Epeira melania Koch, 1871: 100

Epeira melania Koch, 1871: 100 View in CoL , plate 8, fig. 3 (female). Meta melania Keyserling, 1887 a: 207 , plate 18, fig. 7

(male). Singotypa melania Simon, 1894 a: 749 . Phonognatha melania Dondale, 1966: 1172 , fig. 5H–O

(female, male); Hickman, 1967: 56, figs 99–102

(female, male). Singotypa pallida Dalmas, 1917: 435 (female; type depository unknown, not examined) syn. nov.

Type material: Syntypes: Australia, Queensland, between Port Denison and Bowen (ZMUH, examined). NOTE: Phonognatha pallida is described as similar to P. melania except for being smaller and paler. Given the variation within P. melania (including reversible colour change in other Phonognatha ), it is not clear to us why this taxon is unique from P. melania . Furthermore, the type status and depository are unknown.

Diagnosis: Males of P. melania can be distinguished from congeners based on their palpal tibiae, which are slightly longer than (up to 1.5 times, Fig. 17B) the length of the palpal cymbium, and broader mid-conductor process ( Fig. 17E). Other Phonognatha have palpal tibiae shorter than the cymbium except for P. tanyodon sp. nov., which has a tibiae many times longer than the cymbium ( Fig. 25B). The females have an elongated abdomen of relatively equal width for the length of it, with two dark markings on the dorsal area and spinnerets positioned centrally on the venter. The abdomen of Artifex gen. nov. species are somewhat elongated but with a crescent- or ring-shaped dorsal pattern and wide, solidly dark posterior.

Description

Female ( Figs 15A–D, 16) (from Western Australia, Walpole-Nornalup National Park, GH0113): Total length 9.62. Carapace 3.71 long, 2.73 wide, 1.05 high, yellowish brown to reddish brown; sternum 1.879 long, 1.39 wide, of similar colour, with dark margins and pale longitudinal band. Eye rows slightly recurved, anterior row more so than posterior. AMEs on small prominence; lateral eyes juxtaposed, paired on a small prominences; AME diameter 0.18; AMEs interdistance c. 1½ AME diameter; AME– PME distance c. 1 AME diameter. Clypeus c. 1 AME diameter. Paturon yellowish brown to reddish brown, with 3 prolateral and 2–3 retrolateral teeth; cheliceral fang curves mesally about a third of the way from the chelicera. Legs coloured as cephalothorax; femur I sigmoid; formula 1243: femur I 3.44, patella I 1.22, tibia I 3.47, metatarsus I 3.69, tarsus I 1.18; femur II 2.74, patella II 1.03, tibia II 2.53, metatarsus II 2.66, tarsus II 0.94; femur III 1.70, patella III 0.65, tibia III 1.04, metatarsus III 1.28, tarsus III 0.63; femur IV 2.54, patella IV 1.05, tibia IV 1.90, metatarsus IV 1.72, tarsus IV 0.62. Abdomen 6.54 long, 3.78 wide, 3.89 high; very elongate, light brown with pale guanine crystals; anterior dorsum with pair of ovate brown markings; posterior dorsum brown; two longitudinal stripes of guanocytes between epigastric furrow and spinning field, which is centrally positioned; one stripe of guanocytes extends caudally from spinning field. Epigynum with ventral-facing, sclerotized copulatory openings, with sclerotized point caudal to opening; setae on outer side of copulatory openings crossing over openings; copulatory ducts include multiple spiral convolutions extending anteriorly then turning back to spermathecae; fertilization ducts emerge from posterior region of spermathecae and extend dorsally.

