Pachyballus transversus Simon, 1900.

Pachyballus is closely related to Peplometus. From the latter genus it can easily be separated by the rounded abdomen (elongated in Peplometus), by the form of leg I in males (not modified) and by the absence of the leaf-like setae on tibia I.

Small to medium-sized spiders (ca. 3.0–5.0 mm length), with very flat body, covered with tough highly sclerotised integument. Body colouration in the majority of species dark brown or black with metallic lustre, only legs (especially in females) lighter. Carapace rounded, its width usually slightly larger than the length, eye field clearly trapezoid. Posterior part of carapace covered with abdomen. Chelicerae with three (exceptionally two) teeth on promargin and two to four teeth on retromargin, basally fused together. Abdomen short and wide, heart-shaped or rounded, its length to width ratio is 0.8–1.1, clearly wider than carapace, with straight anterior border. Abdominal dorsum totally covered with strongly sclerotised scutum, its edges sloping so that the abdomen has shape of a shallow bowl. Venter with a narrow scutum along anterior margin, its lobes extending laterally as lobes. A second, trapezoid scutum in posterior part, numerous very small sclerotised bumps on both sides of abdomen (Fig. 1). Legs short, first pair slightly bigger in males, with enlarged femora. Tibia I not modified, setae on its ventral side not so dense as in Peplometus. Tarsus of the female palp usually black. Male palp with oval bulb, embolus spirally coiled around its tip (Fig. 3). Tibial apophysis thin and straight. Epigyne with large semi-circular depression (atrium), usually divided by epigynal septum, copulatory ducts usually long, forming a spiral in their initial parts and with several complex loops distally.

Congo D.R. • ♀; Mayombe, Bas Congo, Luki Forest Reserve; 5°37'S, 13°05'E; 23.IX.2007; D. De Bakker and J.P. Michiels leg.; canopy fogging, old secondary rainforest; MRAC 226 102.

Congo D.R. • 1♀; same locality as the holotype; 25.IX.2007; canopy fogging, old secondary rainforest; MRAC 226 107 • 1♀; the same locality; 1.X.2007; canopy fogging, primary rainforest; MRAC 226 114 • 1♂; the same locality; 13.XI.2006; canopy fogging, primary rainforest; MRAC 226 113.

This species is covered very densely with short hairs, which is the best feature to distinguish it from congeners. Male palpal organ has a characteristic embolus that forms a considerably high and narrow coil similar to that of P. castaneus. The coil comprises four loops (two and a half in the latter species). The female is distinctive in having the epigyne with broad, short ridge on posterior edge of the epigynal depression; the copulatory ducts are relatively straight (they do not form any loops).

The specific name is from Latin, meaning “soaring” and refers to this species living high in a forest canopy.

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.4, width 1.5, height 0.5. Eye field: length 0.7, anterior width 1.2, posterior width 1.5. Abdomen: length 1.8, width 2.0.

General appearance as in Fig. 9. Small, very flat spider with strongly sclerotised, pitted integument. Carapace black, clothed in dense short light hairs. Eye field trapezoid, distance between anterior lateral eyes shorter than between posterior laterals. Eyes encircled by white scales. Clypeus low, with a few white hairs. Chelicera with two teeth on promarginal edge and four retromarginal teeth. Endites and labium light brown with whitish tips. Abdomen heart-shaped, wider than long, blackish with white scales on sides and posterior part. Anterior margin of abdomen covers posterior part of carapace. Venter brown, with typical scuta. Spinnerets black. Legs I the stoutest, femur and patella brown, tibia slightly thickened, black with long dark setae ventrally, metatarsus and tarsus yellowish. Tibia with one short ventral spine distally, metatarsus with two pairs of ventral spines. Legs II the same in colour as the first pair. Legs III and IV brown with yellow distal segments. Pedipalp yellowish, its structure similar to that in other species, embolus forms a considerably high and narrow coil that comprises four loops as in Figs 12–15.

Female. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.1–1.2, width 1.3–1.4, height 0.5. Eye field: length 0.6–0.7, anterior width 1.0–1.1, posterior width 1.2–1.3. Abdomen: length 2.0–2.2, width 2.2–2.4.

General appearance as in Figs 10, 11. Slightly larger than male, shape of body similar. Carapace covered with white hairs. Colouration of abdomen a little lighter than in male, brown, blackish in the mid part and along edge. Palps light brown. Epigyne oval, central depression divided posteriorly by short, wide ridge (Fig. 16). Copulatory ducts wide, spermathecae slightly smaller than in other species, small accessory glands opening into copulatory ducts (Fig. 17).

Figures 9–13. 

Pachyballus caelestis sp. nov. 9 male, habitus, dorsal view 10 female, habitus, dorsal view 11 female, habitus, lateral view 12 palpal organ, ventral view 13 palpal organ, lateral view.

Figures 14–17. 

Pachyballus caelestis sp. nov. 14 palpal organ, ventral view 15 palpal organ, lateral view 16 epigyne 17 internal structure of epigyne.

Known only from the type locality (Fig. 193).

All specimens were collected by fogging. Probably, this species lives high in the forest canopy.

South Africa • ♀; KwaZulu-Natal, Ulundi, Ophathe Game Reserve; 28°23'S, 31°24'E; 3.X.2008; C. Haddad leg.; overgrazed savanna, beating shrubs; NCA 2008/4147.

South Africa • 1♀; together with neotype • 1♂ 1♀; the same locality as neotype; 3.X.2008; C. Haddad leg.; overgrazed savanna, beating, shrubs; NCA 2008/4140.

Figures 18–21. 

Pachyballus castaneus 18 male (specimen from South Africa), habitus, dorsal view 19 male habitus, lateral view 20 female, habitus, dorsal view 21 female, neotype, habitus, ventral view.

South Africa • 1♂; the same locality as neotype; 2.X.2008; NCA 2008/4167 • 1♂ 2♀ 8 imm.; the same locality; 500 m a.s.l.; rocky mountainside; NCA 2008/4154 • 3♂ 6 imm.; the same locality; 1.X.2008; NCA 2008/3993 • 1♂ 3 imm.; the same data; NCA 2008/3971 • 1♂; KwaZulu-Natal, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Crocodile Centre; 28°21'S, 32°25'E; 14.V.2012; J.A. Neetling and C. Luwes leg.; canopy fogging, wetland, Breonadia salicina; NCA 2012/5736 • 2♀; the same locality, St. Lucia; 28°23'S, 32°25'E; 13.V.2012; J.A. Neetling and C. Luwes leg.; canopy fogging, coastal forest, Trichilia dregeana; NCA 2012/4019 and NCA 2012/5737 • 1♀; Lake St. Lucia, Fanies Island; 28°06'S, 32°27'E; 1.VII.1993; F.J. van der Lingen leg.; 200 m from lake campsite, W shore, in dense bush thicket; NMBA 08069 • 1♀; Mkuze, Banghoek Lodge; 27°45'S, 32°08'E; 17.V.2012; J.A. Neetling and C. Luwes leg.; canopy fogging, Bushveld, Acacia karroo; NCA 2012/3965 • 1♂; Ndumo Game Reserve; 26°55'S, 32°19'E; 30.VI.2009; R. Lyle leg.; sand forest, beating foliage; NCA 2009/3660 • 1♀; Sihangwane, Tembe Elephant Park, 40 km from Kosi Bay; 27°02'S, 32°25'E; 18.XI.1988, R. Harris leg.; NCA 94/828 • 1♀; the same locality; 6.II.2008; R. Lyle and R. Fourie leg.; beating, afromontane forest; NCA 2008/505 • 1♂ 1♀; Hellsgate; 28°00'S, 32°48'E; 23.VIII.2004; J. Esterhuizen leg.; NCA 2010/155 and NCA 2010/156 • 1♀; Mpumalanga Prov., Nelspruit, Agricultural College; 25°27'S, 30°59'E; 12.XI.1999; P. Stephen leg.; beating, citrus; NCA 2000/223 • 1♀; Wildlife College, 10 km from Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park; 24°28'S, 31°23'E; 11.X.2000; W. Breytenbach leg.; beating Euclea divinorum; NCA 2003/626 • 1♂; Limpopo Prov., Little Leigh; 22°56'S, 29°22'E; 22.XI.2005; B. van der Waal leg.; branch beating, gallery forest; NCA 2009/2232. Zimbabwe • 3♂; Mashonaland; Workman coll.; MCZ • 1♂; Harare; 17°50'S, 31°10'E; 2.III.2012; M. Cumming leg.; suburban garden, dropped from tree; NMZ.

