The family Amaurobiidae comprises four subfamilies: Altellopsinae, Amaurobiinae, Arctobiinae and Ovtchinnikoviinae (Wheeler et al. 2017; Gorneau et al. 2023).

The classification of Amaurobiinae remains unclear at present. However, it is certain that the genera Amaurobius C.L. Koch, 1837, Callobius Chamberlin, 1947, Cybaeopsis Strand, 1907, Pimus Chamberlin, 1947 and Taira Lehtinen, 1967 are assigned to the subfamily (Hu 2020).

Sinoamaurobius yintiaoling Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. from central China.

The generic name is a compound noun from the Latin Sino (meaning China) and Amaurobius. The gender is masculine.

Sinoamaurobius Kong, Zhang & Wang, gen. nov. resembles Amaurobius in having a similar short and curved embolus (Lu et al. 2024: 118, figs 1–6; Wang et al. 2023: 309, figs 1–4; Zhang et al. 2018: 365, figs 1–6), but can be distinguished by the small body size (3.2–4.76 mm) (vs 8.6–17.31 mm), the male palpal patella with a strong dorso-apical short spine (Figs 3C, E, 4C, E), except for S. songi lacking such spine (vs absent, Figs 6–8), large thumb-shaped or half-circular shape of the retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA), originating near the base of the tibia (Figs 3D, 4D), except for S. songi originating near the middle part of the tibia (vs triangular or conical shape, originating near the middle part of the tibia, Figs 6D, 7D, 8D), median apophysis (MA) thin and long (Figs 3D, E, 4D, E) (vs thick and short, Figs 6–8).

Figure 1. 

Photos of living spider. A. Sinoamaurobius yintiaoling Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov., female; B–D. Amaurobius yushen Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. from Yintiaoling: B, C. Male; D. Female. Photographed by Qian-Le Lu.

Total length 3.20–4.76. Carapace yellowish. Eyes region black (Figs 2A, 3A, B, 4A, B). Chelicerae with 3 or 5 teeth on both margins. Legs yellowish. Leg formula in both sexes: 1423. Opisthosoma oval, dorsum yellowish, with six brown chevrons extending posteriorly, venter yellowish brown.

Male palp (Figs 3C–E, 4C–E): Femur almost as long as cymbium; patella with strong dorso-apical short spine; tibia with large thumb-shaped retrolateral apophysis (RTA), dorsal tibial apophysis (DTA) subequal to length of the tibia, hook-like, slightly curved dorsally, with prolateral branch (pb) triangular. Cymbium with distinct fold (CF) located retro-proximally. Tegulum widest in middle part. Sperm duct visible in prolateral and retrolateral view. Median apophysis (MA) sclerotized, hook-like, located near center of tegulum. Conductor membranous and sheet-like. Tegular apophysis (TA) present. Embolus originating prolaterally, short, flat and sharply pointed, with thin apex.

Epigyne (Figs 2B, C, 3B–D, 4F, G): Epigynal plate oval, about 2 times wider than long; with distinct median plate (MP) of variable shape and lateral teeth (LT); copulatory ducts (CD) U or V-shaped, located between spermathecae and connected to each other; spermathecae (S) globular, separated by diameter; fertilization ducts (FD) originating posteriorly, slightly curved, directed laterally.

Inhabit leaf litter on evergreen forest floors.

Sinoamaurobius baima Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov., S. chengkou Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov., S. guangwushanensis (Wang, Irfan, Zhou & Zhang, 2023), comb. nov., S. songi (Zhang, Wang & Zhang, 2018), comb. nov., S. spinatus (Zhang, Wang & Zhang, 2018), comb. nov., S. wulongdongensis comb. nov. (Wang, Irfan, Zhou & Zhang, 2023) and S. yintiaoling Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov.

China (Chongqing, Sichuan, Shaanxi) from the south slope of the Qinling Mountains to the eastern extension of the Hengduan Mountains (Fig. 9).

Holotype • ♀ (SWUC-T-AM-21-01): China, Sichuan Prov., Pingwu Co., Baima Tibetan Vill.; 32°42'46″N, 104°22′37″E, elev. 1800 m; 24–25.9.2019; L.Y. Wang et al. leg.; Paratype • 1♀ (SWUC-T-AM-21-02): same locality as holotype; 16.9.2021; L.Y. Wang et al. leg.

