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Myrmecotypus haddadi Perger & Rubio 2021, sp. nov.
No full textMyrmecotypus haddadi sp. nov. ( LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 16B033D9-2AC3-415D-8741-B32C349CF7F0) Figs 2, 3, 4. Type material. Holotype ♂ from BOLIVIA: Santa Cruz department, Santa Cruz de la Colina, Urubo (-17.760833°; -63.24°), 432 m a.s.l., 21 Dec 2019, leg. R. Perger, Cerrado-like grassland adjacent to fragment of Chiquitano forest (ZMH-A0015356). Paratypes: 1 ♂, same data as holotype (ZMH-A0015357). 1 ♂, 1 ♀, Santa Maria la Antigua (- 17.3719°; -63.6563°), Cerradao, ~ 30 m away from Cerrado savanna, 13 Apr 2018, leg. R. Perger (IBSI-Ara1463). Etymology. The specific epithet, haddadi, is a patronym in honour of Charles R. Haddad in recognition of his contributions to the taxonomy of Castianeirinae. Diagnosis. Judging from the light coxa II and the remainder of coxae dark (Figs 2; 4B), the tibia I ventral spination 3-3 and the male genital bulb with two loops lateral to main sperm duct (Fig. 3 A-C), the species is most closely related to M. iguazu Rubio & Arbino, 2009, M. rubrofemoratus Perger & Rubio, 2021 and M. tahyinandu Perger & Rubio, 2020 (this combination of characters is not found in other congeners). Myrmecotypus haddadi sp. nov. can be separated from these species by a broader carapace in relation to the carapace length (carapace index of 57 in male and 54 in female) and the cephalic width (cephalic index of 67 in male and 70 in female) (Figs 2A, 4A, C); embolus of male palp cat claw-shaped, forming beak-like structure with a spatula-shaped tegular projection (coupling piece) (Fig. 3A, B), epigyne with two widely separated, rounded genital openings mediolateral to spermathecae (Fig. 3D, E) (see Tab. 1 for comparisons). Remarks. Rubio & Arbino (2009) and Perger & Rubio (2020a) hypothesized that some Neotropical species of Apochinomma Pavesi, 1881 may belong to Myrmecotypus. Amongst those species, A. formicoides Mello-Leitão, 1939, is the only with a sub-globose abdomen and light coxa II (the remainder of coxae dark) (Mello-Leitão 1939). This species can be distinguished from M. haddadi sp. nov. by a carapace index of 41 and the distance between the inner margins of the PLE being as wide as the maximum width of the AER (Mello-Leitão 1939) (wider in the new species). Description of male holotype. Body length 5.23; carapace length 2.79, width 1.58, carapace index 57; cephalic width 1.09, cephalic index 67; sternum length 1.28, width 0.93, sternum index 72; abdomen length 2.21, width 1.62, abdominal index 73; petiole length 0.09, width 0.38; dorsal sclerite length 2.21, width 1.62; epigastric sclerite length 0.63, width 1.07; ventral sclerite length 0.95, width 0.73; inframamillary sclerite length 0.23, width 0.56. AER 0.64; AME–AME 0.09; AME–ALE 0.04; PER 0.91; PME–PME 0.24; PME–PLE 0.17. Carapace (Fig. 2A, C). Obovate, squarely truncated anteriorly, front slightly convex, cephalic region narrowed, laterally slightly concave, thoracic region distinctly broadening in middle, evenly narrowing in posterior direction, posterior margin straight; slight constriction between cephalic and thoracic regions and posterior region strongly convex when viewed laterally. Dorsum weakly shiny, smooth, dark brown; setae short, appressed, white, simple, relatively dense laterally between cephalic and thoracic regions but not obscuring integument (setae mostly abraded after storage in ethanol). Eyes. Eight eyes in two rows; both slightly recurved, diameter of AME about 30% larger than that of other eyes. Chelicerae. Orange brown, shiny, glabrous, area between retro- and promarginal rows of cheliceral teeth orange white with dense white hairs, 2 retro- and 2 promarginal teeth. Abdomen. Short oval; anterior margin of petiole straight; dorsal sclerite completely covering abdomen dorsally and laterally; ventral sclerite fully developed, covering area between ventro-lateral margins of dorsal scutum and between epigastric and inframamillary sclerites; inframamillary sclerite narrow, subrectangular. Dorsum weakly shiny, smooth, dark brown; abdominal setae long, simple, not sclerotized to spines, dark; simple, short, white setae on abdomen; transverse band of feathery setae in middle; separate, long, erected white setae on posterior part (most setae strongly abraded). Legs. Coxa II translucent white, remainder of coxae dark brown, trochanters I-IV whitish-yellow; femora I and II translucent white, broad black bands along edges, remainder of leg I and II yellow; femora and tibiae III and IV dark brown, edges lined with bands of short, appressed, white feathery setae, base patella IV translucent white ventrally, metatarsi and tarsi III and IV light brown. Palp. Margin of pedipalp tibia continuous; tarsus with relatively broad genital bulb drawn out into broad neck, embolus cat claw-shaped, not twisted, forming beak-like structure with spatula-shaped tegular projection (coupling projection) (Fig. 3A, B); sperm ducts with two loops, both lateral and basal to embolus tube (Fig. 3A, B). Female paratype. Body length 4.4; carapace length 2.16, width 1.16; carapace index 53.7; cephalic width 0.81, cephalic index 70; sternum length 0.87, width 0.62, sternum index 71.3; abdomen length 2.12, width 1.59, abdominal index 75; petiole length 0.2; dorsal sclerite length 1.5, width 1.52; epigastric sclerite length 0.55, width 0.9; inframamillary sclerite length 0.2; width 0.4. AER 0.48; AME–AME 0.06; AME–ALE 0.02. PER 0.7; PME– PME 0.2; PME–PLE 0.12. Posterior part of carapace slightly convex when seen in lateral view (Fig. 4B), dorsal sclerite shorter than in male (Fig. 4B), 70% of abdomen length, posterior border slightly convex, ventral sclerite absent; remaining somatic characters as in male. Epigyne. With two widely separated, rounded genital openings mediolateral to spermathecae; two slight pouches (or furrows) posterior to each opening (maybe for fitting of male palpal projection) (Fig. 3D); separation between primary and secondary spermathecae slightly visible, primary and secondary spermathecae forming eggplantshaped spermathecae (Fig. 3E), copulatory ducts short, at level of copulatory openings, entering the spermathecae posteriorly. Variation. There was no visible intra-specific variation, except for that inherent in the gender dimorphism. Geographical and ecological distribution. This species is only known from the localities in Urubo and Santa Maria la Antigua, Santa Cruz department, Bolivia. In both localities, specimens were collected from low herbaceous plants in Cerrado-like vegetation along edges of Chiquitano and Cerradao forest (Fig. 1). In Urubo, M. haddadi sp. nov. was observed co-occurring with the Castianeirinae species Mazax cf. ramirezi Rubio & Danişman, 2014. Despite high sampling effort in several Bolivian forest ecoregions (Perger & Perger 2017; Perger & Rubio 2018, 2020a, b, 2021), the new species was not observed in forest habitats. Ant mimicry. In the other Bolivian species of Myrmecotypus, the color of body parts and the color and distribution of setae increases the resemblance to specific ant models of the tribes Camponotini or Dolichoderini (Perger & Rubio 2020a, 2021). Unfortunately, the life habitus of the new species was not documented and the loss of setae due to the storage in ethanol hampered the assessment of mimetic relationships. However, as in the other congeners, the body size, obovate carapace and short oval abdomen mostly resemble ants of Camponotini or Dolichoderini. Additional field observations are needed to identify potential ant models.Published as part of Perger, Robert & Rubio, Gonzalo D., 2021, Myrmecotypus haddadi sp. nov. - a new species of ant resembling sac spider from the Bolivian orocline (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae), pp. 54-60 in Zootaxa 4969 (1) on pages 56-59, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4969.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/474585
Mazax akephaloi Perger & Pett 2022, sp. nov.
