Micariabeaufortia ( Tucker, 1923 )

Micariabeaufortia ( Tucker, 1923) View in CoL

Figs 11–12 View FIGURES 9–17 , 37, 40, 41 View FIGURES 37–42 , 43, 46, 48 View FIGURES 43–48 , 50–52 View FIGURES 49–54 , 56 View FIGURES 55–60 , 66 View FIGURES 65–71 , 88, 90, 91 View FIGURES 86–91 , 96, 99, 100 View FIGURES 96–101 , 103 View FIGURES 102–108 , 107,113–116

Epikurtomma beaufortia Tucker, 1923: 333 , pl. 10, fig. 54 ( ♀)

Micariabeaufortia Murphy 2007: 67 View in CoL , figs 550–551 ( ♀); Marusik & Omelko, 2017: 463 View Cited Treatment , figs 1–20, 23–24, 26–29 ( ♀ ♂).

Remarks. The type material for M. beaufortia was not examined in this study. However, conspecificity was accurately determined by comparing the male and female genital features of the non-type material from near the type locality to the illustrations of Tucker (1923) ( ♀ plate X: fig. 54) and Marusik & Omelko (2017) (♂ and ♀ in figs 1-10).

Type material. ♀ holotype: SOUTHAFRICA: Western Cape: Beaufort West, leg. W.F. Purcell, X.1905 (SAMC B1638)—not examined .