Male ( Figs 15E–I, 17) (from Western Australia, Lane Poole Reserve, WAM T99/2892–4): Total length 4.51. Carapace 2.51 long, 1.69 wide, 0.91 high, yellowish brown to reddish brown; sternum 1.26 long, 0.92 wide, yellowish brown. Eye rows slightly recurved, anterior row more so than the posterior. Eye rows slightly recurved, anterior row more so than the posterior. AMEs on small prominence; lateral eyes juxtaposed, on small prominences. AME diameter 0.17; AMEs interdistance c. 1 AME diameter; AME–PME distance c. 1 AME diameter. Clypeus c. ½ AME diameter. Chelicerae yellowish brown to reddish brown, with 3 prolateral and 2 retrolateral teeth; cheliceral fang bends mesally by almost 90°, then curving slightly again at approximately the midpoint. Legs coloured as cephalothorax; femur I sigmoid; formula 1243: femur I 3.54, patella I 1.26, tibia I 3.71, metatarsus I 3.76,

tarsus I 1.06; femur II 2.52, patella II 1.03, tibia II 2.72, metatarsus II 2.45, tarsus II 0.89; femur III 1.36, patella III 0.61, tibia III 0.91, metatarsus III 1.05, tarsus III 0.58; femur IV 1.89, patella IV 0.82, tibia

IV 1.62, metatarsus IV 1.52, tarsus IV 0.61. Abdomen 2.35 long, 1.67 wide, 1.07 high; dorsal face light brown with pale guanine crystals; 4–5 pairs of discrete dark brown markings on dorsum, with a central longitudinal stripe; ventral face with two longitudinal stripes of guanocytes between epigastric furrow and spinning field. Pedipalpal tibia approximately 1.5 times length of cymbium; mid-conductor process broad, with flattened rather than pointed tip, approximately half length of conductor’s elongate part.

Variation: Females’ (N = 5) total length 8.78–11.63; carapace length 3.25–3.65, width 1.99–2.73, height 0.93–1.44; abdomen length 6.04–8.19, width 3.21– 4.56, height 3.48–4.41; sternum length 1.51–1.88, width 1.07–1.39. Males’ (N = 5) total length 4.51–6.96; carapace length 2.51–3.26, width 1.50–2.23, height 0.78–0.91; abdomen length 2.35–4.01, width 1.67–2.43 height 1.07–2.30; sternum length 1.17–1.49, width 0.92–1.31.

Distribution: Phonognahtha melania is perhaps the most widespread species of Phonognatha . Described from Queensland, but is most common in Western Australia. This species has been collected in all states except the Northern Territory ( Fig. 18).

Natural history: This species exhibits sexual size dimorphism, with males sometimes as little as half the size of the female. Collecting records suggest cohabitation of adult males and immature females as described in P. graeffei ( Fahey & Elgar, 1997) .

