Proshermacha robertblosfeldsi Harvey, Wilson & Rix, sp. nov

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https://zoobank.org/NomenclaturalActs/671A9F43-C10B-498B-828F-23B7AEEF7703

Holotype: AUSTRALIA: Western Australia: ♂, Yeagarup, McAlpine Road, 34°31′S, 116°03′E, 118 m, 23 January 2022, M.S. Harvey, M.E. Blosfelds (WAM T157103).

Chenistonia villosa Rainbow & Pulleine: Curry et al. 1985: 472, 478 (misidentification).

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Figures 36–44. Proshermacha robertblosfeldsi Harvey, Wilson & Rix, sp. nov., holotype male (WAM T157103): 36, cephalothorax, dorsal view; 37, cephalothorax, ventral view; 38, ocular region; 39, fovea; 40, sternum; 41, abdomen, dorsal view; 42, abdomen, ventral view; 43, left sternal sigilla; 44, left maxilla. Scale bars = 5 mm.

Figures 45–56. Proshermacha robertblosfeldsi Harvey, Wilson & Rix, sp. nov., holotype male (WAM T157103): 45–48, left pedipalp: 45, prolateral view; 46, tarsus, prolateral view; 47, tarsus, ventral view; 48, tarsus, retrolateral view; 49–52, left bulb: 49, ventral view; 50, dorsal view; 51, retrolateral view; 52, retrolateral view; 53–56, left leg I: 53, prolateral view; 54, tibia I, prolateral view; 55, tibia I, retrolateral view; 56, metatarsus I, prolateral view. Scale lines = 5 mm (Figures 45–48, 53–56), 0.2 mm (Figures 49–52).

Figures 57–67. Proshermacha robertblosfeldsi Harvey, Wilson & Rix, sp. nov., paratype female (WAM T130799): 57, cephalothorax, dorsal view; 58, cephalothorax, ventral view; 59, ocular region; 60, fovea; 61, sternum; 62, abdomen, dorsal view; 63, abdomen, ventral view; 64, left sternal sigilla; 65, left maxilla; 66, spermathecae, dorsal; 67, spermathecae, dorsal. Scale bars = 5 mm (Figures 57, 62), 0.5 mm (Figure 67).

Diagnosis

Males of Proshermacha robertblosfeldsi can be distinguished from the only other described species of Proshermacha for which males are known by the presence of distinct flanges on the embolus (Figures 49–52). The emboli of P. credo (see Wilson et al. 2023, figures 11–13), P. telaporta (Figures 17–20), P. wilga (see Leenders et al. 2023, figures 13–15), and the male identified as Chenistonia tepperi by Main (1964) lack flanges and taper to a fine point (see Main 1964, figures on page 46). It also differs from P. credo and P. tepperi by the thicker tibia and metatarsus I. Males are currently unknown for all other described species of Proshermacha. The spermathecae of the female are reminiscent of the five other species of Proshermacha for which the spermathecal morphology has been documented, P. armigera (Rainbow and Pulleine, 1918) (see Harvey et al. 2020, figure 156), P. credo (see Wilson et al. 2023, figure 29), P. telaporta (Figures 34, 35), P. wilga (see Leenders et al. 2023, figure 29) and P. sp. 'MYG357’ (see Harvey et al. 2018, figure 7G). However, the spermathecal stalks are more widely spaced than in P. armigera, lack the medial curvature and bulbous terminal receptacula of P. credo and P. wilga, are less widely spaced than in P. telaporta, and lack the lateral flexure of P. sp. 'MYG357'.

Description

Male (based on holotype, WAM T157103): medium-large anamid spider.

Colour (in alcohol) (Figures 36–44): carapace deep brown; legs dark brown. Prolateral face of femur I paler than other segments. Chelicerae dark brown, almost black. Abdomen dorsally nearly black with several pale spots, and ventrally grey-brown with paler spots.

