Pachyloscelis fulvipes Lucas, 1835 from Java and Sumatra

Calommata can be distinguished from Atypus and Sphodros by three main characteristics: 1) Spermathecal structure. In Atypus, there are two broad plates each bearing two or more small receptacula (Schwendinger 1990: figs 14–25), in Sphodros the four spermathecae are each highly coiled and without distinct receptacula (e.g. Gertsch and Platnick 1980: fig. 29), whereas in Calommata there are four spermathecae (Fig. 62), each bearing several closely packed terminal receptacula positioned in a cauliflower-like arrangement, ). However, the latter definition was based only on the spermathecal structure of three of the seven Calommata species (Gertsch and Platnick 1980), and variation does indeed occur within the spermathecal structure of the genus. The female genitalia of Calommata transvaalica only bear one pair of oval spermathecae (Fig. 69). 2) Male palpal cymbium structure. In Calommata the palpal cymbium is short and truncate (Fig. 48), while in Atypus and Sphodros it is short and acuminate (Gertsch and Platnick 1980: figs 15, 25; Raven 1985). 3) Labiosternal suture. In Calommata the labiosternal suture is positioned anteriorly on the sternum (Levy 2007: fig. 8), but is considered by Gertsch and Platnick (1980) to be absent and by Raven (1985) to have migrated posteriorly in Atypus and Sphodros (see Gertsch and Platnick 1980: figs 14, 22). Further morphological characters unique to Calommata (Gertsch and Platnick 1980) include the bipartite, longitudinal thoracic groove (fovea) (Figs 1–9); basal ledge on the outer surface of the fangs of both sexes, the posteriorly positioned ocular tubercle, enormously elongated endites and dorsally expanded chelicerae (Figs 10, 11); short leg I, particularly the femur, and flattened palpal tibia and tarsus of females (Figs 4, 7); and the greatly elongate tarsi of legs III and IV of males, which are clearly pseudosegmented (e.g. Figs 3, 5, 30).

Medium to large sexually dimorphic spiders (Figs 1–9), females 18.60–33.40 in length and males 5.10–9.35 in length. Carapace with an anterior, strongly elevated median ocular tubercle (Figs 10, 11), with a flattened posterior part traversed by a longitudinal thoracic furrow with a small deep pit in the middle (Figs 1–8). Three faint lines run from the ocular tubercle, converging at the fovea. Chelicerae massive, dorsally expanded with flattened sides, bearing sharp teeth usually in one (rarely two) rows, and a long arched fang with a slit-like distal opening and distinctive basal ledge along its outer margin (Figs 10–19, 20, 21, 26, 29). Cheliceral dentition of both sexes often variable between specimens and even between opposing chelicerae of a specimen. The general dentition pattern of each species and sex is indicated in Figs 12–19. Chelicerae of females have larger, more numerous teeth and an extensive field of tiny denticles retrolateral of the teeth row near the cheliceral base (Figs 15, 18). Chilum single, large, varying in shape, oval, rectangular or pentagonal (Figs 1–8). Endites strongly elongated and curved upwards on the prolateral side (Figs 10, 11, 22). Sternum with a distinctive labio-sternal suture anteriorly. Legs of females short and stout, leg formula of females 4231. Legs of males of normal size, with the tarsi pseudosegmented (Figs 23, 24, 30) and tarsi of legs III and IV distinctly longer (Figs 1–3, 5, 6, 8, 9); leg formula of males usually 4321, rarely 4132. Tarsi with three claws, paired claws of males with single row of teeth and unpaired claw without teeth (Figs 23, 27), contra Raven (1985: 123). Tarsi ventrally scopulate, consisting of pointed setae (Figs 25, 31) or setae with a rounded tip (Fig. 28). Abdomen of male with small, distinctive anterior dorsal scutum, absent in females (Figs 1–8). Venter with three pairs of spinnerets, examined in detail in males (Figs 32–40) but not females; ALS small and finger-like, single-segmented, with a single short, stout distal fused spigot (Figs 32–34); PMS small and subtriangular, single-segmented, with several fused and articulated spigots in distal half of segment (Figs 32, 35, 36, 39); PLS large, elongate, three segmented, distal segment digitiform, with several fused and articulated spigots in distal half of second and entire ventral surface of third segment (Figs 32, 37, 38, 40). Anal tubercle widely separated from the spinnerets. Female palp short, with flattened tibia and tarsus (Fig. 7). Female epigyne forming broad, weakly sclerotised plate in ventral view; epigyne with two pairs of spermathecae, median pair subrectangular and rounded anteriorly, and lateral pair subtriangular (Fig. 62), or with single pair of transversely oval spermathecae (Fig. 69). Male palp with swollen tibia, bearing a retrolateral ventral row of several trichobothria, the bases of which are raised to one side; palpal tegulum with curved broad conductor with tooth on its dorsal surface, embolus straight, tapering towards tip (Figs 41–52).

