The Southeast Asian genus Stedocys Ono, 1995 (Araneae: Scytodidae): First descriptions of female genitalia and a new species from China

The genus Stedocys was known only from males. Here we describe the first females of the genus. Stedocys genitalia are atypical for Scytodidae. Males are distinguished by having the papal tarsus subequal or smaller than the tegulum, not prolonged apically, without prolateral blunt macrosetae; the tegulum long, inserted apically on the tarsus; embolus slightly shorter than bulb, aciculate distally, and females by lacking fovea or positioning ridges below the epigastric furrow, and by having an anterior epigynal pouch. In this contribution, we describe the female and redescribe the male of Stedocys leopoldi (Giltay, 1935), and describe male and female of Stedocys pagodas new species from China (Yunnan). The lack of a projection on the male palpal tarsus suggests that Stedocys is the sister group of all other genera of Scytodidae.Fil: Labarque, Facundo Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Grismado, Cristian José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Ramírez Martínez, José de Jesús. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Yan, Hengmei. Hunan Normal University; ChinaFil: Griswold, Charles. California Academy Of Sciences.; Estados Unido

Analysis of digestion of rice planthopper by Pardosa pseudoannulata based on CO-I gene

In order to systematically study the predatory behavior and digestion regularity of spiders, real-time fluorescence quantification PCR technique was used to detect the number of CO-I genes in Pardosa pseudoannulata after it preyed on rice planthoppers in different temperatures within different periods. At 28 °C, 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after P. pseudoannulata preyed on rich planthopper, DNA was extracted from cephalothorax and abdomen of P. pseudoannulata. Routine PCR and real-time fluorescence PCR techniques were employed for CO-I gene amplification. The results show that: The prey liquid was temporarily stored in the sucking stomach of the spider head within 2 h after prey, and gradually transferred to the midgut of the abdomen with the prolongation of time. After 4 h, CO-I gene residues of rice planthopper in the cephalothorax gradually decreased. The CO-I gene of rice planthopper was basically transferred to the abdomen after 16 h. During 0–1 h, food contained in abdominal midgut and other digestive organs was very small, CO-I gene detection was not obvious. Over time, food entered into the midgut from the sucking stomach for digestion. During 2–4 h, CO-I gene amount increased, at 2–4 h, detected CO-I gene residue reached the peak; but rapidly declined after 8, 16, and 24 h, even it is still detectable. The results at different temperatures reveal that: As the temperature increased from 26 °C to 32 °C, CO-I gene residues of rich planthopper in cephalothorax and abdomen of P. pseudoannulata gradually decreased, which indicated that the digestion rate increased with the increase of temperature with some range. However, when the temperature continued to increase to 34 °C, the digestion rate decreased

Platocoelotes Wang 2002

Platocoelotes Wang, 2002 Platocoelotes Wang, 2002: 119 (type species, by original designation, Coelotes impletus Peng and Wang, 1997 from China; Wang, 2003: 561, Figs. 75, 78; Xu and Li, 2008: 86; Liu and Li, 2008: 49) Diagnosis: Males of Platocoelotes are similar to that of Femoracoelotes, Leptocoelotes and Spiricoelotes in lacking median apophysis, but can be distinguished from Femoracoelotes by lacking femoral apophysis, and from Leptocoelotes and Spiricoelotes by the presence of conductor dorsal apophysis. Males of Platocoelotes can also be distinguished from any other Coelotinae genera by the presence of ventral conductor apophysis (Figs 1 B–C, 2 B–C, 3 B–D, 4 C–D). Females can be distinguished by a combination of the following characters: epigynal teeth absent, epigynal hood distinct, atrium shallow and broad (Figs 1 F, 3 F, 4 F; Figs 1 E, 2 D, 3 E, 4 D in Liu & Li 2008; Figs 6, 8, 15, 21 in Xu & Li 2008). Distribution: Central and southwest China (Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan). Composition: Platocoelotes ampulliformis Liu & Li; Platocoelotes bifidus sp. nov.; Platocoelotes daweishanensis Xu & Li; Platocoelotes furcatus Liu & Li; Platocoelotes globosus Xu & Li; Platocoelotes brevis Liu & Li; Platocoelotes icohamatoides (Peng & Wang); Platocoelotes imperfectus Wang & Jäger, 2007; Platocoelotes impletus (Peng & Wang); Platocoelotes kailiensis Wang; Platocoelotes latus Xu & Li; Platocoelotes lichuanensis (Chen & Zhao); Platocoelotes paralatus Xu & Li; Platocoelotes polyptychus Xu & Li; Platocoelotes strombuliformis Liu & Li.Published as part of Yin, Haiqiang, Xu, Xiang & Yan, Hengmei, 2010, A new Platocoelotes species and first description of the male of Platocoelotes icohamatoides from Hunan, China (Araneae: Amaurobiidae: Coelotinae), pp. 42-50 in Zootaxa 2399 on page 43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27587