Cephalothorax: carapace (Figure 36) 1.26 × longer than broad; densely pilose; many setae bronze in colour; with larger brown setae dorsally; clypeal edge slightly convex. Fovea (Figure 39) straight. Eyes (Figure 38): on distinct mound; from above, anterior eye row slightly procurved, posterior eye row slightly recurved; AME slightly smaller than ALE; ALE and AME the largest; PME smallest; eye group length 0.91, width 1.58. Chelicerae (Figure 36) with 3 well-defined strips of brown bristles; rastellum absent; promargin of tooth row with 9 teeth, retromargin with 10 small teeth. Labium (Figure 40) fused to sternum, without cuspules. Maxillae (Figure 44) with 92 (left), 81 (right) cuspules, located on the basal edge; maxillae darker than coxae I–IV (Figure 37). Sternum (Figure 40): oval, posteriorly pointed; 1.32 × longer than broad; setae over entire surface, setae on lateral and posterior margins longer than others; with 3 pairs of sigilla, each pair increasing in size from anterior to posterior; third pair rounded, near edge of sternum.

Pedipalp (Figures 45–52): tibia cylindrical, narrow; asetose depression absent; tarsus long, with medial constriction when viewed laterally; densely setose; bulb ovoid; embolus about same length as bulb, with prominent flanges.

Legs (Figures 53–56): coxal cuspules absent; coxa I with some setae noticeably shorter than others; tibia I cylindrical, with large megaspur; TIL/TID 3.70; TIS/TIL 0.64; TISH/TID 0.80; metatarsus incrassate; MIL/MID 4.91. MIPEL/MIL 0.37; scopula present on all tarsi, absent on metatarsi; claws with 2 rows of teeth; claw tufts absent.

Abdomen (Figures 41, 42): 1.74 × longer than broad, densely pilose. Spinnerets: 2 pairs of spinnerets; PMS unsegmented and separated by about diameter of spinneret; PLS 3-segmented, apical segment elongate, digitiform.

Dimensions (mm): total body length (with chelicerae, but excluding spinnerets) 24.34, total body length 19.92 (excluding chelicerae and spinnerets). Carapace length 9.84, width 7.79; sternum length 5.47, width 4.13. Femur I length 7.87, width 2.74, L/W 2.87; tibia I 6.03; metatarsus I 6.04; femur II 6.91; femur III 6.14; femur IV length 7.78, width 2.54, L/W 3.06. Abdomen length 9.50, width 5.46.

Variation (n = 5): carapace length 8.37–9.89, width 6.93–8.12, L/W 1.21–1.27; femur I length 6.97–7.97, width 2.67–3.04. L/W 2.67–3.04; metatarsus I length 5.19–5.88; femur IV length 7.06–8.23, width 2.11–2.51, L/W 3.27–3.35.

Female (based on WAM T130799): medium-large anamid spider.

Colour (in alcohol) (Figures 57–65): carapace dark yellow-brown with red-brown radial markings; legs uniformly yellow-brown; prolateral face of femur I same colour as other segments. Chelicerae deep red-brown. Abdomen dorsally dark grey with paler spots forming mottled pattern, and ventrally grey-brown with paler spots.

Cephalothorax: carapace (Figure 57) 1.26 × longer than broad; pilose; silver setae absent; with larger brown setae dorsally; clypeal edge slightly convex. Fovea (Figure 60) straight. Eyes (Figure 59): on distinct mound; from above, anterior eye row nearly straight, posterior eye row slightly recurved; AME slightly smaller than ALE; PLE largest; ALE smallest; eye group length 0.68, width 1.32. Chelicerae (Figure 57) with 3 well-defined strips of brown bristles; rastellum absent; promargin of tooth row with 12 teeth, retromargin with 6 small teeth. Labium (Figure 61) fused to sternum, without cuspules. Maxillae (Figure 61) with 93 (left), 80 (right) cuspules, located on the basal edge; maxillae about same colour as coxae I–IV (Figure 58). Sternum (Figure 61): oval, posteriorly pointed; 1 × longer than broad; setae over entire surface, setae on lateral and posterior margins longer than others; with 3 pairs of sigilla, each pair increasing in size from anterior to posterior; third pair rounded, near edge of sternum.

Pedipalp: with thick scopula.

Legs: coxal cuspules absent; coxa I with some setae noticeably shorter than others; scopula present on all tarsi, absent on metatarsi; claws with 2 rows of teeth; claw tufts absent.

Abdomen (Figures 62, 63): 1.73 × longer than broad, pilose. Spinnerets: 2 pairs of spinnerets; PMS unsegmented and separated by about diameter of spinneret; PLS 3-segmented, apical segment elongate, digitiform.

Genitalia (Figures 66, 67): with 1 pair of widely spaced spermathecae, laterally divergent with bulbous spermathecae head.

