Research Article |
Corresponding author: Zhi-Sheng Zhang ( zhangzs327@qq.com ) Academic editor: Yuri Marusik
© 2025 Yan-Nan Mu, Lu-Yu Wang, Tian-Yu Ren, Yuan Tian, Zhi-Sheng Zhang.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Mu Y-N, Wang L-Y, Ren T-Y, Tian Y, Zhang Z-S (2025) Review of the genus Ageleradix Xu & Li, 2007 (Araneae, Agelenidae), with descriptions of three new species. ZooKeys 1236: 197-208. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1236.143650
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The spider genus Ageleradix Xu & Li, 2007 is reviewed. Three new species are described: A. dulong Mu, Wang & Zhang, sp. nov. (♂♀, Yunnan), A. jinfoshan Mu, Wang & Zhang, sp. nov. (♀, Chongqing) and A. nangunhe Mu, Wang & Zhang, sp. nov. (♂♀, Yunnan). A key to all nine species of Ageleradix is provided, and the genus is split into three species-groups.
Ageleninae, Asia, funnel weavers, identification key, morphology, taxonomy
Agelenidae C.L. Koch, 1837 comprises 1427 species in 98 genera (including 1 extinct genus and 7 species) and is distributed almost worldwide. In China, the family is represented by 490 species, belonging to 39 genera in four subfamilies (
While examining specimens collected from Yunnan and Chongqing, three new species of Ageleradix were recognized. This paper aims to describe these new species, provide a comprehensive review of the genus, and present an identification key for all its known species and notes on species grouping.
All specimens were preserved in 75% ethanol and examined, illustrated, photographed, and measured using a Leica M205A stereomicroscope equipped with a drawing tube, a Leica DFC450 Camera, and LAS v. 4.6 software. Male palps and epigynes were examined and illustrated after they were dissected. Epigynes were cleared by immersing them in pancreatin for about an hour (
Terminology follows
Family Agelenidae C. L. Koch, 1837
Subfamily Ageleninae C. L. Koch, 1837
Ageleradix sichuanensis Xu & Li, 2007 (by original designation).
This genus is similar to Allagelena Zhang, Zhu & Song, 2006 in having centrally originated, extending distally and proximally and sclerotized conductor (C), but can be separated from it by: palpal patella lacking apophysis (vs. with apophysis), retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA) not well developed (vs. well developed), embolus (E) slender (vs. thick), tegular apophysis (TA) well developed (vs. not well developed); scape (Sc) extending to middle part of epigynal plate (vs. absent or not extending to middle part), and atrium shallow (vs. deep).
A. cymbiforma (Wang, 1991) (♀), A. otiforma (Wang, 1991) (♀♂), A. schwendingeri Zhang, Li & Xu, 2008 (♀♂), A. sichuanensis Xu & Li, 2007 (♀♂), A. sternseptum Zhang, Li & Xu, 2008 (♀) and A. zhishengi Zhang, Li & Xu, 2008 (♀♂), A. dulong Mu, Wang & Zhang sp. nov. (♀♂), A. jinfoshan Mu, Wang & Zhang sp. nov. (♀) and A. nangunhe Mu, Wang & Zhang sp. nov. (♀♂).
Known only from China (Yunnan, Sichuan, Xizang, Guangxi, Guizhou).
Holotype • ♂, China, Yunnan Prov., Nujiang Lisu Auton. Pref., Gongshan Dulong and Nu Auton. Co., Dulong River, dangbanglaka; 27°49'38.85"N, 98°19'35.52"E, elev. 1430 m, 20.04.2024, leg. L.Y. Wang, et al. Paratypes: • 2♂1♀, with same data as holotype. • 1♀, Hapang waterfall; 27°40'43.66"N, 98°16'13.25"E, elev. 1156 m, leg. L.Y. Wang.
The specific name is derived from the Dulong River; noun in apposition.
The new species resembles A. schwendingeri in having similar median apophysis (MA) and retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA) (cf. Fig.
Ageleradix dulong Mu, Wang & Zhang, sp. nov., male left palp A bulb, prolateral view B same, ventral view C same, retrolateral view D prolateral view E ventral view F retrolateral view. Abbreviations: C—conductor; E—embolus; MA—median apophysis; R—radix; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; TA—tegular apophysis; Tp—tegular process; ST—subtegulum.