Other material examined. BOTSWANA: Kweneng District: Thamaga, on rock, hand collecting, 24°43’S, 25°32’E, leg. R. Jocqué, 28.I.2003, 1 ♂ (MRAC 212746); Francistown, Selkirk Mine, Site 14, pitfalltraps, 21°17.382’S, 27°45.786’E, leg. D.H. Jacobs, 1–28.III.2008, 1 ♂ (NCA 2008/2891). ETHIOPIA: Oromia Region: Adama, 40 km East of Nazret (Adama), under stones, Acacia /Commiphora woodland, hand collecting, leg. A. Russell-Smith, 21.III.1986, 2 ♂ (MRAC 225604); Adama, Harbona, under rocks, hillside, hand collecting, 08°44’N, 39°33’E, leg. A. Russell-Smith, 2.VII.1986, 1 ♂ (MRAC 225605). Shewa Region: Langano Lake, Cynodon grassland, 1600 ma.s.l., 07°36’N, 38°43’E, leg. A. Russell-Smith, 21.VII.1986, 1 ♂ (MRAC 225571). LESOTHO: Berea District: Near Koali, under rocks on hillside, 1800 m a.s.l., 29°15’S, 27°47’E, leg. J. van Niekerk, 8.I.2013, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/2337). Butha–Buthe District: Near Butha–Buthe, under rocks, 1768 m a.s.l., 28°46.714’S, 26°16.262’E, leg. J. van Niekerk, 24.III.2014, 1 ♀ (NCA 2014/1129); same locality, under rocks on mountainside, 1780 ma.s.l., 28°47’S, 28°15’E, leg. J. van Niekerk, 14.XII.2012, 3 ♀ (NCA 2013/2367), 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/2345); Valley near Butha–Buthe, under rocks, 2150 m a.s.l., 28°48’S, 28°16’E, leg. J. van Niekerk, 18.X.2012, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/1861). Leribe District: Viewing Point near Seshutes airport, 2340 m a.s.l., 29°17.115’S, 28°32.939’E, leg. C. Haddad, 8.III.2003, ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1483). Quthing District: Ha Lazaro, under rocks on hillside, 2355 m a.s.l., 30°18.207’S, 28°07.872’E, leg. C. Haddad, 12.XI.2003, 1 ♀ (NCA 2018/28). Tsaba–Tseka District: Mohale Dam, Island 5, 2025 ma.s.l., 29°25.396’S, 28°05.903’E, leg. C. Haddad, 6.XII.2003, 2 ♂ (NCA 2017/1484). NAMIBIA: Hardap Region: Reutersbrunn, Diamond Area II, in salsola, SE 2414 Db, leg. E. Griffin, 6.IV.1986, 4 immatures (SMN). Oshikoto Region: Andoni, pitfalltraps, 18°30’S, 16°45’E, 19.V–20.VI.1986, 6 immatures (SMN 39453); Etosha National Park, 18°31’S, 16°46’E, 27.III–18.IV.1988, 35 ♂ 8 ♀ 8 immatures (SMN 40869); Andoni, South, handcollecting, 18°30’S, 16°45’E, leg. A. Russell-Smith, I.1997, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (MRAC 215420); Fishers Pan, pitfall traps, 18°47’S, 16°55’E, leg. E. Griffin, 14.II–22.III.1987, 1 ♂ 1 immature (SMN 40135). SOUTHAFRICA: Eastern Cape: Fort Beaufort, Mpofu Nature Reserve, thorn field (transect 1) SLP2, 32°36.6’S, 26°36.00’E, leg. S.L. Peinke, 29.I.2009, 1 ♂ (NCA 2011/824); Grahamstown, 1820 Settlers Monument, damp grassland, hand collecting, 33°19.14’S, 26°31.14’E, leg. T. Russell-Smith, 23.IV.1977, 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2872); Great Fish River Nature Reserve, Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve, Site 4, pitfall traps, 33°07.8’S, 26°39.00’E, leg. M. Wolmarans, 30.VII.2010, 1 ♀ (NCA 2011/911); Great Fish River NR, Farm Bucklands, on soil, pitfall traps, 27°51.6’S, 17°09.6’E, leg. M. Burger, 4.X.1993, 1 ♂ (NCA 96/62); Middelburg, 31°29’S, 25°01’E, associated with termites, hand collecting, leg. M. de Jager, 29.IX.1991, 1 ♀ (NCA 92/44). Free State: Amanzi Private Game Reserve, Acacia karroo woodlands, 28°35.785’S, 26°26.335’E, leg. V. Butler, 1–30.IX.2012, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/3377); samelocality, open grassland, 28°35.845’S, 26°26.280’E, leg. V. Butler, immature female, 2 ♂ (NCA 2013/3350); same locality, Acacia karroo woodlands, 28°35.785’S, 26°26.335’E, 1–31.III.2013, 1 ♂ (NCA 2013/4287); Bethulie, Tussen–die–Riviere Nature Reserve, rocky hill, hand collecting, 30°17.4’S, 26°03.6’E, leg. L.N. Lotz & C. Haddad, 14.X.2008, 1 immature (NMBA 12702); Bloemfontein, Botanical Gardens, pitfalltraps, 29°04.8’S, 26°06.00’E, leg. R. Poller & S. Otto, XII.2008, 1 ♂ (NMBA 11166); Bloemfontein district, Farm Deelhoek, under rocks, hand collecting, 28°50.295’S, 26°06.545’E, leg. C. Haddad, 21.X.2001, 1 ♂ (NCA 2017/1476); Bloemfontein, Roodewal, 5 Dryer Ln., under rocks next to dam, hand collecting, 29°06’17.3“S, 26°20’00.3“E, leg. R. Booysen, L. Whitehead & N. Smit, 15.XI.2018, 1 ♀ 1 immature (NCA 2020/85); samelocality, on ground, under rocks, with Anoplelepis ants, hand collecting, 29°06’17.3“S, 26°20’00.3“E, leg. R. Booysen, S. Pekár, E. Liznarova & O. Michálek, 27.XI.2018, 1 ♂ (NCA 2020/86); Bloemfontein, University of the Free State, West Campus, Trinervitermes trinervoides termitaria and surrounding grassland, pitfall traps, 1425 m a.s.l., 29°06’S, 26°10’E, leg. C. Haddad & H. Badenhorst, 6– 26.III.2019, 10 ♂ 4 ♀ (NCA 2019/845); Bloemfontein district, Farm Hopefield, bluegum leaf litter, 28°54.00’S, 26°13.8’E, leg. C. Haddad, 24.II.2002, 1 ♂ (NCA 2002/416); same locality, ground surface, hand collecting, 22.XII.2001, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2002/415); Bloemfontein, Langenhoven Park, on paving in garden, 1415 m a.s.l., 29°05.099’S, 26°09.569’E, leg. C. Haddad, 1.I.2003, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1485); Naval