Nyctaster lanceatus, Carvalho & Kury, 2025

Nyctaster lanceatus sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:

( Figs. 8–10 View FIGURE 8 View FIGURE 9 View FIGURE 10 )

Type data. Holotype ♂ ( MZSP 14013 View Materials ) BRAZIL, São Paulo state: Iporanga, Fazenda Intervales, Trilha Gruta Barra Bonita , [-24.5, -48.7], 05.xii.1992, Pinto-da-Rocha , R. & Gnaspini, P. leg.

Type locality. Brazil, São Paulo State, Iporanga .

Etymology. The specific name is an adjective derived from the Latin lancĕa (meaning “spear” or “lance”). This name highlights a distinctive character detected on the Tr IV of male specimens, which resembles a lance used in medieval tournaments.

Diagnosis. Nyctaster lanceatus sp. nov. can be distinguished from N. sidereus sp. nov. by the following characteristics: a) ventral process of the glans approximately one-third the diameter of the stylus ( Fig. 10A View FIGURE 10 ); b) cheliceral bulla with three ectal spines on the proximal margin ( Figs. 9A–B View FIGURE 9 ); c) scutal areas I–II lateral portions nearly parallel to each other ( Fig. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ); d) scutal area IV divided by a central groove ( Fig. 9A View FIGURE 9 ); e) Cx IV prodorsal apophysis with the distal portion forming a 90º angle relative to the body ( Figs. 8A–B View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ); f) Fe IV retrolateral face with a pair of spines of nearly equal size on the central portion ( Figs. 9J, L–M View FIGURE 9 ). g) Pa IV retroventral face with one spine and a subconical tubercle ( Fig. 9L View FIGURE 9 ). Female is unknown.

Description. DS measurements of ♂ holotype (MZSP 14013): CW 3.1, CL 2.2, AW 6.2, AL 3.3; Pp and legs I–IV measurements in Table 6; tarsal counts: 6(3) / 6(3) - 9(3) / 10(3) - 7 / 7 - 7 / 7.

Dorsum. DS gamma-pyriform type, wider than long, with AS lateral margins strongly convex, widest at area II and highest at area III ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). AS posterior margin sinuous ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). DS anterior portion with a transversal row of minute acuminated tubercles ( Figs. 9A, C View FIGURE 9 ). Carapace covered by a few tubercles, with a pair of paramedian higher tubercles on the posterior half ( Figs. 8A, C View FIGURE 8 , 9A–B View FIGURE 9 ). Cheliceral sockets shallow, with a small apophysis in between ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). Ocularium elliptical, high (ca. 3× the diameter of the eyes) and perpendicular to the anterior portion of DS, placed in the middle of the carapace ( Figs. 8A, C View FIGURE 8 , 9A–C View FIGURE 9 ). Ocularium with a pair of divergent spines (ca. 2× the diameter of the eyes) fused at baseline and slightly inclined frontwards ( Figs. 8A, C View FIGURE 8 , 9A–C View FIGURE 9 ). Mesotergum divided into four clearly defined scutal areas ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). Scutal areas I and IV divided into left and right halves by a central groove ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). Scutal area II antero-lateral corners of groove slightly invading the space of the scutal area I and postero-lateral groove invading the space of area III to a half its length ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). Scutal area III posterior paramedian grooves invading the space of scutal area IV ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). AS lateral borders with two tubercular rows: the inner row originates at the carapace anteriorly and extends to scutal area IV, bearing prominent tubercles between the central carapace and scutal area I, and ordinary tubercles posteriorly; the outer row, arising from the central carapace and ending at scutal area IV, bears one or two prominent tubercles at scutal areas II–III ( Figs. 8A, C View FIGURE 8 , 9A–B View FIGURE 9 ). All scutal areas bear numerous tubercles, most of which are lighter in color than the darker background ( Figs. 8A, C View FIGURE 8 , 9A–B View FIGURE 9 ). Scutal area I with a pair of paramedian tubercles ca. 2.5× taller than the surrounding ones ( Figs. 8A, C View FIGURE 8 , 9A–B, D View FIGURE 9 ). Scutal area II with a transverse row of prominent tubercles centrally, slightly arched anteriorly at the central portion ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). Scutal area III with a pair of paramedian, elevated sub-conical blunt apophyses ( Figs. 8A, C View FIGURE 8 , 9A–B, E–F View FIGURE 9 ). Scutal area IV with two paramedian pairs of prominent subconical tubercles, ca. 1.5× taller than the surrounding ones ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). DS posterior border with two transverse rows: inner row discontinuous with ordinary tubercles; outer row continuous, bearing three pairs of prominent tubercles (ca. 2× taller than the surrounding ones) in central and paramedian regions ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). Free tergites with a transverse row of mixed prominent and ordinary tubercles ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ).