Five new species of the Clubiona corticalis species group (Araneae, Clubionidae) from China

Liu, Ping, Peng, Xianjin, Yan, Hengmei (2016): Five new species of the Clubiona corticalis species group (Araneae, Clubionidae) from China. Zootaxa 4184 (3): 561-575, DOI: http://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4184.3.1

Platocoelotes icohamatoides Peng and Wang 1997

Platocoelotes icohamatoides (Peng and Wang, 1997) Figs 2 A–D, 4 A–G, 5. Coelotes icohamatoides Peng & Wang, 1997: 328, f. 5 - 1 (holotype female from Huangsang, Suining, Hunan, China, deposited in HNU, not examined, may have been lost) Coelotes icohamatoides Song, Zhu & Chen, 1999: 375, f. 219 Q-R (only female was described) Platocoelotes icohamatoides Wang, 2002: 122; Wang, 2003: 562, f. 76 A-B (only female was described) Material examined (all specimens in HNU): CHINA: Hunan. Fenghuang County (27.56 ºN, 109.36 ºE), Mt. Naershan, 1 female paratype, no date or collector; Shuangfeng County, Hongshandian Town, Yangliu Village, the entrance of Mingshanyoudong Cave (27.62 ºN, 112.04 ºE), 8 males and 3 females, 11 October 2008; Shuangfeng County, Hongshandian Town, Nanxi Village, unnamed cave (27.61 ºN, 111.99 ºE), 2 males and 6 females, 12 October 2008; Lengshuijiang City, Heqing Town, Dashengshan Mt. (27.60 ºN, 111.42 ºE), 1 male, 14 October 2008; Lengshuijiang City, Yanshi Town, Jinxing Village, unnamed cave (27.64 ºN, 111.53 ºE), 1 male, 13 October 2008; Xinhua County, Youxi Town, Meishanlonggong Cave (27.96 ºN, 111.29 ºE), 1 female, 14 October 2008, all collected by Xiang Xu and Xiaoqi Mi leg. Diagnosis: The male of this species is similar to Platocoelotes impletus (Peng and Wang) in having similar patellar apophyses (two apophysis present, far separated from each other) and ventral conductor apophysis (similar shapes and length), but can be distinguished by the slightly blunt finger–shaped apophysis on the distal margin of conductor (which is very sharp in Platocoelotes impletus), long cymbial furrow, wide and flat lateral tibial apophysis, and especially by the presence of a large KP (basal margin of conductor strongly curved toward distal margin and forming a distinct apophysis) (Figs 2 A–C, 4 B–D). The female resembles Platocoelotes kailiensis Wang in having a similar atrium (atrium longitudinally elongated), but can be separated by the spermathecal stalks with about 3 loops (Figs 4 F–G) (at least 5 in P. kailiensis). Description. Male: Total length 9.2–11.8. The specimen measured in total length 9.2. Carapace length 4.8, width 3.5; abdomen length 4.4, width 2.8 (Fig. 4 A). Eye measurements and interdistances: AME 0.33; ALE 0.33; PME 0.28; PLE 0.28; AME–AME 0.08; AME–ALE 0.05; AME–PME 0.05; ALE–PLE 0.23; PME–PME 0.20; PME–PLE 0.30. Leg formula: IV, I, II, III; leg measurements: I: total 21 (femur 5.4, patella + tibia, 7.0, metatarsus 5.4, tarsus 3.2); II: 17.1 (4.8, 5.4, 4.4, 2.5); III: 16.2 (4.3, 5.0, 4.5, 2.4); IV: 21.7 (5.7, 6.6, 6.5, 2.9). Chelicerae with 3 promarginal and 2 retromarginal teeth (Fig. 2 D). Palp with two patellar apophyses; RTA distally slightly extending beyond distal margin of tibia; lateral tibial apophysis flat and wide, far separated from RTA; cymbial furrow elongate, occupying at least half of cymbial length; conductor lamella strongly sclerotized; distal margin of conductor with a blunt finger-like apophysis; dorsal conductor apophysis broad; ventral conductor apophysis long, and reaching the end of RTA; median apophysis absent; embolus long, arising at approximately 6 –o’clock-position (Figs 2 A–C, 4 B–D). Female: Abdomen with chevron pattern (Fig. 4 E). Epigynum with atrium large, becoming strongly narrower posteriorly (posterior one-third width of anterior); opening of atrium elongated longitudinally; epigynal hoods distinct, situated close to epigastric furrow and widely separated from lateral atrial margins; spermathecal bases situated closed to each other; with their distal ends separated from each other; spermathecal heads small, situated anteriorly; spermathecal stalks with about three loops; copulatory ducts indistinct (Figs 4 F–G). Distribution: China (Hunan) (Fig. 5).Published as part of Yin, Haiqiang, Xu, Xiang & Yan, Hengmei, 2010, A new Platocoelotes species and first description of the male of Platocoelotes icohamatoides from Hunan, China (Araneae: Amaurobiidae: Coelotinae), pp. 42-50 in Zootaxa 2399 on pages 45-49, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27587

