Tegenaria amirani Seropian, Bulbulashvili et Makharadze, 2025

Tegenaria amirani Seropian, Bulbulashvili et Makharadze sp. nov.

Figs 1–9 View Figure 1–9

Type material.

Holotype ♂ ( CaBOL-ID 1009928 ): Georgia: Shida Kartli, Gori, Kvernaki ridge ; 41.9927°N, 44.1352°E; 705 m a. s. l.; heathland, S exposed dry rocky slope; leg. N. Bulbulashvili; 30 Jun. 2024 GoogleMaps . Paratypes. 1 ♀ ( CaBOL-ID 1009929 ): same data; leg. G. Makharadze GoogleMaps . 1 ♂ ( CaBOL-ID 1020867 ): Tbilisi, Dighomi Vill . ; 41.7796°N, 44.6995°E; 724 m a. s. l.; heathland, dry rocky slope; leg. A. Seropian; 2 June 2023 GoogleMaps .

Diagnosis.

The new species belongs to the lyncea species group, defined by Brignoli (1978), in having a hammer-shaped conductor with pronounced pro- and retrolateral branches. Males of Tegenaria amirani sp. nov. are similar to those of T. podoprygorai ( Kovblyuk, 2006) and T. terskovi Ponomarev, 2023 , from which they are distinguished by median (= tegular) apophysis ( MA) positioned at ca. 12–1 o’clock (Figs 1 View Figure 1–9 , 3 View Figure 1–9 ) [vs. originating at ca. 3 o’clock ( Kovblyuk 2006: fig. 3; Ponomarev and Shmatko 2023: figs 1–2)], tip of conductor with ventral branch shorter than dorsal (Figs 2 View Figure 1–9 , 4 View Figure 1–9 ) [vs. longer ( Kovblyuk 2006: figs 1–3; Ponomarev and Shmatko 2023: figs 1–2)], and differently shaped retrolateral tibial apophysis (Figs 1 View Figure 1–9 , 4–5 View Figure 1–9 ). By the conformation of epigyne, female of the new species is similar to that of T. pseudolyncea ( Guseinov, Marusik & Koponen, 2005) , from which it can be distinguished by having general sternal pattern [vs. uniformly brown ( Guseinov et al. 2005: 167)], terminal receptacula ( TR) separated ca. by its diameter (Figs 6–7 View Figure 1–9 ) [vs. separated ca. by 2 × its diameter ( Guseinov et al. 2005: figs 61–62; Ponomarev et al. 2024: figs 49–50)], and overall smaller body size (5.42 vs. 7.6; Guseinov et al. 2005: 168).

Description.

Male ( holotype). Total length 5.35. Carapace 2.61 long, 1.95 wide. Chelicerae red-brown, 1.28 long, with 4 pro- and 4 retromarginal teeth. Carapace light reddish; pars cephalica darker, with thin, dark median line; pars thoracica lighter, with uneven darker radiating pattern. Abdominal pattern as in Fig. 8 View Figure 1–9 . Sternum light reddish, with typical darker pattern. Spinnerets light grey; basal segment of anterior spinnerets darker. Legs yellowish, with darker coxae; coxae and femora with ventral dark grey spots. Leg measurements as in Table 1 View Table 1 . Palpal structure as in Figs 1–5 View Figure 1–9 : femur ca. 1.6 × longer than tibia and patella together, patella subequal in length to tibia; tibia ca. 1.4 × longer than wide, apophysis with 2 pointy arms; cymbium ca. 1.6 × longer than wide, with tip ca. 1 / 5 of cymbial length, bulb almost as long as wide, tegulum oval, not extending beyond conductor, median apophysis ( MA) short, thinner than conductor stem (CS); conductor large with longer prolateral arm; embolus long, originating at ca. 6 o'clock, mostly hidden under conductor flap.

Variation.

Males (n = 2). Total length 5.35–5.42. Carapace 2.61–2.63 long, 1.95–1.96 wide. Female ( paratype). Total length 5.42. Carapace 2.65 long, 2.11 wide. Chelicerae light brown, 1.05 long, with 4 pro- and 4 retromarginal teeth. Coloration as in males, with lighter carapace, chelicerae, and coxae; coxae with ventral dark grey spots. Leg measurements as in Table 1 View Table 1 . Epigyne and endogyne as in Figs 6–7 View Figure 1–9 . Epigynal plate slightly extends epigastric furrow, with distinct round receptacula and dark transverse duct visible; nipples absent. Endogyne with two pairs of round receptacula, connected by long duct; terminal receptacula separated from each other ca. its diameter.

Etymology.

Named after Amirani, a cultural hero from Georgian mythology, chained to a rock as punishment for stealing fire and gifting it to humanity, in a reference to the rocky outcrops the new species inhabits; noun in apposition.

Habitat.

All specimens were individually collected under stones from dry and rocky slopes.

Distribution.

Known only from the aforementioned localities in Georgia.