Additional material examined: Australia: Western Australia, Langford, −32.044, 115.942 *, 17.x.1992, Scheer, Keen, 1F (QM S51219); Spearwood, −32.100, 115.738 *, 10.ii.1952, B. Y. Main, in dead bush wattle, 1F (WAM); Yanchap National Park, nr. ranger’s office, −31.517, 115.767, 20.iv.1993, J. M. Waldock, A. Sampey, 1F (WAM T99/2983); Booanya, −32.654, 123.508 *, ii.1982, A. E. Baesjou, 4FF, 1M (MV ENTO2014-19L); Canning Well, −22.366, 121.308 *, vi.1988, B. Harvey, 1F (MV ENTO2014-19L); Mason Bay, −33.955, 120.480, 14.iii.2007, G. Byrne, inside curled leaf, low heathland, 3FF (WAM T85348); Jarrahdale, Alcoa mine area, −32.267, 116.100, 12.i.1997, K. E. C. Brennan, suction sample, 1M (WAM T54848); Jarrahdale, Alcoa mine area, −43.640, 116.240, ii.2001, M. L. Moir, suction sample, from Lomandra sonderi (WAM T133381); Jarrahdale, Alcoa mine area, −43.640, 116.240, ii.2001, M. L. Moir, suction sample, from Bossiaea aquifolium (WAM T133381); Jarrahdale, Alcoa mine area, −43.640, 116.240, ii.2001, M. L. Moir, suction sample, from Bossiaea aquifolium (WAM T133381); Jarrahdale, Alcoa mine area, −43.640, 116.240, v.2001, M. L. Moir, suction sample, from Microzamia riedlei (WAM T133381); Alcoa mine site, N. and NW of Jarrahdale, −32.267, 116.100, iii.1993, S. J. Simmonds, 1F (WAM T33875); Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Anderson Rd, −34.995, 116.871, 5.iii.2008, M. G. Rix, M. S. Harvey, sifting/beating, 1F (WAM94787); Goongarrie Station, site GG2, −29.976, 121.056, 1.v.1996, P. L. J. West et al., by hand, 1F (WAM T41767); Goongarrie Station, site GG12, −30.019, 121.028, 1.v.1996, P. L. J. West et al., dry pitfall trap, 1F (WAM T41768); Stirling Range Retreat, caravan park, −34.315, 118.187, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, K. Edward, C. Poustie, 1F (WAM T85271); Stirling Range National Park, Wedge Hill, −34.421, 118.183, 2.v.1996, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, B. Y. Main, 1F (WAM T85273); Stirling Range National Park, S. of Bluff Knoll, on flat south of track, −34.383, 118.250, 1.v.1996, 1F (WAM T85274); Stirling Range National Park, south side of Mt. Magog, sand flat, −34.417, 117.917, 24.iv.1996, J. M. Waldock, orb web with curled leaf, 1F (WAM T85276); Stirling Range caravan park, −34.317, 118.200, 30.iii.1993, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, at night, 2FF (WAM T99/2971–2); Wyalkatchem Nature Reserve, −31.171, 117.408, M. S. Harvey, J. M.Waldock, at night, 1F (WAM T40682); Mount Cooke, −32.417, 116.300, 16.vi.1991, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, 1F (WAM T85275); Mount Cooke, −32.417, 116.300, 18.vi.1991, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, 6FF (WAM T99/2896–901); Tutanning Nature Reserve, western end, site WK8, −32.541, 117.281, 15.x.1997, P. van Heurck, et al., wet pitfall trap, 1M (WAM T85279); Pedro’s Farm, Dingo Flat Rd, northern boundary of Walpole-Nornalup National Park, −34.950, 116.850, 13.v.1989, B. Y. Main et al., foliage at night, 1F (WAM T111808); Jarrahdale, Alcoa mine area, −32.267, 116.100, iv.1998, K. E. C. Brennan, suction sample, 1F (WAM TT54859); Cape Range area, outside Cave C-64, #3576, −22.050, 114.017, 27.vi.1989, B. Vine, 2FF (WAM T88566); Charles Darwin Reserve, near dam, −29.468, 117.060, 7.v.2009, M. S. Harvey, 1F (WAM T97770); Charles Darwin Reserve, near