Platocoelotes bifidus Yin, Xu & Yan, 2010, sp. nov.

Platocoelotes bifidus sp. nov. Figs 1 A –G, 3 A–G, 5. Type material (all specimens in HNU): Holotype male, CHINA: Hunan, Shimen County, Mt. Hupingshan, unnamed cave (30.00ºN, 110.68 ºE), 6 males and 5 female paratypes, 12 November 2006, Guo Tang, Peng Hu and Qiaobing Wang leg. Etymology: The specific epithet is taken from the Latin adjective bifidus and refers to the bifid distal end of the male palpal conductor. Diagnosis: The male of this new species can be distinguished from other Platocoelotes by the distally wrench-shaped conductor with bifid apex and both apexes strong and short (C, Figs 1 A–D, 3 B–D), while female can be separated by the transversely elongated opening of atrium (OA, Figs 1 F, 3 F). Description. Male: Total length 4.6 –5.0. Holotype total length 4.7. Carapace length 2.2, width 1.7; abdomen length 2.5, width 1.6 (Fig. 3 A). Eye measurements and interdistances: AME 0.08; ALE 0.16; PME 0.16; PLE 0.16; AME–AME 0.03; AME–ALE 0.01; AME–PME 0.18; ALE–PLE 0.03; PME–PME 0.05; PME–PLE 0.05. Leg measurements: I: total 9.1 (femur 2.4, patella + tibia 3.1, metatarsus 2.2, tarsus 1.4); II: 8.1 (2.2, 2.6, 2.0, 1.3); III: 7.3 (1.6, 2.3, 2.2, 1.2); IV: 10.1 (2.7, 3.1, 2.7, 1.6); leg formula: IV, I, II, III. Chelicerae with 3 promarginal and 2 retromarginal teeth (Fig. 1 E). Patellar apophysis small, with a sharp distal end; RTA broad, with distal end distinctly extending beyond distal margin of tibia; lateral tibial apophysis absent; cymbial furrow about one fourth of cymbial length; conductor lamella absent; distal margin of conductor bifid; dorsal conductor apophysis triangular; ventral conductor apophysis long, strongly extended proximally and reaching the distal end of RTA; median apophysis absent; embolus arising at approximately 210 degrees and continuing for about 180 degrees around genital bulb (Figs 1 A–D, 3 B–D). Female: Total length 5.2–5.6. The specimen measured in total length 5.5. Carapace length 2.5, width 1.8; abdomen length 3.0, width 2.0. Eye measurements and interdistances: AME 0.08; ALE 0.16; PME 0.16; PLE 0.16; AME–AME 0.05; AME–ALE 0.01; AME–PME 0.10; ALE–PLE 0.03; PME–PME 0.08; PME–PLE 0.08. Leg formula: IV, I, II, III; leg measurements: I: total 8.2 (femur 2.2, patella + tibia 2.9, metatarsus 1.9, tarsus 1.2); II: 7.2 (2.0, 2.4, 1.8, 1.0); III: 7.0 (1.9, 2.2, 1.8, 1.1); IV: 9.7 (2.6, 3.1, 2.6, 1.4). Chelicerae with 3 promarginal and 2 retromarginal teeth. Epigynum with atrium large, longer than wide; opening of atrium transversely elongated; epigynal hoods distinct, close to epigastric furrow and widely separated from lateral atrial margins; spermathecae close to each other at the base, but distally separate; spermathecal heads small, situated medially and laterally, widely separated; copulatory ducts indistinct (Figs 1 F –G, 3 F–G). Distribution: China (Hunan) (Fig. 5) Remarks: Males of this new species have the conductor ventral apophysis and lack the median apophysis. Females have the broad, shallow atrium and the distinct epigynal hoods. These characters allow us to put it into the genus Platocoelotes.Published as part of Yin, Haiqiang, Xu, Xiang & Yan, Hengmei, 2010, A new Platocoelotes species and first description of the male of Platocoelotes icohamatoides from Hunan, China (Araneae: Amaurobiidae: Coelotinae), pp. 42-50 in Zootaxa 2399 on pages 43-45, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27587