The male is indistinguishable from the males of P. flavipes and P. mombasensis by body shape and colouration, but its bulb is slightly narrower than in these species and the embolic spiral is tightly convoluted; width of the basal embolic loop equals only a half of tegulum width, whereas in both other species it is as wide as tegulum. The female can be separated from congeners in having copulatory ducts compactly arranged and not forming loose loops (see Fig. 28).

Figures 22–28. 

Pachyballus castaneus 22 cheliceral dentition 23–25 palpal organ, ventral view (24 specimen from Zimbabwe) 26 palpal organ, lateral view 27 epigyne 28 internal structure of epigyne.

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 0.9–1.3, width 1.3–1.9, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.6–0.7, anterior width 1.1–1.4, posterior width 1.3–1.9. Abdomen: length 1.7–2.2, width 1.8–2.6.

General appearance as in Figs 18, 19. Small spider with flattened body covered with strongly sclerotised and pitted integument (Fig. 6). Carapace dark brown, eye field on more or less half of carapace, vicinity of eyes black. A few long bristles at anterior eyes. Posterior edge of carapace covered by abdomen. Chelicerae with three teeth on both margins (Fig. 22). Mouth parts brown, sternum oval, brown, clypeus extremely low. Abdomen dark brown, heart-shaped, as wide as long, dorsal scutum turned back via margins to venter (Fig. 19), ventral scuta typical; the anterior one narrow with lateral extensions, posterior trapezoid. Numerous small bumps on sides. Colouration dark brown to black, iridescent, integument clearly pitted, short hairs on edges of carapace, dense bristles near eyes. Spinnerets brown. Legs I the thickest (Fig. 19), brown (except yellow tarsi and metatarsi), femur, patella and tibia slightly thickened, tibia slightly flattened dorsally, covered with dense setae ventrally. Tibiae and metatarsi with two pairs of short stout spines ventrally. Other legs yellow, with brownish femora. Pedipalp brown, its structure as in Figs 23–26, slightly narrower than in congeners. Palpal tibia short with single thin straight apophysis, bulb oval, embolus thin, long, spirally coiled on bulb tip.

Female. Cephalothorax: length 0.9–1.4, width 1.2–1.4, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.5–0.7, anterior width 0.9–1.1, posterior width 1.2–1.4. Abdomen: length 1.7–2.0, width 1.8–2.1.

General appearance as in Figs 20, 21. Similar to male, abdomen almost round or oval, but its anterior margin almost straight. Abdominal venter with two scuta as in male (Fig. 21). All legs and palps dark yellow. Epigyne typical, with horseshoe-shaped anterior depression (Fig. 27). Internal structures relatively simple, copulatory ducts shorter than in congeners, compactly arranged, spermathecae strongly sclerotised (Fig. 28).

Immature specimens. Similar to adults, abdomen covered dorsally with one large scutum.

Known from South Africa and Zimbabwe (Fig. 193).

Pachyballus castaneus was originally described from Natal (South Africa) on the basis of a single female. The type specimen was lost (the collection manager informed us that the type could not be found in Simon’s collection in MNHN). The original description is very superficial (only body size and colouration of legs are mentioned) and insufficient for identification of the species. Colouration of legs varies within different Pachyballus species (see Figs 32, 33, 104–106), so it cannot be used as a taxonomic character. The neotype, a female that originates from the same province as the type, is herein designated to stabilise the nomenclature.

The male of this species is described here for the first time.

Cameroon • ♀; Biniiba, Bétaré-Oya; 5°36'N, 14°05'E; 20.VII.1949; B. Malkin leg.; CAS.

Angola • 1♀; Hulla prov., Caconda; 13°46'S, 15°05'E; 30.IX.1949; B. Malkin leg. CAS. Botswana • 1♀; Okavango Delta, Pom-Pom Camp; 19°18'S, 22°54'E; VII.2001; E. Kassimatis leg.; sweeping; NCA 2009/5688. Cameroon • 1♀; Faro Game Reserve; 8°30'N, 12°30'E; 25.IV.2007; R. Jocqué, K. Loosveldt, L. Baert and M. Alderweireldt leg.; gallery forest, sieving; MRAC 221 442. Congo D.R. • 1♀; South Kivu prov., Itombwe; 3°15'S, 28°50'E; 3200 m a.s.l.; XII.1958; N. Leleup leg.; forest with Hagenia and bamboo; MRAC 113 229 • 1♀; Semliki river valley; 9.VIII.1968; R.P.M. Lejeune leg.; MRAC 135 557 • 2♂; Mayombe, Bas Congo, Luki Forest Reserve; 5°37'S, 13°05'E; 17.IX.2007; D. De Bakker and J.P. Michiels leg; old secondary rainforest, fogging; MRAC 226 092 • 1♂; the same data; 18.IX.2007; MRAC 226 097 • 1♂; the same data; 20.IX.2007; MRAC 226 095 • 1♀; the same data; 23.IX.2007; MRAC 226 103 • 2♀; the same data; 18.IX.2007; MRAC 226 096 • 1♀; the same data; 20.IX.2007; MRAC 226 094 • 2♀; the same data; 21.IX.2007; MRAC 226 093 • 1♂ 2♀ 2 subad. ♂; the same data; 17.IX.2007; MRAC 226 101 • 2♂; the same locality; 28.IX.2007; primary rainforest, fogging; MRAC 226 109 • 1♀; the same data; 1.X.2007; MRAC 226 116 • 1♂ 1♀; the same data; 1.X.2007; MRAC 226 120 • 3♀; the same data; 7.XI.2006; MRAC 220 945 • 3♀; the same data; 13.XI.2006; MRAC 220 971 • 1♀; the same locality; 14.IX.2007; secondary rainforest, beating; MRAC 223 432 • 2♂; Kivu prov., Ngoma; 4°24'S, 26°05'E; L. Burgeon leg.; MRAC 15 552/15 553 • 1♀; Kivu prov., Rutshuru, Kako; 1°11'S, 29°27'E; IX.1932; L. Burgeon leg.; MRAC 31 267 • 1♀; Kivu prov., Sanga plateau; 4°50'S 14°58'E; N. Leleup leg.; MRAC 119 189. Gabon • 1♂; Biso-Binam [Biso stream?]; 0°52'N, 11°39'E; 3.XI.1985; A. Pauly leg.; on Borreria verticillata; MRAC 172 765. Guinea • 1♂; Nimba Mts, “Mare d’hivernage” (in UNESCO Biosphere reserve); 7°38'N, 8°27'W; 1650 m a.s.l.; 1.X.2008; D. van den Spiegel leg.; wet grassland with dispersal shrubs; MRAC 225 978. Ivory Coast • 1♂; Man; 7°24'N, 7°33'W; VIII,1937; J. Millot leg.; type of P. cordiformis: only two, left palps and legs left; MNHN • 1♀; Bingerville; 5°21'N, 3°54'W; VIII.1962; J. Decelle leg.; MRAC 122.004. Kenya • 1♂; Kwale prov., 30 km S to Mombasa; 4°10'S, 39°40'E; 12.XI.1992; V. Roth leg.; CAS • 1♀; Kitale; 1°01'N, 35°00'E; 2000 m a.s.l.; 23.I.1938; MEU • 1♀; Nairobi; 1°17'S, 36°49'E; 12.I.1970; on bamboo; SMF • 1♂; Mt Elgon, E slope; 1°07'N, 34°31'E; 2130 m a.s.l.; 6.I.1938; NHRS • 1♀; Mt Elgon, Salt lake estate; 2100 m a.s.l.; 17.XII.1937; Acacia steppe; MEU. Tanzania • 1♀; Kilimanjaro, Kibonoto; 3°11'S, 37°06'E; Sjöstedt leg.; NHRS. Uganda • 1♀; Victoria Lake, Gaya Bay, Island Buvuma; 0°13'N, 33°16'E; III.1968; E. Vertriest leg.; MRAC 134 737. South Africa • 1♂; Free State, Weltevreden Nature Reserve; 28°57'S, 26°23'E; 15.VIII.2006; H. Kilion leg.; NCA 2007/3429 • 1♀; Mpumalanga Prov., Nelspruit, Agricultural College; 25°27'S, 30°59'E; 22.XII.1998; P. Stephen leg.; on grapefruit; NCA 99/160 • 1♀; Limpopo Prov., Nylsvley Nature Reserve; 24°39'S, 28°41'E; 7.III.1998; sweeping, grass; A.S. Dippenaar leg.; NCA 98/586. Zambia • 1♂; 30km SW of Mkushi; 13°43'S, 29°15'E; 1390 m a.s.l.; 22.IX.2009; J.Lenz leg.; NMZ. Zimbabwe • 1♂ 2 imm.; Batoka Gore; 17°57'S, 26°04'E; 30–31.X.1990; V. Roth leg.; CAS • 1♂ 2♀; Matabeleland, Doddieburn Dam; 21°24'S, 29°21'E; 12.XII.1985; J. Minshull leg.; NMZ A4202 • 5♀ 2 subad. ♂ 8 imm.; Matetsi safari Area, Tshowe river rapids; 18°31'S, 25°52'E; 5.XII.1988; J. Minshull leg.; NMZ A6873 • 2♂; Matetsi safari Area, Kasetsheti Weirs; 18°01'S, 25°49'E; 11.X.1988; F. Nyati leg.; NMZ A6759.