Hill, pitfalltraps, 1440 m a.s.l., 29°03.6’S, 26°08.4’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, V.1990, 1 ♂ (NMBA 6186); samelocality, 1480 ma.s.l., 1 ♀ 1 immature (NMBA 6095); samelocality, 1440 ma.s.l., 1 ♂ (NMBA 6082); Naval Hill, Eastern Plateau, 1250 ma.s.l., 29°03.6’S, 26°08.4’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, II.1991, 5 ♂ (NMBA 7161); samelocality, X.1990, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 6955); same locality, I.1991, 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 7096); samelocality, III.1991, 1 ♂ (NMBA 7202); Naval Hill, Hangmanskloof, 1250 ma.s.l., 29°03.6’S, 26°08.4’E, VII.1990, 2 ♂ (NMBA 7036); Naval Hill, Hangmanskloof North, 29°03.6’S, 26°08.4’E, XI.1990, 1 ♂ (NMBA 6987); Naval Hill, Hangmanskloof South, 1250 ma.s.l., 29°03.6’S; 26°08.4’E, XII.1991, 7 ♂ 1 ♀ 1 immature (NMBA 7607); samelocality, II.1991, 6 ♂ 1 immature (NMBA 7145); samelocality, IX.1990, 7 ♂ (NMBA 6315); samelocality, pitfalltraps, XI.1991, 1 ♂ 1 immature (NMBA 7539); samelocality, III.1991, 1 ♂ (NMBA 7185); samelocality, XI.1990, 3 ♂ (NMBA 6990); samelocality, I.1991, 9 ♂ 4 ♀ 2 immatures (NMBA 7080); samelocality, X.1990, 2 ♂ (NMBA 6944); Naval Hill, Observatory, 1250 ma.s.l., II.1991, 1 ♀ (NMBA 7164); Naval Hill, West Plateau, I.1991, 2 ♂ (NMBA 7109); Boshof, Elliesdal 1062, pitfalltraps, 28°10.8’S, 25°18.6’E, leg. Entomol. Staff, IV–VIII.1987, 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 1813); Brandfort, Amanzi Private Game Reserve, Acacia woodland, 1425 ma.s.l., 28°21.00’S, 26°15.00’E, leg. V. Butler & C. Haddad, 17.XII–1.I.2011, 2 ♂ (NMBA 15925); Florisbad, 1250 ma.s.l., 28°27.6’S, 26°03.00’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, 08.XII.1987, 1 ♀ (NMBA 16912); samelocality, 08–21.XII.1987, 1 ♀ (NMBA 8413); samelocality, 09–23.XI.1987, 1 ♂ (NMBA 4954), 1 ♂ (NMBA 4939); samelocality, 1250 ma.s.l., 17.I–1.II.1988, 1 ♀ (NMBA 3724); samelocality, 8.XII.1987, 1 ♂ (NMBA 17096); samelocality, 5–19.I.1988, 1 ♀ (NMBA 3631); samelocality, 12–23.IX.1988, 1 ♂ (NMBA 8519); samelocality, 08.XII.1987, 1 ♂ (NMBA 17448); same locality, 21.XII–5.I.1987 –88, 1 ♀ (NMBA 8394); same locality, 5.I.1988, 1 ♂ (NMBA 16913); samelocality, 8–21.XII.1987, 1 ♂ (NMBA 3394), 1 ♂ (NMBA 8376); same locality, 1–15.II.1988, 1 ♂ (NMBA 8494); Krugersdrift Dam, in canal, hand collecting, 28°25.2’S, 25°33.00’E, leg. Mus. Staff, 28.VIII.1985, 3 immatures (NMBA 9901); samelocality, SE 2825 Dd, leg. C. Pieterse, 23.IV.1985, 1 immature (NMBA 169); samelocality, leg. Mus. Staff, 21.X.1985, 1 ♂ (NMBA 979), samelocality, 1 immature (NMBA 982); samelocality, 28.VIII.1985, 1 ♀ (NMBA 891); samelocality, Ziziphus bushes, beating, leg. C. Pieterse, 18.IV.1985, 5 ♂ 1 ♀ (NMBA 165); samelocality, in canal, hand collecting, leg. Mus. Staff, 22.VIII.1985, 1 ♂ (NMBA 858); Fauresmith, Kalkfonteindam, in webs & on ground, 29°18.6’S, 25°09.6’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, 9.IV.2008, 2 immatures (NMBA 12099); samelocality, grassveld, pitfalltraps, 10–14.IV.2008, 4 ♂ 4 ♀ (NMBA 12183); same locality, Koppie, 14–18.IV.2008, 1 ♀ (NMBA 12205); samelocality, rocky hill, 8–11.IV.2008, 1 ♂ (NMBA 11988); Gariep Dam Nature Reserve, Nama karoo veld, pitfall traps, 1340 m a.s.l., 30°35’S, 25°32’E, leg. M. Morake & N. Tshabalala, 10.IV.2017, 1 ♂ (NCA 2019/910); same data but sweeping, 1 ♀ (NCA 2019/926); Golden Gate, pitfall traps, SE 29 29 Aa, leg. Mus. Staff, V.1985, 1 ♂ (NMBA 765); Hennenman, 2 km South of Whites, Various, 28°00.6’S, 27°00.6’E, leg. L.N. Lotz, X.1993, 1 ♂ 1 immature (NMBA 6295); Hoopstad, Sandveld Nature Reserve, Odontotermes mound chimney, hand collecting, 27°51.00’S, 25°55.8’E, leg. C. Haddad, 25.X.2003, 1 ♂ (NCA 2002/529); same locality, grassland and shrubs, pitfall traps, 27°26.4’S, 25°07.6’E, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 2–30.X.2009, 2 ♂ (NMBA 14612); Swartsrus 1193, beating, 27°27.00’S, 25°18.00’E, leg. Mus. Staff, 24.X.1985, 1 ♀ (NMBA 991); Luckhof district, Farm Bankfontein, Vanderkloof Dam, 30°04.557’S, 24°52.204’E, leg. C. Haddad, 26.IV.2019, 1 ♂ (NCA 2019/410); samelocality, 30°04.448’S, 24°53.023’E, leg. C. Haddad, 27.III.2018, 2 ♀ (NCA 2019/409); Petrusburg, Petrusburg Rd., among Arctotis flowers, 29°10.8’S, 25°04.2’E, leg. Entomol. Staff, 20.VIII.1987, 1 ♀ (NMBA 1893); Theunissen, Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, site 4, gravel plain, pitfalltraps, 28°18.00’S, 26°28.8’E, leg. R. Fourie & A. Grobler, 31.VIII–30.IX.2009, 1 ♀ (NMBA 14279); 30.IX–28.X.2009, 2 ♂ (NMBA 14339); same locality, Site 6, N shore of dam, near water, 31.VIII–30.XI.2009, 1 ♀ (NMBA 14260). Gauteng: Johannesburg, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (Site 4), Along hillside, between entrance & site 4, hand collecting, 26°16.998’S, 28°04.002’E, leg. Spider Club members, 13.I.2013, 1 ♂ (KNR0742); Midrand, Halfway House, crops, potatoes, 25°59.4’S, 28°07.8’E, leg. J. Finley, 2.IV.1989, 3 immatures (NCA 76/1105); Pretoria/Tshwane, Faerie Glenn Nature Reserve, leg. P. Webb, 26.IV.2014, 3 immatures (NCA 