Five species of kleptobiotic Argyrodes Simon (Theridiidae: Araneae) from eastern Australia: descriptions and ecology with special reference to southeast Queensland

18 Pages·1999·6.7 MB·English

FIVE SPECIES OF KLEPTOBIOTICARGYRODESSIMON (THERJDIIDAE:
ARANEAE) FROM EASTERN AUSTRALIA: DESCRIPTIONS AND ECOLOGY WITH
SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
PAUL GROSTAL
Grostal,P. 19990630:Fivespeciesofk\Qp\.ob\ot\cArgyrodesSimon(Theridiidae:Araneae)
from eastern Australia: descriptions and ecology with special reference to southeast
Queensland.MemoirsoftheQueenslandMuseum43(2):621-638.Brisbane.ISSN0079-8835.
ManyspidersofthegenusArgyrodesSimon(Theridiidae) liveon websoflargespidersand
steal food(kleptobiosis).Althoughmorethan45 speciesofArgyrodesmayoccurinAustra-
lia, little is known of their taxonomy and ecology. I provide diagnoses, geographical
distributionsand notes onecologyof5 Argyrodes speciescommonlyfoundon websoforb
weavers in southeast Queensland. Of these, previously named species include A.
antipodianus Pickard-Cambridge,A. miniaceus (Doleschall),A. rainbowi(Roewer) and^.
fissifrons Pickard-Cambridge.A. musgravei Rainbow issynonymised withA. miniaceus. A
new species, A, alannae is described. O Argyrodes, klepfoparasite, kleptobiosis, host,
Theridiidae, spider, ecology, systematic^ Australia.
Paul Grostal, (email:paul.grostal(a),mede\v.ento.wau.nl), Laboratory of Entomology,
Binnenhaven7, WageningenAgriculturalUniversity, P.O.Box8031, 6700EHWageningcn,
TheNetherlands; 30November 1998.
Argyrodes species (Theridiidae) are small T diagnose 5 species of Argyrodes that are
spiders, found mostly in the tropics and commonly associated with orb-weaving spiders
&
subtropics throughout the world (Exline Levi, in southeast Queensland, with the distribution of
1962; Levy 1985). Two genera, Rhomphaea L. these kleptobionts in eastern Australia and with
Koch and Ariamnes Thorell, are presently notesontheirecology,includinghost-specificity.
included \nArgyrodes (Levi & Levi, 1962). The
synonymised genera were distinguished by the METHODS
clypeal modification ofmale cephalothorax, eye
arrangement and relative length of metatarsi Terminology. In the female: insemination duct
(Simon, 1894),butLevi&Levi(1962)notedthat joins gonopores to spermathecae; fertilisation
thesecharactersdidnotreliablyseparatethetaxa. ductjoins spermathecae to ovaries. In the male:
cephalic projection is the upper frontal cephalo-
Many species ofArgyrodes are known to be thoracicprojection,bearingmedianeyes;clypeal
ocltohseerlwyeba-sbsuoiciladtiendgswpiitdherlsa(rEgxelionreb-&weLaevvie,rs19a6n2d; pprroojjeeccttiioonn i(sartihseinlgowuenrdefrronnetaalthcecpehpahlaoltihcorapcroi-c
Vollrath, 1984; Vollrath, 1987; Elgar, 1993). jection), without eyes.
These small web inhabitants rarely catch their Namesofscleritesofmalepalpalbulb(Fig. 2F)
own food, but instead specialise in the removal follow Coddington (1990), who disputed some
andconsumption ofprey caught inwebs oftheir earlier terminology. For example, he suggested
hosts. This unusual foraging behaviour has that the sclerite tenned 'median apophysis1 by
earned them the name of 'kleptobionts' or Exline & Levi (1962) was an autapomorphic
'kleptoparasites' (Vollrath, 1984, 1987; Elgar, outgrowth of the tegular wall, and renamed it
1993). However, the ecology of kleptobiotic 'tegular apophysis'. The sclerite contains a loop
Argyrodes and the nature of their relationship ofthe seminal duct (Fig. 2F). Further, Codding-
with hosts are little known (Elgar, 1993). ton proposed that Exline & Levi's 'radix' might
Littleinformationisavailableonthetaxonomy be '... the medianapophysis (in a developmental
of Australian species of Argyrodes. Over 45 sense).' Here, I call it the extension of median
species may occur in Australia (Roewer, 1942; apophysis.Allspecimenmeasurementsaregiven
mm.