Figures 29–35. 

Pachyballus flavipes 29 male, habitus, dorsal view 30 male, habitus, ventral view 31 male, habitus, lateral view 32, 33 female, habitus, dorsal view 34 female, habitus, ventral view 35 female, habitus, lateral view (29, 30, 32 specimen from Congo 31 specimen from Kenya 33–35 specimen from Cameroon).

The male is almost indistinguishable from that of P. mombasensis, though it differs a little by having a protruding tibial apophysis while in the latter species tibial apophysis is adpressed to cymbium. The female resembles females of P. castaneus and P. mombasensis, but has very long copulatory ducts, forming several loops, whereas in two other species these ducts are relatively short (cf. Fig. 51 with Fig. 73 and Fig. 28).

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.2–1.6, width 1.4–1.7, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.6–0.8, anterior width 1.1–1.4, posterior width 1.4–1.7. Abdomen: length 1.9–2.5, width 1.8–2.3.

Figures 36–40. 

Pachyballus flavipes (specimen from Congo) 36 female, habitus, frontal view 37 palpal organ, ventral view 38 epigyne 39 internal structure of epigyne, ventral view 40 internal structure of epigyne, dorsal view.

General appearance as in Figs 29–31. Shape of body typical for Pachyballus; small, flat, with heart-shaped abdomen. Body covered with strongly sclerotised and clearly pitted integument. Colouration of body brown to black dorsally and dark brown ventrally, dorsum iridescent, almost hairless. Some light hairs near anterior eyes and below anterior median eyes. Anterior margin of abdomen covers distal part of carapace. Venter with typical scuta and small sclerotised bumps (Fig. 1). Cheliceral dentition variable, with three teeth on promargin and two, three or (exceptionally) four on retromargin (Figs 41–43). Tips of mouth parts whitish. First pair of legs the stoutest, femora and patellae dark brown, tibiae black with dense long dark setae ventrally and two pairs of very short thick spines (Fig. 31), dorsal part of tibia slightly flattened, metatarsi and tarsi creamy. Other legs with clear contrasts: brown femora, other segments light, only sometimes dark ring on tibiae proximally (Fig. 30). Palps dark, tip of cymbium light. Structure of palpal organ as in Figs 3, 37, 44–46.

Female. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.2–1.3, width 1.3–1.4, height 0.5. Eye field: length 0.6–0.8, anterior width 1.1–1.3, posterior width 1.3–1.4. Abdomen: length 1.9–3.1, width 1.7–2.9.

General appearance as in Figs 32–36. Similar to male, abdomen more oval. Anterior median eyes surrounded by short light hairs. All legs yellowish (Fig. 35), only femora brownish (or yellow with darker streak). Palps yellow (Figs 32, 36). Epigyne as in Figs 5, 38, 47–50, with horseshoe-shaped anterior depression. Internal structure of epigyne as in Figs 39, 40, 51–57, inlet part of copulatory ducts wide.

Figures 41–46. 

Pachyballus flavipes, male 41–43 variation of cheliceral dentition 44–46 palpal organ, ventral view (44 specimens from Congo 45 specimen from Gabon 46 type of P. cordiformis).

Immature specimens. Similar to adults, abdomen dorsally covered with one large scutum.

Species widely distributed in Africa (Fig. 194). Some of the records from Kenya were already mentioned in Dawidowicz and Wesołowska (2016).

Caporiacco (1949) described P. flavipes aurantius from Kenya on the basis of a single female. According to him, the epigyne of this subspecies was the same as in P. flavipes and the only difference consisted of colouration. However, this feature is variable. Moreover, according to Berdondini and Whitman (2003) type specimen of P. flavipes aurantius kept in the Natural History Museum of Florence collection is juvenile. Thus, we recognise P. f. aurantius as a synonym of the name P. flavipes.

Type of P. cordiformis was destroyed and only two palps and three legs persisted in the vial. Although Berland and Millot (1941) reported that they had collected only a single male by the city Man, the two palps in the sample are left palps, so they must have been taken from two males. Structure of palpal organ and the figure in Berland and Millot (1941) suggest that this species is identical with P. flavipes. Therefore, we recognise the name P. cordiformis as the synonym of P. flavipes.

Figures 47–50. 

Pachyballus flavipes, female, epigyne (47, 48 specimens from Congo 49 specimen from Kilimanjaro 50 specimen from Cameroon).

Simon (1910) described this species from Bioko (Fernando Po) on the basis of a single female. Wanless and Clark (1975) compared a female from Ivory Coast with the type and concluded their conspecificity. Unfortunately, the type specimen was lost (we were informed that the type could not be found in Simon’s collection in MNHN) and the female collected by the latter authors lacked epigyne. Original description was insufficient to recognise the species; only the shape of body and colouration of legs were given. Taking this under consideration it is justified to propose the neotype to stabilise the nomenclature. The neotype, a female collected in Cameroon, the nearest continental country to Bioko (ca. 40 km), is herein designated.

This species probably lives both in the forest canopy and in the understory. Given this fact, i.e. the variety of preferred microhabitats, the large geographical range and high variation of cheliceral dentition, it is possible that it consists of several cryptic species. The sole morphology may be insufficient to solve this taxonomic problem and there is a need to support further analysis with molecular methods.

Figures 51–57. 

Pachyballus flavipes, female, internal structure of epigyne 51, 53, 55, 56 ventral view 52, 54, 57 dorsal view (51, 52 specimens from Cameroon 53–55 specimen from Congo 56, 57 specimen from Zimbabwe).

New Caledonia • 1♂; [leg.] Bougier; MNHN 3646; not examined.

The holotype was examined by Prószyński (1987). His drawings show that this specimen has palpal organ typical for Pachyballus, but morphological characters do not allow any specific identification. Simon described this species from Canala (21°32'S, 165°57'E), central New Caledonia. All species of Pachyballus are restricted to Africa, which is thousands kilometers from New Caledonia. This distribution pattern is highly improbable, and the situation might have resulted simply by mislabelling the sample, which is not an uncommon problem in collections. As the provenience of the specimen is doubtful we conclude that the status of P. gambeyi remains unclear.

South Africa • ♂; Free State, Bloemfontein, National Botanical Gardens; 29°02'S, 26°12'E; 12.X.2012; C. Haddad leg.; sweeping, vegetation along stream; NCA 2019/1444.

