolateral lobe. Scale bars: 0.2 mm (A); 0.1 mm (B–D).

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 3A. Total length 1.75. Carapace 0.82 long, 0.76 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.09, PME 0.08, PLE 0.09; ALE–PME 0.12, PLE–PLE 0.11, PLE–PME 0.03; AER 0.17, PER 0.22. Clypeus 0.12 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 3A) with ten promarginal and five retromarginal teeth. Sternum shield-shaped, longer than wide, posterior end arch-shaped, smooth. Leg measurements: I 4.30 (1.13, 0.25, 1.21, 0.98, 0.73); II 3.32 (1.01, 0.19, 0.80, 0.74, 0.58); III 3.07 (1.00, 0.18, 0.68, 0.74, 0.47); IV 3.74 (0.97, 0.21, 1.06, 0.94, 0.56). Pedicel 0.12. Abdomen 0.98 long, 0.77 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 3A). Carapace yellow to dark brown, with radial, dark brown, mottled markings on lateral margin and mottled stripes medially. Chelicerae, endites, labium, and sternum yellow-brown. Legs yellow, with distinct annulations. Abdomen pale to dark brown, with five dark chevron-shaped stripes.

Palp (Figs 3B–D, 8A–D). Tibia with four long setae retrolaterally, the basal one thick, two short spines distally; cymbium with one thick, conspicuous spine prolaterally, one short, thick spine retrolaterally, and one long spine distally. Tip of bulb: prolateral lobe finger-like; median apophysis relatively long, foot-shaped, distal margin with ten teeth, the retrolateral one very large with blunt tip; conductor long, membranous, apically curved; embolus spine-like, very short, under the conductor.

Female (paratype). Total length 1.85. Carapace 0.89 long, 0.73 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances (Fig. 4A): ALE 0.09, PME 0.08, PLE 0.08; ALE–PME 0.10, PLE–PLE 0.11, PLE–PME 0.03; AER 0.16, PER 0.21. Clypeus 0.11 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 4B) with nine promarginal and five retromarginal teeth. Leg measurements: I (1.21, 0.28, other segments broken); II 3.19 (0.93, 0.21, 0.82, 0.79, 0.44); III (0.87, 0.24, other segments broken); IV (1.17, 0.18, other segments broken). Pedicel 0.05. Abdomen 1.22 long, 0.95 wide.

Figure 4. 

Leptonetela dawu sp. nov., female paratype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C vulva, dorsal view. Abbreviations: At – atrium, Spe – spermathecae, SS – spermathecae stalk. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Vulva (Fig. 4C). Internal genitalia with sub-rectangular atrium, finger-like spermathecae, and convoluted spermathecal stalk including six coils.

Known only from the type locality in Jiangxi Province, China (Fig. 29).

The name is taken from the type locality; noun in apposition.

Holotype : ♂, China: Jiangxi Province, Ji’an City, Taihe County, Zhonglong Town, Zhonglong Village, Ziyao Mountain, 26°43'23.15"N, 115°13'31.70"E, 388 m, 28.X.2020, K. Liu, Y. Ying, K. Huang & S. Yuan leg. (Lep-7). Paratype: 4 ♀, the same data as the holotype (Lep-7); 1 ♂, 26°42'58.10"N, 115°13'39.00"E, 206 m, other data as same as holotype (Lep-5); 1 ♂, 26°43'15.05"N, 115°13'37.85"E, 332 m other data same as holotype (Lep-6); 1 ♀, 26°43'05.30"N, 115°13'36.28"E, 228 m, other data same as holotype (Lep-1).

The male of this species is similar to that of Leptonetela sexdentata Wang & Li, 2011 (Wang and Li 2011: 15, fig. 53B–D) in having the tibia with a row of spines retrolaterally including one thick strong spine proximally and three thin spines, but can be separated from it by the tongue-shaped prolateral lobe (vs finger-like) and the median apophysis with narrow base (vs broad) and five teeth distally (under microscope) (vs six) (Figs 5B–D, 8E–L). The males also resemble that of L. dawu sp. nov. in having the conductor with curved apex and the spine-like embolus, but can be separated from it by the leaf-shaped median apophysis (vs foot-shaped) (Figs 5B–D, 8E–L). The female can be easily distinguished from L. sexdentata (Wang and Li 2011: 15, fig. 54C) by the transversely extended spermathecal stalk (vs directed anteromedially) with four regular spirals (vs irregular) (Fig. 6C).

Figure 5. 

Leptonetela yuanhaoi sp. nov., male holotype A habitus, dorsal view B palp, prolateral view C same, ventral view D same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis, PL – prolateral lobe. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Figure 6. 