No full textMazax akephaloi sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 3EEEAAC0-7000-4A34-BBD7-CA2D4E2609DE Figs 2–5 Type material. Holotype ♂: BOLIVIA: Santa Cruz department, Santa Cruz de la Colina, Urubo, 17.760833°S, 63.24°W, 432 m a.s.l., 21–28.XII.2019, leg. R. Perger, edge of Chiquitano forest (ZMH-A0015362). Allotype ♀: same data as for preceding (CBF). Paratypes: 1♂, same data as for preceding (ZMH-A0015360); 6♂ 10♀, same data as for preceding (CBF); 3♂ 4♀, Santa Cruz department, La Guardia, 17.8830°S, 63.3177°W, 480 m a.s.l., 9.IX.2015, leg. R. Perger, edge of Chiquitano forest (CBF). PARAGUAY : 1♂, Alto Paraguay department, Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco, Misión Cué, Tribu Nueva, 20.1227°S, 60.3246°W, 6.IX.1982, leg. J.A. Kochalka (MNHNP: IBNP-JAK-CR 000.00.2.717); 1♂; Presidente Hayes department, 25 Laguas, 22.924°S, 59.486°W, 11–12.XII.1983, leg. J.A. Kochalka (MNHNP: IBNP-JAK-CR 000.00.2.719). Other material examined. 1 subadult ♂: PARAGUAY: Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco, Misión Cué, Tribu Nueva, 20.1227°S, 60.3246°W, 1–6.IX.1982, leg. J.A. Kochalka (MNHNP: IBNP-JAK-CR 000.00.2.718). Diagnosis. Mazax akephaloi sp. nov. can be separated from all known congeners by a combination of the following characters: tibia I ventral spination 5– 4 in males (5 at prolateral margin) and 5– 5 in females, feathery setae on carapace, and embolus sub-apical with spatulate extension (males of all known congeners have the embolus tapering evenly, either twisted or straight, see Reiskind (1969)). Females can be diagnosed by a combination of lung-shaped ST II and slightly undulating CDs. White feathery setae on the carapace are only shared with M. pax (tibia I spination 3–3) and M. ramirezi (tibia I spination 4–4) (Reiskind 1969). Mazax spinosa (Simon, 1898) and M. xerxes Reiskind, 1969 have a tibia I ventral spination of 5–5, but no feathery setae on the carapace (Reiskind 1969).The lung-shaped ST II of females of M.akephaloi sp. nov. are only shared with M. ramirezi (CDs more twisted) and the nearly straight CDs with M. chickeringi Reiskind, 1969 (ST II globose), but neither have both characters combined (Reiskind 1969; Rubio & Danişman 2014). Remarks. Apochinomma acanthaspis and A. armatum possibly belong to Mazax but were not included in the most recent taxonomic works on this genus (Reiskind 1969; Rubio & Danişman 2014). The types of both species were not available for study. The type of A. armatum was likely destroyed in a recent fire (A. Kury, unpublished data) and the type of A. acanthaspis is likely lost (C. Rollard, personal communication). According to the original descriptions and illustration by Simon (1896), the holotype female of A. acanthaspis has a considerably less pronounced abdominal constriction and flatter ventral sclerite, lacks the first pair of abdominal setae (present in M. akephaloi sp. nov.), and has the metatarsus I with spine formula 3–3 (2– 2 in M. akephaloi sp. nov.). The female holotype of A. armatum has a tibia I spine formula of 2–2 and whitish coxae II–III (Mello-Leitão 1922) (M. akephaloi sp. nov. with tibia I with spine formula of 5– 5 in females and brownish coxae). Etymology. The specific epithet, akephaloi, means "headless ones" (ἀκέφαλοι) in Greek, mythical headless men who were rumored, in antiquity and later, to inhabit remote parts of the world (Syropoulos 2018). One hypothesis for the origin of the myth of the akephaloi is the observation of the combat tactic of the North African Blemmyae tribe in which they keep their heads pressed close to the chest (Dijkstra 2013). The epithet refers to the observation that M. akephaloi sp. nov. lack a structure resembling the head of their ant model E. permagnum and have a skull-shaped sternum. Male holotype. Body length 6.79; carapace length 2.96, width 1.5, carapace index 50.6; cephalic width 0.84, cephalic index 55.85; abdomen length 3.32, maximum width anterior part 1.21, maximum width posterior part 1.39, abdominal index 41.8; dorsal sclerite length 2.66, maximum width same as maximum abdomen width. Eyes: AER 0.55; AME–AME 0.09; AME–ALE 0.02; PER 0.64; PME–PME 0.14; PME–PLE 0.07. Color and microsculpture. Dorsum dark blackish-brown in life, with purplish tinge when seen in sunlight (color faded to reddish-brown in ethanol; Figs 2A, 3A); carapace and posterior part of sclerite posterior of constriction weakly shiny, smooth, microsculpture finely reticulate, with evenly distributed, fine pits; petiole and anterior part of sclerite heavily wrinkled and shiny, wrinkles on petiole transverse and on anterior sclerite longitudinal, abdomen posterior of dorsal sclerite glabrous, shiny; legs glabrous, shiny, with regularly arranged narrow, transverse ridges from which emerge setae, dark brown; femora I–II translucent, yellowish to white prolateral to ventrally; tarsi I–IV cream with dark brown tips. Setation. Dorsum with separate white feathery setae, forming dense transverse band in abdominal constriction; separate, erect, simple, moderately long yellowish-brassy setae all over dorsum, denser and longer on posterior part of abdomen, similar simple and feathery setae on legs. First pair of abdominal setae simple, indistinct, second pair of abdominal spines heavily sclerotized, emerging from two distinct tubercles (Fig. 4A). Carapace. Long pyriform, front slightly convex, cephalic area laterally somewhat narrowed, broadening towards middle, widest in middle, narrowing posteriorly, posterior margin truncate (Figs 2A, 3A). Eyes. Both eye rows slightly recurved, eyes approximately equal, with narrow, slightly darker rings, remaining characters as in genus diagnosis. Chelicerae. Two teeth on both the pro- and retromargins. Promargin with distal tooth about twice the size of basal tooth. Retromargin with two subequal teeth, slightly smaller than largest promarginal tooth. Sternum. Skull-shaped, narrowing posteriorly with conspicuous indentation just anterior to coxa III. Abdomen. Petiole conspicuous, elongated, with anterior margin concave; abdomen roughly obovate, distinctly constricted dorsally and laterally at about middle, anterior part dorsally bulged out to transverse elliptic bead, posterior part orbicular, broader than anterior part; dorsal sclerite completely covering abdomen laterally, sclerite length 80% of abdomen length, slightly convex posteriorly; ventral sclerite not reaching to level of inframamillary sclerite, latter narrow, subrectangular, broader than long (Figs 2A, 3A). Palp. Tibia with two distinct, long setae and several shorter setae, margin distinctly edged, RTA absent; maximum width of tibia 58% of maximum width of bulb when viewed retrolaterally; tarsus with globose genital bulb drawn out into moderately long, broad neck, with short, sclerotized embolus, sub-apical with spatulate extension, embolus ending in pointed tip with apical twist; sperm ducts with two loops, one retrolateral and one median to embolus tube (Fig. 4). Female allotype. Body length 6.23; carapace length 3.05, width 1.59, carapace index 52.13; cephalic width 0.89, cephalic index 56; abdomen length 2.58, width 1.58, abdominal index 61.24; dorsal sclerite length (width agrees with abdominal width) 1.26; Eyes: AER 0.58, AME–AME 0.09, AME–ALE 0.04, PER 0.69, PME–PME 0.13, PME–PLE 0.14. Color, microsculpture, setation, carapace shape and eye characteristics as in male. Abdomen larger, lateral constriction of abdomen much less pronounced as in male (cf. Figs 2, 3), dorsal sclerite suboval, only