Revision and molecular phylogeny of the spider genus Micaria Westring, 1851 (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) in the Afrotropical Region Author Booysen, Ruan 0000-0002-0841-9143 booysenr@ufs.ac.za Author Haddad, Charles R. 0000-0002-2317-7760 haddadcr@ufs.ac.za text Zootaxa 2021 2021-03-04 4940 1 1 82 journal article 7420 10.11646/zootaxa.4940.1.1 a09df80c-5d8b-44da-8f25-723f107c6c49 1175-5326 4580917 5F073867-F6EA-4222-A190-77F68076BE9C Micariachrysis ( Simon, 1910 ) Figs 17 , 58 , 79 , 125–128 Micariolepis chrysis Simon, 1910: 203 ( ♀ ) Remarks. The type material of Micaria chrysis from Port Nolloth was described as a female ( Simon 1910 ), but the material was found to be two subadult females, and thus there were no descriptions of their genital structures available. We collected a fresh adult female from the type locality and consider this to be representative of this species. Type material: 2 immature syntypes : SOUTHAFRICA : Northern Cape : Port Nolloth , Schultze 1115, leg. L. Schultze , IV.1905 , (ZMB 28242 — examined) . Other material examined: CÔTE D’IVOIRE : Bafing Region : Touba, upland rice, pitfall traps, 09°43’N , 07°24’W , leg. A. Russell-Smith, 3.XI.1994 , 1 ♂ 8 ♀ (MRAC 227257). Marahoué Region : Sassandra-Marahoué District, Bouaflé, 06°59’N , 05°39’W , leg. J. Everts, 2.III.1981 , 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (MRAC 174034). ETHIOPIA : Afar Region : Melka Werer, Awash River, litter, Acacia nilotica woodland, hand collecting, 750 m a.s.l., 08°59’N , 40°10’E , leg. A. Russell-Smith, 9.IV.1986 , 1 ♀ (MRAC 225651). Shewa Region : Addis Ababa, 8 km N of Addis Ababa, beneath montane shrub, 2400 m a.s.l., 09°02’N , 38°42’E , 8.IV.1986 , 1 ♂ (MRAC 225603); near ICLA compound, under stone in short grass, 20.VI.1983 , 1 ♂ 3 ♀ 1 immature (MRAC 225566); 12 km Eof Addis Ababa, in grass below Juniper tree, 21.VI.1987 , 1 ♂ 1 ♀ 1 immature (MRAC 225648); 15 km Eof Addis Ababa, under rock, stream valley, 2500 m a.s.l., 28.V.1988 , 1 ♂ (MRAC 225645); Langano Lake, under stones, Cynodon grassland, 07°36’N , 38°43’E , 9.VI.1988 , 1 ♂ (MRAC 225567); Langano Lake, Hotel, under stone, short Cynodon grassland, 1600 m a.s.l., 16.X.1988 , 1 ♂ (MRAC 225644). LESOTHO : Butha–Buthe District : Near Butha–Buthe, under rocks on mountainside, 1780 ma .s.l., 28°47’S , 28°15’E , leg. J. van Niekerk, 14.XII.2012 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2013/2366). Qacha’s Nek District : Qacha’s Neck, Under rocks, 1865 m a.s.l., 30°06.155’S , 28°40.239’E , leg. C. Haddad, 9.XI.2003 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2018/29); Sehlabathebe National Park, under rocks on mountainside, 2940 m a.s.l., 29°52’S , 28°58’E , leg. J. van Niekerk, 15.I.2013 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2013/2375); samelocality, under rocks, sandstone mountain, 2500 m a.s.l., 29°53.095’S , 29°07.407’E , leg. C. Haddad, 9.XI.2003 , 3 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2018/24). Quthing District : Ha Lazaro, under rocks on hillside, hand collecting, 2355 m a.s.l., 30°18.207S , 28°07.872’E , leg. C. Haddad, 12.XI.2003 , 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2018/27); Ha Limapa, under rocks, hand collecting, 2100 ma .s.l., 30°11.019’S , 28°16.727’E , leg. C. Haddad, 13.XI.2003 , 2 ♀ (NCA 2018/30); Letšeng–la–Letsie, under rocks along lakeside, 2360 m a.s.l., 30°18.751’S , 28°09.806’E , 12.XI.2003 , 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2018/25); Near Ha Ratjeka, Under rocks, 30°09.989’S , 28°15.684’E , 12.XI.2004 