Micariasanipass, Booysen & Haddad, 2021

Micariasanipass View in CoL sp. nov.

Figs 34 View FIGURES 27–36 , 163 – 164 View FIGURES 161–164

Type material. Holotype: ♂, SOUTHAFRICA: KwaZulu–Natal: Sani Pass, pitfalltraps, 1200 ma.s.l., 30°11.4’S, 30°24.4’E, leg. University of Pretoria Students , 20.I.2008 (NCA 2011/857). GoogleMaps

Etymology. The species name is a noun in apposition of the Sani Pass sampling transect where it was collected.

Diagnosis. The males of this species can be distinguished from other Afrotropical Micaria in having a narrowly curved loop at the base of the tegulum, more so than in other species. The males of similar species, such as M. gagnoa sp. nov., have a larger gap in the loop and the RTA is subapical, whereas that of M. sanipass sp. nov. is on the apical ridge of the palpal tibia.

Description. Male ( holotype from Sani Pass, South Africa, NCA 2011/857): Measurements: TL 3.25, CL 1.50, CW 0.83, CL:CW 1.81, CLH 0.10, CLH:AME 1.70. Eyes: ALE 0.06, AME 0.06, PLE 0.06, PME 0.05, AME–AME 0.01, PME–PME 0.05, MOQAW 0.13, MOQPW 0.16, MOQL 0.20. SL 0.71, SW 0.49, AL 1.50, AW 0.95. Leg measurements: Palpal segment lengths: 0.68, 0.22, 0.21, 0.31. Leg I: 0.97, 0.37, 0.78, 0.70, 0.71. II: 0.84, 0.33, 0.70, 0.71, 0.71. III: 0.76, 0.30, 0.57, 0.71, 0.52. IV: 1.29, 0.41, 1.05, 1.18, 0.83. TLoflegs (I–IV): 3.53, 3.29, 2.86, 4.76; leg formula: 4123.

Colouration: carapace brown; abdomen dark brown; legs with femur Idarkened basally; legs II–IV uniform in colour; sternum, endites, labium and chelicerae similar in colour to carapace ( Fig. 34 View FIGURES 27–36 ). Carapace: smooth in texture; slight transverse median depression present on posterior third; decorated with squamose setae; broad rectangular dark pattern present medially, with radiating dark lines; posterior margin straight; fovea absent; anterior margin narrowing slightly from coxa I; PER recurved in dorsal view, AER recurved in anterior view. Chelicerae: decorated with plumose setae. Labium: triangular in shape, rounded at tip, accompanied by cluster of setae. Endites: oblique; anterior margin straight; cluster of setae present on inner–apical margin; very thin black anterior margin. Sternum: shield-like; broadest between coxa Iand II; posterior margin tapered between coxa IV; decorated with aculeate setae. Legs: femora laterally flattened, highest at base, leg Imore pronounced in this fashion; rest of legs normal, thin. Leg macrosetae: Palps: 1pl, 1pl, 1plv, 1pl, 2plv, 2vt. Leg I: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 2rlv, 1plv, 1rlv. II: 1d. III: 1pl, 1rlv, 1vt, 1plv, 1rlv, 4vt. IV: 1plv, 2vt, 2plv, 2rlv, 4vt. Scopulate setae on tarsi and metatarsi of leg I–II, and on tarsi of Leg III–IV. Abdomen: cylindrical in shape; decorated with squamose setae; dorsal pattern not visible (abdomen damaged in holotype), but with brown scutum connecting to median constriction; white lateral stripes may also be present; venter lighter than dorsum; sigilla not visible. Palp: retrolateral tibial apophysis present on retrolateral surface; median apophysis similar in size to embolus, curved prolaterally; sperm duct present on retrolateral surface of tegulum, curved sharply at median basal margin of tegulum; embolus straight, slanted retrolaterally; cymbium thin above tegulum; two small, slightly thickened spines present at tip; two large spines present pre–apically on cymbium ( Figs 163, 164 View FIGURES 161–164 ).

Distribution. Micaria sanipass sp. nov. is only known from its type locality ( Map 5 View MAP 5 ).