extending to abdominal constriction, ventral sclerite absent. Epigyne. ST II large, lung-shaped, about four to five times the diameter of very small circular ST I. CD joins posterior end of ST II, almost straight and projected laterally leading to small oval CO that are posterolateral to ST II. FD arises at anterior margin of ST I (Fig. 5). Variation. While the abdominal constriction of the male is determined by the shape of the large dorsal sclerite, it varied in females according to the nutritional or reproductive state. Geographical and ecological distribution. Mazax akephaloi sp. nov. is known from the Bolivian locations of La Guardia and Santa Cruz de la Colina in the Santa Cruz Department and the Paraguayan locations of Misión Cué, Tribu Nueva (Alto Paraguay Department) and 25 Laguas (Presidente Hayes Department). According to the ecoregion delineation by Olson et al. (2001), the locations are situated in the Chiquitano dry forest (Santa Cruz de la Colina), the Chaco dry forest (La Guardia, Misión Cué, Tribu Nueva) and the Humid Chaco (25 Laguas) (Fig. 1). In Bolivia, individuals of M. akephaloi sp. nov. were observed foraging diurnally on the ground and leaf litter along the edges of Chiquitano forest fragments that were surrounded by Cerrado-like forests and savanna grass (Fig. 6A). Despite several surveys employing beating tray sampling and manual search (Perger & Perger 2017; Perger & Rubio 2018, 2020a, b), the species was not observed in arboreal habitats or in other Bolivian forest ecoregions. Considering the distribution (Fig. 1) and observations in open habitats, this species is likely typical for Chaco dry forests. Mazax akephaloi sp. nov. is the only species of Mazax that is currently known from Bolivia and Paraguay. This species is possibly replaced by M. ramirezi south of the Chaco area in Argentina (Buenos Aires province), making it unlikely that the latter species occurs in Bolivia (as reported by Perger & Perger 2017). Ant mimicry. Seven ant species - Ectatomma permagnum Forel, 1908, Acromyrmex sp., Odontomachus sp., Camponotus crassus Mayr, 1862, C. sericeiventris (Guérin-Méneville, 1838), Neoponera apicalis (Latreille, 1802) and N. villosa (Fabricius, 1804) - with a similar or larger body length than adults of M. akephaloi sp. nov. (body length 6.23–7.24) were found in the investigated ground habitats in the two Bolivian locations. Among the grounddwelling ants, only the two Neoponera spp., Odontomachus sp. and E. permagnum had an elongated metasoma. Characters that increased the ant resemblance in M. akephaloi sp. nov., but were not specific for this mimetic species pair (e.g., also found in the mimetic pair N. villosa and Sphecotypus niger (Perger 2021)), included long, erected yellowish-brassy setae on the abdomen, a horizontal band of hairs increasing the illusion of an abdominal segmentation between the ant post-petiole and tergite IV, and several transversal bulges posterior to the dorsal sclerite resembling the ant tergites (Fig. 7). Ethological similarities between E. permagnum and M. akephaloi sp. nov., such as relatively slow foraging speed, with frequent stops in which the ants lifted their heads and conspicuously moved their antennae (imitated by the spiders by moving the prolegs in a similar fashion), were also observed in the mimetic pair N. villosa / S. niger (Perger 2021) and appear to be typical for poneromorph ants and their mimetic spiders.Published as part of Perger, Robert & Pett, Brogan L., 2022, Mazax akephaloi sp. nov. - a new Neotropical spider species resembling ' headless' Ectatomma ants (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae), pp. 579-590 in Zootaxa 5150 (4) on pages 582-586, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5150.4.6, http://zenodo.org/record/662688
Mimolaia batesi Perger & Santos-Silva 2019, sp. nov.
No full textMimolaia batesi sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 3845A836-5A91-44F6-A02A-D456BCD9B02C (Figs 1–2) Type material. Holotype female from BOLIVIA, La Paz department, Nor Yungas province, 10 km N.E. of Coroico (Bolivian Yungas forest; 16°06´40˝S / 67°44´45˝W; 1340 m a.s.l.), I. 2018, beating tray, R. Perger col. (MZSP). Etymology. The specific epithet, batesi, is a patronym in honor of Henry Walter Bates in recognition of his expeditions to the Amazon area and pioneering contributions to entomology. Description. Female. Integument mostly black; parts of anteclypeus, labrum and mandibles dark reddish brown; mouthparts mostly brownish, with dark reddish-brown areas; genae dark reddish brown; antennomere IV yellowish brown on basal 2/3, reddish brown with apex dark brown on distal third; antennomere V with reddishbrown basal ring; antennomere IX slightly dark reddish brown posteriorly; antennomere X reddish brown; sides of pronotum with wide, longitudinal reddish-brown band; humeri dark reddish brown; epipleural margin dark reddish brown on basal quarter; pro- and mesofemora yellowish brown anteriorly (profemora yellowish brown almost on entire basal half; mesofemora on about basal third). The following segments are missing in the holotype: antennomere XI of right antenna, antennomeres X–XI of left antenna, nearly all left protibia, left protarsus, left middle leg, and both hind legs. Head. Frons moderately finely and abundantly punctate toward antennal tubercles, slightly sparser toward clypeus; with inverted Y-shaped yellow pubescent band (more golden depending on angle of light source), basal arm starting between upper eye lobes, distal arms ending on about middle of clypeus, laterally not reaching lower eye lobes; central area close to clypeus with sparse whitish pubescence distinctly exposing integument; area close to lower eye lobes with sparse yellowish-white pubescence (more brownish depending on angle of light source); with long, erect, sparse dark setae close to lower eye lobes. Vertex finely, abundantly punctate, with yellowishwhite pubescence partially obscuring integument from posterior ocular edge (looking darker due to the color of integument); with a few long, erect, dark setae close to eyes. Area behind eyes with dense yellow pubescent band (more golden depending on angle of light source) from about middle of upper eye lobe to beginning of lower eye lobe; remaining surface with yellowish-white pubescence not obscuring integument (looking darker due to the color of integument); with a few long, erect, dark setae close to eye. Genae with dense yellowish-white pubescence except glabrous distal area. Antennal tubercles with yellowish-white pubescence (more brownish depending on angle of light source), not obscuring integument. Median groove almost entirely indistinct. Postclypeus moderately finely, sparsely punctate on wide central area, smooth laterally; with sparse yellowish-white pubescence (except yellow pubescence on sides of wide central area); with a few long, erect, dark setae on sides of wide central area. Labrum with long, moderately sparse yellowish and brownish setae directed forward, and dense fringe of golden setae on anterior margin. Gulamentum with sparse yellowish-white pubescence anteriorly. Distance between upper eye lobes 0.29 times length of scape; in frontal view, distance between lower eye lobes 0.61 times length of scape. Antennae 1.22 times elytral length, almost reaching apex of elytra (apex of antennomere X). Antennal segments with yellowish-white pubescence not obscuring integument, looking darker or lighter depending on color of integument; scape with long, erect, sparse