South Africa • 3♀; together with holotype • 1♀; Free State, Bloemfontein, National Botanical Gardens; VII.2012; L. de Jager and J. van der Merwe leg.; karree litter (Searsia lancea), streamside; NCA 2019/1446 • 1♀; the same locality; 19.XII.2012; C. Haddad grassland leg.; pitfall traps; NCA 2013/1635 • 2♀; the same locality; 19.XI.2012; C. Haddad leg.; sweeping, open grassland; NCA 2013/1604 • 4♀; the same locality; 12.X.2012; C. Haddad leg.; sweeping, vegetation along stream; NCA 2012/5707 • 2♀; KwaZulu-Natal, Ithala Game Reserve, picnic site; 27°33'S, 31°19'E; 29.I.2014; C. Haddad leg.; base of grass tussocks; NCA 2013/5098.

Figures 58–61. 

Pachyballus miniscutulus sp. nov. 58 male, holotype, habitus, dorsal view 59 male, habitus, ventral view 60 female, habitus, dorsal view 61 female, habitus, ventral view.

This species is distinctive in having a unique size of ventral posterior scutum (Figs 59, 61) that is clearly smaller than in other species. Its width is equal to spinnerets area (2–3 times larger in the congeners). The female has the epigyne similar to that in Pachyballus mombasensis, but the copulatory ducts are longer (cf. Fig. 74 with Figs 66, 67).

The specific name is derived from the Latin words “mini-” and “scutum”, meaning “small” and “shield” correspondingly, and refers to the small size of ventral posterior scutum.

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.3, width 1.25, height 0.6. Eye field: length 0.7, anterior width 1.0, posterior width 1.2. Abdomen: length 1.7, width 1.7.

General appearance as in Figs 58, 59. Colouration of carapace dark brown, with black rings around eyes, some long bristles at first row of eyes. Chelicerae dark brown. Clypeus and cheeks dark brown, covered with sparse white hairs. Labium and endites yellowish brown, paler apically. Sternum yellowish brown. Abdomen heart-shaped, dark brown dorsally. Venter brownish grey, with a small posterior scutum, ranging at one fifth of abdomen length (Fig. 59). Book-lung covers yellow. Spinnerets yellowish brown. First pair of legs brown with yellow tarsi. Legs II-IV light brown. Leg hairs brown. Structure of palpal organ as in Figs 62, 63, embolic coil wide, comprises 2.5 loops, palpal tibia with protruding apophysis.

Female. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.0–1.1, width 1.1–1.2, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.5–0.6, anterior width 0.9–1.0, posterior width 1.1–1.2. Abdomen: length 1.8–1.9, width 1.5–1.8.

General appearance as in Figs 60, 61. Similar to male. Posterior ventral scutum small, as in male. All legs and palps yellow. Epigyne as in Figs 64, 65, with spade-like or round central part in semi-circular depression. Internal structure of epigyne as in Figs 66, 67.

Known from South Africa only (Fig. 195).

Figures 62–67. 

Pachyballus miniscutulus sp. nov. 62 holotype, palpal organ, ventral view 63 palpal organ, lateral view 64, 65 epigyne 66, 67 internal structure of epigyne, dorsal view.

Kenya • ♀; Diani Beach, 30 km S to Mombasa; 4°19'S, 39°34'E; 5–19.III.1970; T. Palm leg.; MEU.

Kenya • 1♂; together with the holotype; +3 imm.

The male is indistinguishable from the males of P. flavipes and P. castaneus by body colouration; it differs from P. castaneus in having a wider bulb and wide and low embolic coil (cf. Fig. 70 with Fig. 25); from P. flavipes it can be distinguished by the palpal tibial apophysis adpressed to cymbium, (protruding in P. flavipes) .The latter character requires verification though, as only single male of P. mombasensis is known. The female has relatively short copulatory ducts, forming only a single loop (Fig. 73).

Figures 68–74. 

Pachyballus mombasensis sp. nov. 68 female, holotype, habitus, dorsal view 69 female, habitus, ventralal view 70 palpal organ, ventral view 71 palpal organ, lateral view 72 holotype, epigyne 73 internal structure of epigyne, ventral view 74 internal structure of epigyne, dorsal view.

The specific name is derived from the type locality.

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.1, width 1.5, height 0.5. Eye field: length 0.6, anterior width 1.1, posterior width 1.5. Abdomen: length 2.1, width 2.1.

Body flattened, integument strongly sclerotised, clearly pitted. Colouration of carapace dark brown, some bristles by the first row of eyes. Mouth parts brownish with lighter tips. Chelicera with three retromarginal teeth. Abdomen very flat, heart-shaped, dark brown, venter with typical scuta. First pair of legs brown, tibia short, slightly thickened, its dorsal part a little flattened, two pairs of ventral spines and dense dark setae. Other legs yellowish, only femora brownish. Palpal organ as in Figs 70, 71, embolic coil wide and low, tibial apophysis adpressed to cymbium.

Female. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.3, width 1.5, height 0.5. Eye field: length 0.7, anterior width 1.1, posterior width 1.5. Abdomen: length 2.1, width 2.1.

General appearance as in Figs 68, 69. Similar to male, first pair of legs not stouter than others, palps dark. Posterior ventral scutum large. Epigyne with semicircular depression (Fig. 72). Internal structure as in Figs 73, 74, copulatory ducts clearly shorter than in congeners, spermathecae comparatively large, strongly sclerotised.

Immature specimens. As adults, dorsum of abdomen covered with one large scutum.

Known only from the type locality (Fig. 195).

Tanzania • ♂; Tanga region, Usambara Mts, Amani Nature Reserve, Mbomole Hill; 5°05'S, 38°37'E; 1000 m a.s.l.; 5–8.XI.1995; C. Griswold, N. Scharff, D. Ubick leg.; CAS.

Congo D.R. • 1♂; Equateur, Bokuma; 0°06'S, 18°42'E; in 1952; R.P. Lootens leg.; MRAC 85 126 • 1♂; Mayombe, Bas Congo, Luki Forest Reserve; 5°37'S, 13°05'E; 7.XI.2006; D. De Bakker and J.P. Michiels leg.; primary rainforest, fogging; MRAC 226 115 • 1♂; Kivu, Ibanda [Bukavu]; 2°29'S, 28°50'E; SMF. Tanzania • 2♂ 2♀ (1 of females – black form); together with the holotype; CAS • 1♂; Mufindi distr., Iringa region, Uzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve; 8°32'S, 35°54'E; 750 m a.s.l.; 8.III.1996; McKamey leg.; canopy fogging; UCZM • 1♂; the same locality, by Chita village; 1300–1400 m a.s.l.; 26.X–14.XI.1984; N. Scharff leg.; montane rain forest; UCZM • 3♂ 4♀ (2 of females – black form); 11 km SE Masisiwe Kihanga Stream; 8°32'S, 35°58'E; 1800 m a.s.l.; 17–27V.1997; canopy; UCZM • 1♂; Uluguru Mts, Kimboza Forest Reserve; 7°20'S, 37°47'E; 250 m a.s.l.; 18.VII.1981; M. Stoltze and N. Scharff leg.; UCZM.

Figures 75–80. 

Pachyballus ornatus sp. nov., male, habitus 75 ventral view 76–80 dorsal view (all specimens from Tanzania).

A characteristic body pattern allows an easy recognition of this species; the abdomen is light with dark margins and a dark streak or central patch (Figs 78, 81). Some specimens, probably young adult females (soon after moulting), can be uniformly black and resemble females of P. flavipes, but they are distinguishable in having dark palps (that are yellow in the latter species).

The specific name is Latin and means decorated, which refers to the characteristic colour pattern.

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.2–1.7, width 1.5–1.8, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.8–1.0, anterior width 1.1–1.4, posterior width 1.5–1.8. Abdomen: length 1.7–2.3, width 1.8–2.4.