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2018/26). Tsaba–Tseka District : Mohale Dam, Island 1, under rocks, plateau, 2025 m a.s.l., 29°25.255’S , 28°05.985’E , leg. C. Haddad, 13.XII.2003 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1486); Mohale Dam, Island 2, under rocks on hillside, 29°25.396’S , 28°05.903’E , leg. C. Haddad, 14.XII.2003 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1487); Mohale Dam, Island 3, 29°25.349’S , 28°06.253’E , leg. C. Haddad, 15.XII.2003 , 2 ♀ (NCA 2017/1488); Mokhoabong Pass, under rocks, 2880 ma .s.l., 29°31.253’S , 28°20.239’E , leg. C. Haddad, 9.III.2003 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1481). MOZAMBIQUE : Inhambane : Goruvo, Bartholomeu Dias Point, BD Lodge, mangroves, leaf litter, 5 m a.s.l., 21°09.6’S , 35°04.2’E , leg. C. Haddad, R. Lyle & R. Fourie, 10.XII.2007 , 1 ♂ 1 immature (NMBA 11248); Morrungulo, Morrungulo Resort, dune forest, 12 m a.s.l., 23°08.4’S , 35°18.00’E , 6.XII.2007 , 2 ♂ 2 ♀ (NMBA 11329). NAMIBIA : Khomas Region : Garib Ost 275, pitfalltraps, SE 2317 BA, leg. E. Griffin, 13–20.XII.1988 , 1 ♂ 1 immature (SMN 40971). Kunene Region : Hobatere, 3.2 km from gate, 19°19’S , 14°27’E , leg. E. Griffin, 07–17.V.1991 , 1 ♀ (SMN 42616). Omusati Region : Skorpion Mine Site, Kaross, 19°21’S , 14°31’E , 5.VIII–13.IX.1987 , 1 ♀ (SMN 40631); preservative traps, 5.VIII–15.IX.1987 , 1 ♀ (SMN 40632). Oshikoto Region : Etosha National Park, Bloubokkiedraai, 18°50’S , 16°57’E , leg. E. Griffin, 28.III–30.IV.1988 , 1 ♂ (SMN 40879). Otjozondupa Region : Otjiwarongo District, Otjiku 192, on sandy plain next to dry riverbed, 21°16’S , 16°49’E , leg. E. Marais, 16–29.XI.1988 , 1 ♂ (SMN 42098). Zambezi Region : Kongola, Sidwa near Choy, 10 km Sof Kongola, low grassy vegetation on floodplain of Kuando River, 17°50’S , 23°25’E , leg. R. Jocqué, 18–23.X.1987 , 1 ♀ (MRAC 168537), 1 ♂ (MRAC 168539). SOUTHAFRICA : Eastern Cape : Graaff–Reinet, Asante Sana Game Reserve, Acacia thicket, stony ground, 2000 ma .s.l., 32°15.9’S , 24°16.89’E , leg. J. Midgley, 23.X.2010 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2366); samelocality, 1198 m a.s.l., 32°16.98’S , 24°58.26’E , leg. J. Midgley, 15.I.2011 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2364); same locality, steep rocky slope, dense shrubs ( 50cm high) with little to no grass, 1798 m a.s.l., 32°16.38’S , 24°58.98’E , leg. J. Midgley, 23.X.2010 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2362); samelocality, Waterkloof, mixed grass (tussock & tall) & shrubs with scattered oubos, 1806 ma .s.l., 32°14.76’S , 24°56.46’E , leg. J. Midgley, 23.X.2010 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2341); samelocality, high altitude tussock grassland, very few shrubs, 2116 m a.s.l., 32°15.00’S , 24°55.98’E , leg. J. Midgley, 23.X.2010 , 2 ♂ (NCA 2012/2339); samelocality, mixedgrass (lowmatforming & tall) & smalltrees, 1413 ma .s.l., 32°15.72’S , 24°57.12’E , leg. J. Midgley, 23.X.2010 , 2 ♂ (NCA 2012/2844); samelocality, mixedgrass (tussock & tall) & shrubs with scattered oubos, 1802 m a.s.l., 32°14.76’S , 24°56.46’E , leg. J. Midgley, 15.IV.2010 , 1 immature (NCA 2012/2359); samelocality, mixedgrass (lowmatforming & tall) & smalltrees, 1415 ma .s.l., 32°15.72’S , 24°57.12’E , 23.X.2010 , leg. J. Midgley, 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2342); same locality, mixed grass (tussock & tall) & shrubs with scattered oubos, 32°14.76’S , 24°56.46’E , leg. J. Midgley, 25.XI.2009 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2340); samelocality, Zuurkloof, 