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Research Article
Taxonomic study on fourteen symphytognathid species from Asia (Araneae, Symphytognathidae)
expand article infoYa Li, Shuqiang Li§, Yucheng Lin
‡ Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
§ Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Open Access

Abstract

Fourteen symphytognathid species belonging to three genera are examined, including the descriptions of eight new species and two new genera from China, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar: Patu Marples, 1951: P. catba S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂, Vietnam), P. dakou S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, China), P. damtao S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂, Vietnam), P. jiangzhou S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♀, China), P. jidanweishi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♂♀, China), P. nagarat S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, Thailand), P. nigeri Lin & S. Li, 2009 (♀, China), P. putao S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♀, Myanmar), P. qiqi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♀, China) and P. xiaoxiao Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♂♀, China); Kirinua S. Li & Lin, gen. nov.: K. maguai S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, China) and K. yangshuo S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, China); Swilda S. Li & Lin, gen. nov.: S. longtou (Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009), comb. nov. (♂♀, China) is transferred from Crassignatha Wunderlich, 1995 and S. spinathoraxi (Lin & S. Li, 2009), comb. nov. (♂♀, China) is transferred from Patu. Diagnoses, descriptions and illustrations are provided for new taxa, as well as a distribution map. The males of P. xiaoxiao and S. longtou are described for the first time. Type specimens of P. jidanweishi, P. nigeri, P. qiqi, P. xiaoxiao, S. longtou and S. spinathoraxi are re-examined and photographed. All Asian Patu species are revised and two species, P. kishidai Shinkai, 2009 and P. bispina Lin, Pham & S. Li, 2009, are transferred to Crassignatha and proposed as new combinations: Crassignatha kishidai comb. nov. and C. bispina comb. nov. In addition, DNA barcodes and genetic distances of ten species treated in this paper were obtained to confirm identification.

Keywords

Dwarf orb-weavers, new species, new genus, new combination, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar

Introduction

Symphytognathidae Hickman, 1931 is a small spider family mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the Oriental and Neotropical realms. Ninety symphytognathid species in eight genera are known, of which 45 species and six genera occur in Asia (WSC 2021).

Before the current study, fourteen species from China, Colombia, Fiji, Japan, New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles and Vietnam were assigned to Patu Marples, 1951. Miller et al. (2009) mentioned that Patu is a particularly problematic genus because of insufficient study of the copulatory organs, the scarcity of material in collections and the minute size of these animals. A complete revision of this genus is still lacking and the taxonomic placement of some doubtful species needs to be clarified.

The aim of this paper is to provide data on Asian Patu and related genera, including descriptions of new species and genera, based on recent collections from China, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar.

Materials and methods

More than 1200 adult symphytognathid specimens were examined in a 95% ethanol solution under a Leica M205 C stereomicroscope. The digital photos were montaged using Helicon Focus 3.10 (Khmelik et al. 2006) image stacking software. Male palps and epigynes were examined and photographed after dissection. The left palp was photographed and described (if missing, the right was used). Epigynes were treated with lactic acid before being embedded in Hoyer’s Gum and placed on an ultra-thin slide to take photos of both sides of the vulva. All measurements are in millimetres. Leg measurements are given as follows: total length (femur, patella, tibia, metatarsus and tarsus).

Tissue samples were taken from the prosoma of 17 individuals of Patu, Kirinua S. Li & Lin, gen. nov. and Swilda S. Li & Lin, gen. nov., including five new and five known species (the abdomens and male palps were kept as vouchers). All of the molecular data were obtained from specimens collected at the type localities, although not from the type specimens themselves. A partial fragment (636 bp) of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was amplified and sequenced to calculate the genetic distances between morphologically-similar species to confirm identifications and for sex pairing.

The primers used were: LCO1490 (5’-GGTCAACAAATCATCATAAAGATATTGG-3’) and HCO2198 (5’-TAAACTTCAGGGTGACCAAAAAA TCA-3’). Raw sequences were edited and assembled using BioEdit v.7.2.5 (Hall 1999) and the uncorrected pairwise distances between species were calculated using MEGA7.0.14 (Kumar et al. 2016). Results of the genetic distance analysis are shown in Appendix Table A1.

Morphological abbreviations used in the figures are given in Table 1. New sequences, generated for this study, are available from GenBank and the accession numbers are reported in Table 2. References to figures in the cited papers are listed in lowercase (fig. or figs) and figures in this paper are noted with an initial capital (Fig. or Figs). With the exception of the types of previously-described species kept in HNU and IZCAS, all molecular vouchers are deposited in NHMSU in Chengdu, China and examined morphological material is deposited in NHMSU and IZCAS.

Table 1.

List of abbreviations used in the text or figures.

Male palp Epigyne
AP apical process on tegulum Atr atrium
Co conductor CD copulatory duct
Cy cymbium CO copulatory opening
CA cymbial apophysis FD fertilisation duct
CP1 proximal cymbial process Pl parmula
CP2 distal cymbial process S spermatheca
E embolus Sp scape
Fe femur Somatic characters
MA median apophysis ALE anterior lateral eyes
Pa patella PLE posterior lateral eyes
T tegulum PME posterior median eyes
Ti tibia PER posterior eye row
TP tegular process TS male clasping spines on tibia II
Institutions
HNU College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
IZCAS Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
NHMSU Natural History Museum of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Table 2.

GenBank accession numbers for DNA sequence data from ten symphytognathid species.

Species Identifier Sample COI* Collection localities
Patu dakou sp. nov. HA135 1♂ MW970248 China, Yunnan, Longling County
HA135 1♀ MW970247
Patu jiangzhou sp. nov. HA012 1♀ MW970234 China, Guangxi, Fengshan County
Patu jidanweishi HA119 1♂ MW970243 China, Yunnan, Fugong County
HA119 1♀ MW970242
Patu nagarat sp. nov. HA087 1♂ MW970240 Thailand, Khon Kaen Pro.
HA087 1♀ MW970239
Patu nigeri HA129 1♀ MW970246 China, Yunnan, Gongshan County
Patu xiaoxiao HA123 1♂ MW970245 China, Yunnan, Lushui County
HA123 1♀ MW970244
Kirinua maguai sp. nov. HA008 1♀ MW970250 China, Guangxi, Fengshan County
Kirinua yangshuo sp. nov. HA018 1♂ juv. MW970236 China, Guangxi, Yangshuo County
HA018 1♀ MW970235
Swilda longtou HA112 1♂ MW970249 China, Yunnan, Fugong County
HA112 1♀ MW970241
Swilda spinathoraxi HA082 1♂ MW970238 China, Yunnan, Mengla County
HA082 1♀ MW970237

Taxonomy

Family Symphytognathidae Hickman, 1931

Patu Marples, 1951

Patu Marples, 1951: 47.

Patu Forster, 1959: 318.

Patu Forster & Platnick, 1977: 15.

Type species

Patu vitiensis Marples, 1951 by original designation, from Fiji.

Diagnosis

Patu can be distinguished from Anapistula Gertsch, 1941 by having 6 eyes vs. four or lacking and from Anapogonia Simon, 1905, tentatively placed in Symphytognathidae (Platnick and Forster 1989: 76), by the chelicerae fused at the mid-line vs. unfused. Patu differs from Globignatha Balogh & Loksa, 1968 and Symphytognatha Hickman, 1931 by the chelicerae fused only at mid-line vs. almost fully fused, see Lin 2019: fig. 1H. It differs from Curimagua Forster & Platnick, 1977 by having 6 eyes in diads and the female lacking palps (Fig. 8A and C) vs. 6 eyes in triads and female palps reduced to vestiges (Forster and Platnick 1977: figs 40 and 63). Patu differs from Iardinis Simon, 1899 (I. martensi Brignoli, 1978 from Nepal and I. mussardi Brignoli, 1980 from India) by having clasping spines on tibia II on the male, but lacking in the latter and from Crassignatha Wunderlich, 1995 and Swilda gen. nov. by lacking a latero-posterior abdominal scutum in the male and the rod-shaped or oval spermathecae (Figs 1C, 9F and 10G) vs. having an abdominal scutum and spherical spermathecae (Figs 19A, 21A and 22E; Li, Lin and Li 2020: figs 16C and 22D). Patu is similar to Kirinua gen. nov. by the absence of a latero-posterior abdominal scutum in the male and the carapace surface lacking granular or spinous ornaments in both sexes, but it can be distinguished by the male having sulci and pores on the clypeus, rather than a pair of pocket-shaped pits in the latter and the male palpal cymbium lacks accessorial structures (e.g. primary conductor, cymbial process or apophysis); females can be distinguished by having rod-shaped or oval spermathecae rather than spherical or subspherical spermathecae in the latter.

Description

Tiny, total length 0.40–0.80. Carapace round in male, pear-shaped in female dorsally, nearly triangular laterally (Figs 6A, 2D, 8A and 8D). Six eyes in 3 diads, ocular base black, AME absent, lateral eyes adjacent, cephalic part raised (Figs 2C, 2F, 8C and 8F). Clypeus concave, with modified sulci and pores (fig. 69A–D in Miller et al. 2009). Female lacking palps. Chelicerae fused at middle, with a single tooth (fig. 69E and F in Miller et al. 2009). Labium wider than long, fused to sternum (Figs 2B, 2E, 8B and 8E). Sternum heart shaped, truncated posteriorly. Male tibia II with 1–2 clasping spines subdistally (Figs 1C, 2C, 6C and 8C). Abdomen globular dorsally, subovoid laterally, without latero-posterior abdominal scutum (Figs 1C, 4C and 8C). Spinnerets without annular plates. Colulus absent.

Male palp (Figs 4D, E, 8A and B): bulb nearly ovate, large, not less than ~ ¼ size of carapace. Cymbium membranous, translucent, wrapping around bulb prolaterally, without modified teeth, processes or apophyses. Conductor usually absent (if present, long, finger-like, starting at dorsal side of bulb, close to embolic base, see Figs 1D and 4D). Tegulum cup shaped, with 1 or 2 protrusions (median apophysis and tegular process) (Figs 1D, 7A and 9A). Embolus long, slender, tubular, coiling into at least 2 loops within tegulum, distal part of embolus embedded inside bulb (Figs 3A, B, 14A and B) or extends and twists at tip of bulb (Figs 1D, E, 4D, E, 7A, B, 9A and B).

Epigyne (Figs 7E, F, 9E, F, 14D and E): weakly sclerotised. Scape or parmula short, tongue-shaped or long, finger-like. Spermathecae long, ovate or kidney-shaped, separated by less than 2 lengths. Copulatory openings separated. Copulatory ducts membranous or faintly sclerotised, usually partially or completely surround spermathecae (exceptions are P. nigeri Lin & S. Li, 2009 and P. qiqi). Fertilisation ducts short, thin, typically originate from the lateral or anterior side of spermathecae.