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

The new species resembles S. guangwushanensis (Wang et al. 2023: 308, figs 1D, E, 2B, F, G) in having similar lateral teeth (LT) and spermathecae (S), but can be distinguished by the U-shaped copulatory ducts (Fig. 2C) (vs transverse).

Female holotype (Fig. 2A) total length 4.45. Carapace 2.16 long, 1.44 wide; opisthosoma 2.32 long, 1.64 wide. Carapace yellowish green. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.07, ALE 0.13, PME 0.13, PLE 0.12; AME–AME 0.07, AME–ALE 0.08, PME–PME 0.12, PME–PLE 0.15, ALE–PLE 0.07. MOA 0.33 long, front width 0.20, back width 0.37. Clypeus height 0.17. Chelicerae with 3 promarginal and 3 retromarginal teeth. Leg measurements: I 5.63 (1.57, 2.01, 1.23, 0.82); II 4.34 (1.22, 1.50, 0.98, 0.64); III 3.59 (1.12, 1.08, 0.89, 0.50); IV 4.90 (1.39, 1.72, 1.21, 0.58).

Epigyne (Fig. 2B, C). Epigynal plate 1.6 times wider than long. Median plate (MP) about 2 times wider than long; lateral teeth (LT) sheet-shaped; copulatory ducts (CD) U-shaped, located between spermathecae and connected to each other. Spermathecae (S) globular, separated by diameter. Fertilization ducts (FD) originating posteriorly, slightly curved, directed laterally.

Figure 2. 

Sinoamaurobius baima Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov., holotype female. A. Female habitus, dorsal view; B. Epigyne, ventral view; C. Vulva, dorsal view.

Male unknown.

Females (N = 2) total length 4.45–4.50.

Known only from the type locality, Sichuan, China (Fig. 9).

Holotype • ♂ (SWUC-T-AM-22-01): China, Chongqing Munic., Chengkou Co., Longtian Township, Fenglian Vill. Nacaigou; 32°3′3″N, 108°42′45″E, elev. 1260 m; 2.11.2022; Z.S. Zhang et al. leg. Paratypes (SWUC-T-AM-22-02 to 09) (8♀): • 3♀ (SWUC-AM-22-02 to 04), same locality as holotype; 17.05.2025; L.Y. Wang leg.; • 5♀ (SWUC-AM-22-05 to 09), Fenglian Vill., Tangjiayuanzi; 32°2′32″N, 108°44′52″E, elev. 1315 m; 17.05.2025; L.Y. Wang leg.

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

Male of the new species resembles those of S. wulongdongensis (Wang et al. 2023: 308, figs 3A–C, 4A, C–E) in having a similar embolus and retrolateral tibial apophysis, but can be distinguished by the dorsal tibial apophysis (DTA) hook-like (Fig. 3B, D) (vs tip wavy); apex of the tegular apophysis (TA) bifurcated in ventral view (Fig. 3C) (vs not bifurcated). The female of the new species resembles those of S. yintiaoling Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. (Fig. 4) in having similar globular spermathecae, but can be distinguished by the trapezoid median plate (ML) (Fig. 3F) (vs triangular); copulatory ducts (CD) V-shaped (Fig. 3G) (vs U-shaped); fertilization ducts (FD) originating posteriorly, slightly curved, no obvious outward extension (vs with distinct extension outward before bending).

Figure 3. 

Sinoamaurobius chengkou Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. A, C–E. Holotype male; B, F, G. Paratype female. A. Male habitus, dorsal view; B. Female habitus, dorsal view; C. Left male palp, prolateral view; D. Same, ventral view; E. Same, retrolateral view; F. Epigyne, ventral view; G. Vulva, dorsal view.

Male holotype (Fig. 3A) total length 3.46. Carapace 1.93 long, 1.31 wide; opisthosoma 1.57 long, 1.34 wide. Carapace yellowish. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.05, ALE 0.13, PME 0.10, PLE 0.10; AME–AME 0.05, AME–ALE 0.07, PME–PME 0.11, PME–PLE 0.12, ALE–PLE 0.05. MOA 0.23 long, front width 0.14, back width 0.29. Clypeus height 0.12. Chelicerae with 3 promarginal and 5 retromarginal teeth. Leg measurements: I 7.69 (2.09, 2.75, 1.92, 0.93); II 5.19 (1.41, 1.73, 1.29, 0.76); III 4.38 (1.27, 1.43, 1.05, 0.63); IV 5.47 (1.56, 1.93, 1.42, 0.56). Opisthosoma dorsum brownish, with 2 pairs of yellow spots in anterior part, 3 pairs of chevrons in posterior part, and venter brownish.