2014/2481); Knoppieslaagte, pitfalltraps, 25°57.00’S, 27°58.2’E, leg. D. Uys, 19.III.1979, 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2001/65); Rietondale Research Station, on soil, 25°44.4’S, 28°11.4’E, leg. A. van den Berg, 24.III.1998, 1 ♂ (NCA 2007/1317); samelocality, leg. J. Nkwana, 16.VI.1998, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2007/1319). KwaZulu–Natal: Ndumo Game Reserve, Mjanshi, Main Road, hand collecting, 26°54.222’S, 32°16.025’E, leg. C. Haddad, 10.II.2015, 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/1717); Pongola, Ngotche, Farm Vergeval, Camponotus ant mimic, 27°21.00’S, 31°36.6’E, leg. A.S. Dippenaar et al., 4.IV.1967, 1 ♀ (NCA 84/476); Sani Pass, pitfall traps, 1200 m a.s.l., 30°11.4’S, 30°24.4’E, leg. University of Pretoria Students, 28.I.2008, 1 ♀ (NCA 2011/855). Limpopo: Dendron, Farm Amsterdam, under stones, hand collecting, 23°22.2’S, 29°19.2’E, leg. A.S. Dippenaar et al., 19.IV.1967, 1 ♂ (NCA 84/477); Mopani, Ndengeza, pitfall traps, 23°18.534’S, 30°24.486’E, leg. E. Mauda, 14.VI.2014, with egg sac, 2 ♀ (NCA 2015/2474), 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2475), 1 ♂ 2 ♀ (NCA 2015/2480), 1 ♂ (NCA 2015/2481), 2 ♀ (NCA 2015/2488); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. E. Mauda, 9.VI.2014, 3 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2485), same data but pitfall traps, 5 ♂ 3 ♀ (NCA 2015/2484); same locality, pitfall traps, leg. E. Maude, 21. I.2015, 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2473); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. E. Maude, 26.I.2015, 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2477). Mpumalanga: Belfast, Kloof, leaf litter, leg. M. Filmer, 27.XII.1990, 1 immature (NCA 91/652); Carolina, Grootpan Farm 456JS, Site 1, 27 km NW Carolina, Strathrae Colliery EIA, sweeping, 1692 ma.s.l., 23°58.18’S, 29°55.44’E, leg. D.H. Jacobs, 13.II.2012, 3 ♂ (NCA 2013/5308); Grootpan Farm 564JS, 01F, 27 km NW of Carolina, Strathrae Colliery EIA, pitfalltraps, 1689 ma.s.l., 25°54.18’S, 29°55.44’E, leg. D.H. Jacobs, 12.VI.2012, 1 ♀ (NCA 2012/4435); Dullstroom, Verloren Valei Nature Reserve, soil surface, handcollecting, 28°18.00’S, 30°06.9’E, leg. P. Webb, 23.XII.2015, 1 ♀ (NCA 2015/2491); Kruger National Park, Skukuza Camp, leg. A. Leroy, 29.XI.2005, 1 ♀ (NCA 2007/1316). Northern Cape: Douglas, ca. 20 km east of Douglas on R357, On ground with Anoplolepis custodiens ant, 1035 ma.s.l., 28°59.358’S, 23°58.372’E, leg. C. Haddad, 21.IX.2001, 1 ♀ (NCA 2017/1477); Kathu, Farm Sacha, pitfalltraps, 27°42.500’S, 22°57.967’E, 24–27.II.2003, 2 ♂ (NCA 2017/1478); Kuruman, 1 km Sof Kuruman, on ground with Anoplolepis custodiens ants, hand collecting, leg. C. Haddad, 1350 m a.s.l., 27°28.887’S, 23°26.624’E, leg. C. Haddad, 21.I.2004, 1 ♂ (NCA 2017/1479); Nieuwoudtville, Hantam National Botanical Garden, under stones, 31°22.2’S, 19°06.6’E, leg. T. Russell-Smith, 26.VIII.2008, 1 ♂ 1 immature (NCA 2015/2817); Prieska, Green Valley Nuts, Pistachio orchard, pitfall traps, 29°40.8’S, 22°44.4’E, leg. C. Haddad, 18. IX.2001, 3 ♂ 2 ♀ (NCA 2002/483); samelocality, leaf litter sifting, 29°40.8’S, 22°44.4’E, leg. C. Haddad. 28.V.2002, 1 immature (NCA 2002/486). Western Cape: Beaufort West, Karoo National Park, web in grass, hand collecting, leg. A. Leroy, 2.IV.1989, 1 immature (NCA 89/691); Cape Town, Devil’s Peak slope, 33°57.00’S, 18°25.8’E, leg. F. Purcell, VII.1898, 1 immature (SAM 4283); Signal Hill, 33°54.6’S, 18°24.00’E, leg. W.F. Purcell, VIII.1898, 1 ♀ (SAMC 4400); samelocality, leg. R.M. Lightfoot, VI.1897, 1 immature (SAM 3386); De Hoop Nature Reserve, back dune, leaf litter, leg. C. Haddad, 25.III.2005, 2 immatures (NCA 2005/569); Matjiesfontein, Farm Jagerskraal, open ground, pitfalltraps, 33°13.802’S, 20°24.907’E, leg. Z. Mbo, 10.IX–15.X.2015, 4 immatures (NCA2016/2732); Prince Albert, Tierberg, old lands, 33°13.2’S, 22°01.8’E, leg. R. Dean, 14.VI.1988, 1 ♂ (NCA 91/1259). ZIMBABWE: Matobo: Rowallan Park, 20°25’S, 28°31’E, leg. M. FitzPatrick, VII.2005, 1 ♂ (NMZ/ A15859 View Materials ), 1 ♂ 2 ♀ 4 immatures (NMZ/ A15297 View Materials ), 1 ♀ (NMZ/ A15297 View Materials ); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, I.2005, 1 ♂ 4 ♀ 1 immature (NMZ/A15287); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, 27.VII.2004, 1 ♂ (NMZ/ A14870 View Materials ); same locality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, V.2005, 2 ♂ 1 immature (NMZ/A15465); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, XI.2004, 1 ♂ 2 ♀ 2 immatures (NMZ/ A15218 View Materials ); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, XII.2004, 1 ♂ (NMZ/A15229); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, XI.2005, 1 ♂ (NMZ/A16457); same locality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, III.2005, 6 ♂ 3 ♀ (NMZ/ A15420 View Materials ); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, IV.2005, 3 ♂ 4 ♀ (NMZ/A15452); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, X.2004, 1 ♂ 1 ♀ 2 immatures (NMZ/A15107); samelocality, pitfalltraps, leg. M. FitzPatrick, I.2006, 1 ♀ (NMZ/A16560).