Composition

Patu catba sp. nov. (♂), P. dakou sp. nov. (♂♀), P. damtao sp. nov. (♂), P. digua Forster & Platnick, 1977 (♂♀), P. eberhardi Forster & Platnick, 1977 (♂♀), P. jiangzhou sp. nov. (♀), P. jidanweishi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♂♀), P. marplesi Forster, 1959 (♂), P. nagarat sp. nov. (♂♀), P. nigeri (♂♀), P. putao sp. nov. (♀), P. qiqi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♂♀), P. saladito Forster & Platnick, 1977 (♀), P. samoensis Marples, 1951 (♂♀), P. silho Saaristo, 1996 (♂♀), P. vitiensis Marples, 1951 (♂♀), P. woodwardi Forster, 1959 (♂♀) and P. xiaoxiao Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♂♀). Li, Lin and Li (2020) have previously suggested that the other two Asian species, P. bispina Lin, Pham & S. Li, 2009 from Vietnam and P. kishidai Shinkai, 2009 from Japan, do not belong to this genus and should be transferred to Crassignatha. Based on the above diagnosis of Patu, we formally propose two new combinations: Crassignatha bispina comb. nov. and C. kishidai comb. nov.

Distribution

China (Guangxi, Hainan, and Yunnan), Colombia, Fiji, Myanmar, New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Thailand, Vietnam.

Remarks

Of the male Patu species described here, the embolus is either embedded within the tegulum or not, the conductor is present or absent and the tegular process is present or absent. The similarities of the palps are the nearly ovate bulb and the cymbium lacking any teeth, processes or apophyses. In the females, the epigyne and vulva distinctly differ in the type, shape and size of posterior process of the epigyne (scape or parmula) and in the texture, length and course of the copulatory ducts. The similarities of the vulvae are the ovate or short, club-shaped spermathecae.

Patu catba S. Li & Lin, sp. nov.

Figures 1, 23

Type material

Holotype ♂ (IZCAS-Ar 41036) Vietnam: Cat Ba National Park, Hai Phong Province, in leaf litter of natural forest (20.80133°N, 107.00353°E; 116 m alt.), 23.IX.2007, D. Pham leg.

Etymology

The specific epithet derives from the type locality; noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

This new species differs from other Patu species with the exception of P. damtao sp. nov. by having a long, sclerotised conductor dorsally on the bulb (Figs 1D and 4D). It can be distinguished from P. damtao sp. nov. by the blunt conductor swollen basally, the shorter embolus forming no more than one loop and the presence of a median apophysis (Fig. 1D and E) vs. a sharp conductor constricted basally, a longer embolus forming more than one loop and the absence of a median apophysis (Fig. 4D and E).

Figure 1. 

Patu catba sp. nov. A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D male palp, prolateral E male palp, retrolateral. Abbreviations: Co = conductor; Cy = cymbium; E = embolus; Fe = femur; MA = median apophysis; Pa = patella; T = tegulum; Ti = tibia; TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–C); 0.10 (D, E).

Description

Male (IZCAS-Ar 41036). Total length 0.56. Carapace 0.24 long, 0.28 wide, 0.32 high. Clypeus 0.14 high. Sternum 0.16 long, 0.16 wide. Abdomen 0.40 long, 0.36 wide, 0.40 high. Length of legs: I 0.74 (0.20, 0.10, 0.16, 0.12, 0.16); II 0.66 (0.20, 0.10, 0.12, 0.10, 0.14); III 0.50 (0.12, 0.08, 0.08, 0.08, 0.14); IV 0.56 (0.12, 0.10, 0.12, 0.10, 0.12).

Somatic characters (Fig. 1A–C). Colouration: carapace brown, nut brown at margins, ocular base black, thoracic region reticulated medially. Chelicerae, endites and labium dark brownish. Sternum nut brown. Legs brownish to dark yellow, except femur I yellow. Abdomen brown and grey, with dense, light dots. Prosoma: carapace wider than long, nearly pyriform. Eyes with ocular tubercles, PME > ALE > PLE, ALE protruded, PER recurved. Sternum slightly swollen, smooth and glossy, sparsely punctate. Legs: with 1 dorso-distal seta on each patella and 1 seta on each tibia sub-proximally. Tibia II with 2 subdisto-ventral clasping spines. Opisthosoma: dorsally rounded, laterally nearly ovoid. Spinnerets brown, darker at edges.

Palp (Fig. 1D and E): large, ~ ⅓ size of carapace. Femur slightly swollen, patella ~ ½ length of tibia, tibia flat. Cymbium translucent, membranous, surrounds bulb prolaterally, with a finger-like extension, with 2 distal, long setae. Bulb subovate. Tegulum smooth. Median apophysis short, not extending beyond apex of bulb. Conductor long, finger-like, sclerotised, basally swollen, distally blunt. Embolus ca. 2× length of conductor, ribbon-like, middle portion embedded in tegulum, distal portion looped at the apex of bulb.

Female. Unknown.

Distribution

Vietnam (Fig. 23).

Patu dakou S. Li & Lin, sp. nov.

Figures 2, 3, 23

Type material

Holotype ♂ (NHMSU Ar 132) and paratypes 2♂ 7♀ (NHMSU Ar 133–141) China: Yunnan Province, Longling County, Zhen’an Township, Bangbie Village at stream at 6.8 km on S317 Road, shaded embankments along stream, dusting webs in understorey (24.81333°N, 98.83280°E; 1560 m alt.), 22.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.; 1♂ (NHMSU-HA135) and 1♀ (NHMSU-HA135) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970248 and MW970247, same data as for preceding.

Etymology

Formed from the Chinese word (dà kŏu), referring to the large copulatory opening of the epigyne (Fig. 3C and E); noun.

Diagnosis

The new species differs from other congeners with the exception of P. nigeri by the embolus completely encased in the tegulum, the knob-shaped parmula and the proximal position of the copulatory ducts forming a pair of horn-like structures (Fig. 3A–F). The male of P. dakou sp. nov. is similar to that of P. nigeri, but it can be distinguished by the more basal position of the embolus (Fig. 3A and B vs. fig. 4A and B in Lin and Li 2009). The female is similar to that of P. nagarat sp. nov. in the configuration of the vulva, but it differs by the nearly adjacent spermathecae, the knob-shaped parmula and the fertilisation ducts originating from the anterior side of the spermathecae vs. separated spermathecae, a triangular parmula and the fertilisation ducts originating laterally on the spermathecae (Fig. 3D–F vs. Fig. 9D–F).

Description

Male (NHMSU Ar 132). Total length 0.56. Carapace 0.28 long, 0.28 wide, 0.28 high. Clypeus 0.08 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.36 long, 0.40 wide, 0.36 high. Length of legs: I 0.80 (0.20, 0.06, 0.24, 0.12, 0.18); II 0.64 (0.12, 0.06, 0.16, 0.14, 0.16); III 0.46 (0.12, 0.06, 0.10, 0.08, 0.10); IV 0.58 (0.16, 0.10, 0.12, 0.08, 0.12).

Somatic characters (Fig. 2A–C). Colouration: carapace dark grey, darker on thoracic margin and centre. Chelicerae, endites and labium black. Sternum black. Legs light brown, with black pigmentation. Abdomen charcoal grey, dorsally lighter than ventrally, with irregular light spots. Prosoma: carapace as long as wide, dorsally rounded, laterally conical. ALE protruded, PER straight. Chelicerae with an anterior small hump (Fig. 2B). Labium semi-lunar. Sternum flat, smooth. Legs: Each patella with a long disto-dorsal seta. Tibia II with 1 ventral clasping spine sub-distally. Opisthosoma: dorsally rounded, laterally oval, covered with long, sparse, black setae. Spinnerets apically pale grey.

Figure 2. 

Patu dakou sp. nov. A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D female habitus, dorsal E female habitus, ventral F female habitus, lateral. Abbreviation: TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–F).

Palp (Fig. 3A and B): large, ~ ½ size of carapace. Femur equal to 1.5× width of patella, patella short, ca. half of tibial length, tibia flat. Cymbial distal extension with a few long setae. Bulb nearly ovoid, anteriorly flat. Tegulum broad, smooth. Embolus originates retrolaterally, entirely encased in tegulum, coiled into ca. 3 loops. Sperm duct convoluted throughout. Embolic tip looped at apex of bulb.

Female (NHMSU Ar 133). Total length 0.64. Carapace 0.28 long, 0.28 wide, 0.24 high. Clypeus 0.10 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.48 long, 0.48 wide, 0.48 high. Length of legs: I 0.68 (0.16, 0.10, 0.14, 0.12, 0.16); II 0.60 (0.12, 0.10, 0.12, 0.12, 0.14); III 0.50 (0.12, 0.10, 0.08, 0.08, 0.12); IV 0.58 (0.18, 0.10, 0.08, 0.08, 0.14).

Somatic characters (Fig. 2D–F). Colouration: prosoma same as in male, opisthosoma light, ventrally darker than dorsally, post-gaster region and area around spinnerets black. Prosoma: carapace round. Cephalic region lower than in male. PER slightly procurved. Mouthparts and sternum as in male, except longer labium. Legs: as in male. Opisthosoma: dorsally rounded, laterally ovate, covered with sparse, long, black setae. Spinnerets dark grey.

Epigyne (Fig. 3C–F): internal structures faintly visible via cuticle. Parmula knob-shaped, protruded, distally sclerotised. Copulatory opening large, oval. Copulatory duct arising from the ventral base of parmula, its proximal part forming a pair of sclerotised, broad, horn-like structures at both sides of spermathecae. Spermathecae shorter than width of copulatory opening, claviform, nearly touching. Fertilisation ducts start at the anterolateral margin of spermathecae and curve downwards to centre of vulva.

Figure 3. 

Patu dakou sp. nov. A male palp, prolateral B male palp, retrolateral C epigyne, ventral D epigyne, lateral E vulva, ventral F vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory ducts; CO = copulatory opening; Cy = cymbium; E = embolus; FD = fertilisation ducts; Fe = femur; MA = median apophysis; Pa = patella; Pl = parmula; S = spermathecae; T = tegulum; Ti = tibia. Scale bars: 0.10 (A–F).

Distribution

China (Yunnan) (Fig. 23).

Patu damtao S. Li & Lin, sp. nov.

Figures 4, 23

Type material

Holotype ♂ (IZCAS-Ar 41037) Vietnam: Dam Tao National Park (21.47200°N, 105.63644°E; 1023 m alt.), 31.X.2012, H. Zhao and Z. Chen leg.

Etymology

The specific epithet derives from the name of the type locality; noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

Patu damtao sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners, with the exception of P. catba sp. nov., by having a conductor and lacking a tegular process (Fig. 4D). It is similar to P. catba sp. nov. in the shape of the male palp, but it differs by lacking a median apophysis, the embolus has more coils and is 4× the length of the conductor vs. having a median apophysis and an embolus with fewer coils that is ca. 2× the length of the conductor (Figs 4D and E vs. 1D and E).