Leptonetela yuanhaoi sp. nov., female paratype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C vulva, dorsal view. Abbreviations: At – atrium, Spe – spermathecae, SS – spermathecae stalk. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 5A. Total length 2.06. Carapace 0.91 long, 0.75 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.09, PME 0.08, PLE 0.09; ALE–PME 0.13, PLE–PLE 0.10, PLE–PME 0.05; AER 0.18, PER 0.22. Clypeus 0.13 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 5A) with eight promarginal and six retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines anterolaterally. Sternum shield-shaped, nearly as long as wide, with dense scale-like surface, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 4.60 (1.13, 0.32, 1.28, 1.04, 0.83); II 3.28 (0.75, 0.21, 0.96, 0.72, 0.64); III 2.94 (0.77, 0.21, 0.75, 0.81, 0.40); IV 3.82 (1.09, 0.15, 0.94, 0.98, 0.66); formula: I, IV, II, III. Pedicel 0.12. Abdomen 1.02 long, 0.89 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 5A). Carapace yellow to dark brown, with dark radial stripes and mottled markings on lateral margin, and an oval dark brown band medially. Chelicerae yellow. Endites yellow to dark brown, mottled. Labium yellow to dark brown. Legs with dark annulations on each segment except tarsi. Abdomen with four dark chevron-shaped stripes.

Palp (Figs 5B–D, 8E–L). Tibia with five long setae retrolaterally, the proximal one very thick, long, strong, spine-like; cymbium with one long conspicuous seta prolaterally, one short, strong, thick spine retrolaterally and one long spine distally. Tip of bulb: prolateral lobe tongue-like, relatively short; median apophysis leaf-shaped, distal margin with four to ten teeth, prolateral one very small, retrolateral one very large with triangular tip; conductor membranous, relatively broad, near the base of median apophysis, longer than median apophysis; embolus short, transparent, broad, slightly bending retrolaterally.

Female (paratype). Habitus as in Fig. 6A, B. Total length 1.70. Carapace 0.84 long, 0.71 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.08, PME 0.08, PLE 0.08; ALE–PME 0.11, PLE–PLE 0.12, PLE–PME 0.04; AER 0.15, PER 0.20. Clypeus 0.10 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 6B) with nine promarginal and five retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines anterolaterally. Sternum (Fig. 6B) shield-shaped, nearly as long as wide, with dense scale-like surface, lateral margin thickened, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 3.53 (1.00, 0.19, 1.05, 0.77, 0.52); II 2.80 (0.78, 0.20, 0.65, 0.59, 0.58); III 2.36 (0.71, 0.16, 0.56, 0.57, 0.36); IV 3.48 (0.97, 0.23, 0.89, 0.84, 0.55). Pedicel 0.06. Abdomen 1.06 long, 0.78 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 6A, B). Darker than male.

Vulva (Fig. 6C). Internal genitalia with sub-trapezoidal atrium, slightly swollen spermathecae. and convoluted spermathecal stalk including three coils.

Known only from the type locality in Jiangxi Province, China (Fig. 29).

The species is named after Mr Yuanhao Ying, who collected the type specimens.

We compared the palps of the new species with that of the very similar species L. dawu sp. nov. several times. This similarity is probably because the males of these two species have very similar characters: tibial spines, cymbial spine, and embolus. The distance between Dawu Mountain and Ziyao Mountain is approximately 25 km (linear distances), which is very close. Despite the close distance, we consider them as different species based on the morphological differences listed. This hypothesis will be confirmed or rejected in the future when molecular data and analysis can be provided.

Holotype : ♂, China: Jiangxi Province, Yichun City, Wanzai County, Luocheng Town, Jiulongshan Forest Park, Zuojiashan Village, 28°21'07.52"N, 114°30'27.58"E, 164 m, 6.II.2021, K. Liu, D. Zhao, Z. Meng, Z. He & W. Li leg. (Lep-4).

The male of this species is similar to that of Leptonetela gubin Wang & Li, 2017 (in Wang et al. 2017: 386, fig. 48B–D) in having the curved cymbium forming an angle of ca 100° with tibial axis and the horn-like prolateral sclerite, but can be separated from it by the tibia having two spines including one very thick and strong spine proximally (vs a row of spines and lacking a thick and strong spine) (Figs 7B–D, 8M–P). It also resembles that of L. mengzongensis Wang & Li, 2011 (Wang and Li 2011: 10, fig. 24B–D) in having the horn-like prolateral sclerite, but can be easily distinguished from it by the tibia with a thick and strong proximal spine (vs slender) (Figs 7B–D, 8M, N).

Figure 7. 

Leptonetela zuojiashan sp. nov., male holotype A habitus, dorsal view B palp, prolateral view C same, ventral view D same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Em – embolus, PL – prolateral lobe, PS – prolateral sclerite. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Figure 8. 

SEM micrographs of male palps, Leptonetela spp. A Leptonetela dawu sp. nov., left palp, ventral view B same, ventral view C same, detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view D same, detail of conductor and embolus, ventral view E L. yuanhaoi sp. nov., left palp, ventral view F same, ventral view G same, detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view H same, detail of conductor and embolus, ventral view I L. yuanhaoi sp. nov., right palp, ventral view J same, ventral view K same, detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view L same, detail of conductor, ventral view M L. zuojiashanensis sp. nov., right palp, tibial spine, prolateral view N same, detail of the tip, prolateral view O same, bulb, ventral view P same, detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis, PS – prolateral sclerite.