Diagnosis. Micaria beaufortia can be distinguished from other Afrotropical Micaria in having a divided anterior hood (females), as well as posterior pockets basal to each of the spermathecae that are curved. Both sexes are large ( 4–5 mm) in comparison to other Afrotropical species and possess a narrow white transverse median band with a perpendicular dotted or solid stripe extending towards the spinnerets ( Fig. 1 View FIGURES 1–2 ).

Description. Female (non–type from Bloemfontein, NCA 2019/845): Measurements: TL 4.85, CL 1.85, CW 1.15, CL:CW 1.61, CLH 0.13, CLH:AME 2.06. Eyes: ALE 0.10, AME 0.06, PLE 0.08, PME 0.06, AME–AME 0.04, PME–PME 0.08, MOQAW 0.18, MOQPW 0.21, MOQL 0.20. SL 0.94, SW 0.73, AL 2.60, AW 1.80. Leg measurements: Palpal segment lengths: 0.54, 0.30, 0.35, 0.60. Leg I: 1.25, 0.56, 0.97, me 0.79, 0.86. II: 1.12, 0.57, 0.95, 0.78, 0.84. III: 1.11, 0.54, 0.86, 0.93, 0.80. IV: 1.80, 0.65, 1.40, 1.60, 0.93. TLoflegs (I–IV): 4.43, 4.26, 4.24, 6.38; leg formula: 4123.