Palp (Fig. 3B–D). Tibia about 2 times longer than wide, with dorsal apophysis (DTA) equivalent to 2/3 length of tibia, hook-like, slightly curved dorsally, prolateral branch (pb) triangular. Cymbium 1.5 times longer than tibia, with retrolateral angular projection. Tegulum widest in middle part. Tegular apophysis (TA) thumb-shaped. Sperm duct visible in prolateral and retrolateral view. Median apophysis (MA), hook-like, located near center of tegulum. Embolus originating prolaterally, flat and sharply pointed, with thin apex.

Female paratype (SWUC-T-AM-22-02, Fig. 3B) total length 4.76. Carapace 1.87 long, 1.12 wide; opisthosoma 2.87 long, 2.18 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.04, ALE 0.12, PME 0.10, PLE 0.12; AME–AME 0.05, AME–ALE 0.07, PME–PME 0.12, PME–PLE 0.14, ALE–PLE 0.05. MOA 0.17 long, front width 0.33, back with 0.30. Clypeus height 0.11. Chelicerae as in male. Leg measurements: I 4.99 (1.42, 1.74, 1.14, 0.69); II 3.38 (1.01, 1.15, 0.74, 0.48); III 3.39 (1.02, 1.15, 0.74, 0.48); IV 4.57 (1.37, 1.57, 1.05, 0.58). Opisthosomal pattern as in male.

Epigyne (Fig. 3F, G). Epigynal plate 1.6 times wider than long. Median plate (MP) trapezoidal, 2.25 times wider than long. Lateral teeth (LT) triangular, blunt. Copulatory ducts (CD) V-shaped. Spermathecae (S) globular, closely spaced. Fertilization ducts (FD) originating posteriorly, slightly curved, no obvious outward extension.

Females (N = 8) total length 3.52–4.76.

Known only from the type locality, Chongqing, China (Fig. 9).

See Wang et al. (2023).

Known only from the type locality, Sichuan of China (Fig. 9).

This species is transferred to Sinoamaurobius Kong, Zhang & Wang, gen. nov. due to the similarity in its copulatory organs to those of the generotype.

See Zhang et al. (2018).

Known only from the type locality, Sichuan, China (Fig. 9).

This species is transferred to Sinoamaurobius Kong, Zhang & Wang, gen. nov. due to the similarity in its copulatory organs to those of the generotype.

See Zhang et al. (2018).

Known only from the type locality, Chongqing of China (Fig. 9).

This species is transferred to Sinoamaurobius Kong, Zhang & Wang, gen. nov. based on the similarity of its copulatory organs to those of the generotype.

See Wang et al. (2023).

Known only from the type locality, Shaanxi, China (Fig. 9).

This species is transferred to the new genus Sinoamaurobius based on the similarity of its copulatory organs to those of the type species of the genus.

Holotype • ♂ (SWUC-T-AM-23-01): China, Chongqing Munic., Wuxi Co., Yintiaoling Nature Reserve, Hongqi Station, nr Shuangtong Reservoir; 31°31′22″N, 109°49′33″E, elev. 1209 m; 30.11.2021; Z.S. Zhang et al. leg.; Paratypes (1♂16♀): • 1♂ (SWUC-T-AM-23-02), same data as holotype; • 11♀ (SWUC-T-AM-23-03 to 13), nr Shuangtong Reservoir; 31°31′29″N, 109°49′30″E, elev. 1261 m; 10.4.2022; Z.S. Zhang et al. leg.; • 4♀ (SWUC-T-AM-23-14 to 17), Shuangtong Reservoir; 31°31′22″N, 109°49′36″E, elev. 1194 m; 10.4.2022; Z.S. Zhang et al. leg.; • 1♀ (SWUC-T-AM-23-18), nr Shuangtong Reservoir; 31°31′25″N, 109°49′32″E, elev. 1258 m; 23.9.2022; L.Y. Wang et al. leg.