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 7A. Total length 2.08. Carapace 0.92 long, 0.89 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.10, PME 0.09, PLE 0.11; ALE–PME 0.14, PLE–PLE 0.11, PLE–PME 0.05; AER 0.20, PER 0.24. Clypeus 0.13 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 7A) with seven promarginal and five retromarginal teeth. Sternum (Fig. 7A) hexagonal, longer than wide, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 6.17 (1.71, 0.35, 1.66, 1.45, 1.00); II 4.93 (1.32, 0.32, 1.39, 1.11, 0.79); III 3.90 (0.96, 0.39, 1.01, 0.97, 0.57); IV (1.55, 0.29, other segments broken). Pedicel 0.10. Abdomen 1.06 long, 0.82 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 7A). Carapace yellow to dark brown, with dark radial stripes and mottled markings on lateral margin. Chelicerae yellow. Endites yellow, with mottled dark spots. Labium, anterior part dark brown, posterior part yellow. Sternum dark brown, medially with a yellow stripe. Legs yellow to dark brown. Abdomen with three pairs of dark brown spots and three dark chevron-shaped stripes.

Palp (Figs 7B–D, 8M–P). Tibia with two long spines retrolaterally, the basal one very thick and strong, with the trifurcate tip; cymbium lacking spine. Tip of bulb: prolateral lobe finger-like; prolateral sclerite relatively long, buffalo-horn-shaped; conductor membranous, narrowed, with curved tip; embolus short, indistinct, strongly bending dorsally.

Female. Unknown.

Known only from the type locality in Jiangxi Province, China (Fig. 29).

The name is taken from the type locality.

Holotype : ♂, China: Fujian Province, Nanping City, Wuyishan County Level City, Xingcun Town, Guadun Village, 27°43'56.88"N, 117°39'30.29"E, 3.X.2023, Y. Yao, J. Gong & M. Wu leg. (Lep-13). Paratype: 1 ♂, same data as the holotype (Lep-13).

This species is similar to that of Longileptoneta shenxian Wang & Li, 2020 (in Wang et al. 2020: 698, fig. 12A–D) and L. yamasakii Ballarin & Eguchi, 2022 (Ballarin and Eguchi 2022: 373, figs 1C, 3A–C) in having the banded median apophysis with transparent tip, but can be distinguished from it by the carapace with six eyes (vs absent in L. shenxian), the tibia with one canine tooth-like apophysis armed with a short straight spine (vs one columnar apophysis, armed with one long, curved spine in L. shenxian and L. yamasakii) and the wedge-shaped prolateral lobe (vs mastoid in L. shenxian and sub-triangular in L. yamasakii) (Figs 9C–E, 10D, E).

Figure 9. 

Longileptoneta guadunensis sp. nov., male holotype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C palp, prolateral view D same, ventral view, slightly retrolateral E same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis, PL – prolateral lobe. Scale bars: 0.2 mm (A, B); 0.1 mm (C–E).

Figure 10. 

SEM micrographs of Longileptoneta guadunensis sp. nov., right palp, male holotype A ventral view B tibial apophysis, ventral view C detail of the tip of tibial apophysis, ventral view D detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view E same, ventral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis.

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 9A, B. Total length 2.32. Carapace 0.86 long, 0.75 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.08, PME 0.08, PLE 0.08; ALE–PME 0.11, PLE–PLE 0.12, PLE–PME 0.04; AER 0.14, PER 0.18. Clypeus 0.13 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 9B) with eight promarginal and six retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines laterally. Labium sub-rectangular, with several long setae. Sternum (Fig. 9B) shield-shaped, wider than long, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 8.03 (2.08, 0.28, 2.63, 1.84, 1.20); II 4.73 (1.52, 0.23, 1.28, 0.97, 0.73); III 4.45 (1.17, 0.19, 1.29, 1.08, 0.72); IV 6.08 (1.51, 0.25, 1.98, 1.57, 0.77). Pedicel 0.05. Abdomen 1.42 long, 0.83 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 9A, B). Carapace yellow to black-brown, with radial dark stripes near submargin. Chelicerae, endites and labium brown. Sternum yellow to dark brown, mottled. Legs yellow, with sparse mottling. Abdomen dorsally yellowish, mottled in lateral and posterior parts; venter brown, mottled.

Palp (Figs 9C–E, 10). Femur with three rows of long strong spines ventrally, dorsally, and prolaterally; patella without spine; tibia with two spines: one canine tooth-like apophysis, armed with a short straight spine subapically, and a thick and long spine near the base of anterior one. Cymbium with a constriction subapically. Tip of bulb: one long banded median apophysis, distally furcate; prolateral lobe wedge-shaped, large; conductor membranous, anteriorly curved. Embolus indistinct, with broad base.

Female. Unknown.

Known only from the type locality in Fujian Province, China (Fig. 29).

The name is taken from the type locality.

Holotype : ♂, China: Fujian Province, Zhangzhou City, Nanjing County, Huboliao Nature Reserve, Huboliao area, 24°31'2.88"N, 117°14'53.47"E, 08.XI.2023, Y. Yao, J. Gong, R. Zhao & M. Wu leg. (Lep-15). Paratype: 1 ♀, the same data as the holotype (Lep-15); 1 ♂, 24°31'20.98"N, 117°17'32.01"E, 09.XI.2023, Y. Yao, J. Gong, R. Zhao & M. Wu leg. (Lep-15).