[females of Calommata megae sp. n., Calommata meridionalis sp. n., Calommata namibica sp. n. and Calommata tibialis sp. n. unknown]

ZIMBABWE: Harare, Highlands [17°48'S, 31°05'E], 13.I.2003, on soil, by hand, M. Cumming (NCA 2004/362).

ZIMBABWE: 1imm.: same locality as holotype, 21.II.2000, in garden, M. Cumming (NCA 2004/1361).

The male of this species is recognised by the conductor that narrows and makes a half twist before broadening distally, and the obliquely orientated embolus and conductor (Figs 53–55). This species shares with Calommata tibialis sp. n. the carapace that is subequal in length and width (longer than wide in the other four species).

The specific epithet is a patronym in honour of the collector of the holotype, Meg Cumming, in recognition of her contributions to African arachnology, particularly in Zimbabwe.

Male holotype. Measurements: CL 2.00, CW 2.05, AL 2.95, AW 1.80, TL 7.00. Length of leg segments, and total: I 2.40 + 0.90 + 1.70 + 1.90 + 1.70 = 8.60; II 2.15 + 0.95 + 1.40 + 2.20 + 2.15 = 8.85; III 1.80 + 0.95 + 1.00 + 2.15 + 3.55 = 9.45; 2.35 + 1.10 + 1.28 + 2.50 + 4.35 = 11.58. Carapace index 0.98; patella-tibia index 1.30.

Carapace and chelicerae brown in colour (Fig. 1). Carapace flat and robust. Median ocular tubercle raised, darker in colour.Chelicerae with a single row of small teeth, increasing in size from fang base to base of chelicerae, with a few denticles near base of chelicerae (Fig. 12). Sternum and coxae light brown, remainder of legs dark brown, fading to light yellow-brown at tarsi. Legs weakly covered with bristles; prolateral side of patellae, tibiae and metatarsi of legs II–IV covered with spinules (thicker and shorter than bristles). Abdomen dark brown, with an irregular brown scutum present anteriorly (Fig. 1). Palpal cymbium short with rounded distal margin; embolus and conductor orientated obliquely, pointing retrolaterally towards base of chelicerae; conductor narrow, making a half twist before broadening distally, with single small curved tooth on its dorsal surface distally; embolus short and straight, slightly curved near tip (Figs 53–55).

Female. Unknown.

Known only from the type locality (Fig. 73).

Poorly known. The holotype male was collected in mid-summer on the soil surface. The second instar juvenile specimen was captured while ballooning and landing on the porch of a house (M. Cumming, pers. comm.). Amongst atypids, ballooning has previously been recorded in both Atypus and Sphodros (Wiehle 1953 cited in Pedersen and Loeschcke 2001, Coyle 1983, Coyle et al. 1985).

Holotype male. SOUTH AFRICA: Free State Province: Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, 28°29.888'S, 26°48.488'E, 21.IX–22.X.2005, pitfalls, unburned site 1, C. Haddad, S. Otto & R. Poller (NCA 2009/3488).

SOUTH AFRICA: Free State Province: 3♂: Bloemfontein, National Botanical Gardens, 29°03.006'S, 26°12.701'E, 27.X–16.XI.2009, pitfalls, grassland, C. Haddad (NMBA 13981); 7♂: Same data, 16–21.XI.2009 (NMSA 22616); 1♂: Same locality, 21.XI–7.XII.2009, pitfalls, grassland, C. Haddad & R. Fourie (MRAC 229029); 1♂: Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, 28°30.373'S, 26°48.437'E, 21.IX–22.X.2005, pitfalls, burned site 1, C. Haddad, S. Otto & R. Poller (NCA 2009/3663); 4♂: Same locality, 28°30.134'S, 26°48.427'E, 22.X–22.XI.2005, pitfalls, burned site 2, C. Haddad, S. Otto & R. Poller (NCA 2007/3142); 1♂: Same locality, 28°29.741'S, 26°48.065'E, 21.IX–22.X.2005, pitfalls, unburned site 3, C. Haddad, S. Otto & R. Poller (NCA 2009/3664); 1♂: Oranjeville district, Vaal Dam, 26°59.523'S, 28°15.737'E, 1–29.X.2009, pitfalls, grassland, R. Fourie & A. Grobler (NCA 2009/3539).