Bonnet, 1957; Brignoli, 1983; Platnick, 1987; in
Platnick, 1991), but only one taxonomic paper Abbreviations. Institutions: AM, Australian
that included Australian collections (Gray & Museum, Sydney; HEC, Hope Entomological
Anderson, 1989) has been published since 1916. Collection, Oxford University Museum, Oxford,
622 MEMOIRS OF THE QUEENSLAND MUSEUM
^135°^. 145° -^155° ^^445° x155°
^JJ5 -
i
•10°
^ "
N.T. 20°- - N.T. 20°-
0,d. Qld. \)
*&
-PA
SA
S.A. / 30° - - 30°
3 N.S.W. ?
40°- * % 40°
^Xj
A
B v"1
1 1 . I I
•I(i./f1.mCmoilalceecutsio'n. loVcaAlitirensinohfofniiv;e speci4e.saolfaAnrngayc,rade)s f.*/r.ofmtsAsiMjroawn.d QM collections, I I .4. uniipodianns;
UK; NHMW. Naturhistonsehes Museum. Wicn, alveolus. Abdomen shape variable, but rarely
Austria;QM. QueenslandMuseum. Moiphology: oval; sometimes conical/triangular (higher than
AME, Anterior median eyes; PME, Posterior long), or vermiform (e.g. Avianmes species
median eyes; ALE, Anterior lateral eyes: PI E. group), often extending beyond spinnerets.
Posterior lateral eyes; AL, abdomen length; AH, Fleshy eolulus (usually with two short setae) in
abdomen height; Al, abdomen index; CL, front ofspinnerets. Silver-coloured speckles of
carapace length: CI, carapace index. varyingdensity on abdomen ofmany species.
SYSTEMATICS REMARKS. The five species described herein
arenottheonlykleptobioticspeciesofArgyrodes
Argyrodes Simon, 1S64
in southeast Queensland. Two other species: A,
Argyroses Simon. 1864: 253i Type sptscies by tautniv. rnj klilczymkii (Roewer, 1942) and an undescribed
nyphia argyrades Watckenaer. 1841 Mew, i". species(sp. occuronwebsofotherspidersand
Synonymy follows 1 cvi & Ltfvi ( 1961). were also c1o)llected in the area (QM). Con-
DESCRIPTION, (from Exl.ne &. Levi. 1962; sequently, this paper is not a geographic review,
Levy, 1985), Cephalothorax: male carapace with but a description of five common species. 1
a projecting cephalic and/or clypeal region, distinguish the described species from other
otherwise with a deep seam under anterior sympatric or related species in the Diagnoses.
median eyes. Female carapace relatively flat, The taxonomy of the remaining two species is
without projections or fissures. Chehcerae with currently being studied.
several leeth. Legs: 1st pair longest 2nd and/or Characters common fo the five species.
4th second in length, 3rd shortest. Comb setae on Abdomen never vermiform (e.g. A. colubrinus
4th tarsus usually absent, but serrated bristles (Keyserling, 1889); see Ecologyand Behaviour)
usually present. Third tarsal claw longer than andwithouthooks on apex. Formales, extension
paired. Male palp: cymbium with small hook of median apophysis is denticulate distally.
QM
(paracymbium, Fig. 2F) behind bulb, on edge of Unlike males of species (undescribed,
I
1CLEPTOBIOTIC ARGYRODESFROM QUEENSLAND 623
FIG.2. Scanningelectronmicrographsof"malepalps. A,A. aritipotiia/ws; B,.l mitn~aceits;t\A. rainho\vi\ D.A
aHl.aMn.nAa.e=sp.exntoevn.s;iEo,nA.offimsesidfiraonns.a\p\oAp.hyasnitsi,poTd.iAc.mu=s,tPe.gCu.la=rpaaporpahcyysmibsi,uTm,EGC.O=Nt.e=gcuolnudmu,ctSoTr., E=Msu=b-etmebgoulluusm,.
stipled section-seminal duct.
