Back in Europe: Quamtana spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) in Germany

2015·4.5 MB·English

by  Bernhard Huber

5
Arachnologische Mitteilungen 50:51-56 Karlsruhe, November201
Back in Europe: Quamtana spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) in Germany
Bernhard A. Huber,Jonathan Neumann, Stefan Rehfeldt,ArnoGrabolle& Nils Reiser
doi: 10.5431/aramit5007
Abstract.Two undescribed species ofthe African pholcid spider genus Quamtana have been found in German
greenhouses and plant markets since 2012. Both species seem to haveestablished stable populations.This genus
has not been previously recorded from Europe, exceptforafossil specimen in Eocene amberfrom the Paris Basin
thatwastentativelyassignedtoQuamtanaandthatisestimatedtodatefrom53 millionyearsago.Sincetheactual
geographic origins ofthe two species (probably South and/or tropical Africa) are unknown, we do not formally
describethem.
Keywords:Alien,greenhouse,introducedspecies,plantmarket
Zusammenfassung.ZurückinEuropa:SpinnenderGattungQuamtana(Araneae:Pholcidae)inDeutschland.
Zwei unbeschriebeneArtenderafrikanischenGattung Quamtanawurden seit2012 in deutschen Pflanzenmärkten
und Gewächshäusern gefunden. BeideArten scheinen stabile Populationen etabliertzu haben.Abgesehenvonei-
nerArtin Bernsteinausdem Eozändes PariserBeckens,die mitVorbehaltin dieGattung Quamtanagestelltwurde
undderenAlterauf53MillionenJahregeschätztwird,istdieGattungbishernichtinEuropanachgewiesenworden.
DadereigentlichegeographischeUrsprungderbeidenArten nichtbekanntist(vermutlichSüdafrikaund/oderAfri-
kanischeTropenländer),werdensiehiernichtformal beschrieben.
Spiders can reach new regions, countries, and con- Rwanda,Kenya,Tanzania,Angola;Huber2003,Hu-
tinents in many ways. While some species expand ber 5cWarui 2012, Huber 5c Kwapong 2013, Hu-
their areas ofdistribution naturally, most alien spe- ber et al. 2014). Recently, Penney (2007) described
cies seem to have been introduced by human acti- a fossil specimen from Eocene amber from the Paris
vities (Kobelt 5c Nentwig 2008). In recent years, Basin in France and tentatively assigned the species
several findings ofnon-native spiders were reported to the genus Quamtana.This amber is estimated to
in Germany (e.g., Kielhorn 5c Rödel 2011, Schäfer date from 53 millionyears ago,when the region may
5c Deepen-Wieczorek 2014, Sestäkovä et al. 2014, have had a climate similar to that in southern Africa
Siihrig2010). Potted plants maybe amongthe most today (Nel et al.2004).
important vectors. As a result, many new species In this short note we report on findings oftwo
can be found in facilities displaying or selling exotic different species of Quamtana in German plant
plants (Reiser2013). markets and greenhouses where they seem to have
The pholcidspidergenus QuamtanaHuber,2003 established viable populations. Both species are un-
currentlyincludes26describedextantspecies(World describedandwillnotbeformallydescribedherebe-
Spider Catalog 2015). Most of these small to tiny cause their actual geographic origins are unknown.
shrub and litter-dwelling species are found in South Many undescribed species of African Quamtana
Africa,butafewspeciesoccurfurthernorthintropi- exist in collections (B.A. Huber unpubl. data) and
calAfrica (Guinea, Cameroon, Congo DR,Uganda, the two German species reportedbelowmaywell be
amongthem.
BernhardA.HUBER,AlexanderKoenigResearchMuseumofZoology, Results
JAodnenaatuhearnaNllEeUeM1A6N0,N,53H1a1r3roBsotnenig,G35e,rm12a5n2y4;BEe-rmlaiinl,:Gbe.rhmuabneyr;@zfmk.de Quamtanasp.A(Figs 1-2,6-16,21-22)
E-mail:[email protected] Material examined. GERMANY, Hessen, Wit-
StefanREHFELDT,Otto-Nagel-Straße27,12683Berlin,Germany; zenhausen, greenhouse for tropical economic plants
E-mail:[email protected]
ArnoGRABOLLE,AmHorn13b,99425Weimar,Germany; (UniversityofKassel) (51°20.67’N, 9°51.62’E’; -135
ENi-lmsaiRlE:IaSErRn,ogZireatbeonlslter@agßemx7.-9d,e10783Berlin,Germany; m a.s.l.), 29.03.2013 (S. Rehfeldt), lBl? in ZFMK
E-mail:[email protected] (Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koe-
submitted29.4.2015,accepted8.6.2015,online22.7.2015 nig; Ar 12707); same locality, 07.03.2015 (S. Reh-
52 B.A.Huber,J.Neumonn,S.Rehfeldt,A.Grobolle&N.Reiser
and 139 in Huber 2003), but femur smaller relative
to tibia and procursus andbulbal apophysis different
(Figs 11-12,15-16).