SOUTH AFRICA: Free State Province: 1♂: Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, 28°30.134'S, 26°48.427'E, 21.IX–22.X.2005, pitfalls, burned site 2, C. Haddad, S. Otto & R. Poller (MRAC, prepared for SEM).

The male of this species can be easily recognised from African congeners by the presence of one or two very large teeth at the fang base (Fig. 13), and the transversely orientated curved embolus with distally broadened conductor bearing a single tooth on its dorsal surface (Figs 42, 43, 57). The raised median ocular tubercle is broader than in the other species.

This specific epithet is Latin for southern, referring to the distribution of the species, southernmost in the genus.

Male holotype. Measurements: CL 1.60, CW 1.25, AL 3.15, AW 1.68, TL 6.35 (5.60–7.80). Length of leg segments, and total: I 1.40 + 0.55 + 1.00 + 1.15 + 1.25 = 5.35; II 1.30 + 0.55 + 0.85 + 1.24 + 1.45 = 5.39; III 1.05 + 0.64 + 0.64 + 1.20 + 2.40 = 5.93; IV 1.45 + 0.64 + 0.75 + 1.44 + 2.90 = 7.18. Carapace index 1.28; patella-tibia index 0.97.

Carapace and chelicerae dark brown in colour (Fig. 2). Median ocular tubercle raised, darker in colour; median ocular tubercle broader than in other species. Chelicerae with single prolateral row of teeth, one very large tooth close to fang base, sometimes accompanied by second large tooth, remaining teeth distinctly smaller and subequal in size, with several denticles retrolateral of teeth row close to cheliceral base (Fig. 13). Sternum and coxae pale brown, remainder of legs brown, gradually fading to yellow at tarsi. Legs weakly covered with bristles; prolateral side of patellae, tibiae and metatarsi of legs II–IV covered with spinules. Abdomen grey-brown, with a round brown scutum anteriorly (Fig. 2). Palpal cymbium short with rounded distal margin; embolus and conductor orientated transversely across palpal axis, pointing retrolaterally; conductor broadened distally, with a single small tooth on its dorsal surface distally; embolus long, slightly curved in a S-form along its length (Figs 42, 43, 56–58).

Female. Unknown.

Endemic to central and northern Free State Province, South Africa (Fig. 73).

The species was collected exclusively by pitfalls in spring and early summer (September to early December) in the Grassland Biome of South Africa. Specimens were only collected in dark vertic clay and loamy-clay soils and not from sites with sandy soils. Most of the specimens were collected from sites near to freshwater streams and dams. Despite exhaustive attempts to locate burrows in the vicinity of pitfall sites (Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve and Botanical Gardens) none could be found.

NAMIBIA: Etosha National Park, Beisebvlakte, 18°32'S, 17°02'E, 10–14.XI.1996, A. Russell-Smith (MRAC 215409).

None.

Diagnosis. The male of this species can be recognised by the tiny cheliceral teeth in a single row, without retrolateral denticles (Fig. 14), and the obliquely orientated conductor and embolus projecting far beyond the retrolateral cymbial margin (Fig. 60).

The specific epithet refers to the country of the type locality.

Male holotype. Measurements: CL 1.80, CW 1.24, AL 2.75, AW 1.54, TL 6.30 (5.10–6.30). Length of leg segments, and total: I 1.21 + 0.50 + 0.83 + 1.09 + 1.35 = 4.98; II 1.40 + 0.51 + 0.62 + 1.13 + 1.40 = 5.06; III 1.05 + 0.49 + 0.47 + 1.16 + 1.95 = 5.12; IV 1.44 + 0.60 + 0.65 + 1.38 + 2.40 = 6.47. Carapace index 1.45; patella-tibia index 0.74.

Carapace and chelicerae dark brown (Fig. 3). Median ocular tubercle raised, narrow, darker in colour. Chelicerae with single prolateral row of tiny teeth, without denticles near cheliceral base (Fig. 14). Sternum and coxae light brown, femora dark brown; subsequent segments fading to light yellow at tarsi. Legs weakly covered with bristles; prolateral side of patellae, tibiae and metatarsi of legs II–IV covered with spinules. Abdomen dark grey, nearly black, with brown scutum present in the anterior half (Fig. 3). Palp with elongate cymbium, with tapering pointed distal margin; embolus and conductor orientated obliquely, pointing retrolaterally and distally, projecting far beyond retrolateral cymbial margin; conductor short, slightly broadened distally, with a very prominent, very long and slender tooth distally on its dorsal surface; embolus long, with slight bend in distal half (Figs 45, 46, 59–61).