Venter . Cx I–III parallel to each other, with Cx I and III compressing centrally both sides of Cx II ( Fig. 8B View FIGURE 8 ); each one bears ventral transverse rows of 8–14 setiferous tubercles (Cx I anterior row taller than the others). Cx II posterior face with a row of four acuminated tubercles. Cx III posterior face with a row of 11 acuminated tubercles. Cx IV much larger than the others, obliquely oriented ( Fig. 8B View FIGURE 8 ). Stigmatic area Y-shaped, distinctly sunken relative to Cx IV distal region ( Fig. 8B View FIGURE 8 ). Intercoxal bridges well-marked. Stigmata clearly visible ( Fig. 8B View FIGURE 8 ). Free sternites with a transverse row of minute tubercles ( Fig. 8B View FIGURE 8 ). Anal operculum covered by ordinary tubercles.

Chelicerae. Basichelicerite elongate; bulla distinct, bearing two or three marginal setiferous tubercles on mesal, ectal, and posterior faces; hand not swollen ( Fig. 9A–B View FIGURE 9 ).

Pedipalps. Tr ventrally with one regular and one geminate subconical tubercle on distal half. Fe with two setiferous tubercles: one prolateral apical, one proventral basal. Pa unarmed. Ti with ventro-mesal and ventro-ectal rows of four (IiIi) setiferous tubercles. Ta with ventro-mesal row of three (IIi) and a ventro-ectal row of four (IiIi) setiferous tubercles. Claw smooth, slightly ventrally arched ( Fig. 8C View FIGURE 8 ).

Legs. Tr I–III dorsally and ventrally covered with minute tubercles; ventral face with a central prominent tubercle. Fe I–II straight, Fe III sub-straight ( Fig. 9G View FIGURE 9 ). Fe–Mt I–III with rows of minute tubercles on all faces (except ventral). Fe II–III retro dorsal face with an apical spur nearly half the segment diameter ( Fig. 9G View FIGURE 9 ).

Cx IV: large, surpassing DS in dorsal view and distally reaching posterior DS margin and free tergites ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ); it is covered with rows of tubercles on prodorsal, prolateral, proventral and ventral faces, while pro dorsal tubercles are more developed than others ( Figs. 8A–C View FIGURE 8 , 9A View FIGURE 9 ). A long prolateral distal apophysis, perpendicular to the DS, distally forming a curved claw-shaped branch with a minute central secondary monticule ( Figs. 8A–C View FIGURE 8 , 9A–B, H, J–M View FIGURE 9 ); pro dorsal apophysis with a reduced basal secondary branch ( Fig. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9A, I–K View FIGURE 9 ); a short retrolateral apophysis bearing a minute secondary branch ( Fig. 8A–B View FIGURE 8 , 9A, I–M View FIGURE 9 ).

Tr IV: rectangular-shaped ( Fig. 8A–C View FIGURE 8 , 9A, I–M View FIGURE 9 ), dorsally and ventrally tuberculate ( Figs. 8A, C View FIGURE 8 , 9K–M View FIGURE 9 ), with a pair of prominent tubercles on pro ventral and retroventral (geminated) distal portions ( Figs. 9L View FIGURE 9 ); proximal portion with conical apophyses on prolateral and retrolateral faces—both slightly curved anteriorly, the retrolateral larger ( Figs. 8A–C View FIGURE 8 , 9A, I–M View FIGURE 9 ); distal portion with a transverse claw-shaped apophysis extending dorsally on the pro dorsal face, bearing a larger anterior subconical secondary process. ( Figs. 8A, C View FIGURE 8 , 9A, I–K View FIGURE 9 ). Prolateral face with two prominent tubercles on the central portion ( Figs. 9I–K View FIGURE 9 ), also with a prominent tubercle near the distal border, adjacent to the prodorsal apophysis ( Figs. 9A, I–K View FIGURE 9 ). Tr IV retrolateral face with a prominent posteriorly oriented conical apophysis ( Figs. 9I, L–M View FIGURE 9 ); retrodorsal face with a spear-shaped large apophysis, basally swollen ( Figs. 8A–B View FIGURE 8 , 9A, I–M View FIGURE 9 ).