Figure 4. 

Patu damtao sp. nov. A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D male palp, prolateral E male left palp, retrolateral. Abbreviations: Co = conductor; Cy = cymbium; E = embolus; Pa = patella; T = tegulum; Ti = tibia; TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–C); 0.10 (D, E).

Description

Male (IZCAS-Ar 41037). Total length 0.60. Carapace 0.24 long, 0.28 wide, 0.32 high. Clypeus 0.16 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.40 long, 0.36 wide, 0.44 high. Length of legs: I 0.84 (0.24, 0.10, 0.18, 0.14, 0.18); II 0.68 (0.20, 0.10, 0.12, 0.10, 0.16); III 0.52 (0.12, 0.08, 0.10, 0.10, 0.12); IV 0.64 (0.16, 0.10, 0.14, 0.10, 0.14).

Somatic characters (Fig. 4A–C). Colouration: carapace dark, darker in thoracic centre, clypeus light grey. Chelicerae, endites and labium dark. Sternum black. Legs dim yellow, with black pigmentation, tibia darkest. Abdomen charcoal grey, dorsally lighter, covered with light dots. Prosoma: carapace wider than long, laterally triangular. Eyes with ocular mound, PME > ALE > PLE, ALE protruded, PER recurved. Chelicerae anteriorly plump. Labium semi-lunar. Sternum smooth, slightly plump. Legs: densely covered with bristles on tibia, metatarsi and tarsi. Patella with 1 seta disto-dorsally. Tibia with 1 subproximal seta dorsally. Tibia II with 2 adnate clasping spines. Opisthosoma: dorsally globular, laterally ovoid. Spinnerets darkish.

Palp (Fig. 4D and E): relatively large, ~ ½ size of carapace. Patella short, about half of tibial length. Tibia flat and lamellar. Cymbium translucent, surrounding the bulb prolaterally. Bulb elongate ovoid. Tegulum smooth, cup-shaped, apically truncated. Conductor strongly sclerotised, long, spatulate, ~ ¼ length of embolus, protruded from dorsal base of tegulum, basally narrow and distally sharp. Embolus long, ca. 4× length of conductor, ribbon shaped, protruded below the conductor, coiled into ~ 1¼ loops at the apex of tegulum.

Female. Unknown.

Distribution

Vietnam (Fig. 23).

Patu jiangzhou S. Li & Lin, sp. nov.

Figures 5, 23

Type material

Holotype ♀ (IZCAS-Ar 41038) China: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hechi City, Fengshan County, Jiangzhou Township, underground gallery (a limestone cave) (24.33144°N, 106.98716°E; 449 m alt.), 25.III.2015, Y. Li and Z. Chen leg.; 1♀ (NHMSU-HA012) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970234, same data as preceding.

Etymology

The specific epithet derives from the name of the type locality; noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

This new species is similar to P. putao sp. nov. and P. woodwardi in the configuration of the vulva, but it differs by the smaller spermathecae that are separated by their width, the shorter copulatory ducts and the larger, trumpet-shaped copulatory openings (Fig. 5D and F–G) vs. the larger, adjacent spermathecae, the longer copulatory ducts and the smaller, circular copulatory openings (cf. Fig. 11D and F–G and fig. 123 in Forster 1959).

Figure 5. 

Patu jiangzhou sp. nov. A female habitus, dorsal B female habitus, ventral C female habitus, lateral D epigyne, ventral E epigyne, lateral F vulva, ventral G vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory ducts; CO = copulatory opening; FD = fertilisation ducts; Pl = parmula; S = spermathecae. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–C); 0.10 (D–G).

Description

Female (IZCAS-Ar 41038). Total length 0.60. Carapace 0.24 long, 0.24 wide, 0.24 high. Clypeus 0.10 high. Sternum 0.16 long, 0.16 wide. Abdomen 0.44 long, 0.44 wide, 0.44 high. Length of legs: I 0.80 (0.24, 0.12, 0.16, 0.12, 0.16); II 0.74 (0.22, 0.12, 0.14, 0.10, 0.16); III 0.60 (0.14, 0.10, 0.12, 0.10, 0.14); IV 0.76 (0.22, 0.10, 0.16, 0.12, 0.16).

Somatic characters (Fig. 5A–C). Colouration: carapace yellow. Mouthparts light brown. Sternum pale yellow. Legs light brown, tibia, metatarsi and tarsi dark grey. Abdomen pale. Spinnerets light brown. Prosoma: carapace smooth, as long as wide and high, dorsally pear-shaped. Cephalic part moderately raised. ALE > PME > PLE. PER straight, lateral eyes adjacent, PME contiguous. Chelicerae stubby, with sparse, short setae anteriorly. Endites nearly quadrilateral. Labium rectangular, wider than long. Sternum faintly plump, smooth, with sparse setae. Legs: 1 long disto-dorsal seta on all patella; tibia I and II with 3 dorsal setae and 1 on tibia III and IV; dense, thin setae on tibia, metatarsi and tarsi. Opisthosoma: almost globose, cuticle modified by sparse, long setae and faintly ossified dots. Spinnerets brown, anterior spinnerets more fuscous than posterior spinnerets.

Epigyne (Fig. 5D–G): distinctly sclerotised, internal structures faintly visible via the cuticle. Parmula tongue-shaped, wider than long, slightly protruded. Copulatory openings trumpet-shaped, located at basal side of parmula bilaterally. Spermathecae small, ovoid, separated by ca. 1.5× their diameter. Copulatory ducts long, twisted four times before connecting with the anterior margin of spermathecae. Fertilisation ducts shorter and thinner than copulatory ducts, originate at posterolateral margin of spermathecae, slightly bent and extended downwards, parallel to proximal part of copulatory ducts.

Male. Unknown.

Distribution

China (Guangxi) (Fig. 23).

Patu jidanweishi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009

Figures 6, 7, 23

Patu jidanweishi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009: 64, figs 65A–E, 66A, B, 67A–D, 68A–F, 69A–F, 70A–F and 71A–F (♂♀).

Type materials examined

Holotype ♂ (CASENT 9029293, HNU) and paratypes 1♀ (CASENT 9022328, HNU) China: Yunnan Province, Lushui County, Pianma Township, Changyanhe, 9.3 km ESE Pianma, mixed broadleaf deciduous and evergreen forest, Winkler extraction of sifted leaf litter (25.99363°N, 98.66651°E; 2470 m alt.), 12.V.2005, C. Griswold, D. Kavanaugh and K. Guo leg.; 1♂ 1♀ (CASENT 9019863, HNU): Yunnan Province, Gaoligongshan, 0.4 km SSE Shibali forest station, dusting webs in understorey of good forest (27.16337°N, 98.78208°E; 2475 m alt.), 5.V.2004, C. Griswold leg.; 1♂ 1♀ (CASENT 9020650, HNU), 1♂ 1♀ (CASENT 9019876, HNU), 1♂ 2♀ 1 juv. (CASENT 9024143, HNU): Yunnan Province, Gaoligongshan, 0.5 km radius of Shibali forest station, dusting webs in forest (27.16519°N, 98.77891°E; 2525 m alt.), 1–9.V.2004, C. Griswold leg.; 2♂ 1♀ (CASENT 9020351, HNU): Yunnan Province, Gaoligongshan, Shibali forest station, good forest, pitfall traps (27.16636°N, 98.77667°E; 2563 m alt.), 3–11.V.2004, C. Griswold and D. Kavanaugh leg.; 4♂ 4♀ (CASENT 9000375, HNU), 14♀ (CASENT 9000373, HNU), 2♂ 10♀ 1 juv. (CASENT 9000371, HNU), 1♀ (CASENT 9000369, HNU), 1♀ (CASENT 9023115, HNU): Yunnan Province, Gaoligongshan, Nujiang Prefecture, Nujiang State Nature Reserve, Qiqihe, 9.9 km W of Gongshan (27.715°N, 98.565°E; 2000 m alt.), 9–14.VII.2000, H. Yan et al. leg.

Other material examined

5♂ 60♀ (NHMSU-HA119) China: Yunnan Province, Lushui County, Pianma Township, Changyanhe River, 9.3 km ESE Pianma, mixed broadleaf deciduous and evergreen forest (25.99363°N, 98.66651°E; 2470 m alt.), 10.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.; 1♂ (NHMSU-HA119) and 1♀ (NHMSU-HA119) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970243 and MW970242, same data as for preceding; 8♂ 34♀ (NHMSU-HA120) China: Yunnan Province, Nujiang Prefecture, Gaoligong Mt. Nature Reserve, Qiqihe (27.71500°N, 98.56500°E; 2000 m alt.),17.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.; 14♂ 86♀ (NHMSU-HA121) China: Yunnan Province, Fugong County, along the road from Shiyueliang Town to Shibali Village, native forest of mountainside (27.15546°N, 98.80573°E; 2193 m alt.), 19.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.

Diagnosis

This species differs from other congeners, except for P. nagarat sp. nov., by lacking a median apophysis and a conductor and having a tegular process and a long scape (Fig. 7A, B and F). It is similar to P. nagarat in the shape of the bulb and the configuration of the vulva, but it can be distinguished by the lack of a median apophysis, a tegular process that is shaped like the head of a sparrow (Fig. 7B) and by the rugose, finger-like scape and the more widely separated spermathecae (Fig. 7A–F) vs. having a median apophysis and a pyramidal tegular process, a broader, triangular parmula and spermathecae are closer (Fig. 9A–F).

Description

See Figs 6A–F and 7A–F and Miller et al. (2009).

Figure 6. 

Patu jidanweishi A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D female habitus, dorsal E female habitus, ventral F female habitus, lateral. Abbreviation: TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–F).

Figure 7. 

Patu jidanweishi A male palp, prolateral B male palp, retrolateral C epigyne, ventral D epigyne, lateral E vulva, ventral F vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory ducts; Cy = cymbium; E = embolus; FD = fertilisation ducts; Fe = femur; Pa = patella; S = spermathecae; Sp = scape; T = tegulum; Ti = tibia; TP = tegular process. Scale bars: 0.10 (A–F).

Distribution

China (Yunnan) (Fig. 23).

Patu nagarat S. Li & Lin, sp. nov.

Figures 8, 9, 23

Type material

Holotype ♂ (IZCAS-Ar 41039) and paratypes 5♀ (IZCAS-Ar 41040~41044) Thailand: Khon Kaen Province, Chum Phae District, Nanoog Toom Subdistrict, Nagarat Cave (16.81402°N, 101.95663°E; 531 m alt.), 30.IX.2016, H. Zhao et al. leg.; 1♂ 3♀ (NHMSU-HA087), same data as holotype; 1♂ (NHMSU-HA087) and 1♀ (NHMSU-HA087) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970240 and MW970239, same data as for preceding.