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

The new species resembles S. spinatus (Zhang et al. 2018: 367, figs 4A–E, 5A–G, 6A–D) in having a similar conductor, embolus, and spermathecae. Males of the new species can be distinguished by the triangular retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA) in ventral view (Fig. 4D) (vs somewhat rectangular); prolateral branch of the dorsal tibial apophysis (pb) hook-shaped in prolateral view (Fig. 4C) (vs thumb-shaped); apex of the tegular apophysis (TA) bifurcated in ventral view (Fig. 4D) (vs not bifurcated); median apophysis (MA) doorknob-shaped (Fig. 4D) (vs hook-shaped). The females can be separated by the median plate (MP) somewhat triangular (Fig. 4F) (vs oval); lateral teeth (LT) 1/3 length of median plate with blunt tip (Fig. 4F) (vs about half the length of median plate, with tapering tip); spermathecae spaced by about half of the radius (Fig. 4G) (vs less than half radius of the spermathecae).

Figure 4. 

Sinoamaurobius yintiaoling Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. A, C–E. Holotype male; B, F, G. Paratype female. A. Male habitus, dorsal view; B. Female habitus, dorsal view; C. Left male palp, prolateral view; D. Same, ventral view; E. Same, retrolateral view; F. Epigyne, ventral view; G. Vulva, dorsal view.

Male holotype (Fig. 4A) total length 3.52. Carapace 1.74 long, 1.23 wide; opisthosoma 1.63 long, 1.27 wide. Carapace yellowish. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.05, ALE 0.10, PME 0.10, PLE 0.10; AME–AME 0.04, AME–ALE 0.06, PME–PME 0.10, PME–PLE 0.11, ALE–PLE 0.04. MOA 0.26 long, front width 0.15, back width 0.29. Clypeus height 0.11. Chelicerae with 4 promarginal and 4 retromarginal teeth. Leg measurements: I 5.79 (1.48, 2.06, 1.42, 0.83); II 4.23 (1.20, 1.40, 1.03, 0.60); III 3.66 (1.11, 1.06, 0.95, 0.54); IV 4.69 (1.42, 1.54, 1.05, 0.68). Opisthosoma dorsum yellowish, with six white chevrons extending posteriorly, and venter yellowish.

Palp (Fig. 4C–E). Femur almost as long as cymbium. Tibia with large thumb-shaped RTA, 2/3 length of tibia, originating near base of tibia. Dorsal apophysis (DTA) large about half of tibia length, slightly curved dorsally, and prolateral branch of dorsal apophysis (pb) hook-like. Cymbium 1.5 times longer than tibia, with retrolateral angular projection. Tegular apophysis (TA) triangular in ventral view. Median apophysis (MA) hook-like, located near center of tegulum. Embolus originating prolaterally, short, flat and sharply pointed, with thin tip.

Female paratype (SWUC-T-AM-23-03, Fig. 4B) total length 4.42. Carapace 1.81 long, 1.14 wide; opisthosoma 2.65 long, 2.11 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.06, ALE 0.11, PME 0.11, PLE 0.11; AME–AME 0.04, AME–ALE 0.07, PME–PME 0.11, PME–PLE 0.15, ALE–PLE 0.06. MOA 0.33 long, front width 0.16, back with 0.31. Clypeus height 0.11. Chelicerae as in male. Leg measurements: I 4.4 (1.31, 1.51, 0.95, 0.63); II 3.54 (1.07, 1.20, 0.75, 0.52); III 2.95 (0.94, 0.96, 0.61, 0.44); IV 4.03 (1.22, 1.32, 1.01, 0.48). Opisthosoma as in male.

Epigyne (Fig. 4F, G). Epigynal plate 1.6 times wider than long. Median plate (MP) triangular, almost 2 times wider than long; lateral teeth (LT) triangular, with blunt tips. Copulatory ducts (CD) U-shaped. Spermathecae (S) globular, spaced by about half of radius. Fertilization ducts (FD) originating posteriorly.

Male (N = 2) total length 3.53–3.63, females (N = 16) total length 3.51–4.48.

Known only form the type locality, Yintiaoling Natural Reserve, Chongqing, China (Fig. 9).

Aranea atrox De Geer, 1778 (considered a junior synonym of A. fenestralis Ström, 1768) from Sweden.

It has disjunct distribution and is known in the West Palearctic east to Iran, in Eastern China (Chongqing, Hubei, Sichuan, Shaanxi) and in the Nearctic (from Canada to northern Mexico, all species, except one, are restricted to the western part of the Nearctic).