Ageleradix dulong Mu, Wang & Zhang, sp. nov. Male holotype (A) and female paratype (B–D) A, B habitus, dorsal view C epigyne, ventral view D same, dorsal view. Abbreviations: CD—copulatory duct; CO—copulatory opening; FD—fertilization duct; S—spermathecae; Sc—scape; SH—spermathecal head; SS—spermathecal stalk.
Male (holotype, Fig.
Palp (Fig.
Female (paratype, Fig.
Epigyne (Fig.
Known only from the type locality.
Holotype • ♀, China, Chongqing Mun., Nanchuan Dist., Jinfo Mt Reserve (Gufo Cave); 29°2'6.93"N, 107°11'32.14"E, elev. 2043 m, 4.09.2024, leg. Z.S. Zhang.
The specific name is derived from the type locality (jinfoshan = Jinfo mountain); noun in apposition.
The new species resembles A. zhishengi in having similar-shaped anterior part of atrium (cf. Fig.
Female. Total length 7.94. Carapace: 3.68 long, 2.91 wide. Abdomen: 4.70 long, 2.95 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.22, ALE 0.24, PME 0.20, PLE 0.21, AME–AME 0.07, AME–ALE 0.06, PME–PME 0.19, PME–PLE 0.12, ALE–PLE 0.07. MOA: anterior width 0.44, posterior width 0.55, 0.48 long. Clypeus 0.10 long. Chelicerae with 3 promarginal and 3 retromarginal teeth. Leg measurements: I 11.84 (3.18, 4.07, 2.73, 1.86), II 10.26 (3.00, 3.29, 2.33, 1.64), III 10.19 (2.79, 3.29, 2.57, 1.54), IV 13.96 (3.83, 4.32, 3.81, 2.00). Carapace white-yellow, with U-shaped dark brown pattern. Cervical groove and radial grooves distinct. Fovea short, slightly depressed. Abdomen ovoid, gray; cardiac mark nearly as long as abdomen, red-brown. Anterior spinnerets shorter than basal segment of posterior-lateral spinnerets.
Epigyne as in Fig.
Male. Unknown.
Known only from the type locality.
Holotype • ♂, China, Yunnan Prov., Lincang City, Cangyuan Co., Nangunhe National Nature Reserve, Mengjiao station; 23°16'36.01"N, 99°11'24.13"E, elev. 1747 m, 29.09.2024, leg. Y.J. Cai and L.X. Cheng. Paratypes: • 2♀, with same data as holotype.
The specific name is derived from the type locality; noun in apposition.
The male of this new species resembles those of A. schwendingeri in having similarly shaped retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA) and short tibia (cf. Fig.
Mu, Wang & Zhang, sp. nov., male holotype and female paratype A male, dorsal view B female, dorsal view C epigyne, ventral view D same, dorsal view E left palp, prolateral view F same, ventral view G same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: bTA—basal tibial apophysis; C—conductor; CB—copulatory bursa; CD—copulatory duct; CO—copulatory opening; E—embolus; FD—fertilization duct; MA—median apophysis; R—radix; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; S—spermathecae; Sc—scape; Se—septum; SH—spermathecal head; TA—tegular apophysis; Tp—tegular process.
Habitus of Ageleradix schwendingeri Zhang, Li & Xu, 2008 A male, dorsal view B female, dorsal view C epigyne, ventral view D same, dorsal view E male left palp, prolateral view F same, ventral view G same, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: C—conductor; E—embolus; MA—median apophysis; R—radix; RTA—retrolateral tibial apophysis; TA—tegular apophysis; Tp—tegular process; S—spermathecae; Sc—scape.
Male (holotype, Fig.
Palp (Fig.
Female (paratype Fig.
Epigyne (Fig.
Known only from the type locality.
China, Xizang • 2♂3♀, Chayu Co., Xiachayu Town, Xiachayu Bridge, scrub-grassland near river, 28°27'24.72"N, 97°02'40.68"E, elev. 1464 m, 26.06.2018, leg. L.Y. Wang et al. • 1♀, Chayu Co., 28°39'35.88"N, 97°27'57.84"E, elev. 2323 m, 25.06.2018, leg. L.Y. Wang. • 1♂1♀, Chayu Co., 28°39'35.88"N, 97°27'57.84"E, elev. 2323 m, 25.05.2019, leg. L.Y. Wang and P. Liu. • 1♂, Chayu Co., 28°39'35.88"N, 97°27'57.84"E, elev. 2323 m, 27.05.2019, leg. L.Y. Wang.