Etymology

The specific epithet derives from the type locality; noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

The male of P. nagarat sp. nov. can be distinguished from that of other congeners by having a bifurcate, sclerotised median apophysis and a pyramidal tegular process and lacking a conductor (Fig. 9A and B) vs. lacking a median apophysis (or if present, it is not furcate) and/or having a conductor (Figs 1D, 4D, 7A and 14A). The female is similar to that of P. jidanweishi in the configuration of the vulva, but it differs by having a triangular parmula and the spermathecae are closer together, rather than a finger-like scape and more widely separated spermathecae (cf. Figs 9C–F and 7C–F).

Description

Male (IZCAS-Ar 41039). Total length 0.60. Carapace 0.24 long, 0.28 wide, 0.32 high. Clypeus 0.14 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.44 long, 0.44 wide, 0.48 high. Length of legs: I 1.06 (0.32, 0.12, 0.22, 0.16, 0.24); II 0.92 (0.26, 0.12, 0.18, 0.14, 0.22); III 0.70 (0.22, 0.10, 0.12, 0.12, 0.14); IV 0.80 (0.26, 0.10, 0.16, 0.12, 0.16).

Somatic characters (Fig. 8A–C). Colouration: body pale yellow, opisthosoma darker than prosoma, slightly grey on abdominal ventre and posterior. Leg colour a gradient, pale from femora and patella, darkening distally to dark greyish. Prosoma: carapace wider than long, dorsally oval. Eyes subequal in size. ALE protruded, PER straight, PME separated by ~ ⅓ their diameter. Cephalic part with 2 setae apically, vertical anteriorly, sloped posteriorly. Chelicerae anterior surface flat. Labium semi-circular. Sternum slightly plump, smooth, with a few setae. Legs: patella with 1 long disto-dorsal seta, tibia with 1 proximal and 1 mesal long dorsal seta. Tibia II with 2 ventral clasping spines subdistally, 1 thick and 1 thin (Fig. 8C). Opisthosoma: globular cuticle with sparse, long, black setae. Spinnerets grey.

Figure 8. 

Patu nagarat sp. nov. A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D female habitus, dorsal E female habitus, ventral F female habitus, lateral. Abbreviation: TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–F).

Figure 9. 

Patu nagarat sp. nov. A male palp, prolateral B male palp, retrolateral C epigyne, ventral D epigyne, lateral E vulva, ventral F vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory ducts; CO = copulatory opening; Cy = cymbium; E = embolus; FD = fertilisation ducts; Fe = femur; MA = median apophysis; Pa = patella; Pl = parmula; S = spermathecae; T = tegulum; Ti = tibia; TP = tegular process. Scale bars: 0.10 (A–F).

Palp (Fig. 9A and B): relatively large, ~ ½ of carapace size. Femur swollen, nearly as wide as long. Patella short, narrower than femur. Tibia flat and lamellar, length equal to ~ 2× patella. Cymbium wrapping around bulb prolaterally and ventrally, its distal extension forming triangular lamina, with 2 long setae distally. Tegulum broad, rugose, with pyramidal process. Median apophysis strongly sclerotised, bifurcate distally. Sperm duct thin, faintly visible. Embolus long, slender, with a circuitous course in basal haematodocha and tegulum. Embolus filiform, protrudes from under cymbial extension, snaking to apex of tegulum.

Female (IZCAS-Ar 41040). Total length 0.64. Carapace 0.32 long, 0.28 wide, 0.28 high. Clypeus 0.10 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.44 long, 0.44 wide, 0.44 high. Length of legs: I 0.90 (0.28, 0.12, 0.18, 0.14, 0.18); II 0.86 (0.26, 0.12, 0.16, 0.12, 0.20); III 0.66 (0.18, 0.10, 0.10, 0.10, 0.18); IV 0.82 (0.28, 0.12, 0.14, 0.10, 0.18).

Somatic characters (Fig. 8D–F). Colouration: same as in male. Prosoma: carapace ovate dorsally. Ocular area slightly more anterior than in male. Cephalic part slightly lower than in male. Legs: colour of tibia, metatarsi and tarsi darker than in male. Opisthosoma: same as in male.

Epigyne (Fig. 9C–F): weakly sclerotised, with a few setae medially, internal structures of vulva faintly visible via the cuticle. Parmula large, triangular, protruded ventrally. Copulatory openings located on the bilateral corners of parmula base. Spermathecae oval, distally tilted slightly downwards. Copulatory ducts mostly membranous and rugose. Proximal portion of copulatory ducts weakly sclerotised, originating at ventrolateral corners of parmula base, distal portion connected to the posterolateral margin of spermathecae. Fertilisation ducts short, starting at the anterolateral margin of spermathecae.

Distribution

Thailand (Fig. 23).

Patu nigeri Lin & S. Li, 2009

Figures 10, 23

Patu nigeri Lin & Li, 2009: 50, figs 3A, B, 4A, B, 5A–F, 6A and B (♂♀).

Type material

Holotype ♂ (IZCAS) and paratypes 2♂ 6♀ (IZCAS) China: Yunnan Province, Mengla County, Menglun Town, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (21.91667°N, 101.26667°E; 556 m alt.), 19–26.III.2007, G. Zheng leg.

Other material examined

1♀ (NHMSU-HA058) China: Yunnan Province, Mengla County, Menglun Town, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden, Rubber-Tea plantation (21.92585°N, 101.28205°E; 561 m alt.), 10–20.VI.2007, G. Zheng leg.; 1♀ (NHMSU-HA129) China: Yunnan Province, Gongshan County, Dulongjiang Township, Langwanduo Village, mid-mountain forest (27.70345°N, 98.35133°E; 1473 m alt.), 15.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.; 1♀ (NHMSU-HA129) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970246, same data as preceding.

Diagnosis

The male of P. nigeri differs from that of other congeners, except P. dakou sp. nov., P. silho, and P. xiaoxiao, by lacking an exposed embolus (fig. 4A and B in Lin and Li 2009), a median apophysis and a tegular process. The male differs from P. dakou sp. nov. by the smaller tegulum (~ ¾ size of that of P. dakou sp. nov.) (Fig. 3A vs. fig. 4A in Lin and Li 2009), from P. silho by the elongate oval palpal bulb (short oval in P. silho) (fig. 4A and B in Lin and Li 2009 vs. fig. 5A and B in Saaristo, 1996) and differs from P. xiaoxiao by the absence of a tegular process (finger-like tegular process in P. xiaoxiao) (fig. 4A and B in Lin and Li 2009 vs. Fig. 14A and B). The female of P. nigeri is similar to that of P. putao sp. nov. by the shape of the epigyne (Figs 10D, E, 11D and E) and to P. qiqi in the configuration of the vulva (Figs 10G and 12G), but it can be easily distinguished from P. putao sp. nov. by the short and straight copulatory ducts, rather than long and twisted as in P. putao sp. nov. (cf. Figs 10F–G and 11F–G) and from P. qiqi by the tongue-shaped parmula that does not obscure the copulatory openings, rather than an indistinct scape that hides the copulatory openings (cf. Figs 10G and 12G).

Figure 10. 

Patu nigeri A female habitus, dorsal B female habitus, ventral C female habitus, lateral D epigyne, ventral E epigyne, lateral F vulva, ventral G vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory ducts; CO = copulatory opening; FD = fertilisation ducts; Pl = parmula; S = spermathecae. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–C); 0.10 (D–G).

Description

See Fig. 10A–G and Lin and Li (2009).

Distribution

China (Yunnan) (Fig. 23).

Patu putao S. Li & Lin, sp. nov.

Figures 11, 23

Type material

Holotype ♀ (IZCAS-Ar 41045) Myanmar: Kachin State, Putao, Hponkanrazi Wildlife Sanctuary, near Camp 3, (27.61352°N, 96.98333°E; 2691 m alt.), 11.V.2017, J. Wu and Z. Chen leg.

Etymology

The specific epithet derives from the type locality; noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

This new species is similar to P. jiangzhou sp. nov. and P. nigeri in the shape of the epigyne, the tongue-shaped parmula and the exposed copulatory openings, but it differs from P. jiangzhou sp. nov. by the rounded copulatory openings, the longer copulatory ducts and the larger, reniform spermathecae, rather than trumpet-shaped copulatory openings, shorter copulatory ducts and smaller, oval spermathecae (cf. Figs 11D and F–G vs. 5D and F–G) and from P. nigeri by the longer, twisted copulatory ducts that wrap around the spermathecae, rather than the shorter, straight copulatory ducts that do not wrap around the spermathecae (cf. Figs 11G and 10G).

Figure 11. 

Patu putao sp. nov. A female habitus, dorsal B female habitus, ventral C female habitus, lateral D epigyne, ventral E epigyne, lateral F vulva, ventral G vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory ducts; CO = copulatory opening; FD = fertilisation ducts; Pl = parmula; S = spermathecae. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–C); 0.10 (D–G).

Description

Female (IZCAS-Ar 41045). Total length 0.68. Carapace 0.28 long, 0.28 wide, 0.28 high. Clypeus 0.10 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.52 long, 0.56 wide, 0.56 high. Length of legs: I 0.76 (0.24, 0.08, 0.16, 0.12, 0.16); II 0.68 (0.20, 0.10, 0.12, 0.12, 0.14); III 0.60 (0.18, 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, 0.12); IV 0.74 (0.22, 0.10, 0.16, 0.12, 0.14).

Somatic characters (Fig. 11A–C). Colouration: carapace centrally yellow, marginally pale brown. Chelicerae brown, endites and labium dark brownish. Sternum centrally yellow, brown at margins. Femora and patella brown-yellow, other segments dark brown. Abdomen light yellow, dark pigmentation around spinnerets and posterior. Prosoma: carapace as long as wide, dorsally pear shaped. ALE > PME > PLE. PME contiguous, PER straight. Chelicerae anterior surface flat, densely covered with short setae. Endites rectangular. Labium subtriangular. Sternum plump, surface smooth, with sparse setae. Legs: all patellae with 1 dorsal seta, tibia I and II with 2 dorsal setae, 1 on tibia III and IV. Metatarsi and tarsi densely covered with fine setae. Opisthosoma: subrounded dorsally, postgaster area with short setae. Spinnerets dark.

Epigyne (Fig. 11D–G): faintly sclerotised, internal structures faintly visible via the cuticle. Parmula tongue-shaped, protruded, bilateral basal corners concave. Copulatory openings round. Spermathecae kidney shaped, separated by ca. ½ – ⅓ their width. Copulatory ducts long, with a complex course, twisting around the spermathecae nearly 4 times. Fertilisation ducts short, starting at posterolateral margins of spermathecae.

Male. Unknown.

Distribution

Myanmar (Fig. 23).

Patu qiqi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009

Figures 12, 23

Patu qiqi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009: 66, figs 65F–H, 67E, F, 73A and B (♂♀).