Holotype • ♀ (SWUC-T-AM-24-01): China, Shaanxi Prov., Foping Co., Xiongmao Valley; 33°40′21″N, 107°57′37″E, elev. 1332 m; 17.5.2018; Z.S. Zhang et al. leg.

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

The new species resembles A. yaan Lin & Li, 2024 (Lu et al. 2024: 121, figs 4A, B, 6A, B, 8G, H), in having similarly triangular lateral teeth (LT) of the epigyne, but can be distinguished by the median plate (MP) longer than wide (Fig. 5B) (vs as wide as long) and the copulatory ducts (CD) being inconspicuous (Fig. 5C) (vs conspicuous).

Figure 5. 

Amaurobius foping Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov., holotype female. A. Female habitus, dorsal view; B. Epigyne, ventral view; C. Vulva, dorsal view.

Female holotype (Fig. 5A) total length 14.22. Carapace 6.0 long, 4.43 wide, opisthosoma 7.89 long, 5.37 wide. Carapace reddish. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.25, ALE 0.27, PME 0.18, PLE 0.24; AME–AME 0.17, AME–ALE 0.45, PME–PME 0.38, PME–PLE 0.74, ALE–PLE 0.22. MOA 0.73 long, front width 0.67, back width 0.82. Clypeus height 0.36. Chelicerae with 4 promarginal and 4 retromarginal teeth. Legs brownish. Leg measurements: I 9.18 (3.72, 3.15, 1.47, 0.84); II 11.56 (3.48, 3.95 2.63, 1.50); III 10.15 (3.26, 3.17, 2.37, 1.35); IV 14.07 (3.79, 5.34, 3.16, 1.78). Opisthosoma oval, dorsum brownish, with 2 pairs of yellow spots in anterior part, 3 pairs of chevrons in posterior part, venter brownish.

Epigyne (Fig. 5B, C). Epigynal plate 1.4 times wider than long, median plate (MP) trapezoidal, apparently anterior margin excavated medially, wider than long; lateral teeth (LT) triangular, blunt. Spermathecae (S) globular, spaced by about half of radius, copulatory ducts (CD) inconspicuous. Fertilization ducts (FD) originating posteriorly.

Male unknown.

Known only from the type locality, Shaanxi, China (Fig. 9).

Holotype • ♂ (SWUC-T-AM-25-01): China, Sichuan Prov., Pingwu Co., Baima Tibetan Vill.; 32°42′46″N, 104°22′37″E, elev. 1801 m; 24–25.9.2019; L.Y. Wang et al. leg.; Paratypes: • 6♂3♀ (SWUC-T-AM-25-02 to 10), same data as holotype.

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

The new species resembles A. danba Lin & Li, 2024 (Lu et al. 2024: 121, figs 1A, B, 2A, B, 3A, B, 8A–D) in having similar male palpal tibia and embolus, and females have similar lateral teeth (LT). Males of the new species can be recognized by having conical retrolateral tibial apophysis (Fig. 6D) (vs triangular); females can be separated by the anterior margin of median plate (MP) with distinct excision (Fig. 6F) (vs both anterior and posterior margins with excision).

Figure 6. 

Amaurobius pingwu Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. A, C–E. Holotype male; B, F, G. Paratype female. A. Male habitus, dorsal view; B. Female habitus, dorsal view; C. Left male palp, prolateral view; D. Same, ventral view; E. Same, retrolateral view; F. Epigyne, ventral view; G. Vulva, dorsal view.

Male holotype (Fig. 6A), total length 13.22. Carapace 7.04 long, 4.53 wide; opisthosoma 6.14 long, 4.31 wide. Carapace reddish brown. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.21, ALE 0.29, PME 0.18, PLE 0.22; AME–AME 0.19, AME–ALE 0.42, PME–PME 0.36, PME–PLE 0.68, ALE–PLE 0.14. MOA 0.69 long, front width 0.57, back width 0.75. Clypeus height 0.31. Chelicerae reddish brown, with 5 promarginal and 4 or 5 retromarginal teeth. Legs yellowish brown. Leg measurements: I 17.21 (4.80, 5.97, 4.02, 2.42); II 15.66 (4.55, 5.49, 3.63, 1.99); III 14.13 (4.31, 4.87, 3.86, 1.59); IV 17.22 (4.94, 6.45, 3.94, 1.89). Opisthosoma oval, dorsum grass greenish, with 2 pairs of yellow spots in anterior part, 3 pairs of chevrons in posterior part, and venter greenish.