dark setae throughout; pedicel and antennomeres with long, erect, dark setae ventrally, slightly denser on III, gradually shorter, sparser toward X. Antennal formula (ratio) based on length of antennomere III: scape = 0.81; pedicel = 0.22; IV = 0.97; V = 0.81; VI = 0.68; VII = 0.65; VIII = 0.59; IX = 0.59; X = 0.50. Thorax. Prothorax about 1.2 times wider than long; lateral tubercle small, placed about mid-length, nearly hidden by the pubescence. Pronotum moderately coarsely, abundantly punctate throughout; light areas with dense yellow pubescence (more golden depending on angle of light source), remaining surface with yellowish-white pubescence not obscuring integument (looking darker due to the color of integument); with long, erect, sparse dark setae, slightly more abundant anteriorly. Sides of prothorax with sculpturing as on pronotum, and pubescence as on central area of pronotum, except posterior area nearly smooth and glabrous (this area widened toward ventral side). Prosternum moderately finely, abundantly punctate; with sparse yellowish-white pubescence, with a few long, erect, yellowish-white setae interspersed. Ventral side of meso- and metathorax with yellowish-white pubescence not obscuring integument, distinctly sparser on triangular centroposterior area of metathorax, with long, erect, sparse yellowish-white setae interspersed, especially on metathorax. Scutellum with sparse yellowish-white pubescence. Elytra. Moderately coarsely, abundantly punctate (punctures less distinct toward apex); with yellowish-white pubescence not obscuring integument (looking darker due to the color of integument); with long, erect, moderately abundant dark setae throughout, slightly longer, more abundant on distal third, especially on lateral margins; apex individually rounded. Legs. Femora with yellowish-white pubescence not obscuring integument, more yellowish ventrally; with long, erect, sparse yellowish-white setae. Tibiae with brownish pubescence, gradually bristly toward apex, with long, erect dark setae interspersed. Abdomen. Ventrites with yellowish-white pubescence not obscuring integument, with long, erect yellowishwhite setae interspersed. Ventrite V gradually inclined toward apex at distal third, with narrow longitudinal sulcus from base to apex; apex slightly rounded. Dimensions. Total length, 7.00; prothorax: length, 1.00; anterior width, 1.05; posterior width, 1.10; humeral width, 1.70; elytral length, 5.25. Geographic and ecological distribution. Mimolaia batesi sp. nov. has been collected only in the area of Bolivian Yungas forest in La Paz department (Fig. 1C). The mean annual rainfall in this mountainous area amounts to 1,500 to 2,200 mm with a mean annual temperature of 20°C (Molina-Carpio 2005, data from the close by Huarinilla valley). According to the biogeographical regionalization by Navarro & Ferreira (2011), the ecosystem in the study area is considered as submontane seasonal evergreen Yungas forest (Fig. 1C). Tree indicator species for this ecosystem are Saurauia peruviana Buscalioni (Actinidiaceae) and Juglans boliviana (C.DC.) Dode 1909 (Juglandaceae) (Navarro & Ferreira 2011). Remarks. There are four species in Mimolaia Bates, 1881 with a general appearance similar to that of M. batesi sp. nov.: M. acaiuba Galileo & Martins, 1998, M. cleroides (Bates, 1866), M. hua Galileo & Martins, 1991, and M. peruana Galileo & Martins, 1991 (Fig. 3B, C). Mimolaia batesi sp. nov. differs from these species by the elongated body, being four times longer than the widest body width (about 3.5 times in M. acaiuba, M. cleroides, M. hua and M. peruana). The elongation of the body was mainly attributed to the long elytra, resulting in an elytral length three times longer than the length of the head and the prothorax together (about 2.5 times in M. acaiuba, M. cleroides, M. hua and M. peruana). Furthermore, M. batesi sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other four resembling species by the antennomere IV except in the apical area light and the antennomere V only proximally light (in M. acaiuba IV light and V dark; in M. cleroides IV apically light and V light; in M. hua IV+V dark and in M. peruana IV dark and V light). From M. buckleyi (Bates, 1885) (Fig. 3A), which is also known from Bolivian Yungas forest, M. batesi sp. nov. can immediately be separated by the elytra without large yellowish areas (present in M. buckleyi) and the elongated body, being four times longer than the widest body width (about 3.5 times in M. buckleyi). Furthermore, M. batesi sp. nov. differs from M. buckleyi by the antennomere IX entirely dark (yellowish in M. buckleyi), antennomere V proximally light (dark in M. buckleyi) and elytra parallel-sided (slightly widened toward apical area in M. buckleyi). While the light coloration or pubescence on the elytra may be somewhat variable in species of Mimolaia, including gender specific differences (e.g. compare Fig. 3B and C), the color of the antennomeres and the elongated body allow separating M. batesi sp. nov. from males and females of other species. Mimolaia batesi sp. nov. shares a black elytra and a laterally orange/reddish pronotum with M. cleroides, M. acaiuba and M. hua. These species imitate a distinct group of Lycidae (the group “black”, according to Nascimento 2009) that includes a wide range of species in the tribes Palaterodini, Eurrhacini, Calopterini and Calochromini. Potential models that are distinguished by the color pattern and a slender body are particularly found in the genera Calopteron, Cartagonum, Falsocaenia, Falsocalleros, Haplobothris, Linoptes, Lycoplateros, Mesopteron and Plateros. Further fieldwork is needed to identify potential models that are sympatric with M. batesi sp. nov. The beating tray sampling in a transect of 300 m and with an effort of six hours during two days revealed three species that were unknown to science (25% of the collected species), two of them were already described (see Perger & Santos-Silva 2018a, b). Although present-day expeditions in the Amazon area are not as difficult as those in Bates’ times and a vast number of Amazon species have been described since then, the current study indicates that particularly Bolivian forests in the Amazon area still have high potential for the discovery of unknown, ecologically interesting long-horned beetle taxa (see also Perger & Santos-Silva 2010; Santos-Silva & Perger 2017).Published as part of Perger, Robert & Santos-Silva, Antonio, 2019, Addition to the known long-horned beetle fauna of the Bolivian Andes: A new lycid-like species of Mimolaia Bates, 1885 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Caliini), pp. 295-300 in Zootaxa 4550 (2) on pages 296-299, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4550.2.10, http://zenodo.org/record/262523
Myrmecotypus rubrofemoratus Perger and Rubio 2021, new species