Type material

Holotype ♀ (CASENT 9029328, HNU) and paratypes 5♀, 2 juv. (CASENT 9029327, HNU) China: Yunnan Province, Gaoligongshan, Nujiang Prefecture, Nujiang State Nature Reserve, Qiqihe, 9.9 air km W of Gongshan (27.715°N, 98.565°E; 2000 m alt.), 9–14.VII.2000, H. Yan et al. leg.

Other material examined

2♀ (NHMSU-HA122) China: Yunnan Province, Gongshan County, at 54 km of from Gongshan County to Dulongjiang Town, in primary forest, leaf litter (27.87840°N, 98.42274°E; 2525 m alt.), 13.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.

Diagnosis

The male differs from other Patu species, with the exception of P. nigeri, P. silho and P. xiaoxiao, by the palp with an unexposed embolus (fig. 73A and B in Miller et al. 2009). It differs by having a hooked median apophysis vs. lacking in P. nigeri and P. silho (cf. fig. 73A in Miller et al. 2009 and fig. 4A and B in Lin and Li 2009 and fig. 5A and B in Saaristo 1996) and it differs from P. xiaoxiao by lacking a tegular process (cf. fig. 73A in Miller et al. 2009 and Fig. 14A). The female is most similar to that of P. nigeri in the shape of the epigyne and the configuration of the vulva, but it can be easily distinguished by the indistinct scape and the hidden copulatory openings vs. a tongue-shaped parmula and exposed copulatory openings (cf. Figs 12F–G vs. 10F–G).

Figure 12. 

Patu qiqi A female habitus, dorsal B female habitus, ventral C female habitus, lateral D epigyne, ventral E epigyne, lateral F vulva, ventral G vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory ducts; FD = fertilisation ducts; S = spermathecae; Sp = scape. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–C); 0.10 (D–G).

Description

See Fig. 12A–G and Miller et al. (2009).

Distribution

China (Yunnan) (Fig. 23).

Patu xiaoxiao Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009

Figures 13, 14, 23

Patu xiaoxiao Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009: 67, fig. 67G and H (♀).

Type material

Holotype ♀ (CASENT 9022329, HNU) and paratypes 1♀ (CASENT 9029325, HNU) China: Yunnan Province, Lushui County, Pianma Township, Changyanhe River, 9.3 km of ESE Pianma, mixed broadleaf deciduous and evergreen forest, Winkler extraction of sifted leaf litter (25.99363°N, 98.66651°E; 2470 m alt.), 12.V.2005, C. Griswold leg.

Other material examined

1♂ 1♀ (NHMSU-HA123) China: Yunnan Province, Lushui County, Pianma Township, Changyanhe River, 9.3 km of ESE Pianma, mixed broadleaf deciduous and evergreen forest, in leaf litter (25.99363°N, 98.66651°E; 2470 m alt.), 10.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.; 1♂ (NHMSU-HA123) and 1♀ (NHMSU-HA123) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970245 and MW970244, same data as preceding; 2♀ (NHMSU-HA124), Fugong County, Shiyueliang Town, along the road from Shiyueliang to Shibali Village, primary forest (27.15546°N, 98.80573°E; 2193 m alt.), 19.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.

Diagnosis

The male of P. xiaoxiao can be distinguished from other congeners, with the exception of P. woodwardi, by the stout bulb lacking a conductor or median apophysis and having a finger-like tegular process (Fig. 14A and B). It differs from P. woodwardi by having the entire embolus completely embedded in the bulb (cf. Fig. 14A and B and fig. 120 in Forster 1959). Females of P. xiaoxiao differs from those of other congeners by having a wide, triangular parmula, dumb-bell-shaped spermathecae separated by ~ 1.5× their width and arranged longitudinally in parallel, the copulatory ducts coiling into a loop and connecting to the postero-lateral corner of the spermathecae, the fertilisation ducts begin latero-medially on the spermathecae (Fig. 14C–E).

New morphological data

Male (NHMSU-HA123). Total length 0.56. Carapace 0.28 long, 0.28 wide, 0.28 high. Clypeus 0.12 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.36 long, 0.36 wide, 0.44 high. Length of legs: I 0.80 (0.20, 0.10, 0.20, 0.12, 0.18); II 0.72 (0.20, 0.10, 0.14, 0.12, 0.16); III 0.58 (0.14, 0.08, 0.14, 0.10, 0.12); IV 0.66 (0.18, 0.10, 0.14, 0.12, 0.12).

Somatic characters (Fig. 13A–C). Colouration: carapace light brown, thoracic centre and margin with darker patches. Mouthparts nut brown, endites and labium black. Sternum black, with a few light, small dots. Leg colour light yellow gradually grading to very dark brown, tibia darkest brown. Abdomen dorsally light grey, laterally dark greyish, ventrally and posteriorly charcoal black. Prosoma: carapace as long as wide, nearly round. Cephalic part vertical anteriorly and sloped posteriorly. Eyes, subequal in size. PER slightly recurved, ALE protruded. Chelicerae anterior surface flat. Labium semi-circular, wider than long. Sternum smooth, slightly plump. Legs: each patella with 1 disto-dorsal seta, 1 proximal and 1 disto-dorsal seta on each tibia. Tibia II with 2 ventral clasping spines. Opisthosoma: dorsally globose, laterally ovoid, clothed with black, long setae, cuticle rough with dots of varying shades and sizes. Spinnerets dark brown.

Figure 13. 

Patu xiaoxiao A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D female habitus, dorsal E female habitus, ventral F female habitus, lateral. Abbreviation: TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–F).

Figure 14. 

Patu xiaoxiao A male palp, prolateral B male palp, retrolateral C epigyne, ventral D vulva, ventral E vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CD = copulatory ducts; Co = conductor; CO = copulatory opening; E = embolus; FD = fertilisation ducts; Fe = femur; MA = median apophysis; Pa = patella; Pl = parmula; S = spermathecae; T = tegulum; Ti = tibia; TP = tegular process. Scale bars: 0.10 (A–E).

Palp (Fig. 14A and B): size ~¼ of carapace. Femur swollen, wider than patella, patella as long as ~ ½ length of tibia. Tibia flat and lamellar. Tegulum smooth, with finger-like apical process. Embolus long, starting at retrolatero-medial part of tegulum, coiled into 2 loops inside bulb. Tip of embolus hidden within tegulum, not extended from top of bulb.

Female. Total length 0.56. Carapace 0.28 long, 0.28 wide, 0.24 high. Clypeus 0.08 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.36 long, 0.32 wide, 0.40 high. Length of legs: I 0.70 (0.20, 0.06, 0.16, 0.14, 0.14); II 0.62 (0.14, 0.08, 0.14, 0.12, 0.14); III 0.52 (0.12, 0.06, 0.12, 0.08, 0.14); IV 0.60 (0.12, 0.08, 0.16, 0.10, 0.14).

Somatic characters (Fig. 13D–F). Colouration: as in male, except lighter mouthparts and sternum. Prosoma: carapace longer than wide, pear-shaped. Eye arrangement as in male. PER straight. Cephalic part lower than in male. Legs: spination as in male, except for lack of clasping spines on tibia II. Opisthosoma: subovoid in dorsal view, cuticle. Spinnerets dark grey.

Epigyne (Fig. 14C–E): faintly sclerotised, internal structures nearly invisible via the cuticle. Parmula triangular, length equal to ca. ½ width, slightly protruded. Spermathecae nearly dumb-bell-shaped, longitudinally parallel, separated by ~ 1.5× their width. Copulatory openings large. Copulatory ducts translucent, their width equal to ca. 2.5× width of fertilisation ducts and folded at middle, distal part connected with postero-lateral part of spermathecae. Fertilisation duct shorter than a spermatheca length, narrow, originates from the lateral central position of spermathecae.

Distribution

China (Yunnan) (Fig. 23).

Remarks

Patu xiaoxiao was described, based on three females. Based on supplementary materials from the type locality collected in 2018, the male is described for the first time here.

Kirinua S. Li & Lin, gen. nov.

Type species

Kirinua maguai sp. nov., from Guangxi, China.

Etymology

The generic name is derived from Kirin, one of the most powerful creatures ever known in East Asia. The gender is masculine.

Diagnosis

Kirinua gen. nov. can be distinguished from Globignatha and Symphytognatha by the chelicerae, which are fused only near the base (Figs 15I and 17I) vs. entirely fused (Balogh and Loksa 1968: fig. 10; Lin 2019: fig. 1H) and from Anapistula by having 6 eyes vs. 4 (except A. boneti Forster, 1958 with 6 eyes). It can be distinguished from Anapogonia, Curimagua and Iardinis by 6 eyes in three diads vs. 6 eyes in two triads and from Crassignatha and Swilda gen. nov. by lacking an abdominal scutum in males and a mostly smooth carapace in both sexes (Figs 15A–H and 17A–H) vs. abdominal scutum usually present in the male and carapace generally covered with tubercles or tiny thorn-like protrusions (Figs 19A, D, 21A and D; Li et al. 2020: fig. 1A–F; Rivera-Quiroz et al. 2021: figs 10b and 11b). Kirinua gen. nov. is similar to Patu in having 1–2 disto-ventral clasping spines on male tibia II, lacking an abdominal scutum latero-posteriorly in the male and the generally smooth carapace in both sexes (Figs 15A–H and 17A–H), but it can be distinguished by the male palp having cymbial structures (e.g. primary apophysis, process) and the female having nearly spherical spermathecae (Figs 16A, G, 18A and F) vs. male palp lacking cymbial structures and female with rod-shaped or oval spermathecae (Figs 3A, B, F, 9A, B and F).

Figure 15. 

Kirinua maguai sp. nov. A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D female habitus, dorsal E female habitus, ventral F female habitus, lateral G male prosoma, anterior H male prosoma, lateral I male chelicerae, anterior. Abbreviation: TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–F); 0.20 (G, H); 0.10 (I).

Figure 16. 

Kirinua maguai sp. nov. A male palp, prolateral B male palp, ventral C male palp, retrolateral D epigyne, ventral E epigyne, lateral F vulva, ventral G vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: Atr = atrium; AP = apical process; CA = cymbial apophysis; CD = copulatory ducts; Co = conductor; CO = copulatory opening; Cy = cymbium; CP1 = proximal cymbial process; CP2 = distal cymbial process; E = embolus; FD = fertilisation ducts; Fe = femur; MA = median apophysis; Pa = patella; S = spermathecae; T = tegulum; Ti = tibia. Scale bars: 0.10 (A–G).

Description

Tiny, total length 0.60–0.80. Carapace rounded or pear-shaped dorsally, nearly triangular laterally (Figs 15A, 15D, 17A and 17D). Six eyes in 3 diads, cephalic part raised (Figs 15A, 15D, 17A and 17D). Clypeus concave, with pair of inverted, weakly sclerotised grooves in male (Figs 15G, H, 17G and H). Female lacking palps. Chelicerae fused at middle, with 2 adnate teeth (Figs 15I and 17I). Labium wider than long, fused to sternum, anterior margin with shallow notch in the middle (Figs 15B, E, 17B and E). Sternum heart-shaped, slightly plump, truncated posteriorly. Male tibia II with 2 subdistal ventral clasping spines (Figs 15C and 17C). Abdomen round in dorsal view, subovoid in lateral view, without posterior lobes or tubercles (Figs 15C, F, 17C and F). Anterior spinnerets larger than posteriors, median spinnerets hardly visible. Colulus absent.