dam, −29.468, 117.060, 7.v.2009, M. S. Harvey, 1F (WAM T97771); Fraser Range Station, New Bore Paddock, −32.067, 122.800, 23.iv.1995, A. F. Longbottom, curled leaf retreat orb web on fence, 1F (WAM T99/2886); Hoffman’s Mill, −33.067, 122.800, 29.iii.1959, B. Y. Main, 1F (WAM T99/2891); Shannon Range at Nelson, −34.717, 116.350, 16–18. ii.1990, M. S. Harvey, M. E. Blosfelds, 20+FF, 10+MM (WAM T99/2910–65); Shannon National Park, −34.250, 116.400, 24.iii.1993, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, in orb web, 1F (WAM T99/2909); Shannon National Park, Dog Pool, −34.767, 116.367, 22.iii.1993, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, at night, 1F (WAM T99/2872); Nugadog Forest Reserve, south border, −30.183, 116.917, 22.v.1996, M. S. Harvey et al., 1F (WAM T99/2867); Mount Barker, 16 Osborne Rd, −34.633, 117.667, xii.1992, P. J. Mann, 1M (WAM T99/2866); Mount Barker, 16 Osborne Rd, −34.633, 117.667, 28.iii.1990, A. F. Longbottom, 1F (WAM T99/2895); Banganup Lake, −32.167, 115.817, 30.iii.1990, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, 5FF (WAM T99/2875–9); Denmark, −34.950, 117.350, 12.iv.1992, R. P. McMillan, 1F (WAM T99/2862); Darlington, −31.920, 116.079 *, v.1975 – iii.1975, G. H. Lowe, 1F (WAM T99/2882); Cranbrook, −34.247, 117.518, 13.iv.1952, B. Y. Main, 1F (WAM T99/2861); Torndirrup National Park, North Frenchman’s Bay Rd, −35.100, 117.900, 25.iv.1990, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, 2FF (99/2973–4); Wilson Inlet, −34.983, 117.350, 21.ii.1990, M. S. Harvey, M. E. Blosfelds, 7FF, 1M (WAM T99/2975–82); between Chittering and Pearce, −31.500, 116.000, G.H. Lowe, 1F (WAM T99/2881); between Chittering and Pearce, −31.500, 116.000, G. H. Lowe, 1M (WAM T99/2860); John Forrest National Park, −31.885, 116.094 *, 4.vi.1989, V. E.Davies, 2FF (WAM T99/2863–4); 40 miles W. of Ravensthorpe, Camp Creek, nr. Sussetta River, −33.600, 119.368 *, 13.i.1952, B. Y. Main, 2FF (WAM T99/2869–70); Porongurups, north end, −34.700, 117.850, 16.ii.1993, A. F. Longbottom, stunted jarrah area, 1F (WAM T99/2868); 5 km SW of Gidgeegannup, −31.333, 116.150, 6.v.1969, 6.v.1969, WA Arachnology Group, 4FF (WAM T99/2887–90); Blackboy Picnic Site, 2.5 km along Honeymoon Rd, jut N. of Harvey, −33.067, 115.900, 18.iv.1995, M.S. Harvey, M.E. Blosfelds, in rolled leaf, 1F (WAM T99/2859); Blackboy Picnic Site, 2.5 km along Honeymoon Rd, jut N. of Harvey, −33.067, 115.900, 18.iv.1995, M. S. Harvey, M. E. Blosfelds, in rolled leaf, 1F (WAM T99/2880); Fitzgerald River National Park, −33.888, 199.885*, 11.ii.1985, R. P. McMillan, 3FF (WAM T99/2883–5); Pemberton Youth Hostel, −34.400, 115.967, 1–2.v.1990, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, 1F (WAM T99/2905); Lane Poole Reserve, 15 km S of Dwellingup, −32.723, 116.076 *, 2.iii.1987, O. Mueller, in open jarrah, mostly in Macrogamia, 2MM, 1Juv (WAM T99/2892–4); Melaleuca Park, NE of Wanneroo, 7.iv.1990, M. S. Harvey, 1F (WAM T99/905); Mundaring Weir, wall, −31.967, 116.167, 7.ii.1990, M. S. Harvey, M. E. Blosfelds, 2FF (WAM T99/2903–4); Jog Pool on Shannon River, −34. 