No full textMyrmecotypus rubrofemoratus Perger and Rubio, new species urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 609EA995-9849-4114-9C4D-215C0239ACF9 (Fig. 2–4, 5A, B) Type material. Holotype ♂ (IBSI-Ara 1507) and ♀ allotype (IBSI-Ara 1467): BOLIVIA: Santa Cruz department, Cafetal coffee plantation (−17.469167°; −63.6925°), 3 km west of Buena Vista village, 342 m a.s.l., Pre-Andean southwest Amazon rainforest, edge of primary forest, small trees overgrown by climbing plants, beating tray sampling, 20–22 Jan 2016, leg. R. Perger. Paratypes same data as the holotype, 1 ♀ (IBSI-Ara), 3 ♀ (CBF). Diagnosis. Myrmecotypus rubrofemoratus new species and M. niger are the only known species of this genus with a band of black setae with the shape of an inverted "U" on the carapace (Fig. 5A, B), running dorsally from the level of coxae I to the carapace margin at about the level of coxae III. Additionally, both species share a similar carapace shape, translucent whitish coxa II and the remaining darker, and a globose male genital bulb with a short neck and at least one terminal projection of the tegulum basal to the embolus. Myrmecotypus rubrofemoratus new species can be separated from M. niger by a narrower sternum (index ~44) (50–57 in M. niger), chelicerae with one promarginal tooth (and a small distal denticle) (two teeth and a small distal denticle in M. niger), legs with reddish areas, particularly on femora (Fig. 4, 5A) (more brownish in M. niger; cf. Fig. 5A with Perger and Rubio 2020a: 160, fig. 7F), embolus slightly curved and a tegular projection basal to embolus, consisting of two structures resembling a squid beak (Fig. 3A) (embolus straight and one hooked tegulum projection in M. niger; cf. Fig. 3A with Reiskind 1969: 319, fig. 244), tibia I ventral spination 3- 3 in male and 5- 5 in female (4- 4 in both sexes of M. niger), length of dorsal sclerite in female two-third of length of abdomen (three-fourth in M. niger), transversal bands of white setae on abdomen absent (present in M. niger). Description of male holotype (IBSI-Ara 1507) (Fig. 2, 3A). Body length 5.00; carapace length 2.75, width 1.24, carapace index 45.1; cephalic width 1.04, cephalic index 83.9; sternum length 1.27, width 0.57, sternum index 44.9; abdomen length 1.97, width 1.55, abdominal index 78.7; petiole length 0.15, width 0.24; dorsal sclerite length and width agrees with abdominal width; epigastric sclerite length 0.52, width 0.97; inframamillary sclerite length 0.32, width 0.52. AER 0.57; AME-AME 0.10; AME-ALE 0.03; PER 0.92; PME-PME 0.26; PME-PLE 0.20. Carapace: Obovoid, widest in middle, truncated anteriorly, front slightly convex, cephalic area laterally somewhat narrowed, slight concavity behind cephalic region when viewed laterally, thoracic part moderately convex behind concavity when viewed laterally; three slight concavities in posterior half of carapace when viewed dorsally, posterior margin straight. Dorsal integument littered with minute granules, more separated on cephalic area, latter moderately shiny, cephalic region laterally and thoracic region finely reticulated, weakly shiny; dorsum dark brown, short, appressed, simple, separate, brassy setae, relatively dense in the middle; narrow band of short, appressed black setae with shape of inverted "U", starting dorsally at level of coxa I and running to carapace margin at level of coxa III, black band posteriorly lined by narrow band of whitish setae (most setae broken off due to storage in ethanol). Eyes: Eight eyes in two recurved rows; diameter AME about 20% larger than remaining, subequal eyes. Chelicerae: 2 retromarginal teeth and 1 promarginal tooth (plus a distal denticle, hard to see). Abdomen: Sub-globose, petiole only moderately developed, proximal margin strongly concave; dorsal scutum completely covering abdomen dorsally and laterally; inframamillary sclerite narrow, subrectangular, broader than long. Integument of dorsal sclerite littered with minute granules, finely reticulated, moderately shiny, dark brown; abdominal setae long, simple, not sclerotized, second pair longer than first; long, separate, erected, white setae on dorsum, posterior two-third densely covered with simple and feathery, short, brassy setae, sparse in anterior third. Legs: Coxa II translucent whitish, the remaining coxae reddish-brown; femora and tibia I+II reddishbrown, with longitudinal dark areas along edges, dark areas become broader distally; tibia III+IV and metatarsus III+IV blackish with a reddish tinge, metatarsus I and tarsus IV blackish, metatarsus and tarsus II reddish; tarsus I proximally reddish, distally blackish; legs mostly sparsely covered with fine, golden hairs, including feathery hairs, dense in some areas. Palp (Fig. 3A): Margin of tibia continuous; tarsus with globose genital bulb drawn out into short neck, terminating in a slightly curved embolus and and a tegular projection basal to embolus, consisting of two structures resembling a squid beak, the basal smaller than the distal one; palpal ducts with several basal and one lateral loop. Female allotype (IBSI-Ara 1467) (Fig. 3B, C). Body length 5.31; carapace length 2.75, width 1.35, carapace index 49.1; cephalic width 1.15, cephalic index 85.2; sternum length 1.30, width 1.75, sternum index 43.9; abdomen length 2.25, width 1.75, abdominal index 77.8; petiole length 0.20, width 0.30; dorsal sclerite length 1.40 (width agrees with abdominal width); epigastric sclerite length 0.62, width 0.71; inframamillary sclerite length 0.25, width 0.45. AER 0.63; AME-AME 0.10; AME-ALE 0.05; PER 0.97; PME-PME 0.26; PME-PLE 0.22. Thoracic part dorsally more convex than in male, larger abdomen, smaller dorsal sclerite, ventral sclerite absent, tibia I ventral spination 5-5. Remaining somatic characters as in male. Epigyne (Fig. 3B, C): With two widely separated, small rounded genital openings, posterolateral to spermathecae; two pouches (or furrows) slightly posterior and towards the middle of each opening (presumably for fitting of male tegular projections); conspicuous, eggplant-shaped spermathecae, copulatory ducts short, entering the spermathecae basally. Etymology. The specific epithet, rubrofemoratus, refers to the reddish femora of this species. Geographical and ecoregion distribution. This species is only known from the type locality in Buena Vista, Santa Cruz department, Bolivia. Specimens of M. rubrofemoratus new species were collected along an edge of a primary forest fragment, on small trees overgrown by climbing plants. According to the ecoregion delineation by Navarro and Ferreira (2011), the forest in this area is considered the Pre-Andean southwest Amazon rainforest (Fig. 1). Along the same forest edge, individuals of M. niger, M. tahyinandu and two species of Castianeira Keyserling were collected. However, individuals of all these species were obtained from different trees, co-occurring with different potential ant models (see below). Ant mimicry. Adults of M. rubrofemoratus new species were obtained close to aggregations of the carpenter ant Camponotus femoratus. Both shared a similar body length (~ 5 mm), a dark brown body with appressed, short, brassy and erected, long, white setae and legs with reddish areas, forebody obovoid, truncate anteriorly and sub-globose abdomen (Fig. 5). During the beating tray collecting in branches with nests of C. femoratus, these ants immediately launched annoying mass attacks with several ants administering painful bites and spraying formic acid. The spiders appeared to avoid direct contact with the ants, as they were only collected in branches several meters away from the ants. In more distant areas of the sampled forest edge without Camponotus femoratus, no specimen of M. rubrofemoratus new species was found.Published as part of Perger, Robert & Rubio, Gonzalo D., 2021, A new species of Myrmecotypus Pickard-Cambridge spider (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae) from the Bolivian orocline, imitating one of the world's most aggressive ants, pp. 1-8 in Insecta Mundi 2021 (860) on pages 3-7, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.504177
Fluda thuruampara Perger & Rubio 2023, sp. nov.