Male palp (Figs 16A–C, 18A and B): relatively large, ~ ½ size of carapace. Cymbium distinctly sclerotised, with 2 processes and a primary cymbial apophysis. Median apophysis present, finger-like, nearly as long as cymbial apophysis. Tegulum with a triangular apical process. Embolus short, stout, strongly sclerotised, tip furcate or blunt.

Epigyne (Figs 16D–G and 18C–F): distinctly sclerotised. Scape present, inconspicuous, inflexible. Spermathecae globose, separated by at least 2 diameters. Copulatory ducts long, proximally fused, expanded into a broad atrium, distally curved or coiled between spermathecae. Fertilisation ducts short, thin. Inlet of copulatory duct and outlet of fertilisation duct nearly located at same position on spermatheca.

Composition

Kirinua maguai sp. nov. and K. yangshuo sp. nov.

Distribution

China (Guangxi) (Fig. 23).

Relationships

Kirinua gen. nov. is characterised by their tiny size, chelicerae fused at mid-line, AMEs and book lungs absent, female lacking palps and tarsi much longer than metatarsi. This new genus is similar to Patu by having 2 clasping spines on male tibia II, lacking an abdominal scutum latero-posteriorly in the male and the carapace of both sexes lacks modified pits or sculpturing (Figs 15A–H and 17A–H). The new genus differs from Patu by the highly modified structures of the cymbium (e.g. primary apophysis, process) and the epigyne has nearly spherical spermathecae and a broad atrium (Figs 16A, G, 18A and F).

Kirinua maguai S. Li & Lin, sp. nov.

Figures 15, 16, 23

Type material

Holotype ♂ (IZCAS-Ar 41046) and paratype 1♀ (IZCAS-Ar 41047) China: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hechi City, Fengshan County, Pingle Township, Maguai Cave (24.43194°N, 106.96737°E, 618 m alt.), 23.III.2015, Y. Li and Z. Chen leg.; 1♀ (NHMSU-HA008) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970250, same data as for preceding.

Other material examined

1♀ (NHMSU-HA005) China: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hechi City, Fengshan County, Pingle Township, Sanmen Cave (24.43163°N, 106.97124°E, 659 m alt.), 23.III.2015, Y. Li and Z. Chen leg.; 1♀ (NHMSU-HA011) same Province and County, Fengcheng Township, nameless cave (24.31023°N, 107.00213°E, 402 m alt.), 24.III.2015, Y. Li and Z. Chen leg.; 1♂ prosoma (NHMSU-HA016) same region, Hechi City, Donglan County, Bala Township, nameless cave (24.44368°N, 107.34726°E, 385 m alt.), 18.III.2015, Y. Li and Z. Chen leg.

Etymology

The specific epithet derives from the name of the type locality; noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

Males of the new species can be distinguished from those of K. yangshuo sp. nov. by the shorter, distally blunt embolus vs. a distally sharp, longer embolus (ca. 2× length of the former) and by a blunt cymbial apophysis vs. a truncated cymbial apophysis (Figs 16A and 18A). The female differs from that of K. yangshuo sp. nov. by the small atrium without a knob-shaped lateral hump vs. a large atrium with a knob-shaped lateral hump and by the shorter, copulatory duct coiled less than 2 times vs. the longer copulatory duct coiled more than 5 times (Figs 16F–G and 18E–F).

Description

Male (IZCAS-Ar 41046). Total length 0.64. Carapace 0.32 long, 0.28 wide, 0.32 high. Clypeus 0.10 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.16 wide. Abdomen 0.44 long, 0.44 wide, 0.52 high. Length of legs: I 1.08 (0.30, 0.12, 0.24, 0.18, 0.24); II 0.98 (0.30, 0.12, 0.20, 0.14, 0.22); III 0.74 (0.20, 0.10, 0.14, 0.16, 0.14); IV 0.94 (0.32, 0.10, 0.20, 0.12, 0.20).

Somatic characters (Fig.. 15A–C and G–I). Colouration: carapace pale yellow, with irregular darker patches at thoracic area and margins. Mouthparts pale brown. Sternum light grey. Legs pale yellow. Abdomen pale. Prosoma: carapace longer than wide, as long as high. ALE largest, PME smallest, PER slightly recurved. Clypeus slightly concave. Clypeal notches separated by width of PME (Fig. 15G). Chelicerae covered with sparse, long setae anteriorly. Endites longer than wide. Labium wider than long, with shallow notch on anterior margin. Sternum slightly plump. Legs: each patella with 1 disto-dorsal seta, tibia with 2 dorsal setae, 1 subproximal and 1 subdistal, metatarsus I with 1 subproximal dorsal seta. Opisthosoma: round in dorsal view and ovoid in lateral view, with sparse, long setae, posteriorly extended beyond spinnerets. Spinnerets light yellow.

Palp (Fig.. 16A–C): strongly sclerotised. Femur and patella swollen, tibia longer than femur or patella, with a small retrolateral basal tubercle. Cymbium large, with 1 hook-like process, 1 nodular process with few short setae and 1 long, finger-like distal cymbial apophysis. Bulb flattened. Median apophysis strip-shaped, located below cymbial apophysis. Rugose tegulum with triangular apical process. Embolus stiff, shorter than median apophysis, slightly bent at middle, blunt distally.

Female (IZCAS-Ar 41047). Total length 0.64. Carapace 0.32 long, 0.32 wide, 0.28 high. Clypeus 0.10 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.44 long, 0.40 wide, 0.48 high. Length of legs: I 1.10 (0.34, 0.14, 0.22, 0.18, 0.22); II 0.96 (0.28, 0.12, 0.20, 0.16, 0.20); III 0.78 (0.24, 0.10, 0.12, 0.14, 0.18); IV 0.92 (0.26, 0.12, 0.20, 0.14, 0.20).

Somatic characters (Fig.. 15D–F). Colouration: same as in male. Prosoma: carapace nearly pear-shaped in dorsal view. Cephalic part elevated, lower than in male. PER slightly procurved. Legs: spination of each leg as in male. Opisthosoma: as in male, except for wrinkled abdominal cuticle that may be caused by ethanol dehydration.

Epigyne (Fig.. 16D–G) internal structures faintly visible via the translucent epigynal cuticle. Scape barely visible. Vulva relatively complex. Spermathecae subglobose, close to posterior margin, separated by about 2 diameters. Fertilisation duct thinner than copulatory duct, located dorso-posteriorly on copulatory duct, originates from posteromedial margin of spermatheca, curved outwards at sides of atrium, then extended downwards (Fig. 16G).

Distribution

China (Guangxi) (Fig. 23).

Kirinua yangshuo S. Li & Lin, sp. nov.

Figures 17, 18, 23

Type material

Holotype ♂ (IZCAS-Ar 41048) and paratypes 2♀ (IZCAS-Ar 41049, 41050) China: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin City, Yangshuo County, Xinping Township, Bingshiyan Cave (24.94477°N, 110.60615°E), 11.I.2013, J. Du and X. Wang leg.; 1♂ juvenile (NHMSU-HA018) and 1♀ (NHMSU-HA018) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970236 and MW970235, same data as for preceding.

Etymology

The specific epithet derives from the name of the type locality; noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

See diagnosis for K. maguai sp. nov.

Description

Male (IZCAS-Ar 41048). Total length 0.60. Carapace 0.28 long, 0.24 wide, 0.36 high. Clypeus 0.20 high. Sternum 0.16 long, 0.16 wide. Abdomen 0.28 long, 0.28 wide, 0.48 high. Length of legs: I 1.04 (0.30, 0.12, 0.24, 0.14, 0.24); II 0.86 (0.24, 0.12, 0.20, 0.10, 0.20); III 0.66 (0.16, 0.10, 0.12, 0.10, 0.18); IV 0.82 (0.26, 0.10, 0.16, 0.14, 0.16).

Somatic characters (Fig. 17A–C and G–I). Colouration: body dark, nearly black. Legs light brown, with black pigmentation. Prosoma: carapace longer and higher than wide. Cephalic apex at PME position. ALE > PLE = PME, PME separated by ca. half a radius, PER recurved. Clypeus concave, paired notches separated by more than width of PME (Fig. 17G and H). Labium short, with shallow notch. Legs: each patella with 1 long dorsal seta, each tibia with 2 long dorsal setae. Opisthosoma: shape as in K. maiguai sp. nov., spinnerets dark.

Figure 17. 

Kirinua yangshuo sp. nov. A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D female habitus, dorsal E female habitus, ventral F female habitus, lateral G male prosoma, anterior H male prosoma, lateral I male chelicerae, anterior. Abbreviation: TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–F); 0.20 (G, H); 0.10 (I).

Palp (Fig. 18A and B): strongly sclerotised. Proximal cymbial process (CP1) small, sharp, needle-like, distal cymbial process (CP2) large, hooked. Cymbial apophysis (CP) truncated, with 2 distal long setae. Distal bifurcation of median apophysis located directly below the hooked CP2 (Fig. 18A). Tegulum translucent, weakly rugose, with a triangular apical process. Embolus longer than median apophysis, robust, horn-like, strongly sclerotised, gradually tapering, bent at nearly proximal ⅓, forked at terminus.

Figure 18. 

Kirinua yangshuo sp. nov. A male palp, prolateral B male palp, retrolateral C epigyne, ventral D epigyne, lateral E vulva, ventral F vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: Atr = atrium; AP = apical process; CA = cymbial apophysis; CD = copulatory ducts; Co = conductor; CO = copulatory opening; Cy = cymbium; CP1 = proximal cymbial process; CP2 = distal cymbial process; E = embolus; FD = fertilisation ducts; MA = median apophysis; S = spermathecae; T = tegulum. Scale bars: 0.10 (A–F).

Female (IZCAS-Ar 41049). Total length 0.80. Carapace 0.32 long, 0.28 wide, 0.32 high. Clypeus 0.10 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.52 long, 0.52 wide, 0.60 high. Length of legs: I 1.20 (0.40, 0.10, 0.30, 0.18, 0.22); II 0.90 (0.22, 0.12, 0.22, 0.14, 0.20); III 0.74 (0.20, 0.10, 0.14, 0.10, 0.20); IV 0.86 (0.26, 0.10, 0.18, 0.12, 0.20).

Somatic characters (Fig. 17D–F). Colouration: same as in male. Prosoma: carapace longer than wide, as long as high. Cephalic part lower than in male, flat dorsally. PER slightly recurved. Legs: spination of each leg as in male. Opisthosoma: laterally oviform. Spinnerets Located ventrally.