Fe IV: sub-straight, centrally oriented to retro dorsal ( Figs. 8A–C View FIGURE 8 , 9J–M View FIGURE 9 ). Dorsal face with seven spines (iiIiiII) and two prominent subconical tubercles on the proximal ¾, followed by a reduced apical spine ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9J–K View FIGURE 9 ); prodorsal face with a row of 10–12 prominent tubercles, followed by a subconical apical spur ( Figs. 8A View FIGURE 8 , 9J–K View FIGURE 9 ); prolateral face with a row of 15 tubercles ( Figs. 9J–K View FIGURE 9 ); proventral face with five reduced subconical tubercles on the proximal third, and subconical spines (iIiiI) on the distal ⅔ ( Figs. 9L–M View FIGURE 9 ). Ventral face with four spines on the proximal half, the distal most notably larger and curved retro laterally ( Figs. 8B View FIGURE 8 , 9L–M View FIGURE 9 ); retro ventral face with three spines on the distal half, the proximal most notably larger and curved dorsally ( Figs. 9L–M View FIGURE 9 ); retrolateral face with two–three large spines on the distal half ( Figs. 8B View FIGURE 8 , 9J, L–M View FIGURE 9 ); retro dorsal face with two spines (most proximal larger) and an apical spur on the distal third ( Figs. 9J View FIGURE 9 ).

Pa IV: dorsally and laterally covered by ordinary and prominent subconical tubercles, increasing size towards to retrolateral face ( Figs. 9J–L View FIGURE 9 ); proventral face with four spines (iIiI) ( Figs. 9K–L View FIGURE 9 ); retro ventral face with two spines (Ii) ( Figs. 9L View FIGURE 9 ).

Ti IV: dorsally covered by conical tubercles, taller on the retro dorsal face. Prolateral face with a row of subconical tubercles; proventral face with a row of 10 reduced spines; retro ventral face with a row of 10 spines (iIIIIIIiII); retrolateral face with a row of eight or nine subconical tubercles.

Mt IV: with rows of minute tubercles on all faces (except ventral); proventral and retro ventral apical portions with spurs.

Color ( in ethanol) ( Figs. 8A–C View FIGURE 8 ). Ocularium, DS background, scutal grooves and its borders, free tergites I–III, and anal operculum Dark Grayish Yellow (91). DS and free tergites I–III bear numerous Yellowish White (92) tubercles contrasting with the background. Pair of spines from DS scutal area III Dark Grayish Olive Green (128) with tips Light Olive (106). Chelicerae, Cx Pp, Cx I–III, Pa–Mt I–III and Tr–Ti IV with Light Yellow (86) background and some honeycombed Dark Greenish Yellow (103) reticulation. Tr–Cl Pp, Fe I–III and Mt IV Pale Greenish Yellow (104) background and some honeycombed Medium Gray (265) reticulation. Cx IV background and Cx–Tr IV apophyses Dark Greenish Yellow (103). Tr–Ti IV spines Light Olive (106) with apices Light Yellow (86). Articular membranes White (263).

Male genitalia. VP is divided into two regions, a distal rectangular part and a proximal elliptical part ( Fig. 10B View FIGURE 10 ). VP ventral surface entirely covered with type 1 microsetae. All MS are laterally inserted on the VP: A1–A3 cylindrical, thick and acuminate, forming a diagonal row on the basal third of VP (MS A3 ventral most) ( Figs. 10A–B View FIGURE 10 ); B1 conical and very reduced, inserted ventrally, at height of A2 ( Figs. 10A–B View FIGURE 10 ); C1–C3 similar in shape to MS A, forming a longitudinal row on the distal third of the VP ( Figs. 10A–B View FIGURE 10 ); D1 small, positioned closer to C3 than A1 ( Figs. 10A–B View FIGURE 10 ); E1–E2 similar in shape to B macrosetae, located on the distal lateral border of the VP; E1 at the height of C1 and E2 between the height of C2–C3 ( Figs. 10A–B View FIGURE 10 ). Glans sac short, arising from middle bulge on podium, not extended as a dorsal process ( Fig. 10A View FIGURE 10 ). Stylus and ventral process are basally fused, forming a long pedestal at an acute (almost V-shaped) angle ( Fig. 10A View FIGURE 10 ). Apex of the stylus sub-straight, dorsally bent at approximately 45°, without clearly defined head and ventrally covered by small subdistal spines (some of them reaching the central part of the stylus) ( Figs. 10A–B View FIGURE 10 ). The ventral process of the stylus is sub-straight, thinner and as long as the stylus, and nearly reaches the distal VP border in situ ( Figs. 10A–B View FIGURE 10 ); flabellum of the ventral process is “hand-shaped”, with lateral spines ( Figs. 10A–B View FIGURE 10 ).

Geographic distribution. Only known from the type locality: BRAZIL, State of São Paulo: Iporanga ( Fig. 4 View FIGURE 4 ) .