The male of this species is similar to that of Longileptoneta shenxian Wang & Li, 2020 (in Wang et al. 2020: 698, fig. 12A–D) in having the bulb with an extruded coniform anterior part and three rows of spines, but can be distinguished from it by the carapace with six eyes (vs absent), the tibia with one long columnar apophysis armed with a long spine (vs one short columnar apophysis, armed with one long, curved spine) and the long needle-like prolateral sclerite (vs thick) (Figs 11, 12). The female can be easily separated from L. shenxian (Wang et al. 2020: 698, fig. 13C) by the bell-shaped atrium, but can be separated by the carapace with six eyes (vs absent) and the distal spermathecal stalk lacking a coil (vs present) (Fig. 13).

Figure 11. 

Longileptoneta huboliao sp. nov., male holotype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C palp, prolateral view D same, ventro-retrolateral view E same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, PL – prolateral lobe, PS – prolateral sclerite. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Figure 12. 

SEM micrographs of Longileptoneta huboliao sp. nov., male palp A femur, prolateral view B palp, ventral view C detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view D same, ventral view E detail of embolus, ventral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, PS – prolateral sclerite.

Figure 13. 

Longileptoneta huboliao sp. nov., female paratype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C vulva, dorsal view. Abbreviations: At – atrium, Spe – spermathecae, SS – spermathecae stalk. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 11A, B. Total length 2.11. Carapace 0.96 long, 0.82 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.08, PME 0.07, PLE 0.07; ALE–PME 0.12, PLE–PLE 0.11, PLE–PME 0.05; AER 0.15, PER 0.19. Clypeus 0.18 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 11B) with nine promarginal and eight retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long setae laterally. Labium sub-rectangular, anteriorly with more than two pairs of strong setae. Sternum (Fig. 11B) shield-shaped, slightly longer than wide, with several long setae on the surface, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 8.04 (1.93, 0.31, 2.55, 2.18, 1.07); II 5.58 (1.54, 0.28, 1.62, 1.34, 0.80); III 4.20 (1.00, 0.27, 1.29, 1.09, 0.55); IV 6.23 (1.76, 0.29, 2.05, 1.57, 0.56). Pedicel 0.11. Abdomen 1.03 long, 0.67 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 11A, B). Carapace reddish to black-brown, with radial dark brown stripes along submargin. Chelicerae and endites reddish to dark brown. Labium brown. Sternum brown, mottled. Legs reddish to black-brown, mottled. Abdomen medial part reddish, other parts dark brown, mottled; venter dark brown, mottled.

Palp (Figs 11C–E, 12). Femur with three rows of short strong spines ventrally, dorsally, and prolaterally; patella lacking spine; tibia with one long columnar apophysis, armed with a long straight spine. Tip of bulb: prolateral lobe willow leaf-shaped; prolateral sclerite long, needle-like; conductor membranous, with serrate tip. Embolus with blunt tip, shorter than prolateral sclerite.

Female (paratype). Habitus as in Fig. 13A, B. Total length 1.77. Carapace 0.89 long, 0.76 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.08, PME 0.07, PLE 0.07; ALE–PME 0.12, PLE–PLE 0.1, PLE–PME 0.05; AER 0.15, PER 0.18. Clypeus 0.14 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 13B) with nine promarginal and eight retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines anterolaterally. Sternum (Fig. 13B) shield-shaped, nearly as long as wide, with dense scale-like surface, lateral margin thickened, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 6.25 (1.90, 0.23, 1.97, 1.53, 0.62); II 5.19 (1.44, 0.26, 1.52, 1.22, 0.75); III 4.18 (1.13, 0.28, 1.24, 0.89, 0.64); IV 6.38 (1.66, 0.28, 2.07, 1.58, 0.79). Pedicel 0.04. Abdomen 0.84 long, 0.59 wide.

Vulva (Fig. 13C). Internal genitalia with semicircle atrium, oval spermathecae, and convoluted spermathecal stalk including three coils.

The right spermathecal stalk and spermathecae were extruded deformation after covering cover slip when we took a photo under microscope.

Known only from the type locality in Fujian Province, China (Fig. 29).

The name is taken from the type locality, noun in apposition.

Holotype : ♂, China: Fujian Province, Fuzhou City, Cangshan District, Jinshan campus in Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 26°2'21.12"N, 119°19'56.66"E, 29.IV.2023, Y. Yao, J. Gong & M. Wu leg. (Lep-10). Paratype: 1 ♀, the same data as the holotype (Lep-10).

The male of this species is similar to that of L. shenxian Wang & Li, 2020 (in Wang et al. 2020: 698, fig. 12A–D) in having the bulb with an extruded coniform anterior part and the spine-like prolateral sclerite, but can be distinguished from it by the carapace with six eyes (vs absent) and the patella with a very strong and thick spine (vs absent), and the hook-shaped embolus (vs the narrowed lamellar embolus) (Figs 14C–E, 15). The female resembles L. shenxian (Wang et al. 2020: 698, fig. 13A–C) in having a bell-shaped atrium, but can be separated by the carapace with eyes (vs lacking) and the C-shaped spermathecal stalk (vs S-shaped) (Fig. 16).

Figure 14. 