767, 116.367, 1990, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, 1F (WAM T99/2908); gorge bisecting lateritic ridge, c. 5–6 km of Mt. Dale , 24.iv.1994, J. M. Waldock, K. Brimmell, inside curled leaf in orb web, 1F (WAM T99/2902); Geraldton, Spalding Park, −28.750, 114.617, 13.iv.1992, M. S. Harvey, 1F (WAM T99/2970); 7 km N of South Coast Highway, −34.933, 117.367, 26.iv.1990, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, 4FF (WAM T99/2966–9); Ballidu, −30.600, 116.767, 24.v.1996, J. M. Waldock, in curled leaf in orb web, 1F (WAM T99/2858); Stirling Range National Park, Toolbrunup Track, −34.400, 118.067, 31.iii.1993, M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, night, 1F (WAM T99/2873); Jarrah, 35 km NW of Kojonup, −33.611, 116.873, 9.v.1982, B. Y. Main, V. E. Davies, 9FF (QM); North Kojunup, −33.833, 117.159 *, 4.iv.1982, B. Y. Main, V. E. Davies, 2FF (QM); Torbay, Dingo Beach track, −35.017, 117.633 *, 10.v.1982, B. Y. Main, V. E. Davies, 1F (QM); Wilga, gravel ridge, −33.669, 116.272 *, 23.ii.1986, L. Broadwater, V. E. Davies, G. B. May, night collecting, 1F (QM S45435); Stirling Range National Park, Gold Holes, −34.400, 118.067 *, in leaf (AM KS14508); Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Two Road, 11.1 km 282W Walpole, −34.965, 16.607, 26.ii.2006, 30 m, G. Hormiga, L. Lopardo, eucalypt forest and open heathland, many FF; Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Two Road, 11.1 km 282W Walpole, −34.965, 116.607, 26.ii.2006, 30 m, G.Hormiga, L.Lopardo, eucalypt forest and open heathland, many FF; Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Two Road, 11.1 km 282W Walpole, −34.965, 116.607, 26.ii.2006, 30 m, G. Hormiga, L. Lopardo, eucalypt forest and open heathland, many FF; Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Two Road, 11.1 km 282W Walpole, −34.965, 116.607, 26.ii.2006, 30 m, G. Hormiga, L. Lopardo, eucalypt forest and open heathland, 12FF; Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Two Road, 11.1 km 282WWalpole, −34.965, 116.607, 26.ii.2006, 30 m, G. Hormiga, L. Lopardo, eucalypt forest and open heathland, 10FF; Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Two Road, 11.1 km 282WWalpole, −34.965, 116.607, 26.ii.2006, 30 m, G. Hormiga, L. Lopardo, eucalypt forest and open heathland, 1M, 1F; Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Two Road, 11.1 km 282W Walpole, −34.965, 116.607, 26.ii.2006, 30 m, G. Hormiga, L. Lopardo, eucalypt forest and open heathland, 1F; Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Two Road, 11.1 km 282W Walpole, −34.965, 116.607, 26.ii.2006, 30 m, G. Hormiga, L. Lopardo, eucalypt forest and open heathland, 3FF; Tinglewood, nr. cabins, 6.98 km N of Walpole, −34.914, 116.731, 24.ii. 2006, 185 m, G. Hormiga, L. Lopardo, 1M, 1F; Tinglewood, nr. cabins, 6.98 km N. of Walpole, −34.914, 116.731, 24.ii. 2006, 185 m, G. Hormiga, L. Lopardo, 1F, 1M; D’Entrecasteux National Park, Mandalay Beach, 13.8 km W. Walpole, −34.986, 116.589, 25.ii.2006, 70 m, G.Hormiga, L.Lopardo, heathland on white sand, with Proeaceae and Xanthakeaceae, 13FF; Jarrahdale, −32.267, 116.100 *, asummetrical web, curled leaf, 1F (AM KS109401); Witchcliffe, nr. Golgotha Cave, −34.013, 115.106, 23.i.1974, M. Gray, sweeping understory in karri forest, 1M (AM KS32886); Hovea, 545 Hedges Road, −31.892, 116.116, 10.iv.2016, K. Framenau, T. Melissa, mixed Jarrah/Marri forest, 2MM, 5FF (PES 28866); Queensland, Broadwater Lake Conservation Area, 20 km SE of Dalby, SW Track, −27.378, 151.277 *, 28.iv.2002, 3FF (USNM); Birdsville to Mt. Isa, vii.1987, B. Harvey, 1F (MV ENTO2014-19L); 