General appearance as in Figs 75–80. Body flat, integument strongly sclerotised, clearly pitted. Carapace wider than long, eye field trapezoid (distance between anterior lateral eyes shorter than between posterior laterals), occupies about half of carapace. Colouration of carapace brown, black around eyes, in some specimens with two large yellowish patches in eye field (Figs 76, 78, 80). Dense bristles at eyes of first row and at lateral edges of carapace. Chelicera with three short teeth on promargin and saw-shaped tooth with four tips on retromargin. Labium and endites brownish with lighter tips, sternum rounded, brown. Abdomen very flat, triangular to heart-shaped, wider than long, its anterior margin almost straight. Colouration of abdomen yellow, brown on the edges, with brown longitudinal median streak (Fig. 77), which is reduced to round patch positioned centrally in some specimens (Fig. 79). Variation of pattern as presented in Figs 76–80. Abdomen with typical ventral scuta (Figs 2, 75). Spinnerets yellow. First pair of legs slightly stouter than other legs, femora enlarged, tibiae slightly thickened, brown, only tarsi light. Other legs yellowish to light brown, femora darker. Palps as in Figs 86, 87, embolic coil low, but basal loop high.

Figures 81–85. 

Pachyballus ornatus sp. nov., female, 81–84 habitus, dorsal view 85 epigyne (all specimens from Tanzania).

Female. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.3–1.5, width 1.4–1.8, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.6–0.8, anterior width 1.1–1.2, posterior width 1.4–1.5. Abdomen: length1.9–2.1, width 2.0–2.2.

General appearance as in Figs 81–84. Body shape and colouration similar to that in male. First legs not enlarged. Palps dark. Epigyne with anterior semi-circular depression divided by a median septum (Figs 88–91). Copulatory ducts very long, form several loose loops, spermathecae oval (Figs 92–97).

Tanzania and Congo D.R. (Fig. 195).

Some specimens, probably young females (soon after the moulting), were dark, almost black (Fig. 84). They appear to become brighter with age due to guanine accumulation (light spots are formed by guanine crystals stored under integument). Black females were collected together with light specimens. Internal structure of epigynes similar in light, Figs 92–94, and black, Figs 85, 95–97 specimens. Colouration seems to turn brighter in the course of life also in males.

Figures 86–91. 

Pachyballus ornatus sp. nov., copulatory organs 86 palpal organ, ventral view 87 palpal organ, lateral view 88–91 epigyne (89, 91 black form 89, 90 specimens from Usambara Mts).

Figures 92–97. 

Pachyballus ornatus sp. nov., internal structure of epigyne 92, 94, 95, 97 ventral view, 93, 96 dorsal view (specimens 94–96 from Usambara Mts, lower row – black form).

Congo • 2♂; Mayombe; E. Simon coll.; MNHN 7545; examined.

Cameroon • 1♀; Maroua; 10°36'N, 14°19'E; col. C.F. Roewer (nr 12 678); SMF • 1♀; without precise locality; in 1950; J. Birket-Smith leg.; UCZM. Congo D.R. • 1♀; Mayombe, Bas Congo, Luki Forest Reserve; 5°37'S, 13°05'E; 28.IX.2007; D. De Bakker and J.P. Michiels leg.; primary rainforest, fogging; MRAC 226.109A • 3♂ 2 imm; Kivu N prov., Kaisola, Ruindi plain; 0°47'S, 29°17'E; 1100 m a.s.l.; 3.VII.1972; M. Lejune leg.; MRAC 144 487 • 1♂ 2♀ 1 imm.; Ruindi plain, Ndimo Hill; 1100 m a.s.l.; 28.VI.1972; P.M. Lejune leg.; MRAC 144 670 • 1♂; Kivu N prov., Rutshuru; 1°11'S, 29°27'E; III.1937; J. Ghesquière leg.; MRAC 30 583 • 1♂; Goma; 0°34'S, 28°42'E; 10.II.1952; E. Bertrand leg.; MRAC 78 975. Ethiopia • 3♂ 2 imm.; Gorgora; 12°14'N, 37°18'E; in 1961; F. Hartman leg.; MRAC 131 203 • 1♂; Yayu coffe forest plantation; 8°10'N, 36°00'E; in 2004; N. Aklilu leg.; MRAC 231 209 • 1♀; the same locality; beating; MRAC 230 736 • 1 imm.; the same locality; secondary forest, beating; MRAC 229 396. Ivory Coast • 1♀; Bingerville; 5°21'N, 3°54'W; VIII.1962; J. Decelle leg.; MRAC 122 004. Mozambique • 1♀; ‘N Mozambique’; col. C.F.Roewer (nr 9715); SMF. Somalia • 1♀; Sinandogo; in 1946; R. Accigliaro leg.; MRAC 131 175 • 1♀; Giumbo; 0°14'S, 42°37'E; in 1946; R. Accigliaro leg.; MRAC 131 223. Tanzania • 2♂; ‘Zanguebar’ (=eastern coast of tropical Africa, probably Zanzibar); E Simon coll.; MNHN 7021. South Africa • 1♂; KwaZulu-Natal, Ulundi, Ophathe Game Reserve; 28°23'S, 31°24'E; 3.X.2008; C. Haddad leg.; beating, shrubs, overgrazed savanna; NCA 2008/4154 • 1♂; the same locality; 1.X.2008; NCA 2008/3971 • 9♂; the same locality; NCA 2019/1448 • 1♀; Mpumalanga Prov., Nelspruit, Agricultural College; 25°27'S, 30°59'E; 12.XI.1999; P. Stephen leg.; beating, citrus; NCA 2000/223.

Figures 98–103. 

Pachyballus transversus, male 98 habitus, ventral view 99–102 habitus, dorsal view, 103 palpal organ, ventral view (all specimens from Congo).

The body proportions of this species are different than in other Pachyballus spp., namely width of carapace and width of abdomen are clearly greater than their length. Sigilla are strongly marked. Shape of the eye field is more trapezoid than in congeners, its width at posterior eye row is a quarter larger than anterior width.

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.5–1.7, width 1.9–2.0, height 0.6. Eye field: length 0.8–1.0, anterior width 1.3–1.5, posterior width 1.9–2.0. Abdomen: length 2.4–2.9, width 2.8–3.2.

Figures 104–109. 

Pachyballus transversus, female 104–106 habitus, dorsal view 107–109 epigyne (dissected from specimens visible above) (104, 106 specimens from Congo 105 specimen from Ethiopia).

General appearance as in Figs 98–102. Slightly larger than P. flavipes, body flattened, covered with hard integument, pitted. Carapace wide, dark brown to blackish, vicinity of eyes black. Eye field strongly trapezoid, more than in other Pachyballus spp. Its width at last row of eyes is a quarter larger than its anterior width. A few hairs and long bristles at anterior eyes. Clypeus low. Chelicerae with short fang, three small teeth on promargin and four teeth with fused base on retromargin (Fig. 110). Mouth parts brown, sternum oval, dark. Abdomen heart-shaped, wide, clearly wider than long. Colouration of abdomen usually light, orange brownish with blackish edge, sometimes yellowish or brown. Sigilla clearly visible. Venter brown, with typical scuta (Fig. 98). First pair of legs brown, slightly larger than other pairs, with femora and tibiae thickened, tibiae slightly flattened dorsally. All legs brownish with lighter tarsi. Palps dark, structure as in Figs 103, 111, 112.

Female. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.4–1.6, width 1.6–2.0, height 0.7. Eye field: length 0.7–0.8, anterior width 1.2–1.5, posterior width 1.8–2.0. Abdomen: length 2.4–2.9, width 2.8–3.2.

General appearance as in Figs 104–106. Similar to male, eye field strongly trapezoid. Abdomen wide, rounded, with visible sigilla. All legs yellow, sometimes femora, patellae and tibiae brownish. Palps dark. Epigyne typical, with horseshoe-shaped anterior depression (Figs 107–109, 113–116). Copulatory ducts long, forming several loops, spermathecae strongly sclerotised (Figs 118–122).

Immature specimens. Shape of body as in adults, abdomen with two oval scuta, close to each other on dorsum (Figs 191, 192). Ventral scuta absent.

Widely distributed in Africa (Fig. 196).

Figures 110–116. 

Pachyballus transversus 110 cheliceral dentition 111 palpal organ, ventral view 112 palpal organ, lateral view 113–116 epigyne (114 specimen from Ethiopia 115 specimen from Somalia 113, 116 specimens from Congo).

