Zodarion sharurensis, Zamani & Marusik, 2022

Zodarion sharurensis sp. n.

Figs 11A–G View FIGURE 11 , 12A–F View FIGURE 12 , 13A–B View FIGURE 13

Type material. Holotype ♂ and paratype 1♀ ( ZMMU), AZERBAIJAN: Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic: Sharur dist., Akhura , 39°34'N 45°11'E, 02.06.2003 ( E. F. Guseinov). GoogleMaps

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the name of the type locality.

Diagnosis. The male of the new species differs from all species considered in Zodarion by twisted RTA ( Fig. 12B View FIGURE 12 ) ( vs. uncoiled in other species), and the presence of retrolateral cymbial ( Ce) and tegular ( Te and Pe) extensions. The female of Z. sharurensis sp. n. has epigyne similar to those in Z. abantense Wunderlich, 1980 and Z. talyschicum Dunin & Nenilin, 1897 by having round, widely separated receptacles and straight (i.e. uncoiled) copulatory ducts. It can be differentiated from both species by having receptacles separated by 3.3 diameters ( vs. 2.7). Furthermore, from Z. abantense it differs by fovea with parallel margins ( vs. triangular) and distinct (i.e. well sclerotized) copulatory ducts visible through integument ( vs. indistinct). It can also be diagnosed from Z. talyschicum by wider epigynal fovea (2 times longer than wide vs. 3 times longer than wide).

Description. Male. Habitus as in Fig. 12E View FIGURE 12 . Total length 1.90. Carapace 0.88 long, 0.70 wide. Eye sizes: AME: 0.08, ALE: 0.07, PME: 0.06, PLE: 0.05. Carapace, sternum, chelicerae, labium and maxillae yellowish brown. Legs slightly lighter than carapace, without annulations. Abdomen dorsally dark grayish and with pale median band; pale beige ventrally. Spinnerets uniformly pale beige. Measurements of legs: I: 2.82 (0.66, 0.31, 0.65, 0.67, 0.53), II: 2.52 (0.65, 0.29, 0.52, 0.59, 0.47), III: 2.42 (0.62, 0.30, 0.49, 0.59, 0.42), IV: 3.47 (0.88, 0.34, 0.79, 0.96, 0.50).

Palp as in Figs 12A–D View FIGURE 12 , 13A–B View FIGURE 13 ; femur 3.25 times longer than wide, as long as cymbium; patella as long as wide, with 2 modified short and thick dorsal setae ( Figs 12B View FIGURE 12 , 13B View FIGURE 13 ); tibia wider than long, with large RTA about 2 times longer than tibia and with swollen basal part ( Br) and thin terminal part ( Tr) twisted around its axis at about 150º, and round tip directed anterodorsally; cymbium elongate, 2 times longer than wide, with retrobasal extension ( Ce); bulb elongate, about 1.6 times longer than wide; tegulum with cylindrical extension in meso-retrolateral ( Te) and posterior ( Pe) parts; tegular apophysis ( Ta) 1.3 times longer than wide; conductor ( Co) relatively broad (Fig. 14A); embolus ( Em) originating at about 6 o’clock position and terminating at a 12 o’clock position, base ( Eb) very wide, terminal half filamentous, tip slightly widened.

Female. Habitus as in Fig. 12F View FIGURE 12 . Total length 2.35. Carapace 0.90 long, 0.70 wide. Eye sizes: AME: 0.08, ALE: 0.06, PME: 0.05, PLE: 0.04. Coloration as in male. Measurements of legs: Fe I: 0.67, II: Fe 0.58, Pa 0.23, Ti 0.51, Mt 0.51, Fe III: 0.56, Fe IV: 0.78, unlisted segments missing

Epigyne as in Fig. 11A–G View FIGURE 11 ; epigynal plate about 2.6 times wider than long, with distinct fovea ( Fo) 1.5 times longer than wide; anterior hood ( Ah) arched; copulatory openings ( Oc) located inside fovea; copulatory ducts ( Cd) long, more than 2 times longer than fovea’s width, and about 9 times longer than wide; receptacles ( Re) globular, their diameter as long as fovea’s width, separated by about 4 diameters.

Note. The generic placement is tentative, and this species most likely belongs to an undescribed genus.

Distribution. Known only from the type locality in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azerbaijan.