Next-generation sequencing analysis of Pardosa pseudoannulata's diet composition in different habitats

Spiders are the most common and predominant predators in terrestrial ecosystems. The predatory behavior of spiders affects the energy flow across the food web within an ecosystem. Traditiaonal methods for analyzing spider diets such as field observation, anatomy and faeces analysis are not suitable for spider experiments due to spiders’ special dietary behavior. The molecular method based on the specific primers of prey DNA seems to be inefficient either in spite of its wide application in diet analysis. As the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology becomes prevalent in many different areas, several cases of the NGS-based analysis of mammal diets have been published. This study analyzed the diet differences of Pardosa pseudoannulata (Araneae: Lycosidae) in four habitats (a wetland, a tea plantation, an alpine meadow and a paddy field) by using the NGS technology, combined with the DNA barcode method. The results suggested that the Pardosa pseudoannulata feed on a broad range of prey, and 7 orders and 24 families of insects were detected in the four investigated habitats. Moreover, it is found that the diet diversity of Pardosa pseudoannulata is greatly influenced by their living environments and seasons. In a nutshell, this study established an NGS-based methodology for spider diets analysis, and the results provided some basic materials to inform the protection and utilization of the Pardosa pseudoannulata as a potential eco-friendly predator against pests. Keywords: Next-generation sequencing, Diet analysis, Pardosa pseudoannulata, Prey tax

FIGURES 25 – 30. 25 – 29 in The Southeast Asian genus Stedocys Ono, 1995 (Araneae: Scytodidae): first descriptions of female genitalia and a new species from China

FIGURES 25 – 30. 25 – 29. Stedocys leopoldi (Giltay) (25 – 28 Female MACN-Ar 23714, MR 0486, 29 MACN-Ar, MR 0484). 30. Scytodes globula Nicolet (MACN-Ar, ARAMR 000558). 25. Left tarsal organ IV. 26. Right metatarsal I trichobothria. 27 – 28. Left palp (27 tarsus apical, 28 femur prolateral). 29 – 30. Male left palp (29 retrolateral, 30 apical) (Th, thorn; BM, blunt macrosetae; E, embolus; B, bulb). Scale bars: 29 – 30, 500 µm; 28, 100 µm; 25, 50 µm; 25 – 26, 20 µm