50% mixed shrub; 50% tussock grass, 1798 m a.s.l., 32°15.54’S , 25°00.54’E , leg. J. Midgley, 23.X.2010 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2360); same locality, high altitude tussock grassland, few shrubs, 2013 m a.s.l., 32°15.12’S , 25°00.42’E , leg. J. Midgley, 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2361); samelocality, 50% mixed shrub; 50% tussock grass, 1801 m a.s.l., 32°15.54’S , 25°00.54’E , leg. J. Midgley, 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/2363); Jeffrey’s Bay, Kabeljous, garden, leaf litter, 34°00.413’S , 24°55.796’E , leg. C. Haddad, 8.I.2015 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/1678); same locality, coastal dune, base of grass tussocks, handcollecting, 34°00.513’S , 24°55.896’E , leg. C. Haddad & L. Wiese, 12.VII.2014 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2014/1754), 10 m a.s.l., 2 ♂ (NCA 2014/1753). Free State : Amanzi Private Game Reserve, koppie, northern slope, pitfall traps, 28°35.405’S , 26°25.665’E , leg. V. Butler, 1–30.IX.2012 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/3206); samelocality, plateau, 28°35.565’S , 26°25.550’E , leg. V. Butler, 1–31.VII.2013 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/3728); samelocality, leg. V. Butler, 1–31.III.2013 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/3526); samelocality, northern slope, 28°35.405’S , 26°25.665’E , leg. V. Butler, 1 ♀ (NCA 2013/3476); samelocality, leg. V. Butler, 1–31.X.2012 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2014/1498); samelocality, plateau, 28°35.565’S , 26°25.550’E , leg. V. Butler, 1 ♂ (NCA 2014/1563); same locality, Acacia karroo woodland, 28°36.365’S , 26°25.030’E , leg. V. Butler, 1–30.IX.2012 , 2 ♂ (NCA 2013/3114); samelocality, Digitariaeriantha grazing, 28°35.980’S , 26°24.935’E , leg. V. Butler, 2 ♂ (NCA 2013/3294); samelocality, Open grassland, 28°35.845’S , 26°26.280’E , leg. V. Butler, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/3349); same locality, Acacia karroo woodlands, 28°35.785’S , 26°26.335’E , leg. V. Butler, 7 ♂ (NCA 2013/3376); Bloemfontein, Botanical Gardens, grassland, 29°01.8’S , 26°07.8’E , leg. C. Haddad, 21.IX–9.XII.2009 , 1 ♂ (NMBA 15339); Oliewenhuis, Grant’s Hill South, 1250 ma .s.l., 29°03.6’S , 26°07.8’E , L.N. Lotz, V.1991 , 1 ♀ (NMBA 6461); Phuthaditjaba, Basotho Village, under rocks on hillside, hand collecting, 1840 m a.s.l., 28°29.316’S , 28°44.673’E , leg. C. Haddad & J. Neethling, 14.XI.2013 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2014/188); Theunissen, Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, unburned site 3, pitfall traps, 28°18.00’S , 26°28.8’E , leg. C. Haddad, 22.XI–23.XII.2005 , 1 ♀ (NMBA 17050); same locality, Acacia karroo trees, R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 30.IX–28.X.2009 , 3 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 14394). Gauteng : Cullinan, 25°39.6’S , 28°30.6’E , leg. R. de Klerk, 6.VI.2000 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2007/1318); Heidelberg, Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, pitfalltraps, 1700 ma .s.l., 26°27.6’S , 28°25.62’E , leg. P.S. Roos, 26.IV.2005 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2010/2170). KwaZulu–Natal : Ithala Game Reserve, Reserve Offices, base of grass tussocks, hand collecting, 27°30.301’S , 31°12.105’E , leg. C. Haddad, 28.I.2014 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2013/5068); Ndumo Game Reserve, Environmental Centre, Acacia xanthophloea forest, pitfall traps, 26°54.955’S , 32°18.376’E , leg. C. Haddad, V. Swart & A. Kirk–Spriggs, 27.XI–7.XII.2009 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2013/547); samelocality, Near Dipini Hide, Albizia–Euphorbia thicket, 26°51.872’S , 32°15.146’E , leg. C. Haddad, V. Swart &A. Kirk–Spriggs, 28.XI–8.XII.2009 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/470); samelocality, Ezikebheni, Albizia–Euphorbia thicket, 26°53.398’S , 32°18.671’E , leg. C. Haddad, V. Swart & A. Kirk–Spriggs, 28.XI–8.XII.2009 , 2 ♂ (NCA 2013/492); same locality, Nyamiti Pan, Acacia xanthophloea bark, handcollecting, 26°53.767’S , 32°16.557’E , leg. C. Haddad, 23.I.2006 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2014/1204); samelocality, Acacia xanthophloea forest, pitfall traps, 26°53.675’S , 32°16.974’E , leg. C. Haddad, V. Swart & A. Kirk–Spriggs, 27. XI–7.XII.2009 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/532); Newcastle, Moorfield Farm, montane grassland, pitfalltraps, 1870 ma .s.l., 27°55.551’S , 29°42.495’E , 7.I.2016 , 2 ♂ (NCA 2017/831); SaniPass, 1800 ma .s.l., 29°40.8’S , 29°30.6’E , leg. University of Pretoria Students, 20.I.2008 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2011/854); samelocality, 900 m a.s.l., 30°12.00’S , 30°24.00’E , leg. University of Pretoria Students, 22.I.2009 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2011/922); same locality, 2400 m a.s.l., 29°39.6’S , 29°30.6’E , leg. University of Pretoria Students, 1.X.2009 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2011/751); samelocality, leg. University of Pretoria Students, 24.IX.2010 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2011/919); samelocality, 2100 ma .s.l., 29°37.2’S , 29°26.4’E , leg. University of Pretoria Students, 22.I.2009 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2011/1682); samelocality, 29°37.2’S , 29°22.2’E , leg. University of Pretoria Students, 1.IX.2006 , 1 immature (NCA 2008/1977), 1 ♂ (NCA 2008/1976); Tembe Elephant Park, Mahlasela Hide, Closed Woodland, handcollecting, 70 ma .s.l., 27°02.797’S , 32°26.898’E , leg. C. Haddad & R. Booysen, 28.III.2017 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2017/1165); samelocality, pioneer grassland, base of grass, leg. C. Haddad, 9. I.2006 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2007/3530); uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Royal National Park, dry grassland, 28°41.34’S , 28°56.7’E , leg. T. Russell-Smith, 24.IV.1977 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2922); Ulundi, Ophathe Game Reserve, overgrazed savanna, Winkler Traps, 560 ma .s.l., 28°22.14’S , 31°23.34’E , leg. C. Haddad, 3.X.2008 , 2 ♂ (NCA 2008/4080); samelocality, Ophathe Riverbed, pitfalltraps, 455 ma .s.l., 28°23.727’S , 31°23.643’E , leg. C. Haddad, S. Oliver & C. Hanekom, 30.IX–4.X.2008 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2008/4252); Underberg, Sani–Pass, 3d, 2400 ma .s.l., 29°36.318’S , 29°18.984’E , leg. University of Pretoria Students, 1.I.2009 , 2 ♂ 1 immature (NCA 2017/235). Limpopo : Makhado, Vyeboom village near Kruger National Park, 23°18.534’S , 30°24.486’E , leg. E. Mauda, 25.I.2015 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2490); Mopani, Ndengeza, 9.VI.2014 , 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2483); Ndengeza, 14.VI.2014 , 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2487); Lhuvhondo Nature Reserve, leg. M. van der Merwe, 29.VI.1997 , 1 ♀ 1 immature (NCA 98/27); Vyeboom village near Kruger National Park, leg. E. Mauda, 22.IV.2014 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2016/244). Mpumalanga : Delmas Farm, Rietvallei, sprayed maize, handcollecting, leg. M. van Jaarsveld, 25.V.2005 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2007/1324); Dullstroom, Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve, pitfalltraps, 25°19.86’S , 30°07.74’E , leg. L. Makaka, 7.II.2009 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2009/5003); Marble Hall, Bt Cotton Survey, 24°57.6’S , 29°17.4’E , leg. M. Mellet, 3.IV.2002 , 11 ♂ 10 ♀ (NCA 2004/1331); 15.IV.2003 , 1 ♂ 1 ♀ 1 immature (NCA 2004/1218), 3 ♂ (NCA 2004/1287). Northern Cape : Kalahari Gemsbok Park, Twee Rivieren, 26°15.6’S , 20°22.2’E , leg. E.A. Ueckermann, 8–12.II.1987 , 1 ♀ (NCA 87/479); Port Nolloth, Happy Valley Beach, handcollecting, 29°17.482’S , 16°52.647’E , leg. R. Booysen, 27.VII.2017 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1302). Western Cape : Anysberg Nature Reserve, 33°28.029’S , 20°34.535’E , Thamnochortus , leg. C. Haddad & R. Lyle, 24.IX.2005 , 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2007/3751); Buffels Bay, Sand Dunes, 34°04.98’S , 22°58.02’E , leg. T. Russell-Smith, 12.VII.1978 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2828); Cederberg Wilderness Area, Aan Het Berg, pitfalltraps, 2– 258 ma .s.l., 32°16.62’S , 18°31.8’E , leg. E. Nortje & S. Kritzinger-Klopper, 6.X.2009 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2012/711); same locality, 3–258 ma .s.l., leg. E. Nortje & S. Kritzinger-Klopper, 1.III.2006 , 1 ♂ 1 immature (NCA 2012/4916); same locality, 3–680 ma .s.l., 32°24.00’S , 19°05.46’E , leg. E. Nortje & S. Kritzinger-Klopper, 1.III.2004 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2012/5096); samelocality, 4–1366 ma .s.l., 32°26.1’S , 19°12.78’E , leg. E. Nortje & S. Kritzinger-Klopper, 1.X.2009 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2012/4918); samelocality, leg. E. Nortje & S. Kritzinger-Klopper, 1.X.2010 , 1 immature (NCA 2012/4917); Lambert’s Bay, 4– 4 ma .s.l., 32°10.92’S , 18°19.02’E , 6.X.2005 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2012/3550); samelocality, 664 ma .s.l., 32°24.066’S , 19°05.428’E , leg. S. Kritzinger-Klopper, 1.III.2009 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2011/914); De Hoop Nature Reserve, De Hoop Vlei, fynbos, handcollecting, 15 ma .s.l., 34°29’S , 20°25’E , leg. R. Booysen & A. de Smit, 8.IX.2017 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2019/789); samelocality, Thamnochortus , leg. C. Haddad, 26.IX.2007 , 2 ♀ (NCA 2007/3848); same locality, back dune, leaf litter, 25.III.2005 , 1 ♀ 6 immature (NCA 2005/569); Hermanus, Brekfisbaai, Silk retreats under limpet shells, under rocks at back of shore, intertidal zone, hand collecting, 0 m a.s.l., 34°25.323’S , 19°08.304’E , leg. C. Haddad, V. Hamilton–Atwell, S. Sebata, G, Edwards, R. Booysen, L. Whitehead, 25.I.2017 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2019/411); Fisherhaven, On ground and in leaf litter, 34°21.433’S , 19°07.557’E , leg. C. Haddad, 28.XII.2014 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/1746); same locality, leaf litter, leg. C. Haddad, 28.X.2004 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2006/796); Jacobs Bay, coastal fynbos, leaf litter, 32°58.465’S , 17°53.422’E , leg. C. Haddad & R. Lyle, 2.X.2007 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2008/408); Prieska, Green Valley Nuts, base of grass tussocks, hand collecting, 29°34.924’S , 22°53.376’E , leg. C. Haddad, 28.I.2009 , 1 ♀ (NCA 2009/1475); Robertson, Noree Road, pitfalltraps, 33°43.693’S , 