Natural history. The Witzenhausen specimens
were collected in the humid leaf litter and under
stones ofagreenhouse.The first specimenswere col-
lected in 2013, and a further visit in 2015 (by SR)
revealed numerous specimens (in addition to those
collected),includingfemaleswith egg-sacs andjuve-
niles.This suggests that this is an established popu-
lation rather than continuous introductions. Tem-
perature in the greenhouse is permanently above
22 °C and can reach up to 38 °C in summer. Plants
are watered weekly and only biological pest con-
trol is applied. Other than Quamtana sp. A, speci-
mens of Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922
&
(Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) (cf. Armas Rehfeldt
2015) and Triaeris stenaspis Simon, 1891 (Araneae:
Oonopidae) (cf. Korenko et al. 2014) were found in
the same microhabitat.
TheJena specimenwas collected in the succulent
house ofthe botanical garden,under stones ofa lin-
ingwall alongthe path.
2F)i,gasn1d-5Q:uLaivmetsapneacispm.enB,smoaflQeuaonmdtafenmaalspe.wAi,tmhaslpeidferrolminJgesnfar(o1m- Quamtanasp.B (Figs 3-5, 17-18,23-24)
Berlin(3-5)(Photos:A.Grabolleand B.A.Huber) Material examined. GERMANY, Berlin, Land-
gard Berlin Buchholz (plant market) (52°36.81’N,
m
13°26.39’E), 50 a.s.l., 05.01.2015 (N. Reiser, J.
ZFMK ZFMK
feldt), 2(539 in (Ar 12708).Thüringen,Jena, Neumann), 3(529 in (Ar 12704); same data
m ZFMK
Botanical Garden (50°55.9’N, 11°35.1’E; -170 but 16.03.2015, 1(519 in (Ar 12705). Gar-
ZFMK
a.s.l.), 06.02.2012 (A. Grabolle), 1(5 in (Ar tencenter Deutscher (plant market) (52°26.46’N,
m
12709). 13°25.44’E), 50 a.s.l., 17.03.2015 (J. Neumann),
ZFMK
Preliminarydiagnosis.This species is most simi- lc349 in (Ar 12706).
lar to the Ugandan Q. kabale Huber,2003 (procursus Preliminarydiagnosis.This species is verysimi-
shape; female internal genitalia) but easily distin- lar to Q. mabusai Huber, 2003, but differs in shapes
guished by presence of anterior median eyes (Figs of procursus (compare Figs 17 and 19) and bulbal
8-9); male eye triads noton shortstalks (Fig. 7); male apophysis (compare Figs 18 and20).Females maybe
cheliceralapophyses andcorrespondingfemale epigy- indistinguishable.
nalpockets fartherapart (Figs 10,21); male palpalfe- Preliminarydescription. Bodylength -1.5 mm;
murvery small relative to tibia (Figs 11-12); sternum tibia 1 length in 5 males: 2.3-3.2 (mean 2.7), in 7
and medianband on carapace darker (Figs 6, 10). females: 1.8-2.1 (mean 1.9). Coloration mostly pale
Preliminary description. Body length 1.2-1.5 ochre tolightbrown,withdistinctdarkmedianband
mm; tibia 1 length in 4 males: 2.3,2.4,2.5,2.9; in 3 on carapace (Figs 3-5). Male chelicerae with pair of
females: 1.7, 1.9, 1.9. Coloration mostly pale ochre, frontalapophyses asin Q. mabusai(cf.fig. 140inHu-
with distinct dark median band on carapace (Figs
1-2, 6, 8, 13), with or without internal abdominal
marks. Male chelicerae with pair offrontal apophy- Figs6-14right:Quamtanasp.AfromWitzenhausen.6-7.Male,
ses very similar to Q. mabusai Huber, 2003 (cf. fig. dorsaland lateralviews;8-9.Maleandfemaleprosomata,fron-
tal-dorsal and frontal views; 10. Male prosoma, ventral view;
140 in Huber 2003) and to Quamtana sp. B below. 11-12. Left male palp, prolateral and retrolateral views; 13-14.
Malepalps ingeneralsimilarto Q. kabale(cf.figs 138 Female,dorsalandlateralviews(Photos:S.Rehfeldt)
Quamtana(Pholcidae)inGermany 53
"
i
.*1
54 B.A.Huber,J.Neumann,5.Rehfeldt,A.Grabolle&N.Reiser
15
..y.....j
16
Figs 15-20: Left procursi (retrolateral views) and left bulbal apophyses (prolateral views); 15-16. Quamtonasp.A; 17-18.Q. sp. B;
19-20.Q.mabusaiHuber,2003.ArrowsinFigs 17and 19pointtodistinctiveventralprocesses.Abbreviations:ba,bulbalapophysis;
e,embolus;pbs,proximalbulbalsclerite.Scalelineforallimages:0.2mm
Quamtana(Pholcidae)inGermany 55
Figs 21-24: Female abdo-
mens, ventral views, and
cleared female genitalia, dor-
sal views. 21-22. Quamtana
sp. A; 23-24. Q. sp. B. Arrows
pointatepigynalpockets.
