Neischnocolus yupanquii ( Pérez-Miles, Gabriel & Gallon, 2008 )

Neischnocolus yupanquii ( Pérez-Miles, Gabriel & Gallon, 2008) View in CoL

Figs 1A, 2, 8–9

Ami yupanquii Pérez-Miles, Gabriel & Gallon View in CoL in Pérez-Miles et al., 2008: 58 View Cited Treatment , figs 3, 11–15, 39.

Neischnocolus yupanquii View in CoL – Pérez-Miles et al. 2019: 154.

non Ami yupanquii View in CoL – Kaderka 2014: 211, figs 12–13.

non Neischnocolus yupanquii View in CoL – Kaderka 2020: 448, fig. 9.

Emended diagnosis

Males of N. yupanquii resemble those of N. weinmanni by having an embolus with an acute angulation to palpal organ axis, developed prolateral superior keel, intermediate keel denticulate and continuous, and presence of a median dorsal granular area. Nonetheless, N. yupanquii differs from N. weinmanni by comparatively developed and shorter prolateral inferior keel, intermediate keel emerging between spermatic pore keels, intermediate keel overall denticulate, median dorsal granular area extending over dorsal surface, developed and denticulate apical keel (comparatively having a well-developed and elongated prolateral inferior keel, intermediate keel emerging below spermatic pore keels, intermediate keel basally denticulate, and absence of an apical keel and median dorsal granular area in N. weinmanni ).

Type material

Holotype

REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR – Provincia de Pastaza • ♂; near Puyo ; 1.50000° S, 77.96000° W; elev. 934 m; 2001; P. Stevens leg.; OUMNH, OUMNH-2010-033 . GoogleMaps

Paratype

REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR • 1 ♀; same data as for holotype; OUMNH, OUMNH-2010-033 GoogleMaps .

Remarks

During the examination of the paratype female of N. yupanquii , we noted that the spermatheca was damaged by a previous examinator.

Neischnocolus tiputini Guerrero-Campoverde , Peñaherrera-R., León-E., Gabriel, Sherwood & Cisneros-Heredia sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: Figs 2, 10–11 Diagnosis

Females of N. tiputini sp. nov. resemble those of N. moraspungo sp. nov. by having rectangular spermathecae and spermathecal striae converging in a complete arc and collapsing between digitiform ventral receptacles. Nonetheless, N. tiputini differs from N. moraspungo by having comparatively shorter spermathecae, weakly developed inverted L-shaped guard plates, spermathecal striae conspicuous, as well as longer and wider ventral receptacles extending over the length of the spermathecae (comparatively more elongated spermathecae, developed inverted L-shaped guard plates, spermathecal striae inconspicuous, and short and narrower ventral receptacles in N. moraspungo ).

Etymology

The specific epithet tiputini is a noun in apposition and refers to the type locality of the species. The Tiputini Biodiversity Station (TBS) is a research station on the northern bank of the Tiputini River, within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador. This station, managed by the Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, is one of the most important research sites in the upper Amazon basin and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

Type material

Holotype

REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR – Provincia de Orellana • ♀; Parroquia Tiputini, Tiputini Biodiversity Station ; 0.63593° S, 76.15811° W; elev. 220 m; 23 Jul. 2023; A. Guerrero-Campoverde leg.; ZSFQ-i, ZSFQ-20415. GoogleMaps

Description ( holotype, ♀, ZSFQ-i20415)