Pale (Fig. 6C–E). Tibia with conical RTA, originating near middle part of tibia. DTA large, with 3 branches: prolateral one (pb) triangle-shaped, longer than wide, retrolateral branch larger than other, and intermediate branch spine-like. Cymbium as long as tibia, with retrolateral angular projection. Tegulum widest in middle part. Tegular apophysis (TA) slightly raised. Sperm duct visible in retrolateral view. Median apophysis (MA) hook-like, located near center of tegulum. Conductor membranous and sheet-like. Embolus originating prolaterally, short, flat and sharply pointed.

Female paratype (SWUC-T-AM-25-02, Fig. 6B) total length 13.95. Carapace 6.75 long, 4.73 wide; opisthosoma 7.50 long, 5.05 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.19, ALE 0.27, PME 0.19, PLE 0.24; AME–AME 0.19, AME–ALE 0.52, PME–PME 0.46, PME–PLE 0.78, ALE–PLE 0.20. MOA 0.74 long, front width 0.64, back with 0.83. Clypeus height 0.33. Legs reddish brown. Leg measurements: I 14.98 (4.27, 5.45, 3.16, 2.10); II 13.36 (4.03, 4.81, 2.72, 1.80); III 11.67 (3.33, 4.40, 2.57, 1.37); IV 14.61 (4.37, 5.30, 3.36, 1.58). Chelicerae with 5 promarginal and 4 or 5 retromarginal teeth. Opisthosoma same as in male.

Epigyne (Fig. 6F, G). Epigynal plate 1.4 times wider than long. Median plate (MP) roughly trapezoidal, with excision on anterior margin; lateral teeth (LT) triangular, pointed. Copulatory ducts (CD) transverse, located between spermathecae and connected to each other. Spermathecae (S) globular, spaced by about half of radius. Fertilization ducts (FD) originating posteriorly.

Male (N = 7) total length 12.53–13.22, females (N = 3) total length 13.95–17.31.

Known only from the type locality, Sichuan, China (Fig. 9).

Holotype • ♂ (SWUC-T-AM-26-01): China, Chongqing Munic., Wuxi Co., Yintiaoling Nature Reserve, Qianzipa Station, Zhujiazhaizi Cave; 31°28′27″N, 109°47′9″E, elev. 1970 m; 22.9.2022; L.Y. Wang et al. leg.; Paratypes (6♂11♀): • 2♂2♀ (SWUC-T-AM-26-02 to 05), same data as holotype; • 3♂2♀ (SWUC-T-AM-26-06 to 10), Yintiaoling Nature Reserve, Guanshan Station, Yanzi Cave; 31°29′1″N, 109°43′49″E, elev. 2204 m; 22.9.2022; L.Y. Wang et al. leg.; • 1♂2♀ (SWUC-T-AM-26-11 to 13), Chenkou Co., Heyu Co., Xumu Vill., Lilaopo; 31°54′124″N, 109°3′0.7″E, elev. 1591 m; 12.8.2023; Z.S. Zhang et al. leg.; Hubei • 5♀ (SWUC-T-AM-26-14 to 18), Shennongjia, Hongping Town, Tianyan scenic area; 31°42’53″N, 110°27′42″E, elev. 2114 m; 22.9.2023; L.Y. Wang et al. leg.

The specific name is derived from the Chinese word ‘yu’ and ‘shen’, Yu (渝) is an abbreviation for Chongqing and Shen (神) is an abbreviation for Shennongjia (神农架).

The male of this new species resembles those of A. yaan Lin & Li, 2024 (Lu et al. 2024: 121, figs 4A, B, 5A, B, 8E, F) in that the males have similar median and retrolateral tibial apophyses, and the females have similar lateral teeth and spermathecae. However, the new species can be distinguished by the dorsal tibial apophysis (DTA) finger-like, larger than its prolateral branch (pb) (Figs 7C, E, 8C, E) (vs dorsal apophysis subequal in length to its prolateral branch). The female of this new species resembles those of A. foping sp. nov. (Fig. 5) in having similar elliptical spermathecae (S) and fertilization ducts (FD), but can be distinguished by the tip of lateral teeth (LT) pointed (Fig. 7F) (vs blunt); median plate about 2 times wider than long (Fig. 7F) (vs about as long as wide); copulatory ducts (CD) distinct (Fig. 7G) (vs inconspicuous).

Figure 7. 