Colouration: carapace dark brown; abdomen dark brown to black; sternum, endites, labium and chelicerae similar in colour to carapace; legs with femora slightly darkened ( Fig. 11 View FIGURES 9–17 ). Carapace: carapace smooth; decorated with squamose setae ( Fig. 37 View FIGURES 37–42 ), indistinct dark pattern radiating from the middle; two white lines present on posterior quarter; posterior margin with an indentation in the middle; anterior margin of carapace narrowing from coxa I; fovea absent; AER recurved in anterior view ( Fig. 40 View FIGURES 37–42 ), PER procurved in dorsal view ( Fig. 41 View FIGURES 37–42 ). Chelicerae: decorated with plumose setae ( Fig. 43 View FIGURES 43–48 ). Labium: triangular in shape. Endites: oblique; constricted just above halfway; anterior margin flattened; cluster of setae present on inner–apical margin; serrula present ( Fig. 48 View FIGURES 43–48 ). Sternum: broadest between coxa Iand II, tapered to rounded tip behind coxa IV; decorated with squamose setae ( Figs 50–52 View FIGURES 49–54 ).

Legs: femora laterally flattened, highest at base, leg Imore pronounced in this fashion; rest of leg normal, thin; all tarsi pseudo–segmented. Leg macrosetae: Palps: 1do, 1pl, 1do, 1pl, 1pl, 3plv, 1rlv, 4vt. Leg I: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 1rlv, 1vt. II: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 1rlv, 1vt. III: 1do, 1pl, 1rl, 2pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 2vt, 1pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 4vt. IV: 1do, 2pl, 2pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 2vt, 1pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 4vt. Legs with four rows of scopulate setae on metatarsi and tarsi. Abdomen: cylindrical in shape; decorated with squamose seta; white setae forming a transverse dorsal stripe medially and longitudinally from midpoint of abdomen to spinnerets; venter similar in colour to dorsum; sigilla not visible. Epigyne: anterior hood divided; slightly angled; posterior pockets present posterior to spermathecae; copulatory opening located medially at bifurcation of copulatory ducts; spermathecae globular in shape. Copulatory duct originating from copulatory opening, extending posteriorly for short distance to anterior margin of spermathecae; fertilisation duct curved laterally, located basally on spermathecae; spermathecae globular ( Figs 103 View FIGURES 102–108 , 113, 114 View FIGURES 113–116 ).