Total length: 24.37. Carapace length 11.03, width 10.08. Abdomen length 13.34, width 11.34. Eyes: anterior eye rows slightly recurved; AME: 0.36, ALE: 0.18, PME: 0.22, PLE: 0.15, AME– AME: 0.37, AME–ALE: 0.16, PME–PME: 0.92, PME–PLE: 0.08, AlE–PLE: 0.23, OQ length: 0.89, width: 1.83, clypeus: 0.25. Fovea slightly deep straight. Chelicerae: 13 promarginal teeth and 12 denticles. Labium: length 1.18, width 1.52, with 16 cuspules. Maxillae: 41–21 cuspules on inner third. Sternum: length: 4.77, width: 4.03. Legs: formula 4123, total length: I 22.91, II 20.50, III 19.20, IV 25.94; leg (femur/patella/tibia/metatarsus/tarsus) and pedipalp (femur/patella/tibia/cymbium) article lengths: I 7.62/2.78/5.97/3.53/3.01, II 7.06/2.31/5.29/3.24/2.60, III 5.86/1.47/5.10/3.69/3.08, IV 8.01/2.34/6.01/6.17/3.41 palp 5.76/2.07/4.53/3.80. Scopula: tarsi I– III scopulated and tarsi IV slightly scopulated, metatarsi I– II scopulated, metatarsi III distal half slightly scopulated, metatarsi IV not scopulated. Metatarsi I– II distally divided by rhomboidal group of setae; tarsi III almost divided by thicker setae than tarsi I– II; tarsi IV fully divided by a line of longer and thicker setae than tarsi III. Metatarsus: I 60%, II 50%, III 25%, IV 0%, absent. Legs and pedipalp spination: femora and patellae I– IV and palp 0. Tibiae I 2 V, II 2 V, 1P, 1D; III 3 V, 2P, 1D; IV 3 V, 1 R, 1P, 2D; palp 4 V. Metatarsi; I, 2 V; II, 4 V; III, 4 V, 1P, 2 R, 4D; IV, 10 V, 1 R, 3D. Tarsi I– IV and palp, 0. Spermathecae ( Fig. 10): rectangular spermatheca with two short ventral receptacles not extending over the length of this structure. At least ten spermathecal striae are present and conspicuous; all of them converge in a complete arc and collapsing between the ventral receptacles. weakly developed inverted L-shaped guard plates present. Live colouration ( Fig. 11): carapace, abdomen and legs overall dark orange, covered by long orange setae; abdomen with dorsal anterior brown dot; tibia, metatarsus, and tarsus progressively becoming darker.

Distribution and natural history

Currently known only from its type locality, Tiputini Biodiversity Station, in the Amazonian lowlands of Ecuador, at 220 m, province of Orellana, Ecuador. The holotype was collected in Lowland Evergreen Forest in the Napo biogeographic province ( Morrone 2014).

Remarks

Regarding the most morphologically similar species, N. moraspungo sp. nov., in comparison with N. tiputini sp. nov., we can consider several biogeographic factors that further support the recognition of both as distinct species and reject the possibility that they represent a single species. The type localities of the two species are separated by approximately 340 km. Between these localities lie several significant large-scale geographical barriers, including the Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Oriental of the Andes of Ecuador, the Inter-Andean Depression, and the Napo Uplift. Each of these large-scale barriers provides numerous valleys originating across different altitudinal gradients and volcanic complexes, which promotes short-ranged endemism through isolation and diversification of niche, microclimate, and microecosystem structures (see Polato et al. 2018; Rahbek et al. 2019). These short- and large-ranged barriers promote speciation. Furthermore, members of the genus Neischnocolus , as well as other genera within the tribe Theraphosini , are known to exhibit restricted geographic distributions. This pattern of limited dispersal further supports the interpretation that N. moraspungo and N. tiputini represent separate lineages.

Neischnocolus moraspungo Cisneros-Heredia , Peñaherrera-R., Guerrero-Campoverde, León-E., Gabriel & Sherwood sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: Figs 2, 12–13 Diagnosis

Females of N. moraspungo sp. nov. resemble those of N. tiputini sp. nov. by having rectangular spermathecae and spermathecal striae converging in a complete arc and collapsing between digitiform ventral receptacles. Nonetheless, N. moraspungo differs from N. tiputini by having comparatively more elongated spermathecae, developed inverted L-shaped guard plates, spermathecal striae inconspicuous, and short and thinner ventral receptacles (comparatively shorter spermathecae, weakly developed inverted L-shaped guard plates, spermathecal striae conspicuous, as well as longer and wider ventral receptacles extending over the length of the spermathecae in N. tiputini ).

Etymology

The specific epithet moraspungo is a noun in apposition derived from the name of the parish Moraspungo where the type locality is placed – a region within canton Pangua, Ecuador. The name also pays homage to the dedicated efforts of the Frente de Defensa del Agua, la Vida y la Naturaleza del Cantón Pangua, a grassroot organization actively opposing mining activities in the area. This community-driven group, formed by local farmers and rural residents, exemplifies unity and commitment to defending their land, water, and ecosystems, often through peaceful protests and collective action.