Female. Unknown.

Known only from the type locality (Fig. 73).

Poorly known. This species was collected in late spring in arid savanna.

CAMEROON: Efulen [02°46'N, 10°43'E], G.L. Bates (BMHN, examined).

CAMEROON: 1♀: Galim [07°06'N, 12°28'E], 15.VIII–19.VIII.1971, F. Puylaert (MRAC 143671); 3♂: N of Dja Reserve, 03°41'N, 13°14'E, 8.III.2005, pitfalls, old secondary forest, I. Deblauwe (MRAC 220674); 1♂: Same locality, 8.III.2005, pitfalls, riverine forest, I. Deblauwe (MRAC 220663); 1♂: Same data, 6.V.2005 (MRAC 219754); 6♂: Same locality, 8.III.2005, pitfalls, young secondary forest, I. Deblauwe (MRAC 220659). CONGO D.R.: 1♂: Kisangani, Masako Forest, 00°35'N, 25°11'E, 25.II.2003, J.-L. Juakaly (MRAC 216031); 1♂: Same locality, 11.III.2003, pitfalls, primary forest, J.-L. Juakaly (MRAC 214347); 1♂: Same data, 11.III.2003 (MRAC 214354); 1♂: Same data, 11.III.2003 (MRAC 214385); 1♀: Kisantu, 05°08'S, 15°06'E, 1927, R. Vanderyst (MRAC 5201); 1♀: Zambi [05°51'S, 12°52'E], 1909–1915, American Museum Congo Expedition (AMNH). CÔTE D’IVOIRE: 1♂: Appouesso, Bossematié Forest, 06°35'N, 03°28'W, 19.IX.1994, pitfalls, rain forest, R. Jocqué & N. Séabé (MRAC 202481); 1♂: Same locality, 12.III.1995, pitfalls, forest, R. Jocqué & Tanoh (MRAC 205382); 1♂: Same data, 26.III.1995 (MRAC 205383); 1♂: Mankono, Ranch de la Marahoué, 08°27'N, 06°52'W, III.1980,   riverine forest, J. Everts (MRAC 172117); 1♂: Same data (MRAC 172118); 1♂: Same data (MRAC 172119); 2♂: Same data (MRAC 172120). GUINÉE: 3♂: F.C. de Ziama, 08°24'N, 09°17'W, 22.IV.1998, pitfalls, rain forest, D. Flomo (MRAC 216239); 2♂: Same data, 5.V.1998 (MRAC 216248); 2♂: Same data, 18.V.1998 (MRAC 216249); 1♂: Same data, 14.VI.1998 (MRAC 216247); 1♂: Same data, 14.VI.1998 (MRAC 216250); 1♂: Same data, 14.VI.1998 (MRAC 216251); 1♂: Same data, 31.III.1999 (MRAC 216245); 2♂: Same data, 26.IV.1999 (MRAC 216243); 1♂: Same data, 26.IV.1999 (MRAC 216244); 1♂: Same data, 9.V.1999 (MRAC 216242); 2♂: Same data, 22.V.1999 (MRAC 216240); 1♂: Same data, 17.VI.1999 (MRAC 216241); 1♂: Same data, 31.III.2000 (MRAC 216246). KENYA: 1♂: Kakamega Forest, 00°13'N, 34°54'E, 24.I.2002, pitfalls, D. Shilabira Smith (MRAC 228141); 1♂: Same data, 13.IV.2002 (MRAC 220536). LIBERIA: 1imm.: Mount Coffee, Bensonville [06°29'N, 10°38'W], II.1894, constructs a tube-like nest under a log, collector unknown (USNM). MALAWI: 1♂: Chisasira Forest, 25km S of Chintheche, 11°50'S, 33°13'E, 1.XII.1977, pitfalls, Brachystegia woodland, R. Jocqué (MRAC 169498); 1♂: Same data, 1.XII.1977 (MRAC 169499). TANZANIA: 1imm.: Bunduki, Uluguru Mountains, 07°02'S, 37°38'E, 2.V.1957, nest, forest ground in litter, P. Basilewsky & N. Leleup (MRAC 111792).