Male (non–type from Bloemfontein, NCA 2019/845): Measurements: TL 3.65, CL 1.50, CW 0.95, CL:CW 1.58, CLH 0.14, CLH:AME 2.19. Eyes: ALE 0.07, AME 0.06, PLE 0.08, PME 0.05, AME–AME 0.03, PME–PME 0.07, MOQAW 0.15, MOQPW 0.19, MOQL 0.20. SL 0.78, SW 0.60, AL 1.90, AW 0.95. Leg measurements: Palpal segment lengths: 0.59, 0.29, 0.29, 0.54. Leg I: 1.21, 0.56, 0.97, 0.81, 0.83; II: 1.17, 0.51, 0.90, 0.79, 0.81. III: 1.10, 0.43, 0.86, 0.81, 0.71. IV: 1.65, 0.53, 1.28, 1.45, 1.00. TLoflegs (I–IV): 4.38, 4.18, 3.91, 5.91; leg formula: 4123.

Colouration: carapace dark brown; abdomen dark brown to black; sternum, endites, labium and chelicerae similar in colour to carapace; femora slightly darkened ( Fig. 12 View FIGURES 9–17 ). Carapace: smooth in texture; decorated with squamose setae; indistinct dark pattern radiating towards coxae; two white lines present on posterior quarter; posterior margin indented medially; anterior margin of carapace narrowed from coxa I; fovea absent; PER procurved in dorsal view; AER recurved in anterior view. Chelicerae: decorated with plumose setae. Labium: triangular, tapering to a rounded apex. Endites: slanting inwards towards chelicerae; constricted just above middle; anterior margin flattened; cluster of setae present on inner–apical margin. Sternum: shield-like; broadest between coxa I and II; truncated between coxa IV; decorated with brachiate and elongate barbed setae. Legs: femora laterally flattened, highest at base; leg Imore pronounced in this fashion, rest of leg normal, thin; all tarsi pseudo–segmented. Leg macrosetae: Palps: 1do, 1pl, 1do, 1pl, 1pl, 1plv, 3vt. Leg I: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 1rlv, 1vt. II: 1do, 1pl, 2plv, 1rlv, 1vt. III: 1do, 1pl, 1rl, 2pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 2vt, 1pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 4vt. IV: 1do, 2pl, 2pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 2vt, 1pl, 1rl, 2plv, 2rlv, 4vt. Legs with four rows of scopulate setae on metatarsi and tarsi. Abdomen: cylindrical in shape; decorated with squamose setae; white transverse median stripe located dorsally, formed by white setae; venter similar in colour to dorsum, white stripes sometimes present laterally towards anterior margin ( Fig. 12 View FIGURES 9–17 ); sigilla not visible. Palp: RTA present dorsally ( Fig. 107 View FIGURES 102–108 ); median apophysis present medially with slightly curved tip; sperm duct present on retrolateral surface of tegulum; embolus broad at base, retrolaterally curved tip; cymbium tip one third the length of the bulb ( Figs 115, 116 View FIGURES 113–116 ).

Distribution. M. beaufortia is very widespread throughout South Africa and found in a few localities in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia ( Map 1 View MAP 1 ).