Dimensions (mm): total body length (with chelicerae, but excluding spinnerets) 18.62, total body length 16.13 (excluding chelicerae and spinnerets). Carapace length 7.97, width 6.33. Sternum length 3.55, width 3.55. Femur I length 6.12, width 2.02, L/W 3.03; femur II 5.47; femur III 4.80; femur IV length 3.14, width 1.82 mm, L/W 1.73. Abdomen length 8.30, width 4.80.

Variation (n = 5): carapace length 9.72–10.27, width 7.10–8.55, L/W 1.14–1.42; femur I length 6.53–7.58, width 2.44–2.78. L/W 2.68–2.77; femur IV length 7.13–8.06, width 2.35–2.58, L/W 2.97–3.12. {p}{p}

Other specimens examined

AUSTRALIA: Western Australia: 1 ♀, Boorara-Gardner National Park, KTC Road at Canterbury River, 34°42′S, 116°13′E, 64 m, 12 October 2011, ex silken retreat under log, M.S. Harvey, G. Giribet (WAM T130799); 1 ♂, East Brook (past Gloucester Tree), Pemberton, 34°27′S, 116°01′E, 21 August 1956, B.Y. Main (WAM T158950); 1 ♂, Collins, south of Pemberton, 34°29′S, 116°03′E, 22 March 1957, muddy bank of creek, A.R. Main (WAM T158963); 1 ♂, Crowea Forest Block, 12 km SE. of Pemberton, 34°28′S, 116°10′E, 29 October 1976, by hand, S.J. Curry (WAM T18175); 1 juvenile, same data except 20–26 November 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32651); 2 juveniles, same data except 17–24 December 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32708, T32709); 1 ♀, same data except 24 December 1976, by hand (WAM T18168); 2 ♀, same data except 25 November 1977, by hand (WAM T18178, T18179); 1 ♀, same data except 13–19 November 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32642); 1 ♀, same data except 11–17 December 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32649); 1 ♂, same data except 16–22 October 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32646); 1 ♀, same data except 17–24 December 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32650); 1 ♂, same data except 23–29 October 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32644); 2 ♂, same data except 30 October–5 November 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32710, T32711); 1 ♂, same data except 5 November 1976, by hand (WAM T18167); 1 ♂, same data except 6–12 November 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32647); 1 ♂, same data except 10–17 November 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32707); 4 ♂, same data except 20–26 November 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32712–T32715); 1 ♂, same data except 27 November–3 December 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32645); 1 ♂, same data except 11–17 December 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32648); 3 ♂, same data except 31 October 1977, by hand (WAM T18169–T18171); 3 ♂, same data except 7 November 1977, by hand (WAM T18172–T18174); 2 ♂, same data except 25 November 1977, by hand (WAM T18176–T18177); 1 ♂, same data except 2 December 1977, by hand (WAM T18180); 1 ♀, same data except Creek Site, 27 November–3 December 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32657); 1 ♀, same data 25–31 October 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32771); 3 juveniles, same data except creek site, 10–17 December 1980, pitfall trap (WAM T32655, T32656, T32658); 1 juvenile, same data except 28 October–3 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32747); 1 juvenile, same data except 12–18 November 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32766); 1 ♀, same data except 14–20 December 1979, pitfall trap (WAM T32641); 1 ♀, same data except 7–13 November 1980, pitfall trap (WAM T32659); 1 ♀, same data except 6–12 December 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32757); 1 ♂, same data except 25–1 December 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32652); 2 ♂, same data except 2–8 December 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32653, T32654); 1 ♂, same data except 30 November–6 December 1979, pitfall trap (WAM T32744); 1 ♂, same data except 4–10 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32745); 1 ♂, same data except 28 October–3 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32746); 1 ♂, same data except 1–8 November 1979, pitfall trap (WAM T32750); 2 ♂, same data except 13–19 November 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32755, T32756); 2 ♂, same data except 23–29 October 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32758, T32759); 2 ♂, same data except 6–12 November 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32760, T32761); 4 ♂, same data except 12–18 November 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32762–T32765); 3 ♂, same data except 26 November–2 December 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32767, T32769); 1 ♂, same data except 25–31 October 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32770); 3 ♂, same data except 1–7 November 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32772–T32774); 1 ♂, same data except 19–25 November 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32775); 2 ♂, same data except 5–11 November 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32776, T32777); 1 ♀, same data except Ridge Site, 10–17 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32727); 1 juvenile, same data except 17–24 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32634); 1 juvenile, same data except 14–20 December 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32635); 1 juvenile, same data except 25 November–1 December 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32637); 1 juvenile, same data except 15–21 November 1980, pitfall trap (WAM T32638); 2 juveniles, same data except 17–24 December 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32639, T32640); 2 juveniles, same data except 28 October–3 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32667, T32668); 1 juvenile, same data except 26 October–1 November 1979, pitfall trap (WAM T32669); 1 juvenile, same data except 17–24 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32721); 1 juvenile, same data except 29 September–6 October 1979, pitfall trap (WAM T32743); 1 ♀, same data except 25–31 October 1980, pitfall trap (WAM T32666); 1 ♀, same data except 26 October–1 November 1979, pitfall trap (WAM T32724); 1 ♀, same data except 14–20 October 1979, pitfall trap (WAM T32731); 2 ♀, same data except 29 September–6 October 1979, pitfall trap (WAM T32741, T32742); 1 ♂, same data except 25 November–1 December 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32636); 1 ♂, same data except 2–8 December 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32660); 1 ♂, same data except 9–15 December 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32661); 1 ♂, same data except 10–17 December 1980, pitfall trap (WAM T32662); 2 ♂, same data except 28 October–3 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32663, T32664); 1 ♂, same data except 25–31 October 1980, pitfall trap (WAM T32665); 4 ♂, same data except 27 November–3 December 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32716–T32719); 1 ♂, same data except 10–17 December 1976, pitfall trap (WAM T32720); 2 ♂, same data except 5–11 November 1977, pitfall trap (WAM T32722, T32723); 2 ♂, same data except 10–17 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32725, T32726); 4 ♂, same data except 17–24 November 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32751–T32754); 2 ♂, same data except 25 November–1 December 1978, pitfall trap (WAM T32728, T32729); 1 ♂, same data except 16–22 November 1979, pitfall trap (WAM T32730); 1 ♂, 1 ♀, same data except 7–13 November 1980, pitfall trap (WAM T32748, T32749); 2 ♂, same data except 22–28 November 1980, pitfall trap (WAM T32739, T32740).