ber2003).Malepalps alsoingeneralasin Q. mabusai References
&
(cf. figs 138 and 139 in Huber 2003), but procursus Armas LF de Rehfeldt S 2015 Stenochrusportoricensis,
andbulbal apophysis different (Figs 17-18). Zomusbagnallii and a newgenus ofschizomids (Schi-
Natural history. The specimens were found in zomida: Hubbardiidae)fromagreenhouseinFrankfurt
am Main, Germany. - Arachnologische Mitteilungen
the edges ofu-shaped iron-pillars and underthe lips 49:55-61 -doi: 10.543l/aramit4906
ofbig flower pots. These pots are apparently rarely Huber BA 2003 Southern African pholcid spiders: revi-
moved so that there is a low frequency of distur- sion and cladistic analysis of Quamtana gen. nov. and
bance.InMarch2015weobservedmanymore speci- Spermophora Hentz (Araneae: Pholcidae), with notes
mens (> 20) thancollected.However,onlytwo males onmale-femalecovariation.-ZoologicalJournalofthe
were found during that search. InJanuary as well as Linnean Society 139: 477-527 - doi: 10.1046/j.0024-
4082.2003.00082.x
inMarch,severalfemaleswith eggsacs andjuveniles HuberBA8cKwapongP2013WestAfricanpholcid spi-
were found.This suggests thatthe species reproduces ders: an overview,with descriptions offive newspecies
in the locality. From the high number ofspecimens (Araneae,Pholcidae).-EuropeanJournalofTaxonomy
seen and from thewide distribution over alarge area 59: 1-44-doi: 10.5852/ejt.2013.59
ofthe marketwe conclude that the species has been HuberBA,LeGallP8cMavoungouJF2014Pholcidspi-
at the locality for several generations.The tempera- dersfromtheLowerGuineanregionofCentralAfrica:
ture ofthe airandoftheironpillarswas about 16 °C, an overview, with descriptions ofseven new species
(Araneae,Pholcidae).-EuropeanJournalofTaxonomy
measuredwith an electric thermometer.
81: 1-46-doi: 10.5852/ejt.2014.81
Huber BA 8cWarui CM 2012 EastAfrican pholcid spi-
Acknowledgements ders:anoverview,withdescriptionsofeightnewspecies
We thank the staffofthe greenhouses and plant markets (Araneae,Pholcidae).-EuropeanJournalofTaxonomy
visitedfortheirkindpermission andcooperation. 29: 1-44-doi: 10.5852/ejt.2012.29
56 B.A.Huber,J.Neumann,S.Rehfeldt,A.Grabolle&N.Reiser
Kielhorn KH 8cRödel I 2011 Badumna longinqua nach Reiser N 2013 Einschleppung und Einwanderung von
Europa eingeschleppt (Araneae: Desidae). — Arach- Spinnentieren (Araneae; Opiliones) in Deutschland.
nologische Mitteilungen 42: 1-4 - doi: 10.5431/ Bachelor thesis, Neubrandenburg. - Internet: http://
aramMit4201 W digibib.hs-nb.de/resolve?id=dbhsnb_thesis_0000001034
Kobelt 8cNentwig 2008 Alien spiderintroductions (April 15,2015)
to Europe supported by global trade. - Diversity and Schäfer M 8c Deepen-Wieczorek A 2014 Erstnachweis
Distributions 14: 273-280 - doi: 10.1111/j.l472- derSpringspinneIciushamatus(Salticidae,Araneae)für
4642.2007.00426.x/ Deutschland. - Arachnologische Mitteilungen 47:49-
Korenko S,Hamouzovä K8cPekär S 2014Trophic niche 50-doi: 10.5431/aramit4708
and predatory behavior ofthe goblin spider Triaeris Sestäkovä A, Cerneckä L, NeumannJ 8c Reiser N 2014
stenaspis (Oonopidae): a springtail specialist? -Journal First record ofthe exotic spitting spider Scytodesfusca
ofArachnology42: 74-78-doi: 10.1636/HÜ2-90.1 (Araneae,Scytodidae)inCentralEuropefromGermany
Nel A, Ploeg G de, Millet J, Menier J-J 8cWaller A and Slovakia.-Arachnologische Mitteilungen 47: 1-6
2004 French ambers: a general conspectus and the -doi: 10.543l/aramit4701
Lowermost Eocene amber deposit of Le Quesnoy Sührig A 2010 Cryptachaea blattea eine weitere nach
,
in the Paris Basin. - Geologica Acta 2: 3-8 — doi: DeutschlandeingeschleppteSpinnenart(Araneae:The-
10.1344/105.000001628 ridiidae).-ArachnologischeMitteilungen39: 1-4-doi:
D
Penney 2007The oldest pholcid and selenopid spiders 10.5431/aramit3901
(Araneae) in lowermost Eocene amber from the Paris World Spider Catalog2015 World spider catalog,version
Basin,France.-Journal ofArachnology34: 592-598 - 16. Natural HistoryMuseum,Bern.- Internet: http://
doi: 10.1636/H05-61.1 wsc.nmbe.ch (April22,2015)