The female of this species has the cheliceral teeth in a single row (Fig. 15), while an additional row is found in Calommata transvaalica (Fig. 18). The female genitalia have two pairs of small spermathecae (Fig. 62), while Calommata transvaalica only has a single pair of large transverse spermathecae (Fig. 69). The male of this species is recognised by the conductor ending broadly with a prominent tooth and sharp edge, appearing to be a second tooth, on its dorsal surface (Fig. 49). In Calommata simoni females the patella-tibia index is double that of Calommata transvaalica.

Female (measurements provided for female lectotype from Efulen, colouration for female from Galim). Measurements: CL 7.70, CW 6.10, AL 13.10, AW 8.85, TL 27.80 (25.80–33.40). Length of leg segments, and total: I 3.95 + 1.62 + 1.75 + 2.10 + 1.38 = 10.80; 3.70 + 2.25 + 1.70 + 2.23 + 1.60 = 11.48; III 3.65 + 2.75 + 1.55 + 1.78 + 1.39 = 11.12; IV 3.90 + 2.90 + 2.10 + 2.15 + 1.50 = 12.55. Carapace index 1.26; patella-tibia index 0.44.

Robustly built with short legs, carapace faded to creamy brown (Fig. 4). Median ocular tubercle raised, narrow, sloping sharply at fovea (Fig. 10). Single median line running from anterior of eye area to approximately middle of chilum. Chelicerae pale orange brown, darker laterally; chelicerae with a single row of small and medium sized teeth along promargin running from fang base close to cheliceral base, with extensive denticle field retrolateral of teeth row near cheliceral base (Fig. 15). Endites strongly elongated prolaterally, strongly curved upwards (Fig. 10). Sternum and legs light yellowish brown. Legs short and stout, leg formula 4231; legs III and IV more robust than legs I and II; leg I without bristles or spinules; leg II with few spinules distally on tibiae, and dorsal and lateral spinules on metatarsi and tarsi; legs III and IV with spinules from patellae to tarsi (mainly dorsal and prolateral) and covered in bristles. Abdomen globose and pale grey, with indistinct median heart marking in anterior half (Fig. 4). Epigyne forming a broad, weakly sclerotised plate ventrally, in dorsal view with two pairs of spermathecae; median pair subrectangular, rounded anteriorly, lateral pair subtriangular (Fig. 62). Female palp short, tibiae and tarsi flattened.

Male from Cameroon. Measurements: CL 2.20, CW 1.90, AL 3.80, AW 2.32, TL 8.20 (5.60–9.35). Length of leg segments, and total: I 2.30 + 0.75 + 1.64 + 1.91 + 1.55 = 8.15; II 2.25 + 0.86 + 1.45 + 2.16 + 1.88 = 8.60; III 1.84 + 0.90 + 0.98 + 2.23 + 2.95 = 8.90; IV 2.50 + 1.05 + 1.43 + 2.60 + 3.90 = 11.48. Carapace index 1.16; patella-tibia index 1.09.

Carapace and chelicerae brown (Fig. 5). Median ocular tubercle raised, narrow, darker in colour (Fig. 11).Chelicerae with single prolateral row of teeth, largest teeth in midsection of teeth row interspersed with smaller teeth anteriorly and posteriorly, with several denticles retrolateral of teeth row close to cheliceral base (Fig. 16). Endites elongated prolaterally, curving upwards (Fig. 11). Sternum and coxae light yellowish brown, rest of leg segments brown, fading to light yellow at tarsi. Legs weakly covered with bristles; prolateral side of patellae, tibiae and metatarsi of legs II–IV covered with spinules. Abdomen grey brown, with elongate brown scutum present in anterior half (Fig. 5). Palp with short cymbium, with rounded distal margin; embolus and conductor orientated obliquely, pointing retrolaterally and distally, not projecting beyond retrolateral cymbial margin; conductor short, broadened distally, with a prominent elongate tooth and sharp edge opposite the tooth, appearing as a second tooth; embolus short and straight (Figs 48, 49, 63–65).

Benoit’s (1967: 286, figs 1–4) drawings of a male “allotype” of Calommata simoni correspond with the males we have studied. However, Pocock (1903: 259) never described the male of Calommata simoni nor listed any males in his material studied, and thus the specimen examined by Benoit could not possibly be an allotype. The loan request to BMNH also only yielded the female lectotype of Calommata simoni, and no allotype or paratypes as indicated by Benoit. Benoit indeed wrongly considered the specimen used to describe the unknown sex for the first time to be the allotype, even when that occurred separately from the original description. Comments on the revalidation of Calommata transvaalica are provided under remarks for that species below.