19°47.533’E , leg. P. Addison & M. Addison, XII.2016 , 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2020/92); samelocality, 33°43.649’S , 19°43.527’E , leg. P. Addison & M. Addison, 1 ♀ (NCA 2020/93); samelocality, 33°43.674’S , 19°47.521’E , leg. P. Addison & M. Addison, 3 ♂ (NCA 2020/95); samelocality, 33°43.240’S , 19°47.209’E , leg. P. Addison & M. Addison, 1 ♀ (NCA 2020/97); samelocality, 33°43.737’S , 19°47.536’E , leg. P. Addison & M. Addison, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2020/94); samelocality, 33°43.984’S , 19°47.538’E , leg. P. Addison & M. Addison, 1 ♂ (NCA 2020/98); samelocality, 33°43.004’S , 19°47.271’E , leg. P. Addison & M. Addison, 1 ♀ (NCA 2020/96); Swartberg Pass, 33°18.6’S , 22°03’E , leg. J. Breytenbach, 4.XII.1978 , 2 ♂ (NCA 97/751); Vredendal, Groot Fontein 105, under objects, hand collecting, 32°02.4’S , 18°23.4’E , leg. Entomol. Staff, 20.X.1987 , 1 ♀ (NMBA 5454); Worcester, 33°39.00’S , 19°25.998’E , leg. H. van der Walt, 15.X.2015 , 1 ♂ (NCA 2016/2780). TANZANIA : Kilimanjaro Region : Mkomazi National Park, Ibaya Camp, unburnt grassland, 04°00’S , 38°00’E , leg. A. Russell-Smith, 26.XI.1994 , 3 ♂ 2 ♀ (MRAC 211337). Mbeya Region : Tukuyu, Ushirika area, Kayuki tea estate, evergreen forest, litter, 1200 m a.s.l., 09°25’S , 34°40’E , leg. R. Jocqué, 29.IX.1991 , 1 ♂ (MRAC 173411). Diagnosis. Micaria chrysis females can be distinguished from similar Afrotropical Micaria such as M. felix sp. nov. in having a continuous anterior hood that is recurved and slightly flattened. Males have a slight constriction in the abdomen, but no visible colour differences between the anterior half and the posterior half, as in the males of M. felix sp. nov. Both sexes are dark brown or black and with an iridescent colouration. Their abdomens have two small white spots close to the anterior margin, which are not present in M. felix sp. nov. Description. Female (non–type specimen from Ha Lazaro, NCA 2018/27): Measurements: TL 2.95, CL 1.10, CW 0.65, CL:CW 1.69, CLH 0.06, CLH:AME 1.58. Eyes: ALE 0.06, AME 0.04, PLE 0.05, PME 0.06, AME–AME 0.01, PME–PME 0.03, MOQAW 0.10, MOQPW 0.12, MOQAL 0.15. SL 0.62, SW 0.46, AL 1.68, AW 1.00. Leg measurements: Palpal segment lengths: 0.41, 0.22, 0.29, 0.32. Leg I: 0.70, 0.22, 0.51, 0.43, 0.51. II: 0.67, 0.27, 0.54, 0.49, 0.56. III: 0.56, 0.22, 0.40, 0.48, 0.40. IV: 0.90, 0.33, 0.78, 0.86, 0.57. TLoflegs (I–IV): 2.37, 2.53, 2.06, 3.44; leg formula: 4213. Colouration carapace and abdomen dark brown or black; legs Iand II with basal half of femora darkened; legs III and IV uniform in colour; labium, endites and chelicerae similar in colour to carapace; sternum lighter than carapace ( Fig. 17 ). Carapace: decorated with squamose setae; smooth in texture; shallow transverse depression present on posterior third of carapace; pattern visible, broad somewhat rectangular with radiating dark lines; posterior margin rounded; anterior margin narrowing moderately from coxa I; fovea absent; PER recurved in dorsal view; AER recurved in anterior view. Chelicerae: decorated with plumose setae. Labium: triangular in shape, rounded at tip. Endites: slightly slanting inwards; constricted just above halfway; anterior margin rounded; cluster of setae present on inner–apical point. Sternum: shield-like; broadest between coxa Iand II, tapering towards point between coxa IV. Legs: femora laterally flattened, highest at base, leg Imore pronounced in this fashion; rest of legs normal, thin. Leg macrosetae: Palps: 5plv, 1pl, 1pl, 1plv, 2pl, 1plv, 2rlv, 2vt. Leg