Simon (1900) described only the female of P. transversus. He recorded this species from Congo, Transvaal (South Africa) and Zanzibar (Simon 1900, 1901). He found it also (Simon 1910) later in Guinea Bissau and noted in this publication that this species had been described from Congo. This suggests that the Congolese specimens constitute the “type material”. However, the two specimens from Congo, personally labelled by Simon and kept in the MNHN collection, are males. The fact was also mentioned by Berland and Millot (1941). Simon most probably described these specimens and apparently published the wrong data on sex of specimens. This description is very superficial and the structure of copulatory organs is not depicted. There are also some other males from Zanzibar in Simon’s collection in MNHN (but no female). Simon’s specimens from Natal, kept in MZC (examined) are immature and probably misidentified. Thus, it should be concluded that Simon’s description concerned the male and the female of this species is described here for the first time. The figure in Simon (1901) shows characteristic body proportions of P. transversus (width of carapace greatly exceeds its length, eye field is clearly trapezoid with long distance between eyes in the posterior row, and abdomen is rounded), which allows the proper species recognition.

Figures 117–122. 

Pachyballus transversus, internal structure of epigyne 117–120 ventral view 121, 122 dorsal view (117 specimen from Ethiopia 118 specimen from Somalia, other specimens from Congo).

Tanzania • 1♂ 1♀; Kilimanjaro, Kibonoto; 3°11'S, 37°06'E; Sjöstedt leg.; NHRS; examined.

This species is the only one in the genus that does not have the posterior ventral scutum on abdomen. Its other diagnostic feature is the pattern on abdomen; the anterior one-fourth of the abdomen is bright, the posterior part dark with a wide, light median patch (Figs 123, 127).

Male. Measurements: Cephalothorax: length 1.4, width 1.3, height 0.4. Eye field: length 0.7, anterior width 1.1, posterior width 1.3. Abdomen: length 1.8, width 1.7.

General appearance as in Fig. 123. Body flattened, integument strongly sclerotised, clearly pitted. Eye field light, yellowish orange, blackish rings around eyes, thoracic part light brown anteriorly, posterior slope yellowish. A few delicate hairs at anterior eyes. Chelicerae brown, with three teeth on promargin and a tooth with two tips on retromargin (Fig. 124). Labium and endites basally brownish, with light tips. Sternum light brown. Abdomen heart-shaped, widest anteriorly and tapering, anteriorly orange, sides brown with wide orange area in the middle (Fig. 123). Venter yellowish, without scutum. Spinnerets short, yellow. Legs relatively short, dark yellow (first pair absent in the syntype, only coxae extant, brown). Pedipalp (only right present) brown. Palpal organ as in Figs 125, 126, embolic coil wide, with three loops.

Figures 123–128. 

Pachyballus variegatus, syntypes 123 male, habitus124 cheliceral dentition 125 palpal organ, ventral view 126 palpal organ, lateral view 127 female, colouration of abdomen 128 epigyne.

Female. Measurements: Cephalothorax: length 1.5, width 1.4, height 0.5. Eye field: length 0.8, anterior width 1.2, posterior width 1.4. Abdomen: length 2.2, width 2.1.

Colouration as in male (Fig. 127). Abdomen rounded. Palp light, with brown apical part. Epigyne weakly sclerotised with shallow central depression (Fig. 128). Internal structure not studied, spermathecae probably large (visible through integument).

Lessert (1925) wrote in the original description that the basic colour of body was black. The specimens must have bleached heavily, however the outline of lighter patches has been preserved.

Known only from the type locality (Fig. 193).

Homalattus biscutellatus Simon, 1887.

Peplometus is closely related to Pachyballus. From the latter genus it can easily be separated by the elongated abdomen (rounded in Pachyballus). It differs also in the form of leg I in males having the leaf-like setae on tibia I (absent in the other genus).

Small spiders (ca. 3.0–4.0 mm length), with very flat body, covered with hard strongly sclerotised integument. Carapace almost square-shaped, pitted dorsally, its length only slightly exceeds its width. Chelicerae with two (exceptionally three) small teeth on promargin and on retromargin a saw-shaped tooth with four to five denticles. Abdomen slightly elongated, ratio of its length to width 1.3–1.5 (only in female of P. biscutellatus 1.2). In males, width of abdomen almost equal to width of carapace, abdomen of females wider and rather oval. Anterior margin of abdomen straight. Hard scutum covers dorsum of abdomen, venter also strongly armoured, with scuta as in Pachyballus, namely the narrow scutum with backwards extending “horns” at anterior edge, and a large trapezoid scutum in posterior half of abdomen. Males with a thinner sclerotised plate in front of epigastric furrow, its thick posterior margin forms narrow wedge-shaped bar (Figs 138, 185). Numerous sclerotised bumps on sides of the abdominal venter (Fig. 138). Legs short, in males the first pair slightly thicker, with enlarged femora and modified tibiae. In some species conspicuously thickened, usually flattened, in other species elongated (in this case the metatarsus I with a dorsal process). Tibiae I black, with ventral brush of long dense flattened setae, contrasting with other segments. Copulatory organs similar to those in Pachyballus.

Figures 129–135. 

First leg of male 129 Pachyballus castaneus 130 Peplometus biscutellatus 131, 132 P. chlorophthalmus 133 P. congoensis 134 P. oyo 135 P. nimba 132 retrolateral view, others prolateral view.

Ivory Coast • ♀; Assinie; 5°08'N, 3°16'W; Alluaud [C.] leg.; MNHN 9072; examined.

Cameroon • 2♀; Matube, Tiko plantation; 4°04'N, 9°21'E; 24.IV-6.V.1949; B. Malkin leg.; CAS • 1♀; Mabete Victoria [Limbe]; 4°01'N, 9°13'E; 24.V-7.VI.1949; B. Malkin leg.; CAS • 1♀; Reserve Forestiere Nyong, S to Makak; 3°25'N, 12°47'E; 17.II.1950; J. Dahl and J. Birket-Smith leg.; UCZM. Ghana • 2♂; Kakum forest; 5°25'N, 1°19'W; 18.XI.2005; primary forest, R. Jocqué, D. De Bakker and L. Baert leg.; fogging; MRAC 217 897 • 1♀; the same data; 16.XI.2005; MRAC 217 875 • 2♀; the same data; 25.XI.2005; MRAC 217 945 • 7♂ 4♀; the same locality; 15.XI.2005; secondary forest; MRAC 217 865 • 2♂; the same data; 17.XI.2005; MRAC 217 881 • 1♂; the same data; 12.XI.2005; MRAC 217 857. Guinea • 1♀; Dalaba; 10°42'N, 12°15'W; VII.1937; J. Millot leg.; MNHN • 1♂; Nimba Mts, Zougué Valley, near Gbakoré mine camp; 7°34'N, 8°28'W; 5.X.2011; 780 m a.s.l.; young secondary gallery forest, fogging canopy; D. van den Spiegel leg.; MRAC 238 187 • 1♂; same locality, Seringbara road; 8.II.2012; beating; A. Henrard, C. Allard, P. Bimou, M. Sidibé leg.; MRAC 239 050 • 2♂, 1♀; same locality; gallery forest of Zié; 3.X.2011; 1250 m a.s.l.; fogging, canopy forest, understory shrub layer; D. van den Spiegel, A. Hernard leg.; MRAC 238 066. Ivory Coast • 1 imm.; together with the holotype • 1♂; Bouaké, Foro Foro; 7°49'N, 5°01'W; 5–7.VIII.1974; pitfall; G. Couturier leg.; MRAC 216 442 • 1♂; the same data; MRAC 216 380. Nigeria • 1♂; Kabba; 7°50'N, 6°04'E; 18–23.II.1949; B. Malkin leg.; CAS. Senegal • 1♂; Dakar; 8°19'N, 0°13'W; IX.1947; L. Berland leg.; MNHN. Sierra Leone • 2♂ 3♀ 2 imm.; Free Town; 8°30'N, 13°15'W; col. E. Simon, MNHN 19 988. Togo • 1♀ 1 imm.; without precise locality; col. C.F. Roewer (nr 10861); SMF.

Figures 136–142. 