Charpentier (1995) studied the biology of Calommata simoni in Benin, but no specimens collected by him could be traced in any collection. He collected specimens at four localities: Ayou [06°43'N, 02°07'E], Ahota [06°39'N, 02°09'E], Sè [06°28'N, 01°49'E] and Toffo [06°50'N, 02°04'E].

Widespread across tropical Africa in forests and savanna woodlands (Fig. 73).

The biology of “Calommata simoni” was studied by Blandin (1971) and Charpentier (1995) in Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, respectively (localities listed above). However, examination of the specimens reported on by Blandin indicates that they are, in fact, Calommata tibialis sp. n.. In considering the habitats of the available material of Calommata simoni and Calommata tibialis sp. n., it is evident that the two species are ecologically separated, the former occurring in forests and the latter in woodland savannah. As the material collected by Charpentier (1995) could not be traced, it is impossible to determine whether he studied the biology of Calommata simoni or Calommata tibialis sp. n.. However, his indication of the habitat types at the four localities he sampled (grassland, patches of subsistence agriculture, near rivers and open ground near palm forests) suggests that the material he studied is Calommata tibialis sp. n. and not Calommata simoni. Thus, we have included biological information from their two studies under Calommata tibialis sp. n..

Most of the specimens studied here from the MRAC collected in Guinée, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Tanzania and Congo D.R. were collected in contrasting forest types across tropical Africa, indicating that Calommata simoni is tolerant and adaptable to a wide range of soil, vegetation and climatic variables.

Holotype male. TOGO: Between Bassari and Sokodé, 09°15'N, 00°47'E, V–VII.1984, pitfalls, wooded savanna, P. Douben (MRAC 169501).

1♂: together with holotype. CÔTE D’IVOIRE: 1♂: Kossou, 06°57'N, 04°58'W, 28.IV.1975, pitfalls, wooded savanna, R. Jocqué (MRAC 169500).

CÔTE D’IVOIRE: 1 subadult ♀: Lamto, 06°12'N, 05°20'W, 6.III.1968,  savanna with Borassus aethiopum, C. Girard (MRAC 232547); 1♂: Same locality, 11.II.1974,  dirt road near biological station, P. Blandin (MRAC 232548).

The male of the species can be recognised by the carapace that is subequal in length and width (Fig. 6), the short, swollen palpal tibia, and the narrow conductor ending in a thick prominent tooth (Figs 51, 52).

The specific epithet refers to the palpal tibia of the male, which is distinctly shorter and more swollen compared to that of other African congeners.

Male holotype. Measurements: CL 2.13, CW 1.95, AL 3.45, AW 2.02, TL 6.65 (6.00–6.65). Length of leg segments, and total: I 1.98 + 0.65 + 1.35 + 1.71 + 1.63 = 7.32; II 1.80 + 0.75 + 1.10 + 1.60 + 1.80 = 7.05; III 1.49 + 0.80 + 0.75 + 1.70 + 2.45 = 7.19; IV 1.94 + 0.90 + 1.03 + 2.00 + 3.03 = 8.90. Carapace index 1.10; patella-tibia index 0.94.

Carapace and chelicerae orange brown (Fig. 6). Chelicerae with single row of alternating small and medium sized teeth, gradually decreasing in size from fang base to cheliceral base, with several denticles retrolateral of teeth row near cheliceral base (Fig. 17). Eye area raised, narrow, darker in colour. Sternum and coxae yellow, remainder of legs orange, fading to pale yellow at tarsi. Legs weakly covered with bristles; prolateral side of patellae, tibiae and metatarsi of legs II–IV covered with spinules. Abdomen grey, with pale orange-brown scutum anteriorly (Fig. 6). Palp with short cymbium, with rounded distal margin; tibia shorter and broader than in the other five species, slightly longer than wide; embolus and conductor orientated obliquely, pointing retrolaterally and distally, not projecting beyond retrolateral cymbial margin; conductor narrow with a thick prominent tooth distally on its dorsal surface; embolus short and slightly curved (Figs 51, 52, 66–68).

Female. Unknown.

The specimens may possibly have faded over time in 70% ethanol, which can only be confirmed should fresh material become available. Although a subadult female is available it will not be described as the genitalic structure cannot be studied.

Central Côte d’Ivoire and northern Togo (Fig. 73).

