The South African genus Lepthercus Purcell, 1902 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) phylogeny and taxonomy Author Ríos-Tamayo, Duniesky Author Lyle, Robin text Zootaxa 2020 2020-04-20 4766 2 261 305 journal article 10.11646/zootaxa.4766.2.2 fe76f860-39b1-4520-a13c-d01a47dfc130 1175-5334 3765467 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BA570D47-FE77-446C-B000-9208C9A6E957 Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902 ( Figs. 2J , 5 A–J, 6A–D, 7A–C, 24) Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902: 379 . Raven, 1985a: 86 , figs. 44–49. Material examined. Type material : Holotype ♂ . SOUTH AFRICA : Eastern Cape Province , from Doornnek in the Zuurbergen [Zuurberg], Alexandria Div., Cape Colony now [ 33°22′S 25°43′E ], 1902, W.F. Purcell leg. , ( SAM- ENW-X005692 ), examined. Other material examined : SOUTH AFRICA : Eastern Cape Province , Asante Sana Private Game Reserve , buttress bet. Waterkloof & Zuurkloof ( 32°16′S 24°58′E , 1613m ), 23.x.2010 , J. Midgley , leg., 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012 /3206); same data ( 1618m ), 15.iv.2010 , J. Midgley , leg., 1 ♀ ( NCA , 2012/2333); same data, 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3239); same data ( 1406m ), 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012 /3231); same data ( 1620m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA , 2012/3215); same data ( 32°14′S 24°56′E , 1802m ), 3 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012 /3226); same data ( 1806m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /2351); same data ( 1613m ), 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012 /3207); Same data ( 1608m ), 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012 /3218) same data ( 1614m ), 3 ♂♂ ( NCA , 2012/3220); same data ( 1204m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA , 2012/3209); same data ( 32°17′S 24°58′E , 1202m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3208) same data ( 32°15′S 24°57′E , 1613m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 0 2012/3214); same data ( 32°15′ S 25°00′ E , 2013m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3228); same data ( 32°14′S 24°56′E , 2001m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3213); same data ( 1628m ), 3 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012 /3216); same data, 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3217); same data ( 1807m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3222); same data ( 32°14′S 24°56′E , 1795m ), 1♂ ( NCA , 2012/3221); same data ( 32°15′S 24°58′E , 2001m ), 25.xi.2009 , same collector, 1 ♂ ( NCA , 2012/3210); same data ( 32°14′S 24°56′E , 2001m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA , 2012/3212); same data ( 32°16′S 24°58′E , 1618m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3205); same data ( 32°15′S 24°58′E , 1999m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3211); same data ( 32°15′S 25°00′E , 1801m ), 23.x.2010 , same collector, 1 ♂ ( NCA , 2012/3227); same data ( 32°15′S 24°58′E , 1801m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA , 2012/3240); same data ( 32°14′S 24°56′E , 1802m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3225); same data, ( 32°15′S 25°00′E , 1792m ), 1 ♂ ( NCA 2012 /3229); same data, ( 32°16′ S 25°00′ E , 1406m ), 2 ♂♂ ( NCA 2012 /3230); same data, Southern Karoo Riviere , Riverine Woodland ( 32°16′S 24°57′E ), 7.iv-28.vii.2010 , S. Van Noort leg. , ASA09-WOO1-Y13, 1 ♂ (SAM-ENW-C007744). FIGURE. 5. Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902 . (male, NCA 2012/3206). A habitus, dorsal view; B sternum, ventral view; C chelicerae, prolateral view, arrow indicates the intercheliceral tumesence; D left pedipalp, arrow indicates the small dorsal setae, and a normal anterior part of the retrolateral side of ventral excavation, retrolateral view; E right pedipalp, arrow indicates the abundant proventral rigid setae, prolateral view; F–H copulatory bulb, F retrolateral view, arrow indicates the ridges along the embolus, G ventral view, H prolateral view, arrow indicates the ridges along the embolus; I , J tibia–metatarsus I, arrow indicates the base of the metatarsus slightly swollen with small dark setae, Remarks. The type specimen (SAM-ENW-X005692, Fig. 6 A–D) is in poor condition, appearing to be bleached, resulting in a white coloration. The legs are very soft ( Fig. 6 A–D) and both bulbs have the embolus broken ( Fig. 6B ). To preserve the type specimen, the described male is based on NCA 2012/3206 from Asante Sana Private Game Reserve, 135 km N of the type locality. This specimen shares all the characters observed in the holotype . Diagnosis. Males of L. dregei can be recognized inside the “Group dregei” by a short copulatory bulb with longitudinal keels extending along the embolus ( Fig. 5 F–H). It further differs from L. confusus sp. nov. , by the strong bulb in lateral view, without a lateral keel ( Fig. 5F, H ). Females can be distinguished by the spermathecae with a base with an abrupt transition to the stalk; stalks curved outward with truncate receptacles ( Fig. 7C ). This species is similar to L. kwazuluensis sp. nov. , but differs in the absence of the apical projection present in the base and by their truncate receptacles. Description. Male (NCA 2012/3206, Fig. 5 A–J). Total length 10.01. Carapace ( Fig. 5A ): length 4.40, width 3.31, with lateral marginal bristles. Cephalic region : length 2.70; clypeus short with 5 bristles in the edge, 2 long bristles in front of the OQ. Fovea : width 0.47, almost straight. Ocular measurements : AME 0.14, ALE 0.21, PME 0.16, PLE 0.21, OQ length 0.43, 0.68 width; AME–ALE 0.04, PME–PLE 0.04, AME–PME 0.07, ALE–PLE 0.08, AME–AME 0.08, OMP–OMP 0.28. Chelicerae : length 2.19, width 1.25, with dorsal-anterior bristles, intercheliceral tumescence small, well-marked and with setae ( Fig. 5C ). Fang groove with 6 promarginal teeth (2 smaller in the apex) and 11 mesobasal denticles. Labium : length 0.41, width 0.64, dorsally slightly concave. Maxillae : length 1.33, width 0.61, with about 45 cuspules on inner corner, prolateral face slightly curved, soft area small, with long uniformly distributed hairs. Sternum ( Fig. 5B ): length 2.21, maximum width 1.73. Abdomen : length 3.83, with small and long hair (longer in the anterior side). PMS: length 0.54; PLS: length of basal:medial:apical segments 0.85:0.50:0.94; total length 2.29. Lengths of legs and palp : I: 3.73, 2.15, 2.53, 2.88, 1.99, 13.28. II: 3.50, 1.87, 2.43, 2.74, 2.10, 12.64. III: 3.12, 1.59, 1.96, 2.88, 1.99, 11.54. IV: 4.14, 1.82, 3.25, 3.88, 2.11, 15.20. Palp: 1.85, 1.01, 1.23, —, 0.69, 4.78. FIGURE. 6. Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902 . (male holotype : SAM-ENW-X005692). A left pedipalp, prolateral view; B left pedipalp, retrolateral view, arrow indicates the copulatory bulb with the embolus broken; C left leg I, prolateral view; D left leg I, showing the curved spur with an apical megaespine. Chaetotaxy : Leg I: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1-1-1 D–R, 0-1-1 D–P; patella, 1 P A (short); tibia, 1-1 P, 1-1 R, 2-2-2 V, a long cuticular spur, slightly curved outwards, with an apical long spine ( Fig. 5I, J ); metatarsus, 1 P (1:3B), 1-1- 0-1 V, straight, 1/3 basal posterior slightly swollen with small dark setae ( Fig. 5J ); tarsus, 0. Leg II: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1-0-1-1 D–P, 1-1-1 D–R; patella, 1 P A (short); tibia, 1-1 P, 2-1-3 V; metatarsus, 2-2-0-2 V, 1 P (1:3B); tarsus, 0. Leg III: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1-1-1-1 D–P, 1-1-1-1 D–R; patella, 1-1 P (shorts), 1 R; tibia, 1-1 P, 1-1 D, 1-1 R, 2-2-3 V; metatarsus, 1-1 D (1:2B), 1-1-1 D–R, 1-1-1-1 D–P, 2-2-3 V; tarsus, 0. Leg IV: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1-1-1-1 P, 1-1-1 