Longileptoneta jiaxiani sp. nov., male palp, holotype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C palp, prolateral view D same, ventral view, slightly prolateral E same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, PL – prolateral lobe, PS – prolateral sclerite. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 14A, B. Total length 1.46. Carapace 0.68 long, 0.65 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.05, PME 0.04, PLE 0.05; ALE–PME 0.07, PLE–PLE 0.07, PLE–PME 0.03; AER 0.10, PER 0.12. Clypeus 0.13 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 14B) with eight promarginal and five retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines laterally and seven leaf-shaped setae. Labium sub-rectangular, anterolaterally with two pairs of strong setae and anteriorly with eight setae. Sternum (Fig. 14B) shield-shaped, longer than wide, with dense setae laterally, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 5.23 (1.34, 0.19, 1.61, 1.29, 0.80); II (1.42, 0.28, other segments broken); III 4.52 (1.19, 0.29, 1.15, 1.08, 0.81); IV (1.68, 0.24, other segments broken). Pedicel 0.06. Abdomen 0.73 long, 0.53 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 14A, B). Carapace yellowish to black, with radial dark stripes submedially and mottled markings on lateral margin. Chelicerae yellow to dark brown. Endites yellow. Labium yellow. Sternum yellow to black, mottled. Legs yellow. Abdomen, dorsally yellow, mottled in anterior and posterior parts; venter mottled.

Palp (Figs 14C–E, 15). Femur with four rows of short strong spines ventrally, dorsally, and prolaterally; patella with one thick, strong spine proximally; tibia lacking spine and apophysis. Cymbium with a distinct constriction medially. Tip of bulb: one spine-like prolateral sclerite; prolateral lobe lamellar; conductor membranous, with banded tip, slightly shorter than prolateral sclerite. Embolus indistinct, wrapping with conductor, hook-shaped.

Figure 15. 

SEM micrographs of Longileptoneta jiaxiani sp. nov., right male palp, holotype A right palp, retrolateral view B same, detail of tegular apophysis, retrolateral view C same, retrolateral view D same, detail of tegular apophysis, prolateral view, E same, detail of conductor, prolateral view F same, detail of embolus, ventral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, PL – prolateral lobe, PS – prolateral sclerite.

Female (paratype). Habitus as in Fig. 16A–D. Total length 1.92. Carapace 0.78 long, 0.67 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.05, PME 0.04, PLE 0.05; ALE–PME 0.09, PLE–PLE 0.09, PLE–PME 0.05; AER 0.10, PER 0.15. Clypeus 0.15 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 16B) with eight promarginal and seven retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines anterolaterally. Sternum (Fig. 16B) shield-shaped, nearly as long as wide, with dense scale-like surface, lateral margin thickened, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I (1.40, 0.29, 1.69, other segments broken); II 4.33 (1.21, 0.29, 1.23, 0.99, 0.61); III 3.41 (0.98, 0.13, 0.93, 0.81, 0.56); IV (1.34, 0.21, 1.48, 1.16, other segments broken). Abdomen 1.14 long, 0.80 wide.

Figure 16. 

Longileptoneta jiaxiani sp. nov., female paratype A carapace, dorsal view B same ventral view C abdomen, dorsal view D same, ventral view E vulva, dorsal view. Abbreviations: At – atrium, Spe – spermathecae, SS – spermathecae stalk. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Vulva (Fig. 16E). Internal genitalia with sub-trapezoidal atrium, slightly swollen spermathecae, and convoluted spermathecal stalk including three coils.

Known only from the type locality in Fujian Province, China (Fig. 29).

The species is named after Mr Jiaxian Gong, who collected the type specimens.

Holotype : ♂, China: Fujian Province, Zhangzhou City, Nanjing County, Huboliao Nature Reserve, Letu Rainforest area, 24°54'11.82"N, 117°13'15.3"E, 11.XI.2023, Y. Yao, J. Gong, R. Zhao & M. Wu leg. (Lep-16).

The male of this species can be easily distinguished from other members of this genus by the very large curved tibial apophysis armed with a short spine-like tip (Fig. 17E).

Figure 17. 

Longileptoneta letuensis sp. nov., male holotype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C palp, prolateral view D same, ventral view, slightly retrolateral E same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, PL – prolateral lobe, PS – prolateral sclerite. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 17A, B. Total length 1.78. Carapace 1.04 long, 0.64 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.04, PME 0.04, PLE 0.04; ALE–PME 0.07, PLE–PLE 0.07, PLE–PME 0.03; AER 0.09, PER 0.12. Clypeus 0.06 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 17B) with eight promarginal and six retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines laterally. Sternum (Fig. 17B) shield-shaped, nearly as long as wide, with abundant long setae on surface, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 4.75 (1.34, 0.24, 1.46, 1.14, 0.57); II 3.60 (0.95, 0.24, 1.10, 0.86, 0.45); III 2.80 (0.85, 0.22, 0.79, 0.58, 0.36); IV 4.3 (1.19, 0.24, 1.28, 1.02, 0.57). Pedicel 0.08. Abdomen 0.67 long, 0.66 wide.

Figure 18. 

SEM micrographs of Longileptoneta letuensis sp. nov., male right palp A femur, retrolateral view B tibial apophysis, retrolateral view C detail of the tip of tibial apophysis, retrolateral view D bulb, ventral view E same, detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view F same, detail of conductor, ventral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, PS – prolateral sclerite.