Present data indicates that Calommata tibialis sp. n. occurs in woodland savannah habitats and avoids forests, where Calommata simoni has been collected. This may indicate some degree of ecological separation between the species but requires further study. Taking this into account we consider the studies of Blandin (1971) and Charpentier (1995) to relate to Calommata tibialis sp. n. and not Calommata simoni, as indicated by them.

Charpentier (1995) located more than 50 nests of Calommata tibialis sp. n. at four localities in southern Benin with quite contrasting habitat structures, including grassland, patches of subsistence agriculture, in close proximity to rivers, and open ground near palm forests. He did not indicate the occurrence of the species in forests. In one of the habitats that he found Calommata, the soil was described as sandy, of poor quality and relatively acidic, and covered in ‘grassland’ vegetation, similar to the habitat characteristics described by Blandin (1971) for the Lamto area, from where Calommata tibialis sp. n. specimens are available.

The burrow of Calommata tibialis sp. n. slants obliquely downwards into the soil, and was estimated to be 25–30cm deep by Blandin (1971), while Charpentier (1995) indicated a maximum depth of 21cm in a female specimen, although generally shallower in other specimens (12–19cm). The top 1–2cm of the burrow is expanded to form a chamber covered by silk webbing that is camouflaged with soil, and the spider lies in wait hanging upside-down from the web for wandering prey (Charpentier 1995). Egg sacs are suspected to hatch in May; during incubation the female spins a silk veil at the base of the chamber that is suspected to firstly allow the spider access to the chamber to capture potential prey, and secondly hide the spider and its eggs from potential parasites once they have entered the chamber (Charpentier 1995).

SOUTH AFRICA: Gauteng Province: Pretoria, Roodeplaat [25°38'S, 28°21'E], 3.IV.1915, G. van Dam (TMSA 2999 – examined).

SOUTH AFRICA: Gauteng Province: 1♂: Groenkloof Nature Reserve [25°47'S, 28°12'E], 21.I.2003, reptile trap, M. Forsythe (NCA 2004/750); 1♀: Pretoria district, Hatfield [25°45'S, 28°15'E], 25.IV.1915, G. van Dam (TMSA 4639); 13♂: Zwartkoppies Farm 364, Portion 2, ca. 21km E of Pretoria, 25°45'23.6"S, 28°24'47.7"E, 1347m a.s.l., 29.X.2010, open pitfall traps, I. Engelbrecht & GDARD Field Staff (TMSA 23875). Limpopo Province: 1♂: Blouberg Nature Reserve, 23°00.065'S, 29°03.855'E, 29.XI.2005, searching below the knee, Philenoptera violaceae, A. Dawood (NCA 2009/3665); 1♀: Soutpansberg district, Blouberg, Wilhan’s Hohe [not traced], 28.VIII.1923, G. van Dam (TMSA 2772); 1♀: Same data, 29.VIII.1923 (TMSA 2773).

The female of this species has an additional row of two to four large prolateral teeth close to the fang base in addition to the main row of teeth, which are larger and more strongly curved than in Calommata simoni. The epigyne comprises a single pair of transversely oval spermathecae, while Calommata simoni possesses two pairs of smaller spermathecae. The male of the species shares with Calommata meridionalis the transversely orientated embolus and conductor, but the conductor of Calommata transvaalica is clearly narrower at the tip and the embolus is straight and not slightly curved as in Calommata meridionalis. The male chelicerae of Calommata transvaalica also lack the one or two large teeth found near the fang base in Calommata meridionalis.

Female from Blouberg Nature Reserve. Measurements: CL 6.72, CW 5.80, AL 13.70, AW 10.50, TL 25.20 (18.60–27.00). Length of leg segments, and total: I 1.85 + 0.60 + 0.74 + 0.85 + 0.60 = 4.64; II 1.60 + 1.05 + 0.69 + 0.90 + 0.72 = 4.96; III 1.45 + 1.28 + 0.60 + 0.80 + 0.55 = 4.68; IV 1.58 + 1.41 + 0.90 + 0.90 + 0.47 = 5.26. Carapace index 1.16; patella-tibia index 0.20.