Amaurobius yushen Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. from Yintiaoling. A, C–E. Holotype male; B, F, G. Paratype female. A. Male habitus, dorsal view; B. Female habitus, dorsal view; C. Left male palp, prolateral view; D. Same, ventral view; E. Same, retrolateral view; F. Epigyne, ventral view; G. Vulva, dorsal view.

Figure 8. 

Amaurobius yushen Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. from Chengkou. A, C–E. Paratype male; B, F, G. Paratype female. A. Male habitus, dorsal view; B. Female habitus, dorsal view; C. Left male palp, prolateral view; D. Same, ventral view; E. Same, retrolateral view; F. Epigyne, ventral view; G. Vulva, dorsal view.

Male holotype (Fig. 7A) total length 11.03. Carapace 5.54 long, 4.29 wide; opisthosoma 5.18 long, 4.09 wide. Carapace brownish. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.22, ALE 0.26, PME 0.20, PLE 0.23; AME–AME 0.13, AME–ALE 0.38, PME–PME 0.34, PME–PLE 0.56, ALE–PLE 0.13. MOA 0.59 long, front width 0.56, back width 0.77. Clypeus height 0.22. Chelicerae with 4 promarginal and 3 retromarginal teeth. Legs yellowish brown. Leg measurements: I 15.42 (4.14, 5.43, 3.65, 2.20); II 14.59 (4.08, 5.20, 3.42, 1.89); III 12.79 (3.83, 4.37, 2.98, 1.61); IV 15.15 (4.22, 5.49, 3.70, 1.74). Opisthosoma oval, dorsum yellowish, with 6 brown chevrons extending posteriorly, venter yellowish brown.

Palp (Fig. 7C–E). Tibia about 2 times longer than wide, with elongated RTA, originating near tip of tibia. DTA large, longer than wide, slightly curved dorsally, prolateral branch (pb) small, finger-like. Tegulum widest in middle part. Sperm duct visible in prolateral and retrolateral view. Tegular apophysis (TA) slightly raised. Median apophysis (MA) hook-like, located near center of tegulum. Conductor (C) membranous and sheet-like. Embolus originating prolaterally, short, flat and sharply pointed, with thin apex.

Female paratype (SWUC-T-AM-26-02, Fig. 7B) total length 13.66. Carapace 6.37 long, 4.74 wide; opisthosoma 7.11 long, 5.83 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.24, ALE 0.33, PME 0.21, PLE 0.27; AME–AME 0.14, AME–ALE 0.46, PME–PME 0.39, PME–PLE 0.73, ALE–PLE 0.19. MOA 0.76 long, front width 0.68, back width 0.85. Clypeus height 0.29. Legs yellowish brown. Leg measurements: I 14.22 (4.24, 4.97, 3.15, 1.86); II 13.37 (4.12, 4.76, 2.79, 1.70); III 11.55 (3.28, 4.34, 2.40, 1.53); IV 13.93 (4.13, 4.93, 3.33, 1.54). Chelicerae with 4 promarginal and 3 retromarginal teeth. Opisthosoma as in male.

Epigyne (Fig. 7F, G). Epigynal plate 2 times wider than long. Median plate (MP) trapezoidal wider than long, with shallow excision on anterior margin medially; lateral teeth (LT) triangular, pointed. Spermathecae (S) elliptical, spaced by almost one width. Copulatory ducts (CD) tubular. Fertilization ducts (FD), originating posteriorly.

Male (N = 7) total length 10.64–11.03, females (N = 11) total length 13.66–13.84.

China (Chongqing, Hubei) (Fig. 9).

Figure 9. 

Distribution of five Amaurobius and seven Sinoamaurobius Kong, Zhang & Wang, gen. nov. species in China. 1. Sinoamaurobius baima Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov.; 2. S. chengkou Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov.; 3. S. guangwushanensis (Wang, Irfan, Zhou & Zhang, 2023); 4. S. songi (Zhang, Wang & Zhang, 2018); 5. S. spinatus (Zhang, Wang & Zhang, 2018); 6. S. wulongdongensis (Wang, Irfan, Zhou & Zhang, 2023); 7. S. yintiaoling Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov.; 8. Amaurobius danba Lu, Lin & Li, 2024; 9. A. foping Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov.; 10. A. pingwu Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov.; 11. A. yaan Lu, Lin & Li, 2024; 12. A. yushen Kong, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov.