The genus Althepus belongs to the subfamily Psilodercinae and can be distinguished from other genera of Psilodercinae by the following combination of characters: cheliceral promargin with lamina and 1–2 teeth, retromargin with 1–2 small teeth; tarsus of male palp with lateral protrusion bearing a hook-shaped spine; short bulb with embolus; and female internal genitalia often with paired spermathecae (Deeleman-Reinhold 1995).

According to our observations, we use hook-shaped spine instead the “lanceolate apophysis” used by Deeleman-Reinhold (1995), and use lamina and 1–2 teeth instead the “3 teeth” used by Deeleman-Reinhold (1995).

Holotype: ♂, China, Yunnan Province, Baoshan City, Longyang District, Chengmen Cave, 24°55.691'N, 98°45.112'E, 2393 m a.s.l., 14.VII.2016, Y. Li and M. Xu. Paratypes: 1♂3♀, same data as holotype.

The specific name refers to the type locality; adjective.

Althepus chengmenensis Li & Li, sp. n. resembles A. xuae Li & Li, sp. n. in having a sigmoid conductor in males and curved, elongate spermathecae in females. Males can be distinguished from the latter species by the pleated margin of the conductor and by the three acuminate projections on the distal end of the conductor (Figure 1B); females can be distinguished by having longer spermathecae (versus shorter in A. xuae Li & Li, sp. n.) (Figure 2A). This new species can be distinguished from all the other known species of the genus by the bent middle part of the conductor (Figure 1A) and by the elongate spermathecae of similar lengths (Figure 2A).

Figure 1. 

Althepus chengmenensis Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype. A Palp, ventral view B Palpal bulb, ventral view C Palp, prolateral view D Palp, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: CO conductor; EM embolus; CP cymbial protrusion; HS hook-shaped spine; SB serrated bristles.

Male (holotype). Total length 3.44; carapace 1.14 length, 1.28 width; abdomen 1.95 length, 1.13 width. Carapace round, light yellow, with brown lateral margins and one wide, brown median band, the middle one wider than others (Figure 2C). Anterior margin of cephalic region distinctly elevated. Clypeus brown. Cheliceral promargin with one tooth, followed by a lamina, retromargin with two small teeth (Figure 20A), posterior surface of fang with 25 small denticles. Labium brown. Sternum yellow, with eight brown spots. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally. Legs brown, femur and tibia with white annulations (Figure 2C). Leg measurements: I 22.56 (5.26, 0.55, 6.15, 8.65, 1.95), II 15.48 (4.23, 0.52, 4.15, 5.10, 1.48), III missing, IV missing. Male palp (Figure 1A–D): tarsus with three slightly curved, serrated bristles at the top of cymbial protrusion (one of them was missing, Figure 1A), one curved spine and one twisted spine with the tip directed towards distally (Figure 1A); bulb yellow, ovate; embolus arising retrolatero-proximally from bulb, slightly sigmoid; conductor arising distally from bulb, sigmoid, with three acuminate projections distally (Figure 1B); embolus and conductor widely separated (distance almost equal to diameter of bulb).

Female (one of the paratypes). Total length 3.25; carapace 1.06 length, 1.28 width; abdomen 1.95 length, 1.13 width. Similar to male in colour and general features (Figure 2D–E) but smaller. Internal genitalia with two spermathecae on each side (Figure 2A). Leg measurements: I missing, II 10.82 (3.00, 0.47, 2.75, 3.30, 1.30), III 10.79 (2.95, 0.45, 2.80, 3.40, 1.19), IV 11.42 (3.20, 0.47, 3.15, 3.30, 1.30).

Figure 2. 

Althepus chengmenensis Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype and female paratype. A Internal genitalia, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Male habitus, dorsal view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviation: SP spermatheca.

Males: carapace 1.14–1.38 length, 1.28–1.50 width, femur I 5.26–6.73 (the number of specimens = 2). Females: carapace 1.06–1.20 length, 1.13–1.28 width, femur I 2.88–3.91 (the number of specimens = 3).

China. Known only from the type locality (Figure 21).

Collected on rocks outside a cave at an altitude of 2393 m.

Holotype: ♂, Myanmar, Kadan Island, 12°29.113'N, 98°27.786'E, 3 m a.s.l., 27.X.2017, Z. Chen. Paratypes: 1♂3♀, same data as holotype.

The specific epithet is a patronym in honour of Zhigang Chen who collected the types; noun (name) in genitive case.

Althepus cheni Li & Li, sp. n. can be distinguished from all other known species of the genus by the large, curved, spine with tip directed distally of the palpal tarsus (Figure 3A) and by the needle-like projection on the distal end of the conductor in males (Figure 3A, B); females can be distinguished by a large membranous sac extending posteriorly and by two types of spermathecae: six short, curved spermathecae, and one globose spermatheca on a long stalk on each side (Figure 4A).

Figure 3. 

Althepus cheni Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype. A Palp, ventral view B Palpal bulb, ventral view C Palp, prolateral view D Palp, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: CO conductor; EM embolus; CP cymbial protrusion; HS hook-shaped spine; SB serrated bristles.

Male (holotype). Total length 4.50; carapace 1.36 length, 1.52 width; abdomen 2.75 length, 1.40 width. Carapace round, light yellow, with brown margins and a narrow, brown median line behind ocular area (Figure 4C). Cheliceral promargin with two teeth, followed by a lamina, retromargin with two small teeth (Figure 20B), posterior surface of fang with 25 small denticles. Labium brown. Sternum yellow with a V-shaped pattern in the middle. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally (Figure 4C). Legs brown, femur and tibia with white annulations. Leg measurements: I 46.53 (11.22, 0.63, 11.54, 19.49, 3.65), II 29.18 (7.76, 0.63, 7.37, 11.54, 1.88), III 18.59 (5.13, 0.60, 4.87, 6.41, 1.58), IV 25.91 (7.63, 0.63, 7.18, 8.72, 1.75). Male palp (Figure 3A–D): tarsus with three slightly curved, serrated bristles at the top of the cymbial protrusion (one of them was missing, Figure 3A) and one large, curved spine with tip directed distally; lateral protrusion small (Figure 3D); bulb yellow, ovate; embolus arising retrolatero-proximally from bulb, slightly sigmoid; conductor arising distally from bulb, slightly sigmoid, with a needle-like projection distally; embolus and conductor widely separated (distance less than diameter of bulb).

Female (one of the paratypes). Total length 4.35; carapace 1.25 length, 1.32 width; abdomen 2.50 length, 1.25 width. Similar to male in colour and general features (Figure 4D–E), but smaller. Internal genitalia with six short spermathecae, one globose spermatheca on a long stalk on each side, and a posterior sac (Figure 4A). Leg measurements: I 30.91 (7.37, 0.53, 7.82, 12.63, 2.56), II 19.88 (5.13, 0.52, 5.00, 7.31, 1.92), III 13.15 (3.60, 0.50, 3.25, 4.55, 1.25), IV 18.98 (5.51, 0.52, 5.13, 6.28, 1.54).

Figure 4. 

Althepus cheni Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype and female paratype. A Internal genitalia, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Male habitus, dorsal view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviation: SP spermatheca.

Males: carapace 1.36–1.45 length, 1.50–1.52 width; femur I 11.22 (the number of specimens = 2; leg I lost in one specimen). Females: carapace 1.17–1.25 length, 1.26–1.38 width; femur I 7.37 (the number of specimens = 3).

Myanmar. Known only from the type locality (Figure 21).

Collected in a lowland evergreen broad-leaved forest at an altitude of 3 m.

Holotype: ♂, Myanmar, Taninthayi Nature Reserve, 14°44.117'N, 98°11.554'E, 307 m a.s.l., 24.X.2017, Z. Chen. Paratypes: 2♀, same data as holotype.

The specific name is derived from the Chinese pinyin ‘gou ci’, which means ‘hooked spine’, referring to the medially positioned hook-like projection on conductor (Figure 5); noun in apposition.

A. gouci Li & Li, sp. n. can be distinguished from all other known species of the genus by the short embolus and by the hook-like projection on the widened conductor in males (Figure 5); females have two types of spermathecae: one spermatheca with 5–6 curved, long branches, and 5–6 short, thick spermathecae, on each side (two spermathecae with stalks on the left side and four spermathecae with stalks on the right side) (Figure 6A).

Figure 5. 

Althepus gouci Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype. A Palp, ventral view B Palpal bulb, retrolateral view C Palp, prolateral view D Palp, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: CO conductor; EM embolus; CP cymbial protrusion; HS hook-shaped spine; SB serrated bristles.

Male (holotype). Total length 3.44; carapace 1.10 length, 1.15 width; abdomen 1.90 length, 0.88 width. Carapace round, yellow, with brown lateral margins and one wide, brown median band, the middle one wider than the others (Figure 6C). Anterior margin of cephalic region distinctly elevated. Clypeus light-brown. Cheliceral promargin with two teeth, followed by a lamina, retromargin with two small teeth (Figure 20C), posterior surface of fang with 18 small denticles. Labium brown. Sternum yellow, with some small brown spots. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally (Figure 6C). Legs all missing. Male palp (Figure 5A–D): tarsus with three slightly curved, serrated bristles at the top of the cymbial protrusion (one of them was missing, Figure 5A), and one hooked spine with the tip directed proximally (Figure 5D); bulb light yellow, ovate; embolus arising retrolatero-proximally from bulb, slightly sigmoid, distad; conductor arising distally from bulb, slightly sigmoid, distad, with wide base; embolus and conductor widely separated (distance less than diameter of bulb).

Female (one of the paratypes). Total length 3.80; carapace 1.10 length, 1.11 width; abdomen 2.30 length, 1.50 width. Similar to male in colour and general features (Figure 6D, E), but larger. Internal genitalia with two types of spermathecae on each side (Figure 6A). Leg measurements: I 24.61 (5.83, 0.43, 6.09, 10.26, 2.00), II missing, III 10.54 (3.00, 0.40, 2.70, 3.50, 0.94), IV - (4.232, 0.40, 4.17, 5.00, -).

Figure 6. 

Althepus gouci Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype and female paratype. A Internal genitali, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Male habitus, dorsal view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviation: SP spermatheca.

Females: carapace 0.90–1.10 length, 1.02–1.11 width, femur I 5.83 (the number of specimens = 2; leg I lost in the other specimen).

Myanmar. Known only from the type locality (Figure 21).

Collected in a tropical evergreen forest at an altitude of 307 m.

Holotype: ♂, Indonesia, Sulawesi, Mountains in Palopo, 02°59.921'S, 120°08.565'E, 465 m a.s.l., 02.IX.2017, H. Liu and Z. Chen. Paratypes: 1♂2♀, same data as holotype.

The specific epithet is a patronym in honour of Hongguang Liu who collected the types; noun (name) in genitive case.

Althepus hongguangi Li & Li, sp. n. can be distinguished from all other known species of the genus by the wider basal area of the embolus in males (Figure 7B); and by three oblique, elongate spermathecae on each side in females (Figure 8A).

Figure 7. 

Althepus hongguangi Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype. A Palp, ventral view B Palpal bulb, ventral view C Palp, prolateral view D Palp, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: CO conductor; EM embolus; CP cymbial protrusion; HS hook-shaped spine; SB serrated bristles.

Male (holotype). Total length 4.20; carapace 1.27 length, 1.27 width; abdomen 2.38 length, 1.15 width. Carapace round, yellow, with narrow, brown lateral margins and one wide, brown median band, the middle one wider than the others (Figure 8C). Anterior margin of cephalic region distinctly elevated. Clypeus brown. Cheliceral promargin with two teeth, followed by a lamina, retromargin with two small teeth, posterior surface of fang with 24 small denticles (Figure 20D). Labium brown. Sternum brown, with a longitudinal yellow band in the middle. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally (Figure 8C). Legs brown, femur and tibia with white annulations. Leg measurements: I - (11.47, -, -, -, -), II 29.26 (8.00 0.50 7.05, 11.60, 2.11), III missing, IV 24.94 (7.31, 0.51, 6.79, 8.65, 1.68). Male palp (Figure 7A–D): tarsus with three slightly curved, serrated bristles at the top of cymbial protrusion (Figure 7A), one hooked spine with tip directed proximally (Figure 7A); bulb yellow, ovate; embolus arising proximally from bulb, observably sigmoid, distad; conductor arising distally from bulb, oblique, distad; embolus and conductor widely separated (distance almost equal to half diameter of bulb).

Female (one of the paratypes). Total length 3.90; carapace 1.16 length, 1.20 width; abdomen 2.25 length, 1.17 width. Similar to male in colour and general features (Figure 8D–E), but smaller. Internal genitalia with three oblique, elongate spermathecae on each side, each side with a pore-plate at its base (Figure 8A). Leg measurements: I 39.41 (9.36, 0.50, 9.10, 16.92, 3.53), II 22.50 (5.77, 0.50, 5.71, 8.72, 1.80), III missing, IV 21.00 (6.02, 0.50, 5.78, 7.05, 1.65).

Figure 8. 

Althepus hongguangi Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype and female paratype. A Internal genitalia, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Male habitus, dorsal view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviations: SP spermatheca; PP pore plate.

Males: carapace 1.25–1.27 length, 1.27–1.30 width, femur I 11.47–12.18 (the number of specimens = 2). Females: carapace 1.16–1.25 length, 1.20–1.41 width, femur I 9.36 (the number of specimens = 2; leg I lost in the other specimen).

Indonesia. Known only from the type locality (Figure 22).

Collected among tree buttresses at an altitude of 465 m.

Holotype: ♂, Laos, Champasak Province, Pakse City, Phou Salao, 15°05.284'N, 105°48.671'E, 242 m a.s.l., 15.XI.2012, Z. Yao. Paratype: 1♀, same data as holotype.

The specific epithet is a noun in apposition taken from the type locality Phou Salao, Laos.

Althepus phousalao Li & Li, sp. n. resembles A. leucosternum Deeleman-Reinhold, 1995, in having a triangular distal end of the conductor and one retrolateral spine of cymbium in males, and one spermatheca on each side in females. Males can be distinguished by the longer conductor (versus shorter in A. leucosternum) (Figure 9B). Females can be distinguished by one thicker, longer spermatheca on each side (versus shorter in A. leucosternum) (Figure 10A), can be distinguished from all the other known species of the genus by the thick spermathecae (Figure 10A).

Figure 9. 

Althepus phousalao Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype. A Palp, ventral view B Palpal bulb, ventral view C Palp, retrolateral view D Palp, prolateral view. Abbreviations: CO conductor; EM embolus; CP cymbial protrusion; HS hook-shaped spine; SB serrated bristles.

Male (holotype). Total length -; carapace 1.09 length, 1.17 width; abdomen missing. Carapace round, yellow, with brown lateral margins and one wide, brown median band, the middle one wider than others (Figure 10C). Cheliceral promargin with two teeth, retromargin with two small teeth (Figure 20E), posterior surface of fang with 14 small denticles. Labium light brown. Sternum yellow, with some irregular brown spots. Legs brown, femur and tibia with white annulations. Leg measurements: I missing, II 19.31 (5.45, 0.44, 5.13, 6.79, 1.50), III 13.01 (3.75, 0.44, 3.40, 4.30, 1.12), IV missing. Male palp (Figure 9A–D): tarsus with three slightly curved, serrated bristles at the top of cymbial protrusion (two of them were missing, Figure 9D), one hooked spine with tip directed distally and one long spine retrolaterally (Figure 9A); bulb light yellow, ovate; embolus arising retrolatero-proximally from bulb, slender, slightly curved; conductor arising distally from bulb, observably sigmoid; embolus and conductor widely separated (distance less than diameter of bulb).

Female (paratype). Total length 3.20; carapace 0.94 length, 1.13 width; abdomen 1.72 length, 1.00 width. Similar to male in colour and general features of carapace (Figure 10D, E) but smaller. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally. Internal genitalia with one curved, elongate spermatheca on each side (Figure 10A). Leg measurements: I 26.18 (6.54, 0.48, 7.05, 10.51, 1.60), II missing, III 11.06 (3.25, 0.45, 2.75, 3.55, 1.06), IV 15.84 (4.55, 0.47, 4.36, 5.13, 1.33).

Figure 10. 

Althepus phousalao Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype and female paratype. A Internal genitalia, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Male habitus, dorsal view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviation: SP spermatheca.

Laos. Known only from the type locality (Figure 21).

Collected in a pit of Phou Salao at an altitude of 242 m.

Althepus phousalao Li & Li, sp. n., was labelled as “sp. 23” in Li and Li (2018).

Holotype: ♂, Indonesia, Jawa, Special District of Yogyakarta, Kulon Progo Town, Girimulyo, Jatimulyo Village, Gua (Cave) Kiskendo, 7°44.86'S, 110°07.87'E, 662 m a.s.l., 28.VIII.2014, Z. Yao and H. Zhao. Paratypes: 2♀, same data as holotype.

The specific name is derived from the Chinese pinyin ‘qian huang’, which means ‘pale yellow’, referring to the pale yellow colour of ocular area (Figure 12C, D); adjective.

Althepus qianhuang Li & Li, sp. n. can be distinguished from all other known species of the genus by the nearly parallel conductor and embolus in males (Figure 11); by a large membranous sac extending posteriorly and 1–2 small round spermatheca(e) on each side in the internal genitalia of females (Figure 12A).

Figure 11. 

Althepus qianhuang Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype. A Palp, ventral view B Palpal bulb, prolateral view C Palp, prolateral view D Palp, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: CO conductor; EM embolus; CP cymbial protrusion; HS hook-shaped spine; SB serrated bristles.

Male (holotype). Total length 4.49; carapace 1.55 length, 1.48 width; abdomen 2.80 length, 1.31 width. Carapace round, pale yellow, with brown lateral margins and one wide, brown median band, the middle one wider than the others (Figure 12C). Anterior margin of cephalic region distinctly elevated. Cheliceral promargin with two teeth, followed by a lamina, retromargin with two small teeth (Figure 20F), posterior surface of fang with 21 small denticles. Labium brown. Sternum brown. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally (Figure 12C). Legs brown, femur and tibia with white annulations. Leg measurements: I - (10.13, 0.63, 9.62, 17.31, -), II 25.30 (7.05, 0.63, 6.41, 9.75, 1.46), III 16.19 (4.65, 0.60, 3.92, 5.71, 1.31), IV missing. Male palp (Figure 11A–D): tarsus with one hooked spine with tip directed distally (Figure 11A); bristles at the top of the cymbial protrusion (Figure 11C) as in A. hongguangi Li & Li, sp. n.; bulb yellow, ovate; embolus arising distally from bulb, short, slightly curved; conductor arising distally from bulb, short, slightly curved; embolus and conductor slightly separated (distance less than diameter of bulb).

Female (one of the paratypes). Total length 4.87; carapace 1.39 length, 1.44 width; abdomen 2.96 length, 1.70 width. Similar to male in colour and general features (Figure 12D–E) but larger. Internal genitalia with 1–2 small round spermatheca(e) on each side and a large posterior sac (Figure 12A). Leg measurements: I missing, II missing, III 12.81 (3.68, 0.46, 3.28, 4.30, 1.09), IV missing.

Figure 12. 

Althepus qianhuang Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype and female paratype. A Internal genitalia, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Male habitus, dorsal view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviation: SP spermatheca.

Females: carapace 1.17–1.39 length, 1.27–1.44 width; leg I lost (the number of specimens = 2).

Indonesia. Known only from the type locality (Figure 22).

Collected at a cave entrance at an altitude of 662 m.

Althepus qianhuang Li & Li, sp. n., was labelled as “sp. 119” in the analysis of Li and Li (2018).

Holotype: ♀, China, Yunnan Province, Lincang City, Yongde County, Xiaomengtong Village, Xiangquan Dam, Xianren Cave, 24°12.099'N, 99°18.607'E, 1499 m a.s.l., 02.VIII.2010, C. Wang, L. Lin and Q. Zhao. Paratype: 1♀, same data as holotype.

The specific name is a patronym in honour of Dr. Qingyuan Zhao who collected the types; noun (name) in genitive case.

Althepus qingyuani Li & Li, sp. n. can be distinguished from all other known species of the genus by 16 round spermathecae on curved stalks in the females (Figure 13A).

Female (holotype). Total length 3.95; carapace 1.44 length, 1.58 width; abdomen 2.28 length, 1.33 width. Carapace round, yellow, with three longitudinal brown bands of similar widths (Figure 13D–E). Anterior margin of cephalic region distinctly elevated. Clypeus brown. Cheliceral promargin with two teeth, followed by a lamina, retromargin with two small teeth (Figure 20G), posterior surface of fang with 23 small denticles. Labium brown. Sternum brown with a longitudinal yellow band. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally (Figure 13D, E). Legs brown, femur and tibia with white annulations. Leg measurements: I missing, II 20.80 (5.67, 0.56, 5.26, 7.63, 1.78), III 14.11 (4.17, 0.56, 3.60, 4.45, 1.33), IV missing. Internal genitalia with 16 round spermathecae on curved stalks (Figure 13A).

Figure 13. 

Althepus qingyuani Li & Li, sp. n., female holotype. A Internal genitalia, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Female habitus, retrolateral view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviation: SP spermatheca.

Male. Unknown.

Females: carapace 1.17–1.44 length, 1.30–1.58 width; leg I lost (the number of specimens = 2).

China. Known only from the type locality (Figure 21).

Collected at a cave entrance at an altitude of 1499 m.

Althepus qingyuani Li & Li, sp. n., was labelled as “sp. 97” in the analysis of Li and Li (2018).

Holotype: ♂, Indonesia, East Kalimantan, Penajam, Paser Utara Town, Sepaku Village, on foot of Gunung Parung, 00°50.920'S, 116°46.284'E, 60 m a.s.l., 17.VIII.2014, H. Zhao and Z. Yao. Paratype: 1♀, same data as holotype.

1♂, Indonesia, East Kalimantan, Penajam, Camp of International Timber Corporation of Indonesia, 01°05.291'S, 116°41.009'E, 64 m a.s.l., 17.VIII.2014, H. Zhao and Z. Yao.

The specific name refers to the type locality; adjective.

Males of A. sepakuensis Li & Li, sp. n. can be easily distinguished from all other known species of the genus by the widened, laminar embolus with a distal acuminate end (Figure 14B); females, by the six round spermathecae on slender stalks on each side (Figure 15A).

Figure 14. 

Althepus sepakuensis Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype. A Palp, ventral view B Palpal bulb, retrolateral view C Palp, retrolateral view D Palp, prolateral view. Abbreviations: CO conductor; EM embolus; CP cymbial protrusion; HS hook-shaped spine; SB serrated bristles.

Male (holotype). Total length 4.23; carapace 1.33 length, 1.34 width; abdomen 2.25 length, 1.23 width. Carapace round, light yellow, with narrow, brown lateral margins and one wide, brown median band, the middle one wider than the others (Figure 15C). Anterior margin of cephalic region distinctly elevated. Clypeus brown. Cheliceral promargin with two teeth, followed by a lamina, retromargin with two small teeth (Figure 20H), posterior surface of fang with 19 small denticles. Labium brown. Sternum yellow, with two longitudinal brown bands. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally (Figure 15C). Legs brown, femur and tibia with white annulations. Leg measurements: I 37.7 (9.23, 0.53, 9.29, 15.77, 2.88), II 24.37 (6.35, 0.53, 6.03, 9.62, 1.84), III missing, IV 22.26 (6.41, 0.52, 5.90, 7.88, 1.55). Male palp (Figure 14A–D): tarsus with one hooked spine with tip directed distally (Figure 14A); bristles at the top of cymbial protrusion (Figure 14A) as A. hongguangi Li & Li, sp. n.; bulb yellow, ovate; embolus arising distally from bulb, wide, curved, distal part abruptly acute to acuminate; conductor arising proximally from bulb, wide, distal part incurved; embolus and conductor widely separated (distance less than diameter of bulb).

Female (paratype). Total length 4.00; carapace 1.05 length, 1.09 width; abdomen 2.34 length, 1.32 width. Similar to male in colour and general features (Figure 15D, E) but smaller. Six rounded spermathecae on slender stalks, adjoined to a large pore-plate on each side (Figure 15E). Leg measurements: I 28.24 (6.54, 0.43, 6.72, 11.67, 2.88), II 17.45 (4.49, 0.43, 4.30, 6.60, 1.63), III 11.58 (3.36, 0.40, 2.81, 3.88, 1.13), IV 16.31 (4.55, 0.43, 4.25, 5.64, 1.44).

Figure 15. 

Althepus sepakuensis Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype and female paratype. A Internal genitalia, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Male habitus, dorsal view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviations: SP spermatheca; PP pore plate.

Indonesia. East Kalimantan, Penajam (Figure 22).

Collected in a lowland tropical forest.

Althepus sepakuensis Li & Li, sp. n., was labelled as “sp. 131” in the analysis of Li and Li (2018).

Holotype: ♂, China, Yunnan Province, Nujiang of the Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Lushui County, Nouth of Pianma Town, 26°01.513'N, 98°37.313'E, 2125 m a.s.l., 27.VI.2016, M. Xu and Y. Li. Paratypes: 1♂2♀, same data as holotype.

1♂, China, Yunnan Province, Nujiang of the Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Lushui County, Pianma Town, Fengxue Yakou 25°59.628'N, 98° 39.697'E, 2337 m a.s.l., 29.VI.2016, M. Xu and Y. Li.

The specific epithet is a patronym in honour of Mingjie Xu who collected the types; noun (name) in genitive case.

Althepus xuae Li & Li, sp. n. resembles A. chengmenensis Li & Li, sp. n. in having a sigmoid conductor in the males, and curved, elongate spermathecae in the females. Males can be distinguished from the latter species by the smooth margin and blunt distal part of the conductor (Figure 16B); females can be distinguished by the two shorter spermathecae on each side (versus longer in A. chengmenensis Li & Li, sp. n.) (Figs 2A, 17A), can be distinguished from all the other known species of the genus by the lateral spermathecae having a longer stalk than medial spermathecae (Figure 17A).

Figure 16. 

Althepus xuae Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype. A Palp, ventral view B Palpal bulb, prolateral view C Palp, prolateral view D Palp, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: CO conductor; EM embolus; CP cymbial protrusion; HS hook-shaped spine; SB serrated bristles.

Male (holotype). Total length 3.64; carapace 1.34 length, 1.40 width; abdomen 2.05 length, 1.24 width. Carapace round, yellow, with brown lateral margins and one wide, brown median band, the middle one wider than others. Anterior margin of cephalic region distinctly elevated (Figure 17C). Clypeus brown. Cheliceral promargin with two teeth, followed by a lamina, retromargin with two small teeth (Figure 20I), posterior surface of fang with 27 small denticles. Labium brown. Sternum yellow, with two longitudinal brown bands. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally (Figure 17C). Legs brown, femur and tibia with white annulations. Leg measurements: I missing, II 20.05 (5.32, 0.60, 5.13, 7.05, 1.75), III 12.82 (3.52, 0.59, 3.40, 4.00, 1.31), IV missing. Male palp (Figure 16A–D): tarsus with one retrolateral spine and one hooked spine with tip directed distally (Figure 16D); bristles at the top of cymbial protrusion (Figure 16A) as in A. hongguangi Li & Li, sp. n.; bulb yellow, ovate; embolus arising prolatero-proximally from bulb, slightly sigmoid; conductor arising retrolatero-distally from bulb, sigmoid; embolus and conductor widely separated (distance less than diameter of bulb).

Female (one of the paratypes). Total length 3.40; carapace 1.30 length, 1.20 width; abdomen 2.48 length, 1.85 width. Similar to male in colour and general features (Figure 17D–E), but smaller. Internal genitalia with two round spermathecae on long, slender stalks on each side and pores plate at the base (Figure 17A). Leg measurements: I missing, II missing, III 9.39 (2.64, 0.46, 2.40, 2.80, 1.09), IV 13.14 (3.80, 0.50, 3.52, 3.92, 1.40).

Figure 17. 

Althepus xuae Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype and female paratype. A Internal genitalia, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Male habitus, dorsal view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviations: SP spermatheca; PP pore plate.

Males: carapace 1.33–1.34 length, 1.40–1.44 width, leg I lost (the number of specimens = 2). Females: carapace 1.03–1.30 length, 1.20–1.25 width, leg I lost (the number of specimens = 2).

China. Yunnan Province (Figure 21).

Collected by sieving leaf litter in dark and moist environments.

Holotype: ♂, Indonesia, Sumatra, West Sumatra Province, Sijunjung, Padang Sibusuk Village, Bukit Ponggang Cave, 00°44.245'S, 100°50.330'E, 278 m a.s.l., 27.V.2014, Z. Yao. Paratypes: 1♂2♀, same data as holotype.

The specific name is derived from the Chinese pinyin ‘yi zhuang’, which means ‘sigmoid’, referring to the sigmoid embolus (Figure 18); adjective.

Althepus yizhuang Li & Li, sp. n. can be distinguished from all other known species of the genus by the remarkably long and sigmoid embolus as well as by the absence of a conductor in males (Figure 18). Females are distinguished by inconspicuous spermathecae (Figure 19A).

Figure 18. 

Althepus yizhuang Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype. A Palp, ventral view B Palpal bulb, prolateral view C Palp, prolateral view D Palp, retrolateral view. Abbreviations: CO conductor; EM embolus; CP cymbial protrusion; HS hook-shaped spine; SB serrated bristles.

Male (holotype). Total length 3.13; carapace 1.00 length, 1.14 width; abdomen 1.80 length, 0.94 width. Carapace round, yellow, with triangular brown margins and a narrow, brown median line behind ocular area (Figure 19C). Anterior margin of cephalic region distinctly elevated. Clypeus brown. Cheliceral promargin with two teeth, followed by a lamina, retromargin with two small teeth (Figure 20J), posterior surface of fang with 16 small denticles. Labium brown. Sternum brown, with a triangular yellow patch in the middle. Abdomen elongate, with complex patterns dorsally and ventrally (Figure 19C). Legs brown. Leg measurements: I 24.39 (5.83, 0.43, 6.22, 9.68, 2.23), II 14.81 (3.85, 0.41, 3.85, 5.45, 1.25), III 9.85 (2.81, 0.40, 2.50, 3.20, 0.94), IV 14.47 (4.17, 0.41, 3.91, 4.81, 1.17). Male palp (Figure 18A–D): tarsus with one hooked spine with tip directed proximally; cymbium slender (Figure 18C); bristles at the top of the cymbial protrusion (Figure 18A) as in A. hongguangi Li & Li, sp. n.; bulb bright yellow, ovate; embolus arising retrolatero-distally from bulb, bright yellow.

Female (one of the paratypes). Total length 3.13; carapace 0.85 length, 0.95 width; abdomen 1.90 length, 1.17 width. Similar to male in colour, general features and body size (Figure 19D–E). Internal genitalia with inconspicuous spermathecae (Figure 19A). Leg measurements: I missing, II 11.57 (3.00, 0.35, 2.97, 4.00, 1.25), III 8.21 (2.34, 0.36, 2.10, 2.53, 0.88), IV 11.52 (3.20, 0.38, 3.20, 3.60, 1.14).

Figure 19. 

Althepus yizhuang Li & Li, sp. n., male holotype and female paratype. A Internal genitalia, dorsal view B Female epigastric furrow, ventral view C Male habitus, dorsal view D Female habitus, dorsal view E Female habitus, ventral view. Abbreviation: SP spermatheca.

Males: carapace 1.00 length, 1.14–1.25 width; femur I 5.71–5.83 (holotype and paratypes with similar length).

Indonesia. Known only from the type locality (Figure 22).

Collected at a cave entrance at an altitude of 278 m.

Althepus yizhuang Li & Li, sp. n., was labelled as “sp. 84” in the analysis of Li and Li (2018).

Figure 20. 

Cheliceral retromargin. A Althepus chengmenensis Li & Li, sp. n. B A. cheni Li & Li, sp. n. C A. gouci Li & Li, sp. n. D A. hongguangi Li & Li, sp. n., E A. phousalao Li & Li, sp. n. F A. qianhuang Li & Li, sp. n. G A. qingyuani Li & Li, sp. n. H A. sepakuensis Li & Li, sp. n. I A. xuae Li & Li, sp. n. J A. yizhuang Li & Li, sp. n. Abbreviations: PT promarginal teeth; RT retromarginal teeth; CL cheliceral lamina.

Figure 21. 

Known distribution of new Althepus species from Laos, Myanmar, and China. 1 A. chengmenensis Li & Li, sp. n. 2 A. cheni Li & Li, sp. n. 3 A. gouci Li & Li, sp. n. 4 A. phousalao Li & Li, sp. n. 5 A. xuae Li & Li, sp. n. 6 A. qingyuani Li & Li, sp. n..

Figure 22. 

Known distribution of new Althepus species from Indonesia. 1 A. hongguangi Li & Li, sp. n. 2 A. sepakuensis Li & Li, sp. n. 3 A. yizhuang Li & Li, sp. n. 4 A. qianhuang Li & Li, sp. n..