Epigyne (Fig. 18C–F): plate wider than long, strongly sclerotised. Scape wider than long, slightly protruded. Spermathecae globose, separated by more than 3.5 diameters. Copulatory ducts long, their proximal parts enlarged, forming a broad, inverted, subtriangular atrium, with knob-shaped lateral humps; middle part coiled more than 5 times; distal part connected longitudinally to spermatheca. Fertilisation duct slightly bent, runs along lateral wall of atrium, originating above coiled part of copulatory duct.

Distribution

China (Guangxi) (Fig. 23).

Swilda S. Li & Lin, gen. nov.

Type species

Crassignatha longtou Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009, from Gaoligong Mountain, south-western China.

Etymology

The generic name Swilda is derived from the Swild Studio (in Chinese: Xi Nan Shan Di Gong Zuo Shi). It is named after the organisation in honour of its dedication to promoting public advocacy for wildlife conservation and nature education in southwest China. The gender is masculine.

Diagnosis

Swilda gen. nov. is easily distinguished from other symphytognathids, except Crassignatha, by having an anteromedially-split dorsal scutum in the male and a highly ornamented spinous and pitted carapace in both sexes (Figs 19A, D, 21A and D). It resembles Crassignatha in carapace texture and the spherical spermathecae. The male differs from those of Crassignatha by having a conductor and lacking a cymbial tooth (Figs 20A and 22A) vs. lacking a conductor, but having a cymbial tooth (figs 2A, 8A and 10A in Li et al. 2020); the female differs in lacking a scape and by the separated copulatory openings (Figs 20F and 22E) vs. having a protruded scape and the adnate copulatory openings located at the apex of the scape in Crassignatha (figs 2G, 4G and 8G in Li et al. 2020).

Figure 19. 

Swilda longtou A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D female habitus, dorsal E female habitus, ventral F female habitus, lateral. Abbreviation: TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–F).

Figure 20. 

Swilda longtou A male palp, prolateral B male palp, retrolateral C epigyne, ventral D epigyne, lateral E vulva, ventral F vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CA = cymbial apophysis; CD = copulatory ducts; Co = conductor; CO = copulatory opening; Cy = cymbium; CP1 = proximal cymbial process; CP2 = distal cymbial process; E = embolus; FD = fertilisation ducts; Fe = femur; MA = median apophysis; Pa = patella; S = spermathecae; T = tegulum; Ti = tibia. Scale bars: 0.10 (A–F).

Description

Minute, body length 0.50–1.00. Carapace rounded or pyriform, strongly sclerotised, surface spinous and pitted (Figs 19A, 19D, 21A and 21D). Cephalic part raised, higher in male than in female. Six eyes, white, in 3 diads. Clypeus high, more than 2× diameter of ALE, concave. Chelicerae fused at middle, with 1 bifid tooth. Labium tongue-shaped, fused to coarse, pitted sternum. Sternum heart-shaped, slightly plump, truncated posteriorly (Figs 19B, 19E, 21B and 21E). Male tibia II with one clasping spine (Figs 19B and 21B). Abdomen globose in both sexes, male usually with a weakly sclerotised abdominal scutum split at mid-line (Figs 19A and 21A), sclerotised annular plate encircles spinnerets (Figs 19B, 19E, 21B and 21E). Colulus absent.

Pedicel orifice wide, wider than epigyne, with 2 pairs of lateral setae, posterior margin rebordered. Epigastric scutum distinctly sclerotised ventrally (not encircling pedicel).

Male palp (Figs 20A, B, 22A and B): femur swollen, wider than patella, tibia lamellar. Bulb oblate; cymbium well developed, covers bulb on prolatero-ventral side, with 2 processes (CP1, CP2). Median apophysis present. Conductor longer than median apophysis, protruded out of bulb. Embolus long, tubular, sclerotised, originates at prolateral margin of tegulum, curved and extended beneath distal part of cymbium.

Epigyne (Figs 20C–F and 22C–E): sclerotised, posterior margin slightly protruded. Parmula inconspicuous. Copulatory openings separated, located at posterior margin. Spermathecae globose, separated by less than 2 diameters. Copulatory ducts slender, twisted, encircling spermathecae, connected to anteromedial surface of spermathecae. Fertilisation ducts originate at posterolateral surface of spermathecae.

Composition

Swilda longtou (Miller et al, 2009) comb. nov. and S. spinathoraxi (Lin & Li, 2009) comb. nov.

Relationships

Swilda gen. nov. is characterised by its tiny size, fused chelicerae at mid-line, AMEs and book lungs absent, female lacking palps and tarsi much longer than metatarsi. Here, the male of C. longtou is described for the first time and specimens of P. spinathoraxi are re-examined. We found the morphological features of these two species to be very similar to those of Crassignatha (see Li et al. 2020: 65), sharing the following combination of characters: a clasping spine on tibia II and an abdominal scutum latero-posteriorly in the male and a decorated carapace and sclerotised epigastric scutum in both sexes (Figs 19A–F and 21A–F). The differences between these two species and Crassignatha are: a pitted and spinous carapace, a sclerotised annular plate that encircles the spinnerets (cf. Figs 19A–F and 21A–F vs. figs 1A–F and 7A–F in Li et al. 2020), only 1 male clasping spine (cf. Figs 19B and 21B vs. figs 1B and 12C in Li et al. 2020: only 1 spine in a few species), male palps lack a cymbial tooth, but have a conductor (cf. Figs 20A and 22A vs. figs 2A and 8A in Li et al. 2020) and the epigyne lacks a protruded scape (cf. Figs 20E–F and 22E–E vs. figs 2E and 6E in Li et al. 2020).

The genetic distance we estimated, based on COI, also indicated differences between these two species and members of other genera (see Appendix Table A1). Phylogenetic analysis of molecular data indicates that P. spinathoraxi and C. longtou are clearly congeneric. Additionally, the combined genetic evidence from five genes supports the monophyly of Swilda gen. nov. and the sister group relationship of the two genera (unpubl. data). Therefore, Swilda gen. nov. is proposed as a new genus in which to place S. longtou (Miller et al, 2009) comb. nov., transferred from Crassignatha and S. spinathoraxi comb. nov., transferred from Patu. We designate Swilda longtou as the type species for this new genus.

Distribution

China (Yunnan) (Fig. 23).

Swilda longtou , (Miller et al., 2009), comb. nov.

Figures 19, 20, 23

Crassignatha longtou Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009: 76, figs 89E, F, 90A–C, 91A–F and 92A–D (♀).

Type material

Holotype ♀ (CASENT 9029292, HNU) and paratypes 3♀, 1 juv. (CASENT 9020733, HNU), 2♀ (CASENT 9020732, HNU) China: Yunnan Province, 10 km of W Nujiang on Shibali Rd., N fork, Yamu He, Gaoligongshan, moist earthen embankments (27.13795°N, 98.82240°E; 1850 m alt.), 25.IV.2004, C. Griswold leg.; 1♀ (CASENT 9020740, HNU): Yunnan Province, Fugong County, 4.5 km N of Aludi Village, 22.1 km N of Fugong, in stream gorge (26.10829°N, 98.87162°E; 1250 m alt.), 23.IV.2004, C. Griswold leg.

Other material examined

5♂, 10♀ (NHMSU-HA112) China: Yunnan Province, 10 km of W of Nujiang on Shibali Rd., N fork, Yamu He, Gaoligongshan, moist earthen embankments (27.13795°N, 98.82240°E; 1850 m alt.), 19.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.; 1♂ (NHMSU-HA112) and 1♀ (NHMSU-HA112) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970249 & MW970241, same data as for preceding. 5♂, 11♀ (NHMSU-HA111): Yunnan Province, Fugong County, Shilajia Village, Yamu He (27.13440°N, 98.82625°E; 1792 m alt.), 19.VIII.2018, Y. Lin et al. leg.

Diagnosis

The male of S. longtou can be distinguished from that of S. spinathoraxi by the larger proximal cymbial process (CP1), the human-ear-shaped median apophysis and the wider and longer conductor (Fig. 20A) vs. needle-like proximal cymbial process (CP1), mastoid median apophysis and narrower and shorter conductor (Fig. 21A). The female differs by the separated copulatory openings, spermathecae separated by less than one diameter in S. longtou vs. adjacent copulatory openings, spermathecae separated by more than one diameter in S. spinathoraxi (cf. Figs 20E and F and 22D and E).

Male (NHMSU-HA112). Total length 0.68. Carapace 0.32 long, 0.36 wide, 0.36 high. Clypeus 0.16 high. Sternum 0.24 long, 0.24 wide. Abdomen 0.44 long, 0.44 wide, 0.48 high. Length of legs: I 1.24 (0.38, 0.14, 0.30, 0.20, 0.22); II 1.00 (0.30, 0.12, 0.22, 0.16, 0.20); III 0.80 (0.20, 0.10, 0.18, 0.14, 0.18); IV 0.96 (0.26, 0.12, 0.24, 0.18, 0.16).

Somatic characters (Fig. 19A–C). Colouration: carapace and sternum dark brown. Chelicerae, endites and labium brown. Abdomen pale dorsally, fuscous laterally and ventrally. Prosoma: PME separated by ~ ¾ their diameter. ALE protruded, PER slightly recurved. Cervical groove distinct, thoracic fovea shallow. Sternum slightly plump, surface coarse with pits, truncated posteriorly. Legs: light brown, distal tibia darker, femora I and II slightly swollen basally. Patella with 1 long dorso-distal seta. Tibia I and II with 2 long dorsal setae, 1 on tibia III and IV. Tibia II with 1 large subdisto-ventral spine. Opisthosoma: spherical in dorsal view, with sparse, long setae, with a posterolateral scutum. Spinnerets brown, surrounded by a circular plate.

Palp (Fig. 20A and B): bulb oblate, ~ 1/3 size of carapace. Cymbium broad retrolaterally, with 2 sclerotised processes, large proximally (CP1) and small distally (CP2). Tegulum smooth. Median apophysis human-ear-shaped. Conductor large, longer than wide, basally constricted, distally curved. Sperm duct originates at prolateral base of bulb, embedded in the bulb. Embolus long, tubular, strongly sclerotised, mesally curved and distally extended below apex of cymbium.

Female (NHMSU-HA112). Total length 0.92. Carapace 0.36 long, 0.36 wide, 0.32 high. Clypeus 0.16 high. Sternum 0.24 long, 0.24 wide. Abdomen 0.56 long, 0.56 wide, 0.64 high. Length of legs: I 1.10 (0.28, 0.14, 0.30, 0.18, 0.20); II 0.96 (0.22, 0.14, 0.22, 0.16, 0.22); III 0.88 (0.22, 0.12, 0.20, 0.12, 0.22); IV 0.94 (0.28, 0.10, 0.22, 0.14, 0.20).