No full textFluda thuruampara sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: F8D73C27-4CDA-4B78-9D6A-AF98F2948831 Figs 3B–C, 6, 7, 8A–D Type material. Holotype: ♁, Bolivia: La Paz Department, Nor Yungas Province, Villa Teresa, 16.2019°S, 67.8294°W, 1340 m a.s.l., beating tray sampling, 17 Jan. 2017, R. Perger leg., IBSI-Ar0958. Paratypes: 1♁ 4♀, same data as for preceding, IBSI-Ar 956; 1 ♁ 1♀, same data as for preceding, IBSI-Ar0957; 5 ♁ 1♀, same data as for preceding, 6 Apr. 2016, IBSI-Ar0747; 2 ♁ 2♀, same data as for preceding (CBF). Remarks. Among the previously described species of Fluda, three (F. princeps, F. inpae Galiano, 1971, and F. perdita) have a short, broad epigyne with lateral openings and relatively short CDs with few loops (female group “B”; Galiano 1971), and three (F. dauca sp. nov., F. princeps and F. rufipes) have a short, robust embolus without complete circular revolution around the bulb (male group “A”; Galiano 1971). Diagnosis. Fluda princeps and F. thuruampara sp. nov. are the only species with males in group “A” and females in group “B”. Fluda thuruampara sp. nov. can be separated from F. princeps by having a male palp with evenly tapering RTA, pointing towards bulb when seen in ventral view (vs. with obtuse edge, pointing in opposite direction), embolus simple, pointed (Fig. 7B) (vs. lanceolate and twisted), and the female with only slightly undulating CDs (Fig. 7H) (vs. one distinct loop), anterior carina or margin with a posterior tip (vs. no tip). Etymology. The specific epithet is a compound word composed of thuru, meaning “strong” and ampara, meaning “arm” in the Aymara language, spoken by the Aymara people living in the Bolivian Yungas area. Description of male holotype (Figs 3A–B, 6A–B). Body length 3.90; carapace length 1.71; width 1.01; carapace index 59.06; cephalic width 1.01; cephalic width index 100; sternum length 0.8; width 0.41; sternum index 51.25; abdomen length 2.10; maximum width AAP 0.55; maximum width PAP 0.95; abdominal index 45.24; pedicel length 0.12; width 0.23; dorsal sclerite length 2.10; epigastric sclerite length 0.48; width 0.60; ventral sclerite length 1.10; width 0.60; inframamillary sclerite length 0.075; width 0.35; AER 1.05; AME-AME 0.05; AME-ALE 0.05; PER 0.95; PME-PME 0.87; PME-PE 0.17. All somatic characters as in holotype of F. dauca sp. nov. except the following: color integument dark brown blackish; posterior margin of AAP concave (Figs 3B, 6A), carapace width index and abdominal index narrower; chelicerae with two promarginal (the distal much smaller) and four retromarginal teeth; macrosetae tibia II v2-2-2-1 (p1-1-1-1). Palp (Figs 7A–D). RTA relatively short, triangular, length about 23% of tarsus length, proximal three quarters directed towards inner tarsus margin in retrolateral view, apically slightly curved, tip pointing dorsally; bulb simple, oval, with stiff, robust, prolateral embolus without complete circular revolution around the bulb, tips of RTA sclerotized; tegulum ventrally projected. Description of female paratype IBSI-Ar0956 (Figs 6C–D, 7F–H). Body length 4.15; carapace length 1.70; width 1.08; carapace index 63.53; cephalic width 1.08; cephalic width index 100; sternum length 0.77; width 0.40; sternum index 51.95; abdomen length 2.46; maximum width AAP 0.90; maximum width PAP 1.33; abdominal index 54.06; pedicel length 0.10; width 0.26; dorsal sclerite length 2.41; epigastric sclerite length 0.49; width 0.80; ventral and inframamillary sclerite absent; AER 1.10; AME-AME 0.025; AME-ALE 0.05; PER 1.15; PME-PME 0.85; PME-PE 0.22. Integument (color, microsculpture and setae) as in male except femora I with setae at ventral margin sparser. Carapace shape as in male. Femora I less broadened and dorsal margin less strongly carinated than in male. Macrosetae on leg as in male except tibia I v2-2-2-2-1 (r1-1-1-1-1); tibia II v2-2-2-2, metatarsus II v2-2-2-1 (p1- 1-1-1). Abdomen broader than in male with posterior margin of AAP straight and anterior margin of PAP median strongly convex. Epigyne (Figs 7F–H). Short and broad (narrow space between anterior carina or margin and epigastric furrow, narrower than the separation between the COs), with round lateral openings and relatively short CDs with few loops; carina with a tip posteriorly directed. Variation. Sexual-dimorphism in femora I and abdomen width; depth of abdominal constriction varied in both sexes according to the nutritional status (in females likely also to the reproductive status); width of light transverse band in abdominal constriction slightly varying in both sexes; ontogenetic shifts remain to be investigated as no juveniles were collected. Behavior. Erratic foraging with frequent stops and waiving of first pair of legs. When disturbed, the males exhibited an agonistic display by orientating their face towards the thread with the first pair of legs widely extended in an angle of about 45° (Figs 8A, 8C). Geographical and ecological distribution. Fluda thuruampara sp. nov. is exclusively known from the type locality in Bolivian Yungas forest in the Northern Bolivian Andes (Fig. 2). According to Navarro & Ferreira (2007), the ecosystem in this area is considered Submontane evergreen Yungas forest (Fig. 2). Bolivian Yungas forest is part of the Tropical South Andean Superregion (Rivas-Martínez et al. 2011). Despite high sampling effort in several Bolivian forest ecoregions, the new species was not observed in other forest habitats. Individuals of F. thuruampara sp. nov. were collected from branches of trees in primary forest, co-occurring with the Simonellini species S. myrmeciaformis and Flurica sikimira Perger & Rubio, 2022. On isolated trees in adjacent tree falls gaps, Sympolymnia cutleri Perger & Rubio, 2020 was observed.Published as part of Perger, Robert & Rubio, Gonzalo D., 2023, Two new species of the ant-like spider genus Fluda Peckham & Peckham, 1892 from Bolivia with first reports of potential ant models for the genus and a novel ant-resembling behavior (Araneae: Salticidae, Simonellini), pp. 63-76 in Zootaxa 5256 (1) on pages 70-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5256.1.4, http://zenodo.org/record/774533
Polzela community residents attitude towards forest resources
No full textOpravljenih je bilo 60 strukturiranih intervjujev med lastniki in nelastniki gozdov v občini Polzela. Intervjuji so bili izvedeni v krajih: Polzela, Ločica ob Savinji, Breg pri Polzeli, Podvin, Založe, Andraž in Orova vas. Pri intervjujih je sodelovalo 26 lastnikov in 34 nelastnikov gozdov, od katerih sobile pridobljene njihove predstave o značilnostih gozdov v Sloveniji, na območju občine Polzela in o njihovi povezanosti z gozdovi. Ugotovljeno je bilo, da imajo lastniki gozdov v primerjavi z nelastniki boljše predstave in védenje o stanju gozdov. Izkazalo se je tudi, da so se zaradi dopolnjevanja ekonomskega pomena gozdov s socialnimi funkcijami spremenili odnosi in zaznave lastnikov do gozdnih virov. Z analizo intervjujev lastnikov gozdov je bilo ugotovljeno, da se v občini Polzela razvija skupina nekmečkih oz. urbanih lastnikov gozdov, ki se zaradi majhnih posesti ne angažirajo za delo v gozdovih.Sixty structural interviews were carried out among forest owners and non-owners in Polzela county. Interviews were made in places as follows: Polzela, Ločica ob Savinji, Breg pri Polzeli, Podvin, Založe, Andraž and Orovavas. The interviews included 26 forest owners and 34 non-owners, of whom we intended to obtained their perception about forest characteristics in Slovenia, in Polzela county and their relationship with forest. It was summed up that the forest owners in comparison to the forest non-owners, have better image and knowledge of the state of forest. It also showed up that because of complementing the economical meaning of forests with social functions, the relationships and perceptions of owners towards the forest resources has changed. The analysis of interviews with forest owners also enabled to conclude that in Polzela county a group of non-farming and urban forest owners is developing not engaged in the work in forests due to their small forests\u27 properties
Cylindera (Plectographa) yaguaree Perger & Guerra, n.sp.