I: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 2rlv, 1plv, 1rlv. II: 1d. III: 1do, 2vt, 1plv, 1rlv, 4vt. IV: 2plv, 2rlv. Scopulate setae present on metatarsi and tarsi of legs I–IV, two rows on former and four on latter. Abdomen: cylindrical in shape; decorated with brachiate setae; dorsum with two small white spots roughly one-quarter of abdomen length from anterior ridge (may be faded in preserved specimens); sigilla not visible; venter similar in colour to dorsum. Epigyne: in ventral view, anterior hood continuous, moderately recurved; curve flattened medially; posterior pockets present medially, straight; copulatory opening bulbous. In dorsal view, copulatory ducts elongate, thin, curved laterally outwards, originating from base of spermathecae; fertilisation duct present medially, curved towards apex; spermathecae oval, longer than broad; interior apical ridge flattened and merged with apical ridge of fertilisation duct ( Figs 125, 126 ). Male (non–type specimen from Ha Lazaro, Lesotho , NCA 2018/27): Measurements: TL 2.65, CL 1.30, CW 0.80, CL:CW 1.63, CLH 0.08, CLH:AME 1.975. Eyes: ALE 0.04, AME 0.04, PLE 0.06, PME 0.06, AME–AME 0.01, PME–PME 0.05, MOQAW 0.11, MOQPW 0.14, MOQL 0.19. SL 0.65, SW 0.51, AL 1.25, AW 0.60. Leg measurements: Palpal segment lengths: 0.59, 0.35, 0.30, 0.37. Leg I: 0.88, 0.32, 0.62, 0.52, 0.57. II: 0.71, 0.29, 0.57, 0.50, 0.56. III: 0.57, 0.25, 0.44, 0.51, 0.40. IV: 0.90, 0.33, 0.73, 0.86, 0.55. TLoflegs (I–IV): 2.91, 2.63, 2.17, 3.37; leg formula: 4123. Colouration: carapace and abdomen dark brown or black; legs Iand II with basal half of femora darkened; legs III and IV uniform in colour; sternum, labium, endites and chelicerae similar in colour to carapace. Carapace: decorated with squamose setae; smooth in texture; shallow transverse depression present on posterior third of carapace; markings visible medially, broad somewhat rectangular dark pattern with radiating dark lines; posterior margin rounded; anterior margin narrowing slightly from coxa I; fovea absent; PER recurved (almost straight) in dorsal view; AER recurved in anterior view. Chelicerae: decorated with plumose setae. Labium: triangular in shape, rounded at tip between chelicerae. Endites: slightly slanting inwards; constricted just above halfway; anterior margin rounded; cluster of setae present on inner–apical margin. Sternum: broadest between coxa Iand II, tapering to point between coxa IV; no brachiate setae present. Legs: femora of all legs laterally flattened, highest at base, leg I more pronounced in this fashion; rest of legs normal, thin; decorated with feathery setae ( Fig. 79 ). Leg macrosetae: Palps: pa 1pl, 1pl, 1plv, 1pl, 2plv, 2vt. Leg I: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 2rlv, 1plv, 1rlv. II:?. III: 1do, 2vt, 1plv, 1rlv, 4vt. Leg IV: 2plv, 2rlv. Scopulate setae present on metatarsi and tarsi of legs I–IV, two rows on former and four on latter segment. Abdomen: cylindrical in shape; decorated with squamose setae; no pattern visible; venter similar in colour to dorsum; sigilla present, white, crescent–shaped pits in transverse constriction. Sternum: shield-like; serrula present. Palp: RTA present on apex of tibia; median apophysis present medially, curved prolaterally; sperm duct present on retrolateral ventral surface of tegulum; embolus broadest at base, tip straight and thin; cymbium widest at basal third, tapered anterior to tegulum ( Figs 127, 128 ). Distribution. Micaria chrysis is widely distributed throughout southern Africa, with isolated records from West and East Africa ( Map 3 ).