Somatic characters (Fig. 19D–F). Habitus features and modifications as in male, but without postero-lateral scutum.

Epigyne (Fig. 20C–F): sclerotised, with 2 macrosetae and some setae (Fig. 20C). Internal structures faintly visible via translucent cuticle. Globular spermathecae separated by slightly less than one diameter. Fertilisation ducts short, originating anterolaterally on spermathecae. Copulatory ducts long, arising postero-laterally on spermathecae, coiling 1¼ times around spermathecae from copulatory openings.

Distribution

China (Yunnan) (Fig. 23).

Swilda spinathoraxi , (Lin & Li, 2009), comb. nov.

Figures 21, 22, 23

Patu spinathoraxi Lin & Li, 2009: 60, figs 14A, B, 15A, B, 16A–E, 17A and B (♂♀).

Type material

Holotype ♀ (IZCAS) and paratypes 15♂ 19♀ (IZCAS) China: Yunnan Province, Mengla County, Menglun Town, Rubber Plantation near Menglun Nature Reserve (21.90000°N, 101.26667°E; 569 m alt.), 1–15.V.2007, G. Zheng leg.; 2♂ 2♀ (IZCAS): Yunnan Province, Mengla County, Menglun Town, Menglun Nature Reserve, rubber-tea plantation (21.91667°N, 101.26667°E; 572 m alt.), 5–12.I.2007, G. Zheng leg.; 2♀ (IZCAS) same locality, secondary seasonal tropical rainforest (21.90000°N, 101.28333°E; 612 m alt.), 10.VIII.2007, G. Zheng leg.

Other material examined

1♂ 1♀ (NHMSU-HA082) China: Yunnan Province, Mengla County, Menglun Town, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden, in forest of Paramichelia baillonii (21.91207°N, 101.26836°E; 527 m alt.), 2.X.2017, Y. Lin and Y. Li leg.; 1♂ (NHMSU-HA082) and 1♀ (NHMSU-HA082) used for sequencing, GenBank: MW970238 and MW970237, same data as for preceding; 1♂ (NHMSU-HA060): Yunnan Province, Mengla County, Menglun Town, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden, Rubber-Tea plantation (21.91077°N, 101.27095°E, 572 m alt.), 8–12.VIII.2006, G. Zheng leg.; 1♀ (NHMSU-HA076): Yunnan Province, Xishuangbanna Natural Reserve, monsoon forest off greenstone road, in the bamboo forest (21.90707°N, 101.28183°E, 607 m alt.), 24.V.2013, Z. Zhao and Z. Chen leg.

Diagnosis

see diagnosis for S. longtou.

Description

Male (NHMSU-HA082). Total length 0.52. Carapace 0.28 long, 0.32 wide, 0.32 high. Clypeus 0.14 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.40 long, 0.32 wide, 0.36 high. Length of legs: I 1.00 (0.28, 0.12, 0.24, 0.16, 0.20); II 0.78 (0.18, 0.12, 0.18, 0.12, 0.18); III 0.58 (0.12, 0.08, 0.12, 0.10, 0.16); IV 0.80 (0.20, 0.12, 0.18, 0.12, 0.18).

Somatic characters (Fig. 21A–C). Colouration: carapace brown, sternum light brown ventrally. Legs light brown. Abdomen pale at middle, light brown laterally and ventrally. Prosoma: PME separated by ~ ⅓ their diameter. ALE protruded, PER slightly recurved. Clypeus concave, smooth. Sternum surface rugose, pitted, slightly plump. Legs: with long disto-dorsal spine on patella; 2 long dorsal spines on tibiae I and II, 1 on tibia III and IV. Opisthosoma: round dorsally, ovoid laterally, extended posteriorly beyond spinnerets, abdominal surface with sparse, long setae, with a postero-lateral scutum. Spinnerets light brown, surrounded by an annular plate.

Figure 21. 

Swilda spinathoraxi A male habitus, dorsal B male habitus, ventral C male habitus, lateral D female habitus, dorsal E female habitus, ventral F female habitus, lateral. Abbreviation: TS = male clasping spines on tibia II. Scale bars: 0.50 (A–F).

Palp (Fig. 22A and B): bulb oblate, femur plump. Cymbium broad, with needle-like apical process and nodular distal one. Tegulum nearly rectangular. Median apophysis small, tubercle-like. Conductor long, wide basally, narrow mesally and distally. Embolus long, jutting out from prolateral margin of tegulum, curved upwards, extended beneath distal part of cymbium.

Figure 22. 

Swilda spinathoraxi A male palp, prolateral B male palp, retrolateral C epigyne, ventral D vulva, ventral E vulva, dorsal. Abbreviations: CA = cymbial apophysis; CD = copulatory ducts; Co = conductor; CO = copulatory opening; Cy = cymbium; CP1 = proximal cymbial process; CP2 = distal cymbial process; E = embolus; FD = fertilisation ducts; Fe = femur; MA = median apophysis; Pa = patella; S = spermathecae; T = tegulum; Ti = tibia. Scale bars: 0.10 (A–E).

Female (NHMSU-HA076). Total length 0.80. Carapace 0.32 long, 0.32 wide, 0.28 high. Clypeus 0.12 high. Sternum 0.20 long, 0.20 wide. Abdomen 0.56 long, 0.56 wide, 0.60 high. Length of legs: I 0.84 (0.24, 0.12, 0.20, 0.12, 0.16); II 0.72 (0.18, 0.10, 0.16, 0.12, 0.16); III 0.60 (0.16, 0.10, 0.12, 0.10, 0.12); IV 0.78 (0.20, 0.10, 0.20, 0.12, 0.16).

Somatic characters (Fig. 21D–F). Colouration: prosoma and legs as in male. Abdomen pale dorsally and light grey ventrally. Carapace modified as in male. Cephalic part lower than in male. Legs: the spination same as in male, except tibia II lacking clasping spine. Opisthosoma: globose, with sparse, long setae, without posterolateral scutum. Other modifications same as in male.

Epigyne (Fig. 22C–E): sclerotised, cuticle weakly rugose. Epigynal posteromargin slightly protruded. Spermathecae separated by ca. 1.5 diameters. Copulatory openings adjacent. Copulatory ducts long, encircle spermathecae, forming ~ ¾ loop from posterior to anterolateral connecting with the inner middle margins of spermathecae. Fertilisation ducts short, starting at postero-lateral margin of spermathecae, extending to lateral of posterior epigynal margin.

Distribution

China (Yunnan) (Fig. 23).

Figure 23. 

Distribution records of fourteen species of genera Patu, Kirinua gen. nov. and Swilda gen. nov. in Asia 1 P. catba sp. nov. 2 P. dakou sp. nov. 3 P. damtao sp. nov. 4 P. jiangzhou sp. nov. 5 P. jidanweishi 6 P. nagarat sp. nov. 7 P. nigeri 8 P. putao sp. nov. 9 P. qiqi 10 P. xiaoxiao 11 K. maguai sp. nov. 12 K. yangshuo sp. nov. 13 S. longtou 14 S. spinathoraxi.

Discussion

The taxonomy of genus Patu is revised in the current study and the taxonomic positions of some puzzling Asian Patu species are resolved. However, the species here are only the “tip of the iceberg” of Asian Patu species (Yao et al. 2021, Li et al. 2021) and further studies are necessary to revise the worldwide Patu spiders.

Acknowledgements

The manuscript benefited greatly from comments by Yuri Marusik (Magadan, Russia) and an anonymous reviewer. English was checked by Sarah Crews (San Francisco, USA). Yingchun Li (Biodiversity Institute of Gongshan Administration Bureau, Gongshan, China) helped in fieldwork. Xianjin Peng and Xiang Xu (Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China) facilitated the loan of type material of Chinese symphytognathids from the Gaoligong Mountains. This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China to Yucheng Lin (NSFC-31772410, 31750002, 31972870).

References

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Appendix 1

Table A1.

Uncorrected genetic pairwise distances (lower triangle) and standard errors (upper triangle) of a partial fragment of COI from ten species discussed in this text.

Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
♂J
1 P. dakou sp. nov. 0.001 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.016 0.013 0.013 0.019 0.018 0.018 0.018 0.018 0.019 0.019
0.002 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.016 0.013 0.013 0.019 0.018 0.018 0.018 0.018 0.019 0.019
2 P. jiangzhou sp. nov. 0.101 0.099 0.013 0.013 0.014 0.014 0.015 0.011 0.011 0.017 0.018 0.018 0.017 0.017 0.017 0.017
3 P. jidanweishi 0.092 0.090 0.105 0.000 0.013 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.013 0.018 0.019 0.019 0.017 0.017 0.016 0.016
0.092 0.090 0.105 0.000 0.013 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.013 0.018 0.019 0.019 0.017 0.017 0.016 0.016
4 P. nagarat sp. nov. 0.094 0.092 0.116 0.094 0.094 0.000 0.017 0.013 0.013 0.019 0.020 0.020 0.018 0.018 0.017 0.017
0.094 0.092 0.116 0.094 0.094 0.000 0.017 0.013 0.013 0.019 0.020 0.020 0.018 0.018 0.017 0.017
5 P. nigeri 0.129 0.127 0.141 0.107 0.107 0.146 0.146 0.015 0.015 0.018 0.019 0.019 0.018 0.018 0.017 0.017
6 P. xiaoxiao 0.092 0.090 0.073 0.092 0.092 0.099 0.099 0.121 0.002 0.017 0.019 0.019 0.016 0.016 0.017 0.017
0.094 0.092 0.075 0.094 0.094 0.101 0.101 0.123 0.002 0.016 0.019 0.019 0.016 0.016 0.017 0.017
7 K. maguai sp. nov. 0.197 0.195 0.169 0.189 0.189 0.203 0.203 0.181 0.163 0.165 0.016 0.016 0.016 0.016 0.017 0.017
8 K. yangshuo sp. nov. 0.191 0.189 0.185 0.191 0.191 0.212 0.212 0.202 0.193 0.195 0.142 0.000 0.018 0.018 0.019 0.019
♂J 0.191 0.189 0.185 0.191 0.191 0.212 0.212 0.202 0.193 0.195 0.142 0.000 0.018 0.018 0.019 0.019
9 S. longtou 0.187 0.185 0.161 0.165 0.165 0.183 0.183 0.177 0.155 0.157 0.146 0.187 0.187 0.000 0.013 0.013
0.187 0.185 0.161 0.165 0.165 0.183 0.183 0.177 0.155 0.157 0.146 0.187 0.187 0.000 0.013 0.013
10 S. spinathoraxi 0.199 0.197 0.153 0.149 0.149 0.179 0.179 0.168 0.155 0.157 0.167 0.197 0.197 0.103 0.103 0.002
0.197 0.195 0.151 0.147 0.147 0.177 0.177 0.166 0.153 0.155 0.165 0.195 0.195 0.101 0.101 0.002
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