No full textCylindera (Plectographa) yaguaree Perger & Guerra n.sp. (Figs. 1 G; 2; 3 A, B) Type material. Bolivia, Tarija, O`Connor province, Tariquia: 1 male, holotype, CBF, 1.4 km south west of Salinas, 0.66 km east of Salinas River, S 21 ° 49 ' 20, W 64 ° 14 ' 45, 1093 m a.s.l., Tucuman-Bolivian subhumid forest, bank of small mountain river, November 2011, F. Guerra and R. Perger; 1 female, allotype, same data; 2 males, 3 females, paratypes, CBF, 3.2 km east of Salinas River, 2.5 km east of road to Salinas, S 21 ° 45 ' 18, W 64 ° 12 ' 32, 1200 m a.s.l., Tucuman-Bolivian subhumid forest, bank of small mountain river, December 2011, F. Guerra. Derivation of specific epithet. The epithet “ yaguaree ” (pronounced a-wa-ree) is derived from “yaguarete”, which is the original name of the jaguar and means “true beast” in Tupi-Guaraní, a language spoken by the local indigenous Guaraní. Diagnosis. Cylindera (Plectographa) yaguaree n.sp. is separated from other Neotropical congeners by a combination of the following characters: 1) setose genae and head; 2) posteriorly tapering pronotum, pronotal disc laterally convex; 3) elytral surface completely covered with stiff, appressed setae; 4) three complete narrow elytral maculations; 5) sutural spines reduced. Three complete narrow elytral maculations and setose gena are also typical of C. (P.) mixtula Horn 1915, but it lacks the elytral setae and the pronotum tapers in the opposite direction. In C. (P.) sinuosa and C. (P.) suturalis the elytra have three complete maculations, but these are wider and the genae are bare. Cylindera (Plectographa) yaguaree n.sp. shares the posteriorly tapering pronotum and setose elytra with the Argentinean species C. (P.) eugeni Castelnau 1835; however, this latter species is distinguished by glabrous head, large subsutural foveae, wide elytral maculations and elytra glabrous in apical half. Description. General. Relatively large (10.15–10.95 mm), dorsum matte to slightly shining cupreous-dark olive green, elytra with distinct, separate appressed setae covering most of the surface and three complete, narrow pale maculations. Setation. Dense appressed or suberect setae on body laterally (except area behind genae and on mesepisternum), on pronotal dorsum, on femora and laterally on meso- and metacoxa. Labial palpi and proepisternum with suberect to erect setae. Frons, vertex and elytra with separate, distinct setae. Distal 7 antennomeres, tibia and tarsi longitudinally lined with very fine and short setae. Labrum with 9 to 12 submarginal setae. Antennal scape with 1 erect subapical seta distal, antennomere 4 with three or more setae, apex of front trochanters with a single sensory seta. Apical setae on eighth abdominal sternum short. Head slightly shining cupreous, vertex rugose, frons and gena striate. Labrum narrower or as wide as clypeus, subrectangular, straight, short, uni- or obtuse tridentate, ferrugineo-testaceous to dark brown. Eyes prominent, not bulging laterally. Mentum tooth well developed. Mandibular base ferrugineo-testaceous, third terebral tooth shiny green with black tip, incisor tooth black. Antennal socket and antennomeres 1-4 shiny cupreous, with green reflections or completely green, distal 7 antennomeres testaceous, densely pubescent. Pronotum slightly shining cupreous, broad, widest in the middle, anterior margin noticably wider than posterior, posterior constricted, both margins with deep transverse sulci that are shiny cupreous; pronotal disc laterally convex, rugose, median groove distinct; proepisternum wrinkled, shiny cupreous, coupling sulcus with distinct groove. Scutellum triangular. Elytra gradually widened to apical 1 / 4, then narrow until just before apex, sutural spine reduced; color matt brown cupreous with small shallow, weakly reflective green punctures, giving an overall olive impression; subsutural row of large foveae absent, three narrow, pale maculations, laterally connected, anterior G-shaped, median sharply elbowed, bend without additional bracket, not connected to posthumeral spot, sometimes slightly lacerated, mostly continuous, apical maculation U-shaped, apical-sutural arm reduced. Abdominal sternites dark brown with cupreous-green reflections. Ventral sclerite with two elongate posterior projections. Coxae shiny cupreous with green reflections; trochanters testaceous, femora cupreous, tibia and tarsomeres cupreous with or without green reflections. Aedeagus strongly bent in basal quarter, in distal moderately bent; slightly widening distally in basal third, then considerably thickened median to shortly to the base of the apex and finally strongly narrowing on one side to a pointing apex. Laterally longitudinal concavity in distal third. Geographic distribution. This species is currently known only from the two locations where types and paratypes were collected, in Tariquia, close to its North-western limit. Several collections (see Pearson et al. 1999) in the adjacent Chaco Serrano, the elbow of the Andes and the Bolivian Yungas failed to find this species; therefore we consider it endemic to Tucuman-Bolivian forest. Ecology. Cylindera (Plectographa) yaguaree n.sp. was observed during November and December on two narrow sand stone banks of a medium forest stream. The activity of adults was apparently triggered by initial rainfalls of the rainy season, as we observed no individuals at the same sites earlier in the drier season of October. At midday on sunny days, individuals perched on stones close to a moist, relatively steep sloping wall of sandstone. This microhabitat was temporarily insolated, and shaded, with conspicuous and highly localized patches of liverworts and mosses growing on the sand stonewall. This tiger beetle was absent from shady banks of smaller forest rivers and on sunny banks of larger rivers. We assume that humid sand stone microhabitats lined with trees and with sunny patches are the preferred microhabitat. Such habitats are apparently the result of a specific tectonical setting and were only observed twice in the study area. We collected the specimens of C. (P.) yaguaree n.sp. together with Pentacomia (Mesacanthina) cribrata in the same microhabitat. As we approached individuals of C. (P.) yaguaree n.sp. and Pentacomia (M.) cribrata, they quickly flew away from us. Several times we observed C. (P.) yaguaree n.sp. flying to land on stones lying in the river or to the opposite river bank. Also observed in this habitat of C. (P.) yaguaree n.sp. was Pseudoxycheila tucumana n.sp. between stones and Oxycheila germaini Fleutiaux hiding between and under stones close to the water’s edge.Published as part of Perger, Robert & Guerra, Fernando, 2012, Two new tiger beetle (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelitae) species from the Tucuman-Bolivian forest in the National Tariquia Reserve, Bolivia, pp. 49-58 in Zootaxa 3434 on pages 52-54, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20872
A new species of \u3ci\u3eMyrmecotypus\u3c/i\u3e Pickard-Cambridge spider (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae) from the Bolivian orocline, imitating one of the world’s most aggressive ants
No full textA new species of ant-mimicking spider of the subfamily Castianeirinae, Myrmecotypus rubrofemoratus Perger and Rubio, new species (Araneae: Corinnidae), is described from the Pre-Andean area of the Bolivian orocline. Adults of M. rubrofemoratus new species resemble the carpenter ant Camponotus femoratus Forel, 1907, which is considered one of the most aggressive ants in the world.
The Neotropical castianeirine genus Myrmecotypus Pickard-Cambridge is a group of slender, fast-running spiders that includes 11 species (World Spider Catalog 2020). Four species are reported from South America and three from Bolivia: M. iguazu Rubio and Arbino, 2009, M. niger Chickering, 1937, and M. tahyinandu Perger and Rubio, 2020 (Perger and Rubio 2020a).
Potential ant models were proposed for six species of Myrmecotypus (Perger and Rubio 2020a). These forms resemble morphologically specific models of the ant tribes Camponotini and Dolichoderini; all models and mimics share a moderately elongated, truncate forebody, short petiole and sub-globose abdomen. Species-specific mimicry is indicated by similarities in body color and the color and distribution of setae (Perger and Rubio 2020a).
In the present study, we describe a new species that closely resembles M. niger but shows, apart from distinct genitalia, differences in externally visible morphology that could be possibly attributed to the selection for mimicry of the carpenter ant Camponotus femoratus (Fabricius, 1804), one of the world’s most aggressive ants
Fluda dauca Perger & Rubio 2023, sp. nov.