See
China (Xizang, Sichuan).
1 | Female | 2 |
– | Male | 10 |
2 | Atrium posteriorly located | 3 |
– | Atrium anteriorly located | 6 |
3. | Spermathecae (S) anteriorly located | 4 |
– | Spermathecae (S) posteriorly located | 5 |
4 | Copulatory bursa (CB) oval | A. nangunhe sp. nov. |
– | Copulatory bursa (CB) clavate | A. cymbiforma |
5 | Scape (Sc), bifurcated with blunt tips wider than long | A. dulong sp. nov. |
– | Scape (Sc), bifurcated with pointed tips longer than wide | A. schwendingeri |
6 | Scape (Sc) lacking | 7 |
– | Scape (Sc) present | 8 |
7 | Atrium divided | A. sternseptum |
– | Atrium undivided | A. otiforma |
8 | Spermathecae (S) round | A. sichuanensis |
– | Spermathecae (S) oval | 9 |
9 | Septum (Se) lacking | A. zhishengi |
– | Septum (Se) as long as atrium, with parallel margins | A. jinfoshan sp. nov. |
10 | RTA developed, large; conductor (C) tongue-shaped | 11 |
– | RTA strongly reduced or absent; conductor (C) not tongue-shaped | 13 |
11 | Embolus (E) reach mid part of bulb, filiform | A. nangunhe sp. nov. |
– | Embolus (E) extending anteriorly | 12 |
12 | Tibia about 2/3 length of cymbium, embolus (E) S-shaped in retrolateral view | A. dulong sp. nov. |
– | Tibia about 1/4 length of cymbium, embolus (E) C-shaped in retrolateral view | A. schwendingeri |
13 | Embolus (E) long, filiform bent anticlockwise | A. otiforma |
– | Embolus (E) short | 14 |
14 | Conductor (C) longer than bulb, tibia wider than long | A. zhishengi |
– | Conductor (C) about1/2 of bulb length, tibia longer than wide | A. sichuanensis |
The genus Ageleradix now comprises nine species, all distributed in southwest China. Although species within this genus appear similar in general appearance, they exhibit significant differences in copulatory organs. For instance, in A. zhishengi, the conductor is longer than the bulb, whereas in other species, it is shorter than the bulb. In addition, A. otiforma also display notable differences compared to the type species A. sichuanensis. For example, A. otiforma exhibits a filiform embolus, a conductor with a membranous tip, and the scape absent in the epigyne, while in contrast, A. sichuanensis has a short embolus, sclerotized conductor, and the scape extends to the middle part of the epigynal plate.
In summary, we propose that Ageleradix can be divided into three species-groups based on the shape of copulatory organs: the A. cymbiforma-group, the A. otiforma-group, and the A. sichuanensis-group. The diagnosis and composition of each species group are provided in Table
Characteristics of the Ageleradix species-groups and list of species in each.
Species group name | Diagnostic character | Species |
---|---|---|
A. cymbiforma-group | RTA well developed, nubbly | A. cymbiforma; A. dulong sp. nov.; A. nangunhe sp. nov.; A. schwendingeri |
conductor tongue-shaped | ||
atrium posteriorly located; with scape | ||
A. otiforma-group | RTA with sharp tip | A. otiforma (Wang, 1991); A. sternseptum Zhang, Li & Xu, 2008 |
conductor long, with narrow and membranous tip | ||
atrium anteriorly located; scape absent | ||
A. sichuanensis-group | RTA inconspicuous | A. sichuanensis Xu & Li, 2007; A. zhishengi Zhang, Li & Xu, 2008; A. jinfoshan sp. nov. |
conductor strong sclerotized, nubbly | ||
atrium large, anteriorly located; scape present |
Many thanks to the anonymous reviewers and editor (Yuri Marusik) for their valuable comments that greatly improved the manuscript. Thanks also to Yujun Cai, Lingxin Cheng, Huiyi Chen and Qianle Lu (Southwest University) for helping collect specimens.
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
No ethical statement was reported.
This research is also supported by the Science Foundation of School of Life Sciences SWU (20232008071901 and 20212020110501).
All authors have contributed equally.
Yan-Nan Mu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2504-673X
Luyu Wang https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5250-3473
Yuan Tian https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5358-271X
Zhi-Sheng Zhang https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9304-1789
All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text.