Coloration (Fig. 17A, B). Carapace yellowish, with radial yellow stripes submarginally. Chelicerae, endites and labium yellow. Sternum yellowish, mottled. Legs yellowish. Abdomen dorsally yellowish, with three pairs of indistinct reddish spots; venter mottled.

Palp (Figs 17C–E, 18). Femur with two rows of short strong spines ventrally and prolaterally; patella without spine; tibia with a very long curved apophysis, distally armed with a short straight spine, longer than tibia. Cymbium with a distinct constriction medially. Tip of bulb: one long flagelliform prolateral sclerite; prolateral lobe oval; conductor membranous, medially with a groove. Embolus indistinct.

Female. Unknown.

Known only from the type locality in Fujian Province, China (Fig. 29).

The name is taken from the type locality.

Holotype : ♂, China: Fujian Province, Fuzhou City, Minhou County, Jingxi Town, Renzhou Village, Sandiejing Forest Park, 26°16'3.31"N, 119°09'5.08"E, 24.X.2023, Y. Yao, J. Gong, R. Zhao & M. Wu leg. (Lep-14). Paratype: 2 ♂, 2 ♀, the same data as the holotype (Lep-14); 1 ♂, 29.X.2023, other data as same as the holotype (Lep-14).

The male of this species can be easily distinguished from other members of this genus by the very long curved spine-like prolateral sclerite with a feathery tip (Figs 19C–E, 20). The female resembles L. zhuxian Wang & Li, 2020 (Wang et al. 2020: 700, fig. 16C) in having spheroid spermathecae and the subtrapezoid atrium, but can be separated by the slightly curved spermathecal stalk (vs waved) (Fig. 21C).

Figure 19. 

Longileptoneta renzhouensis sp. nov., male holotype A habitus, dorsal view B B habitus, ventral view C palp, prolateral view D same, ventral view E same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis, PL – prolateral lobe, PS – prolateral sclerite. Scale bars: 0.2 mm (A, B); 0.1 mm (C–E).

Figure 20. 

SEM micrographs of Longileptoneta renzhouensis sp. nov., male palp A palp, prolateral view B detail of tegular apophysis, prolateral view C palp, ventral view D same, detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view E same, ventral view F same, detail of conductor and prolateral sclerite, ventral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis, PS – prolateral sclerite.

Figure 21. 

Longileptoneta renzhouensis sp. nov., female paratype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C vulva, dorsal view. Abbreviations: At – atrium, Spe – spermathecae, SS – spermathecae stalk. Scale bars: 0.2 mm (A, B); 0.1 mm (C).

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 19A, B. Total length 2.73. Carapace 1 long, 0.9 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.08, PME 0.08, PLE 0.08; ALE–PME 0.13, PLE–PLE 0.12, PLE–PME 0.04; AER 0.16, PER 0.20. Clypeus 0.22 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 19B) with nine promarginal and ten retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long setae laterally. Labium sub-rectangular, anteriorly with more than three pairs of strong setae. Sternum (Fig. 19B) shield-shaped, slightly longer than wide, with sparse setae on surface, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 8.38 (2.21, 0.33, 2.62, 2.19 1.03); II 5.62 (1.57, 0.31, 1.86, 1.26, 0.62); III 5.21 (1.37, 0.34, 1.40, 1.26, 0.84); IV 6.95 (1.76, 0.33, 2.22, 1.68, 0.96). Pedicel 0.11. Abdomen 1.60 long, 1.01 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 19A, B). Carapace yellow, with radial yellow stripes submarginally, clypeus mottled. Chelicerae and endites yellow to dark brown, mottled. Labium brown, mottled. Sternum dark brown, mottled. Legs yellow to dark brown, mottled. Abdomen dorsally yellowish, with three pairs of black spots, anterior part mottled; venter black, mottled.

Palp (Figs 19C–E, 20). Femur with three rows of short strong spines ventrally, dorsally, and prolaterally; patella lacking spine; tibia with one columnar apophysis, armed with one straight spine, and one long and very thick spine, slightly shorter than the apophysis. Cymbium with a distinct constriction medially. Tip of bulb: one broad median apophysis, with a furcate tip, including one long membranous and one hook-shaped; prolateral lobe finger-like; conductor membranous, touching with prolateral sclerite; prolateral sclerite waved, needle-like, with a feathery tip. Embolus short hook-shaped, with a broad base.

Female (paratype). Habitus as in Fig. 21A, B. Total length 2.23. Carapace 0.94 long, 0.86 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.09, PME 0.08, PLE 0.08; ALE–PME 0.11, PLE–PLE 0.11, PLE–PME 0.04; AER 0.17, PER 0.18. Clypeus 0.19 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 21B) with nine promarginal and ten retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines anterolaterally. Sternum (Fig. 21B) shield-shaped, nearly as long as wide, with dense scale-like surface, lateral margin thickened, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 7.40 (1.98, 0.31, 2.42, 1.57, 1.12); II 5.56 (1.51, 0.33, 1.63, 1.23, 0.86); III 4.59 (1.33, 0.31, 1.21, 1.03, 0.71); IV 6.70 (1.98, 0.33, 1.96, 1.47, 0.96). Pedicel 0.04. Abdomen 1.41 long, 0.84 wide.