Remarks

All specimens of Proshermacha robertblosfeldi were collected in forests dominated by karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) and marri (Corymbia calophylla). The holotype male was found comatose in the middle of a track on a hot summer morning and was most likely dying at the end of the mating season. The female from Boorara-Gardner National Park was collected from a silken retreat that was situated under a log. The majority of the remaining specimens were collected from the Crowea Forest Block, ca. 12 km SE. of the town of Pemberton, either collected by hand or with the use of pitfall traps (Curry et al. 1985). They were originally identified by B.Y. Main as Chenistonia villosa Rainbow and Pulleine, 1918, which was described from a female collected near Nannup, Western Australia (Rainbow and Pulleine 1918). This species was transferred to Proshermacha by Harvey et al. (2018). Other specimens have been collected by B.Y. Main and A.R. Main in the Pemberton region.

We have obtained COI sequences from two specimens of P. villosa (WAM T146686, T146688) collected at or very near the type locality, and found that they differ from the two sequenced specimens of P. robertblosfeldsi by 14.6–16.1%, which is far above generally accepted levels of intraspecific genetic variation in anamid spiders.

Although we lack sequence data for the specimens collected from Crowea, the morphology of the male pedipalp and first leg clearly demonstrates that they are conspecific with the male from Yeagarup.

Adult male specimens have been collected in August, October, November, December, January and March, indicating a wide temporal pattern of maturation and dispersal.

Proshermacha robertblosfeldi has been previously identified with the code P. sp. ′MYG498’ in the Western Australian Museum database.

Sequence data

The two specimens of P. robertblosfeldi from which we obtained sequence data were matched with each other using COI sequence data and were 8.2% divergent, which we contend is within the range of variation found in anamid species. The following sequence data are available on GenBank:

Holotype male, WAM T157103: COI (OR141943).

Female, WAM T130799: COI (OR141942).

Distribution

Proshermacha robertblosfeldi has been collected from several localities south of Pemberton which are only 25 km apart in the Warren IBRA 7.0 bioregion (Figure 1).

Etymology

The species epithet is in loving memory of Robert John Blosfelds (1960–2021).