15 miles S. of Greymare, −36.428, 148.297 *, 29.xii.1973, sweeping long grass under dry sclerophyll, 4MM (QM S45657 View Materials ); Crater Rewan, iv.1984, A. Rozefelds, 3FF (QM S39776); Braemar State Forest, via Kogan, −29.054, 152.997 *, GBM, ex Callitrus, 1F (QM S39743 View Materials ); Kroombit Park, nr. Biloela, −24.377, 151.041 *, 15.viii.1997, H. Beare, 1F (AM KS50787); Eurimbola, SE of Gladstone, rainforest site 4, −24.183, 151.833, iii.1975, 0 m, C. Horseman, 1M, 1F (AM KS0252); Taunton National Park, NE corner just off road, −23.493, 149.278, 9.v.2000, G. Milledge, H. Smith, 1F (AM KS66499); Conway National Park, site 34, −20.412, 148.795 *, 8.xi.1991, R. Raven, swamp at start of Mount Rooper walk, 1M (QM S33973 View Materials ); Tasmania, Risdon, −42.822, 147.327 *, 27.ii.1964, V. V. Hickman, 2MM, 1F, 1Juv (MCZ); East Risdon, −42.822, 147.325 *, V. V. Hickman, 10+FF (USNM); 2.i.1928, V. V. Hickman, 2MM, 1F (WAM); Risdon, −42.822, 147.327 *, 27.iii.1952, V. V. Hickman, FF (AM KS28661); East Risdon, −42.822, 147.325 *, 10.vi.1957, V. V. Hickman, in curled leaf web, 6FF (AM KS28674); Punchbowl, −41.457, 147.167 *, 2.ii.1928, V. V. Hickman, 2FF (AM KS28582); Domain, −42.865, 147329*, 19.iii.1964, V. V. Hickman, among grass, 1M (AM KS28676); Risdon, −42.822, 147.327 *, 20.vii.1960, J. L. Hickman, V. V. Hickman, in curled leaf suspended in orb web, FF (AM KS28660); Domain, −42.865, 147329*, 27.iv.1973, V. V. Hickman, in curled leaf, 1F (AM KS28677); Victoria, Dimboola, −36.387, 142.054 *, 1988–89, H. Manson, 2FF (MV ENTO2014- 19L); Victoria, 18 km N. of Healesville, −37.583, 145.517, 5.iv.1991, M. S. Harvey, M. E. Blosfelds, 1F (WAM T99/2836); New South Wales, Wagga Wagga, nr. Collorboralli, −35.250, 147.333, 18.iv.1993, C. A. Car, 1F (WAM T99/2986); nr. Dubbo, −32.250, 148.616 *, 28–29.i.1983, V. C. Levitt, 1F (AM KS34250); Warderry State Forest, −33.699, 148.203, 15.iii.2002, G. Milledge, H. Smith, in curled leaf, 1F (AM KS76354); Euabalong, Round Hill, −33.036, 146.386 *, 15.v.1969, M. Gray, 1F (AM KS109274); Cocoparra National Park, Woolshed Flat campsite, −34.079, 146.223, 15.iii.2002, G. Milledge, H. Smith, head torch, 1F (AM KS76357); Broken Hill, The Pinnacles, −31.994, 141.470 * (AM KS32881); Kosciuszko National Park, Waste Point, 8.3 km N Jindabyne, −36.350, 148.606, 1.iii. 2008, 930 m, A. Hegedus, nigh collection 1F (AM KS104530); Southern Australia, Kangaroo Island, −35.833, 137.250 *, v.1951, J. Bechervaise, 2F (MV ENTO2014-19L); Mambray Creek National Park, Flinders Range, −32.808, 137.983 *, 8.iv.1973, M. Gray, rolled leaf in orb web, 1F (AM KS10245); 23 km N of Warrow, −34.172, 135.387, 22.iii.2002, G. Milledge, H. Smith, 1F (AM KS76434); Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, track SW of Paney High School, 2 km from N.border of par, −32.789, 135.509, 22.iii.2002, G. Milledge, H. Smith, curled leaf, 2MM (AM KS86117); Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, −35.282, 149.129 *, 15.v.1963, C. R. MacLellan, on Pyracantha , 1F (WAM); Canberra, −35.281, 149.129 *, 4.iii.1972, E. McCallan, prey of Pison spinolae , 3FF (QM); Canberra, −35.281, 149.129 *, i.1980, E. McCallan, prey of Pison spinolae (QM) ; Canberra, Najor Orchard, −35.281, 149.129 *, 15.v.1963, C.R. MacLellan, on Pyracantha , 1F (MKS33817).

PHONOGNATHA NEOCALEDONICA BERLAND, 1924 View in CoL