No full textFluda dauca sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: DBE97B4F-7CB4-4D01-9F5E-69F37BEAD33C Figs 3A, 4, 5 Type material. Holotype: ♁, Bolivia: Cochabamba Department, Villa Tunari, 16.9844°S, 65.4094°W, 335 m a.s.l., beating tray sampling, 6 Dec. 2017, R. Perger leg., IBSI-Ar1758. Paratypes: 1♁ 2♀, Bolivia: Cochabamba Department, Villa Tunari; 16.9844°S, 65.4094°W, 335 m a.s.l., beating tray sampling, 6 Dec. 2017, R. Perger leg., IBSI-Ar1027; 2♁, same data as for preceding, IBSI-Ar0764; 5♁, Santa Cruz Department, Buena Vista, Cafetal, 17.4658°S, 63.6969°W, 342 m a.s.l., beating tray sampling, 21 Jan. 2016; R. Perger leg., IBSI-Ar 0729; 2♁ 2♀, same data as for preceding (CBF). Remarks. Among the previously described species of Fluda, three (F. goianiae Soares & Camargo, 1948, F. narcissa Peckham & Peckham, 1892, and F. rufipes (Taczanowski, 1878)) have a long epigyne with anterior pocket, and relatively short CDs with few loops (female group “A”; see Galiano 1971). Among the males of Fluda spp., two (F. princeps Banks, 1929 and F. rufipes) have a short, robust embolus without complete circular revolution around the bulb (male group “A”; Galiano 1971). The embolus of F. goianiae was not described or illustrated in the original description by Soares & Camargo (1948). The male paratypes appear to be lost and the male was not examined and assigned to any species group in the revision by Galiano (1971). Diagnosis. Based on the available information, F. rufipes and F. dauca sp. nov. are the only species with males and females found in group “A”, respectively. Fluda dauca sp. nov. can be separated from F. rufipes by having the thoracic part distinctly convex in lateral view (vs. straight), the posterior part of the dorsal scutum considerably higher than the anterior (vs. about same height) and orbicular (vs. ovate) (Figs 4B, 4D), the male RTA (Fig. 5B) pointed (vs. blunt tip) and shorter (length 40% of tarsus length; vs. 50%), and the COs further apart and round (Fig. 5C) (vs. together and kidney-shaped). Galiano (1971) refrained from dissecting the epigyne of the holotype of F. rufipes because of the fragile condition. The female of F. dauca sp. nov. is separated from that of F. goianiae by the loops of the CDs orientated transversally (vs. longitudinally) and the course of the left CD running counterclockwise in ventral view (vs. clockwise). Etymology. The specific epithet is inferred from Daucus, the Latin genus name where the cultivated carrot belongs to, and refers to the orange color of some individuals. Description of male holotype (Figs 3A, 4A–B, 5A–B). Body length 3.30; carapace length 1.55; width 0.95; carapace index 61.29; cephalic width 0.95; cephalic width index 100; sternum length 0.67; width 0.4; sternum index 59.70; abdomen length 1.77; maximum width AAP 0.57; maximum width PAP 0.87; abdominal index (with posterior part) 49.15; pedicel length 0.06; width 0.25; dorsal sclerite length 1.78; epigastric sclerite length 0.47; width 0.57; ventral sclerite length 0.8; width 0.57; inframamillary sclerite length 0.05; width 0.27; AER 0.95; AMEAME 0.037; AME-ALE 0.05; PER 0.9; PME-PME 0.72; PME-PE 0.19. Integument (color, microsculpture and setae). Orange with large black patch around PE and similar patch surrounding ALE and PME, transverse light bands (darker due to storage in ethanol) in constrictions of carapace and abdomen, microsculpture consisting of regular, small granules; carapace weakly shiny, small granules dense, thoracic area laterally and posteriorly with fine wrinkles; AAP with small granules more separated, PAP finely reticulate, shinier than AAP, with granules widely separated. Margins of rectangle formed by ALE and PE and abdomen furnished with yellowish, separate, simple setae (most setae broken off due to storage in ethanol). Macrosetae tibia I v2-2-2-1-1 (r1-1-1-1-1), metatarsus I v2-2-2; tibia II v2-2-2, metatarsus II v2-2-2. Ventral and dorsal margin of femora I with row of developed black setae; ventral and dorsal margin of femora I with row of moderately developed black setae. Carapace. Slightly convex anteriorly, dorsally constricted between cephalic and thoracic part, rectangle formed by ALE and PER straight in lateral view, slightly inclined forwards, thoracic part convex posterior of constriction in lateral view, followed by concavity, lateral carapace borders continuous in dorsal view, in anterior half subparallel, evenly tapering posterior of constriction. Eyes. AER recurved, AME touching each other, ALE at anterior edges of cephalic area, touching lateral margin of AME, rectangle formed by ALE and PER about 1.3 times wider than long. Chelicerae. Small and vertical; one promarginal tooth and five retromarginal teeth (smaller). Abdomen. Elongated, longer than carapace, roughly oblanceolate, dorsally covered by scutum over entire length, AAP and PAP separated by deep constriction anterior of abdomen middle, both parts connected by narrow bridge; AAP oblong, narrower than carapace, posterior margin convex; PAP obovate, as wide as carapace, in lateral view orbicular and higher and more bulging than AAP. Legs. Formula 4312, margins femora II-IV and tibia I-III subparallel, margins femora I conspicuously convex, broadest in middle, margins tibia IV slightly convex, broadest in middle. Palp (Figs 5A–B). RTA long, spine-shaped, length 40% of tarsus length, directed towards outer tarsus margin in retrolateral view; bulb simple, oval, with stiff, robust, prolaterally emerging embolus without complete circular revolution around the bulb, tips of RTA and embolus sclerotized; tegulum ventrally projected. Description of female paratype (IBSI-Ar1027) (Figs 4E–F). Body length 3.54, carapace length 1.64, width 0.95, carapace index 57.93; cephalic width 0.95, cephalic width index 100; sternum length 0.70, width 0.40, sternum index 57.14; abdomen length 1.90, maximum width AAP 0.67, maximum width PAP 0.99, abdominal index (with posterior part) 52.10; pedicel length 0.11, width 0.30; dorsal sclerite length 1.90, epigastric sclerite length 0.41, width 0.68, ventral sclerite absent, inframamillary sclerite absent; AER 0.96, AME-AME 0.037, AME-ALE 0.05, PER 0.97, PME-PME 0.85, PME-PE 0.17. Integument (color, microsculpture and setae) as in male except femora I with setae at ventral margin sparser and macrosetae tibia I v2-2-2-2. Carapace shape as in male. Femora I less broadened and dorsal margin less strongly carinated than in male. Abdomen broader than in male. Epigyne (Figs 5C–E). Relatively long (notable separation between anterior pocket or margin and epigastric furrow, greater than the separation between the COs), with round lateral openings and relatively short CDs with few loops; carina with a concavity posteriorly directed. Variation. Sexual dimorphism in femora I shape and abdomen width, male femora I more convex and abdomen narrower, particularly AAP. Depth of abdominal constriction varied in both sexes according to the nutritional status (in females likely also to the reproductive status). Adults of both sexes with two color forms, dark brown blackish (1m /1f) and orange (8m /1f); in dark brown forms area between AAP and PAP black, in orange forms whitish (cf. Figs 4A, 4C, 4E). Male macrosetae tibia I in male variable: holotype v (p1-1-1) and one male paratype v (p1-1-1-1) (remaining as holotype). Ontogenetic shifts remain to be investigated as no juveniles were collected. Geographical and ecological distribution. Fluda dauca sp. nov. is known from the type locality in Villa Tunari (Cochabamba Dept.) and Buena Vista (Santa Cruz Dept.), which are both situated in Southwest Amazon rainforest (Fig. 2). According to Navarro & Ferreira (2007), the ecosystem of Villa Tunari is considered Sub-Andean Chapare forest and of Buena Vista, Sub-Andean Southwest Amazon rainforest (Fig. 2). Southwest Amazon forest is part of the Amazonian-Guayan Superregion (Rivas-Martínez et al. 2011). Fluda dauca sp. nov. was collected in primary forest and early successional forests in small tree-fall gaps, close to the edge of primary forest. Fluda dauca sp. nov. was observed in the same microhabitats as Synemosyna myrmeciaformis (Taczanowski, 1871) and Erica eugenia (Peckham & Peckham, 1892). On isolated trees in adjacent, more disturbed forest and secondary forest, Sympolymnia shinahota Perger & Rubio, 2020 was collected. Behavior. Erratic locomotory behavior with frequent stops and waiving of first pair of legs. When disturbed, the males exhibited an agonistic display by moving their face towards the thread, with the first pair of legs widely extended in an angle of about 45° (Figs 8I, 8K, 8L).Published as part of Perger, Robert & Rubio, Gonzalo D., 2023, Two new species of the ant-like spider genus Fluda Peckham & Peckham, 1892 from Bolivia with first reports of potential ant models for the genus and a novel ant-resembling behavior (Araneae: Salticidae, Simonellini), pp. 63-76 in Zootaxa 5256 (1) on pages 66-70, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5256.1.4, http://zenodo.org/record/774533
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