Vulva (Fig. 21C). Internal genitalia with sub-trapezoidal atrium, spherical spermathecae, and slightly curved spermathecal stalk.

Known only from the type locality in Fujian Province, China (Fig. 29).

The name is taken from the type locality.

Holotype : ♂, China: Fujian Province, Fuzhou City, Yongtai County, Geling Town, Yangxi Village, Tianmen Mountain, 25°49'5.34"N, 119°00'40.79"E, 10.IV.2023, J. Gong, R. Zhao & M. Wu leg. (Lep-11). Paratype: 2 ♀, 14.X.2023, Y. Yao & M. Wu leg, other data as same as the holotype (Lep-11).

The male of this species is similar to that of L. huboliao sp. nov. in having the femur with three rows of strong spines, one columnar tibial apophysis, armed with a short spine-like tip on palp and a needle-like prolateral sclerite, but can be easily distinguished from it by the rod-like median apophysis (vs lacking) the membranous conductor lacking a serrulate tip (vs present) (Figs 22C–G, 23). The female resembles L. huboliao sp. nov. in having a bell-like atrium and the spermathecal stalk lacking a spiral twist, but can be separated by the oval spermathecae (vs tube-shaped) (Fig. 24C).

Figure 22. 

Longileptoneta tianmenensis sp. nov., male holotype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C femur, retrolateral view D same, prolateral view E palp, prolateral view F same, ventral view G same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis, PL – prolateral lobe, PS – prolateral sclerite. Scale bars: 0.2 mm (A, B); 0.1 mm (C–G).

Figure 23. 

SEM micrographs of Longileptoneta tianmenensis sp. nov., male right palp, holotype A ventral view B detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view C same, ventral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis, PS – prolateral sclerite.

Figure 24. 

Longileptoneta tianmenensis sp. nov., female paratype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C vulva, dorsal view. Abbreviations: At – atrium, Spe – spermathecae, SS – spermathecae stalk. Scale bars: 0.2 mm (A, B); 0.1 mm (C).

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 22A, B. Total length 2.14. Carapace 0.94 long, 0.82 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.10, PME 0.08, PLE 0.07; ALE–PME 0.10, PLE–PLE 0.13, PLE–PME 0.03; AER 0.17, PER 0.18. Clypeus 0.18 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 22B) with nine promarginal and eight retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long setae laterally. Labium sub-rectangular, anteriorly with more than two pairs of strong setae. Sternum (Fig. 22B) shield-shaped, slightly longer than wide, with sparse setae on surface, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 8.41 (2.63, 0.23, 2.94, 2.06, 0.55); II 6.62 (1.88, 0.24, 1.99, 1.44, 1.07); III 5.34 (1.50, 0.24, 1.50, 1.27, 0.83); IV 7.05 (1.90, 0.29, 2.12, 1.93, 0.81). Pedicel 0.06. Abdomen 1.11 long, 0.70 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 22A, B). Carapace yellowish to black-brown, with dark radial stripes on lateral margin. Chelicerae yellow to brown, mottled. Labium dark brown. Sternum yellow to black, mottled. Legs yellow, mottled. Abdomen, dorsally yellowish, with two pairs of spots; venter dark.

Palp (Figs 22C–G, 23). Femur with three rows of short strong spines ventrally, dorsally, and prolaterally; patella lacking strong spine; tibia with a columnar apophysis, armed with one short straight spine. Cymbium with a distinct constriction medially. Tip of bulb: one rod-like median apophysis, thick; prolateral lobe oval, lamellar; conductor membranous, shorter than median apophysis. Embolus hook-shaped, beneath conductor.

Female (paratype). Habitus as in Fig. 24A, B. Total length 2.22. Carapace 1.01 long, 0.88 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.09, PME 0.07, PLE 0.06; ALE–PME 0.12, PLE–PLE 0.12, PLE–PME 0.06; AER 0.17, PER 0.19. Clypeus 0.11 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 24B) with nine promarginal and twelve retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines anterolaterally. Sternum (Fig. 24B) shield-shaped, nearly as long as wide, with dense scale-like surface, lateral margin thickened, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 9.06 (2.42, 0.32, 2.86, 2.21, 1.25); II 6.69 (1.73, 0.33, 2.07, 1.65, 0.91); III 5.20 (1.46, 0.31, 1.39, 1.20, 0.84); IV 6.65 (2.02, 0.27, 1.96, 1.48, 0.92). Abdomen 1.2 long, 0.88 wide.

Vulva (Fig. 24C). Internal genitalia with sub-trapezoidal atrium, slightly swollen spermathecae, and convoluted spermathecal stalk including three coils.

Known only from the type locality in Fujian Province, China (Fig. 29).

The name is taken from the type locality.

Holotype : ♂, Fujian Province, Fuzhou City, Yongtai County, Geling Town, Xiyang Village, Tianmen Mountain, 25°49'7.6"N, 119°1'5.07"E, 10.IV.2023, R. Zhao, J. Gong & M. Wu leg. (Lep-9). Paratype: 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Fujian Province, Fuzhou City, Minhou County, Nanyu Town, 25°58'24.05"N, 119°13'15.87"E, 5.VI.2023, Y. Yao, W. Zhang, M. Wu & R. Zhao leg. (Lep-9).