R; patella, 1 R; tibia, 1-1 P, 2-2-2 V, 1-1 R; metatarsus, 1-1-1 P, 1-1-1 D–R, 1-1-1 D–P, 2-1-1-3 V; tarsus, 0. Palp ( Fig. 5D, E ): femur, 1-1-3 d; patella, 1 D INF; tibia, 1-1 P, 1-1 P INF, 1-1 D, 1 R A, (width/length: 0.49); tarsus, 0. Scopulae : Metatarsi: I–II, dense, uniformly distributed throughout the segment, with some long and fine setae; III, sparse (1:3A), IV, sparse A, divided by a wide band of setae. Tarsi: I–II, dense, uniformly distributed throughout the segment; III, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a narrow band of setae; IV, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a wide band of setae. Trichobothria : Tibiae: I 7-8; II 9-7; III 8-8; IV 10-10. Metatarsi: I (3)1(2)1(4)1; II (3)1(1)1(4)1; III (3)1(1)1(2)1(4)1; IV (3)1(1)1(2)1(5)1. Tarsi: I-III 12; IV 13. Preening combs : metatarsus: III, 2/3 P V; IV, 2 R V. Copulatory bulb : small, with a short and acuminate embolus with basal ridges and the tip curved ( Fig. 5 F–H). Color : Overall light orange-yellowish (ventrally lighter). Abdomen light dark with 3-4 posterior light bands, light yellow spinnerets. Female (NCA 2012/2333, Figs. 2J , 7 A–C). Total length 10.77. Carapace ( Fig. 7A ): length 4.37, width 3.02, with lateral marginal bristles. Cephalic region : Length 2.77, clypeus small with 6 marginal bristles; five bristles in front of the OQ. Fovea : width 0.45, almost straight. Ocular measurements : AME 0.13, ALE 0.27, PME 0.19, PLE 0.22, OQ length 0.43, width 0.75; AME–ALE 0.04, PME–PLE 0.02, AME–PME 0.08, ALE–PLE 0.03, AME–AME 0.10, PME–PME 0.30. Chelicerae : length 2.84, width 1.81; with dorsal–retrolateral bristles. Fang groove with 8 promarginal teeth and 11 mesobasal denticles. Labium : length 0.37, width 0.79, dorsally slightly concave. Maxillae : length 1.78, width 0.79, with 54 cuspules on inner corner, prolateral face slightly curved, soft with long uniformly distributed hairs; serrula as Fig. 2J . Sternum ( Fig. 7B ): length 2.28, maximum width 1.93. Abdomen ( Fig. 7A ): length 4.67, globose, with small bristles in the dorsum. PMS: length 0.53; PLS: length of basal:medial:apical segments 0.71:0.50:0.83; total length 2.04. Lengths of legs and palp : I: 3.09, 1.91, 1.98, 1.75, 1.39, 10.14. II: 2.78, 1.77, 1.63, 1.68, 1.38, 9.24. III: 2.20, 1.28, 1.26, 1.71, 1.24, 7.70. IV: 2.98, 1.59, 2.11, 2.54, 1.28, 10.50. Palp: 2.04, 1.13, 1.14, —, 1.37, 5.69. FIGURE. 7. Lepthercus dregei Purcell, 1902 . (female, NCA 2012/2333). A habitus, dorsal view; B sternum, ventral view; C spermathecae. Chaetotaxy : Leg I: femur, 1-1-1-1 d, 1 pa; patella, 0; tibia, 1p, 1-2 v; metatarsus, 1-1-1 V; tarsus, 0. Leg II: femur, 0; patella, 0; tibia, 1 P, 1-1-1-2 v; metatarsus, 2-2-2 V; tarsus, 0. Leg III: femur, 1-1-1-1 d; patella, 1 P, 2-1 R; tibia, 1 P (1:2 A), 1 D (1:2 A), 1-1 R, 2-2-3 V; metatarsus, 2-2-2 D, 1-1-1 R, 2-2-3 V; tarsus, 0. Leg IV: femur, 1-1- 1-1-1-1 d; patella, 0; tibia, 2-2-2 V, 1-1-1 R; metatarsus, 1-1-1 P, 2-2-2 D, 2-2-3 V; tarsus, 0. Palp: femur, 0; patella, 0; tibia, 2 P M, 2-3 v, 3 V A; tarsus, 2 V B. Scopulae : Metatarsi: I–II, dense, uniformly distributed with some long and fine bristles; III, sparse A; IV, no present. Tarsi: I, dense, uniformly distributed; II, dense, uniformly distributed, divided by a row band of setae; III, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a narrow band of setae; IV, sparse, uniformly distributed and divided by a wide band of setae. Trichobothria : Tibiae: palp 8-9; I 7-9; II 9-10; III 9-8; IV 11-10. Metatarsi: I (5)1(2)1(5)1; II (4)1(2)1(4)1; III (6)1(2)1(5)1; IV (4)1(3)1(2)1(6)1. Tarsi: palp 13; I 13; II 14; III 14; IV 13. Preening combs : metatarsus: II 3 P V; III 2 P V–5 R V; IV, 2/3 R V. Spermathecae : as in Fig. 7C . Color : Overall light orange–yellowish (carapace litter dark), sternum lighter. Abdomen brown dark with 3–5 posterior light bands, spinnerets light yellow. Distribution. Eastern Cape Province , South Africa ( Fig. 24 ).