Type material

Holotype

REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR – Provincia de Cotopaxi • ♀; Cantón Pangua, Hacienda La Mariela ; 1.08560° S, 79.18410° W; elev. 760 m; 27 Feb. 2023; M. López-García, J. Montalvo, D. Brito-Zapata and C. Reyes-Puig leg.; ZSFQ-i, ZSFQ-i21330. GoogleMaps

Description ( holotype, ♀, ZSFQ-i21330)

Total length: 24.14. Carapace length 11.50, width 11.50. Abdomen length 14.05, width 11.50. Eyes: anterior slightly recurved; AME: 0.29, ALE: 0.16, PME: 0.20, PLE: 0.09, AME–AME: 0.43, AME–ALE: 0.21, PME–PME: 0.93, PME–PLE: 0.14, AlE–PLE: 0.20, OQ length: 1.79, width: 0.82, clypeus: 0.28. Fovea deep, recurved. Chelicerae: 11 promarginal teeth and 9 denticles. Labium: length 1.40, width 1.87, with 14 cuspules. Maxillae: 45–48 cuspules on inner third. Sternum: length: 4.85, width: 4.35. Legs: formula 4123, total length: I, II, III, IV; leg (femur/patella/tibia/metatarsus/tarsus) and pedipalp (femur/patella/tibia/cymbium) article lengths: I 7.65/5.60/6.10/4.50/4.05, II 7.25/5.05/4.90/3.85/3.90, III 6.20/4.50/4.90/5.20/3.70, IV 7.70/5.30/6.50/7.95/4.00 palp 5.55/4.65/4.85/5.10. Scopula: tarsi I– II densely scopulated, tarsi III – IV slightly scopulated. Tarsi and metatarsi I– II not divided by a rhomboidal group of setae; tarsi III partially divided by rhomboidal setae; tarsi IV completely divided. Metatarsi III and IV absent thicker setae. Metatarsus: I 100%, II 50%, III 40%, IV 0%, absent. Legs and pedipalp spination: femora and patellae I– IV and palp 0. Tibiae I 2 V; II 2 V; III 2 V, 2P; IV 2 V, 1 R, 3P; palp 2 V – 2P. Metatarsi I 2 V; II 2V-2 R; III 4 V, 2P, 2 R, 2D; IV 8 V, 2P, 5 R, 2D. Tarsi I– IV and palp, 0. Spermathecae ( Fig. 12): rectangular spermatheca with two extremely short ventral receptacles not extending over the length of this structure. Spermathecal striae are present but inconspicuous; all of them converge in a complete arc and collapsing between the ventral receptacles. Developed inverted L-shaped guard plates present. Live colouration ( Fig. 13): carapace, abdomen and legs overall black, covered by long reddish setae and short coppery setae; abdomen with dorsal anterior black dot.

Distribution

Currently known only from its type locality, Hacienda La Mariela, on the western foothills of the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes, at 760 m, province of Cotopaxi, Ecuador. The examined specimen was collected in Foothill Evergreen Forest of the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes in the Western Ecuador biogeographic province ( Morrone 2014).

Neischnocolus samonellaacademy Peñaherrera-R., León-E., Guerrero-Campoverde, Gabriel, Sherwood & Cisneros-Heredia sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: Figs 2, 14–16

Diagnosis

Males of N. samonellaacademy sp. nov. resemble those of N. tsere by having an embolus with an acute angulation to palpal organ axis, intermediate keel without undulation, presence of a median dorsal granular area, and absence of an apical keel. Nonetheless, N. samonellaacademy differ from N. tsere by comparatively having shorter distal to medial extension of the embolus, prolateral superior keel developed, prolateral inferior keel well developed, short, and smooth, retrolateral superior keel developed, intermediate keel smooth and continuous, intermediate keel emerging below spermatic pore keels, and median dorsal granular area composed of rounded spicules extending only over dorsal surface of bulb (comparatively having more elongated distal to medial extension of the embolus, prolateral superior keel well developed, prolateral inferior keel developed, elongated, and slightly serrated apically, intermediate keel slightly serrated apically and disjunct, intermediate keel emerging between spermatic pore keels, and median dorsal granular area composed of spiky spicules extending only over prolatero-dorsal surface of bulb, retrolateral superior keel absent in N. tsere ).