The male of this species is similar to that of Pararana gaofani Lin & Li, 2022 (Lin et al. 2022: 217, figs 17A–C, 18A, B) in having the cymbium with a notch and the swollen patella, but can be easily separated by the patella with seven short tooth-like spines (vs four long relatively thick spines), the tibia with a thick spine (vs absent), the long lamellar median apophysis (vs the relatively short horn-like median apophysis) and the slightly curved rod-like embolus (vs horn-like) (Figs 25B–D, 26). The female can be easily distinguished by the oval atrium and the short S-shaped spermathecal stalk (Fig. 27C).

Figure 25. 

Pararana mingxuani sp. nov., male holotype A habitus, dorsal view B palp, prolateral view C same, ventral view D same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis, PL – prolateral lobe, RL – retrolateral lobe. Scale bars: 0.2 mm (A); 0.1 mm (B–D).

Figure 26. 

SEM micrographs of Pararana mingxuani sp. nov., male palp A ventral view B patella, retrolateral view C detail of patellar spines, retrolateral view D detail of tegular apophysis, ventral view E detail of conductor and embolus, ventral view. Abbreviations: Con – conductor, Em – embolus, MA – medial apophysis.

Figure 27. 

Pararana mingxuani sp. nov., female paratype A habitus, dorsal view B same, ventral view C vulva, dorsal view. Abbreviations: At – atrium, Spe – spermathecae, SS – spermathecae stalk. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Figure 28. 

Photographs of living specimens from China. A Longileptoneta guadunensis sp. nov., B L. huboliao sp. nov. C L. jiaxiani sp. nov. D L. letuensis sp. nov. E L. renzhouensis sp. nov. F L. tianmenensis sp. nov. G, H Pararana mingxuani sp. nov.

Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 25A. Total length 2.32. Carapace 0.97 long, 0.81 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.05, PME 0.04, PLE 0.05; ALE–PME 0.10, PLE–PLE 0.06, PLE–PME 0.05; AER 0.11, PER 0.13. Clypeus 0.23 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 25A) with 13 promarginal and five retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long setae laterally and seven leaf-shaped setae anteriorly. Labium sub-rectangular, anterolaterally with two pairs of strong setae and anteriorly with eight setae. Sternum shield-shaped, longer than wide, with sparse setae on surface, posterior end very blunt. Leg measurements: I (2.00, 0.33, other segments broken); II 5.86 (1.54, 0.32, 1.78, 1.42, 0.80); III 4.78 (1.35, 0.29, 1.15, 1.19, 0.80); IV (1.77, 0.28, other segments broken). Pedicel 0.08. Abdomen 1.36 long, 0.76 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 25A). Carapace yellow, with dark radial stripes. Chelicerae yellow to brown. Endites yellow to dark brown. Labium yellow brown. Legs with dark annulations on each segment except tarsi. Abdomen yellow.

Palp (Figs 25B–D, 26). Femur with four rows of short strong spines ventrally, dorsally, and prolaterally; patella expanded, with seven stout spines; tibia with a very thick spine retrolaterally. Cymbium with a notch subapically. Bulb: prolateral lobe banded, long; embolus rod-like, slightly curved, with a broad base and a net-shaped surface; median apophysis lamellar, shorter than conductor; conductor membranous, with serrulate margin; retrolateral lobe blunt, tongue-shaped, touching base of conductor.

Female (paratype). Habitus as in Fig. 27A, B. Total length 1.83. Carapace 0.86 long, 0.76 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: ALE 0.06, PME 0.04, PLE 0.05; ALE-PME 0.07, PLE-PLE 0.07, PLE-PME 0.05, AER 0.09, PER 0.14, Clypeus 0.20 high. Chelicerae (Fig. 27B) with 12 promarginal and four retromarginal teeth. Endites with several long spines anterolaterally. Sternum (Fig. 27B) shield-shaped, nearly as long as wide, with dense scale-like surface, lateral margin thickened, posterior end blunt. Leg measurements: I 4.68 (1.20, 0.24, 1.40, 1.13, 0.71); II 4.74 (1.18, 0.20, 1.49, 1.17, 0.70); III 3.03 (0.82, 0.20, 0.79, 0.74, 0.48); IV (1.03, 0.21, other segments broken). Pedicel 0.04. Abdomen 1.17 long, 0.84 wide.

Coloration (Fig. 27A, B). Darker than male.

Vulva (Fig. 27C). Internal genitalia with bell-shaped atrium, the spheroidal spermathecae and the S-shaped spermathecal stalk including two turns.

Known only from the type locality in Fujian Province, China (Fig. 29).

Figure 29. 

Records of Falcileptoneta monodactyla (Yin, Wang & Wang, 1984), Leptonetela dawu sp. nov., L. yuanhaoi sp. nov. and L. zuojiashan sp. nov. from Jiangxi; Longileptoneta guadunensis sp. nov., L. huboliao sp. nov., L. jiaxiani sp. nov., L. letuensis sp. nov., L. renzhouensis sp. nov., L. tianmenensis sp. nov., and Pararana mingxuani sp. nov. from Fujian, China.

The species is named after Mr Mingxuan Wu, who collected the type specimens.