Peplometus biscutellatus, male 136 habitus, dorsal view 137 habitus, lateral view 138 venter of abdomen 139 cheliceral dentition 140 first leg, dorsoprolateral view 141 first leg, dorsal view 142 palpal organ, ventral view (photos – specimen from Ghana, drawings – specimen from Sierra Leone).

The male of this species may be distinguished by a flat area on prolateral side of the tibia I (Figs 130, 140, 141). The female has a cordiform abdomen, while other congeners have oval abdomen; the width/length ratio of abdomen in P. biscutellatus female is 0.8, whereas it is 0.75 in other species.

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.1–1.7, width 1.2–1.8, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.7–0.9, anterior width 1.0–1.3, posterior width 1.2–1.6. Abdomen: length 1.9–2.9, width 1.3–2.1.

Figures 143–145. 

Peplometus biscutellatus, female 143, 144 habitus, dorsal view 145 habitus, ventral view (143 specimen from Cameroon 144, 145 specimen from Ghana).

General appearance as in Figs 136, 137. Body flattened, completely covered with strongly sclerotised and pitted integument. Dorsum of body dark brown, clothed in dense short white hairs (lost in some of the studied specimens). Eye field on more than half of carapace length, black rings around eyes, the first row of eyes encircled with white hairs. Long white bristles between anterior eyes. Clypeus extremely low, brown with a few white hairs. Chelicerae with three diminutive teeth on promargin and five retromarginal teeth fused basally (Fig. 139). Mouthparts brown. Sternum oval, brown. Abdomen elongated, widest anteriorly and tapering rearward, anterior edge almost straight. Dorsum of abdomen totally covered by very strongly sclerotised and pitted scutum, laterally slightly turned back to venter. Venter with typical scuta; anterior scutum narrow, extending backwards laterally, posterior ventral scutum largest, cordiform. In front of epigastric furrow a thin sclerotised plate with thick posterior margin forms narrow wedge-shaped bar. Numerous bumps on sides ventrally; armour-plate pattern is shown in Fig. 138. Spinnerets brown, obscured by dorsal scutum. Legs I the biggest, femora enlarged, brownish with darker prolateral side, three short spines on dorsum. Tibia thickened, clearly flattened prolaterally, blackish with pale dorsal streak, ventrally black brash of dense long feather-shaped setae (Figs 130, 140), metatarsi and tarsi short, yellowish, two pairs of ventral spines on metatarsi. Other legs pale yellowish with dark marks at bases of segments, only femora IV brown (or yellow with brown streak on prolateral side). Palps light, their structure as in Fig. 142. Palpal tibia short with single thin straight apophysis, bulb oval, embolus thin, long, spirally coiled, forming three loops on bulb tip.

Female. Measurements: Cephalothorax: length 1.0–1.4, width 1.2–1.4, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.6–0.8, anterior width 1.0–1.2, posterior width 1.2–1.3. Abdomen: length 2.1–2.3, width 1.7–1.9.

General appearance as in Figs 143–145. Similar to male, but abdomen wider, heart-shaped. Scarce white hairs on body. Carapace dark brown, black near eyes. Legs I as in males, not so thick, tibia slightly thickened, retrolateral flattening hardly visible. Palps dark, blackish. Epigyne large, rectangular, weakly sclerotised, with small semicircle shallow depression divided by median septum (Figs 146–149). In some females horizontal crevices laterally, formed by microsculpture of integument, not part of epigyne (Fig. 146). Copulatory ducts very long, spirally coiled behind openings, form several loops distally, spermathecae bean-shaped (Figs 150–153).

Figures 146–149. 

Peplometus biscutellatus, female, epigyne (upper row specimens from Sierra Leone, lower row specimens from Ghana).

Immature specimens. Abdomen not elongated, heart-shaped, with two oval dorsal scuta on abdomen, close to each other (Figs 189, 190).

The first description of the male is given here. Simon described P. biscutellatus based on a female from Ivory Coast, however in his samples from Sierra Leone the two sexes were present (labelled by Simon himself). This fact has already been mentioned by Berland and Millot (1941), but they have not described the missing male. Material collected by Simon is in a very poor condition. Numerous specimens have lately been collected by fogging, this species typically inhabits canopy.

West equatorial Africa (Fig. 197).

Figures 150–153. 

Peplometus biscutellatus, female, internal structure of epigyne 150, 151 ventral view 152, 153 dorsal view (150, 151 specimen from Ghana 152 specimen from Cameroon 153 specimen from Sierra Leone).

South Africa • ♂; Natal (eastern SA); C. M[artin] [leg.]; MNHN 17 385; examined.

South Africa • 1♀ 5 imm.; together with the holotype. Congo D.R. • 1♂ 1♀ 1 subad. ♂; Bas Congo, Mayombe, Luki Forest Biosphere Reserve; 5°40'S, 13°10'E; 7.XI.2006; D. De Bakker and J.P. Michiels leg.; beating; MRAC 221 505 • 1♀; the same data; 14.XI.2006; MRAC 219 997 • 1♀; the same data; 8.XI.2006; MRAC 219 944 • 2♀; the same data; 14.XI.2006 and 19.IX.2007; MRAC 226 100 • 1♂ 1♀; the same locality; 24.IX.2007; old secondary rainforest, fogging; MRAC 226 104 • 1♀; the same locality; 29.IX.2007; primary rainforest, fogging; MRAC 226 110 • 2♀; the same data; 5.XI.2006; MRAC 226 118 •1♀; the same data; 11.XI.2006; MRAC 221 583 • 1♀; the same data;12.XI.2006; MRAC 220 954.

Figures 154–159. 

Peplometus chlorophthalmus, male 154 habitus, dorsal view 155 habitus, ventral view 156 habitus, lateral view 157 first leg, dorsal view 158 first leg, prolateral view 159 first leg, retrolateral view (specimen from Congo).

The tibia of the leg I in male is strongly flattened dorsally (Figs 131, 158). The female is difficult to distinguish from P. biscutellatus, but it has a narrower abdomen (see Diagnosis of the latter species).

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.0–1.5, width 1.1–1.3, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.6–0.8, anterior width 1.0–1.2, posterior width 1.2–1.3. Abdomen: length 2.2–2.3, width 1.4–1.5.

General appearance as in Figs 154–156. Small spider with flattened body. Carapace dark brown to blackish, pitted. White bristles around anterior median eyes and between all eyes of first row. Clypeus low, black, with a few white hairs. Fang of chelicerae short, two small teeth on promargin, retromarginal tooth with four tips (Fig. 160). Sternum oval, dark brown. Abdomen narrow, covered with strongly sclerotised, pitted, dark integument. Venter with typical scuta (same as by P. biscutellatus). Legs yellowish with dark lines along femora and tibiae III and IV on prolateral surface. Legs I the stoutest, tip of prolateral side of femur with small patch, tibia strongly thickened, black with yellow line along dorsum and large light patch on retrolateral side, long flattened black setae ventrally (Figs 157, 159). Tibia I characteristic for having a large flattened part on dorsal side (Figs 131, 158). Pedipalp light, its structure as in Figs 161–164, embolic coil wide.

Female. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.0–1.4, width 1.1–1.3, height 0.5–0.6. Eye field: length 0.6–0.7, anterior width 1.0–1.2, posterior width 1.2–1.3. Abdomen: length 2.0–2.4, width 1.5–1.8.

Figures 160–165. 

Peplometus chlorophthalmus 160 cheliceral dentition 161, 163 palpal organ, ventral view 162, 164 palpal organ, lateral view 165 immature specimen (160–162 holotype 163, 164 specimen from Congo).

Similar to male, general appearance as in Figs 166, 167. White hairs at anterior eyes and on posterior carapace slope. Abdomen wider than in male, but relatively narrow, narrower than in P. biscutellatus. Legs darker than in male. Femora of I–III legs brown with yellow ventral surface, femora IV completely brown. Patellae IV with pro- and retrolateral brown stripes. First leg not larger, its tibia black with black long setae ventrally, in some specimens with narrow light streak along dorsum. Tibiae II with prolateral brown stripe, tibiae IV brown with thin yellow longitudinal stripes dorsally and ventrally. Other leg segments light yellow. Palps blackish. Epigyne as in Figs 168, 169, rectangular with shallow depression. Ventral structure of epigyne similar to other species, copulatory ducts long, weakly sclerotised in initial part, forming several loops (Figs 170, 171).