Etymology

The species epithet samonellaacademy pays homage to Samuel Andrew Miller, as an apposition, creator of the popular and humorous educational YouTube channel Sam O’Nella Academy. Sam often uses crudely drawn animations and stick figures to deliver unconventional knowledge on various intriguing topics. The species name is a response to his request in timestamp 5:24 of “Where Animals’ Scientific Names Come From”, where he states [referring to having a species named in his honour]: “If that gives any of you epic biologists out there any ideas, you know, I wouldn’t be opposed”, and “Please, I would do anything, for the love of God, I will even take a lichen”. This tribute immortalises his unique contribution to science communication and humour, capturing the spirit of curiosity and creativity that inspires audiences worldwide.

Type material

Holotype

REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR – Provincia de Zamora Chinchipe • ♂; Cantón Paquisha, Río Blanco ; 3.90075° S, 78.51787° W; elev. 1700 m; 10 Aug. 2023; A. Hurtado and P. Peñaherrera-R. leg.; ZSFQ-i, ZSFQ-i21619. GoogleMaps

Description ( holotype, ♂, ZSFQ-i21619)

Total length: 15.91. Carapace length 7.55, width 6.80. Abdomen length 8.30, width 4.52. Eyes: anterior and posterior eye rows slightly recurved; AME: 0.17, ALE: 0.39, PME: 0.15, PLE: 0.17, AME–AME: 0.23, AME–ALE: 0.09, PME–PME: 0.53, PME–PLE: 0.13. AlE–PLE: 0.22, OQ length: 0.70, width: 1.50, clypeus: 0.27. Fovea deep, slightly procurved. Chelicerae: 9 promarginal teeth and 17 denticles. Labium: length 0.55, width 1.17, with 6 cuspules. Maxillae: 20–21 cuspules on inner third. Sternum: length: 3.77, width: 3.02. Legs: formula 4123, total length: I, II, III, IV; leg (femur/patella/tibia/ metatarsus/tarsus) and pedipalp (femur/patella/tibia/cymbium) article lengths: I 6.85/3.45/7.51/4.85/3.81, II 7.20/2.88/6.07/4.76/3.77, III 6.34/1.76/5.44/5.63/3.53, IV 8.35/2.02/7.14/9.07/4.28 palp 4.82/2.15/4.29/1.63. Tibia I with paired distal proventral tibial apophyses with one short and wide spine on inner side of each branch ( Fig. 14). Palpal tibia with two small distal conical processes, both processes point towards each other ( Fig. 15). Scopula: tarsi I– IV slightly scopulated, tarsi I– II distally divided by rhomboidal group of setae; tarsi III almost divided by thicker setae than tarsi I– II; tarsi IV fully divided by a line of longer, thicker setae than tarsi III. Metatarsus: I 30%, II 25%, III 25%, IV 0%, absent. Legs and pedipalp spination: femora and patellae I– IV and palp 0. Tibiae I 1 V; II 2 V; III 3 V, 1P, 1 R; IV 3 V, 1 R, 1P; palp 0. Metatarsi; I 2 V; II, 4 V; III, 6 V, 2P, 1 R, 2D; IV, 9 V, 2P, 2 R, 2D. Tarsi I– IV and palp, 0. Palpal bulb ( Figs 2, 16) with a strong retrolateral distal curvature. MDGA composed of rounded spicules extending only over dorsal surface of bulb. Developed rounded TH; IM, PS, and PI keels well-developed, RS keel developed, RI and SA keel absent.

Distribution

Currently known only from its type locality, Río Blanco, in the Cóndor sub-Andean Cordillera, at 1700 m, province of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador. The examined specimen was collected in Low Montane Evergreen Forest of the Cordillera del Cóndor-Kutukú, Northern Andes biogeographic province ( Morrone 2014).