Robustly built with short legs (Fig. 7), carapace pale creamy brown. Median ocular tubercle raised, narrow, sloping sharply at fovea. Single median line running from front of median ocular tubercle to middle of chilum. Chelicerae orange, darker laterally; chelicerae with a row of two to four large teeth close to fang base, prolateral of promarginal teeth row; teeth row comprising very large teeth curved at tips, interspersed with small teeth, with extensive denticle field retrolateral of teeth row near cheliceral base (Fig. 18). Endites strongly elongated and slender prolaterally, strongly curved upwards. Sternum and legs pale yellow-brown. Legs short and stout, leg formula 4231; legs III and IV more robust than legs I and II; leg I with three to five spines on patellae and two on tibiae; leg II with few spinules on patellae and several spinules on tibiae and metatarsi; legs III and IV with spinules from patellae to tarsi (mainly dorsal and prolateral); legs II to IV covered in bristles. Abdomen globose and pale grey, with indistinct median heart marking anteriorly (Fig. 7). Epigyne forming a broad, weakly sclerotised plate ventrally, in dorsal view with single pair of large, transversely oval spermathecae (Fig. 69). Female palp short, tibiae and tarsi flattened.

Male from Groenkloof Nature Reserve. Measurements: CL 2.10, CW 1.85, AL 2.70, AW 1.70, TL 6.40 (6.20–6.40). Length of leg segments, and total: I 1.66 + 0.60 + 1.10 + 1.43 + 1.28 = 6.07; II 1.67 + 0.70 + 0.95 + 1.50 + 1.47 = 6.29; III 1.45 + 0.70 + 0.70 + 1.55 + 1.95 = 6.35; IV 1.85 + 0.78 + 1.05 + 1.85 + 1.90 = 7.43. Carapace index 1.14; patella-tibia index 0.81.

Carapace and chelicerae dark brown in colour (Fig. 8). Chelicerae with single row of large teeth, gradually decreasing in size from fang base to cheliceral base, without denticles near cheliceral base (Fig. 19). Carapace oval in shape. Median ocular tubercle raised, narrow, darker in colour. Sternum and coxae yellow-brown, femora, patellae and tibiae brown, metatarsi yellow-brown, tarsi yellow. Legs weakly covered with bristles; prolateral side of patellae, tibiae and metatarsi of legs II–IV covered with spinules. Abdomen dark grey, nearly black, with dark orange-brown scutum anteriorly (Fig. 8). Palp with short cymbium, cymbium tip in ventral view tapering to rounded point; embolus and conductor orientated transversely to palpal axis, pointing retrolaterally, distal ends projecting beyond retrolateral cymbial margin; conductor short, slightly broadened distally, with single sharp, curved tooth on its dorsal surface; embolus long and straight (Figs 70–72).

It is clear from the redescriptions of both sexes of Calommata simoni, and the redescription of the female and first description of the male of Calommata transvaalica provided here, that the two species have distinct differences in their somatic and genitalic morphology, most notably regarding their cheliceral dentition, number of spermathecae in the female epigyne and orientation and length of the male embolus and conductor. Consequently, we reject Benoit’s (1967) synonymy of the two species and propose the revalidation of Calommata transvaalica. The specimens collected by Van Dam and Roberts (1917) between Villeria and Derdepoort near Pretoria could not be traced.

The abdomen of the female holotype of Calommata transvaalica is damaged and therefore the specimen was not redescribed. The holotype is the smallest of the known females of this species (18.60mm long). The colour of all available female specimens has likely faded over time in 70 % ethanol.

Limpopo and Gauteng Provinces, South Africa (Fig. 73).

Biology. The biology of Calommata transvaalica was studied by Van Dam and Roberts (1917) at Roodeplaat near Pretoria, South Africa, in the days following heavy rainfall. They first detected a female (the holotype) by kicking up a tuft of grass that disclosed white webbing, which was followed downwards into the ground to locate the spider. They subsequently discovered additional nests on bare ground. They described the nests as slightly raised above the ground at the top, and then from the inner rim they were neatly rounded off, gradually sloping outwards and downwards to the level of the ground with the outer surface covered with earth that resembled the surroundings. The interior of the tube was lined with loose, highly adhesive silky webbing. They suggested that the adhesive webbing may afford the spider some protection against the intrusion of enemies. The nests were deep (22–25cm) and vertical for the greater part of their depth (Van Dam and Roberts 1917). Hewitt (1916) commented that Calommata transvaalica specimens had a very pronounced and objectionable odour and compared it to decomposing stable manure.

The recently collected series of males from Zwartkoppies Farm (TMSA 23875) was collected in open pitfalls without preservative from a site in open Acacia karroo woodland on red structured clay soils (30–45% clay in A horizon, Shortlands form). The site has a gentle slope and had recently been burned. The activity of the males appears to be related to heavy rainfall that had fallen two days prior to the collection of the males. It thus seems that males do not emerge on the night immediately following a heavy shower, but instead on the night thereafter (Ian Engelbrecht, pers. comm.).