Immature specimens. Abdomen not elongated, heart-shaped, with two oval scuta on dorsum, close to each other, not covering whole dorsum of abdomen (Fig. 165).

The first description of the female is given here. Simon described only the male of P. chlorophthalmus, although the vial with a type specimen contains also an undescribed female and a few immature specimens. This material is however in a very poor condition.

Length of the apical part of embolus varies. It is very long in South African specimen, extending beyond the retrolateral edge of apical part of cymbium (Figs 161, 162), and short in specimen from Congo D. R. (Figs 163, 164).

Known from Congo and South Africa (Fig. 197).

Figures 166–171. 

Peplometus chlorophthalmus, female 166 habitus, dorsal view 167 habitus, ventral view 168, 169 epigyne 170 internal structure of epigyne, ventral view 171 internal structure of epigyne, dorsal view (171 specimen from Natal, other specimens from Congo).

Congo • ♂; Brazzaville, ORSTOM Park; 4°16'S, 15°17'E; 19.X.1963; J. Balogh and A. Zicsi leg.; HNHM.

Congo • 1♀; together with the holotype. Congo D.R. • 1♀; Mayombe, Bas Congo, Luki Forest Reserve; 5°37'S, 13°05'E; 28.IX.2007; D. De Bakker and J.P. Michiel leg.; primary rainforest, canopy fogging; MRAC 226 108.

The most characteristic feature of this species is colouration and shape of the first pair of legs. Tibia I in male is totally black, it is not flattened (Fig. 172), whereas in congeners tibia is flattened dorsally or laterally and has a light streak or patch. Tibia I of the female is light retrolaterally, with large dark patch at its basis (Figs 179, 180). The abdomen of female is narrow, similar as in male, while females of other species have abdomen wider than males.

The species is named after its terra typica (Congo).

Figures 172–176. 

Peplometus congoensis sp. nov. 172 male, holotype, habitus, dorsal view 173 male, habitus, ventral view 174 female, habitus, dorsal view 175 female, habitus, ventral view 176 female, habitus, lateral view.

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.7, width 1.8, height 0.6. Eye field: length 0.9, anterior width 1.3, posterior width 1.7. Abdomen: length 3.0, width 2.2.

General appearance as in Figs 172, 173. Body flattened, integument strongly sclerotised and clearly pitted. Carapace trapezoid, widest posteriorly, dark brown, black around eyes, a few bristles at eyes of first row. Chelicera with two small teeth on promargin and four-tip retromarginal tooth. Mouth parts and sternum light brown. Abdomen elongated, only slightly wider than carapace, venter also covered by scuta, posterior scutum large (Fig. 173). Legs I stout, brown, lateral side of femur slightly darker, tip of patella dark, tibia strongly thickened, black, with long dense black feather-shaped setae ventrally (Figs 133, 172). Other legs yellowish brown, with distal small dark brown patches on patellae and tibiae II–III and proximal brown rings on patellae, tibiae and metatarsi IV, femora IV brown. Palpal organ as in Figs 177, 178, apical part of embolus long.

Female. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.2–1.3, width 1.1–1.3, height 0.4–0.5. Eye field: length 0.7, anterior width 1.0–1.1, posterior width 1.1–1.3. Abdomen: length 2.6–3.0, width 1.8–1.9.

General appearance as in Figs 174–176. Carapace rounded, brown to black, strongly sclerotised and clearly pitted, eye field on half of its length. Some dark bristles at eyes of first row. Chelicerae yellowish brown, with short fang, two small teeth on promargin and three-tip tooth on retromargin. Mouth parts creamy. Sternum oval, blackish. Abdomen relatively narrow, elongated, widest anteriorly, anterior edge almost straight. Dorsum of abdomen totally covered by very strongly sclerotised, pitted, black scutum, turned back on its margin. Abdomen ventrally with hard scuta; anterior scutum narrow along anterior margin of abdomen, extending backwards, posterior scutum large, trapezoid. Numerous bumps on sides of abdomen venter (Fig. 175). Spinnerets dark. Legs generally light, creamy with blackish stains. Legs I the biggest (not so markedly as in males); femora with black patch distally on prolateral side, tibia thickened, prolaterally black, basal half of retrolateral part black (Figs 179, 180). Dense long black setae on ventral side of tibia, two pairs of ventral spines. Dark line along dorsum of femora IV. Palps blackish. Epigyne large, rectangular, with small depression divided by median ridge, hardly visible horizontal crevices laterally (Fig. 181). Internal structure as in Figs 182, 183.

Known only from Congo and DR Congo (Fig. 198).

Figures 177–183. 

Peplometus congoensis sp. nov. 177 palpal organ, ventral view 178 palpal organ, lateral view 179 first leg of female, prolateral view 180 first leg of female, retolateral view 181 epigyne 182 internal structure of epigyne, ventral view 183 internal structure of epigyne, dorsal view.

Guinea • ♂; Nimba Mts, Nion; 7°36'N, 8°28'W; 16.VI.1942; M. Lamotte leg.; BMNH.

Male of this species is very similar to that of Pachyballus oyo, it can be distinguished by the lack of a conspicuous, sharp process on tibia I, which is very characteristic for the latter species (compare Fig. 135 with Fig. 134). In P. nimba metatarsus and tibia of leg I are of equal length, while in P. oyo metatarsus I is clearly shorter, about half of tibia I length.

The specific name is a noun in apposition referring to the Nimba Mts, type locality of this species.

Male. Measurements. Cephalothorax: length 1.4, width1.2, height 0.5. Eye field: length 0.7, anterior width 1.1, posterior width 1.2. Abdomen: length 2.0, width 1.4.

General appearance as in Fig. 184. Body very flat, covered with strongly sclerotised integument, clearly pitted, brown with blackish area around eyes. Carapace slightly trapezoid, white bristles near eyes of first row. Clypeus very low. Chelicerae with two teeth on promargin and five on retromargin (apical tooth very small), fang short. Endites, labium and sternum yellow. Abdomen elongated, shield shaped (its anterior margin almost straight), dorsum covered with large strongly sclerotised scutum. Ventrally abdomen with typical large scuta (Fig. 185), as in other species. In front of epigastric furrow clearly visible narrow wedge-shaped sclerotised swelling. Spinnerets yellow. First pair the stoutest, femora basically yellow, slightly darker on sides; patella light yellow, tibia slightly thickened, brown (prolateral surface darker), with light streak dorsally, dense long whitish (probably bleached) setae ventrally; metatarsus long, creamy with black dorsal hump and black line along prolateral side (Fig. 187). Legs II–IV yellow, with thin dark line along prolateral sides of patellae and tibiae. Legs without spines, except two short ventral spines on metatarsus I. Palps yellow, tibial apophysis very thin, bulb triangular, embolus spirally coiled on bulb tip (Fig. 188).

Female unknown.

Known only from the type locality, Nimba Mts in western Africa (Fig. 198).

Figures 184–188. 

Peplometus nimba 184 male, holotype, habitus, dorsal view 185 venter of abdomen 186 first leg, retrolateral view 187 first leg, prolateral view 188 palpal organ, ventral view.

The male of this species is similar to that of Peplometus nimba, but it can be identified by the presence of a big apical process on the first pair of legs and the metatarsus of this pair shorter than tibia (Fig. 134).

For description of both sexes see: Wesołowska and Russell-Smith (2011).

Southern Nigeria (Fig. 198).

Figures 189–192. 

Dorsal scuta of abdomen, immature specimens. 189, 190 Peplometus biscutellatus 191, 192 Pachyballus transversus 189, 191 younger instar 190, 192 subadult.

Figures 193–198. 

Distribution maps of Pachyballus and Peplometus species. 193 circle – Pachyballus caelestis, square – P. castaneus, triangle – P. variegatus 194 P. flavipes 195 circle – P. miniscutulus, square – P. mombasensis, triangle – P. ornatus 196 P. transversus 197 circle – Peplometus biscutellatus, square – P. chlorophthalmus 198 circle – P. nimba, square – P. oyo, triangle – P. congoensis.