S42030) which lack a clypeal projection, males A. com® Urqubart, 1884: 40, pi. 10. fig. 6 (firsi s\rum>-
of all five species described below have both ArgmyirsoeddinbayaDnatlimpaosd,ian19a17R)o.evver, 1942: 434,
clypeal and cephalic projections(forA. rainbowi
A
and kulczynskiitheprojectionsappearfused). MATHRiAL. TYPES: A. anlipodiamts (~na) Pickard-
Cambridge, 1880, (presumed types; see Remarks), F*s.
juv.. New South Wales, Australia (bottle 555, tube 19),
Argyrodes antipodianus New Zealand (bottle 555. rube 13) (HEC). OTHER
Pickard-Cambridne, 1880 MATERIAL:NewSouthWales-AMKS9387,M.Tarce.
(Figs 2A,F, 3A-K) 31C53'S, 152°29'E; AMKS49165, Currawona, Broken
Bay, 33°36'S, 151 l8'E; AMKS49166, Scone, 32°03,S,
I ahtipodiana Pickard-Cambridge. 1S80: 327: Bonnet, 151P52T; AMKS49Ib7. Petersham, 33°53'S, 151°09'E:
1957 t=-i iwlipodiamts):707.
624 MEMOIRS OF THE QUEENSLAND MUSEUM
FIG. 3.A tinnpinikmiLs. A-C,femalecephalothoraxandabdomen;D,E.variationinshapeoffemaleabdomen;F,
.1-,.2pemrmm;atDh,eeaEe=an4d.f7emrtmi:lisFa,tiGon=du0c.ts2;29G.mme;piKa.vn=e;7.H9-mJ.m.malecephalothorax; Fv,eggsac. Scalebars: A-D,G. 1 1 -
AMKS49I68. F, Pittwater, 33°3.8'S, i51°18'E; QMS29855» M. Majors Mt, 17°37,S 145°32aE;
AAMMKKSS4499I17721,,MF,F,WaBgrsotkaefnf,Hil3l,3°3312*5,8S.?S,1514]1°22P7EM;; QQMMSS229985S9M,,F,F,DoYuubnlteza!b..nrCraai.rns.]7°116*74'4S*,5I,I|4455°°345T**EE;;
QMS29895, M, Turners Dip. 31•OPS, 152°42'E; QMS29887. M, Peak Downs. 22°15*S, I48°1PE;
QMS46645,M,SM\dne\,33°53TS, 151 13T-.Queensland- QMS29896, 5l-\ Coen, 13WS, H3' !2'F; QMS29899,
AMKSI2S1S. F. Mt Drvlander, via Proserpine. 2M.CMtGarnet, 17°4i'S. L45°07'JE;QMS29939,M,2E
2(H5'S, I48°32'E; AMKSI758S. F. Fifcrov I.. IffSffS, Chillagoe, ITWSL L44*3PE; QMS29940, 2F, Lake
146°00'E; AMK519744, F. Fletchers Ck. via Charters Broadwater, via Dalbv, 27'2(i'S, I5E05'F: OMS2994L
Towers, 19n49'S, 146*03T.; AMKS49I47, F. Lizard F, D'Aguilar, 2&°59'S, f52°48'E; Q1VTS29942, F,
Island, Great MBarrier Reef. 14"40\S, 143°28'E; Kughenden, 20°51,S, 14442'E; QMS4659&, M,
AMKS49154. F. Mossmafl, 16=,2X S, 145°28*E; QMS46599, M. QMS46648, F. Pinkenba, Brisbane.
AMKS4915S, F. Edmonton, 17°0ES, I45°45T; 27D26'S, [53°07'E; QMS46605, M, Q)MS46606, M,
QIM4S52°948P2E;3,QMM,S29Fr8e3s9h,waFt,erQlCdk;. QCaMiSr2ns9,84LQ6,°552,FS.1 QVMeSp4p6o6o3n4,,23I Q.0Q8M'SS,466I3550,°45F',£:QMS4Q6M6S4426,6Q28M,, 3MF,,
Bundaberg Forest 24L52'S, I52°2PE; QMS29846, 2M, QMS46609, M, QMS46630, F, Cairns, lfi°55'S,
21 , North Keppel U 23°04,S. 150°53>E; QMS29848, F, 145-46 F;QMS4661 L M.QMS46628, F,QMS4G$29, F.
QMS29944, F's, Kroornbit Tops, 24n22"S, 15CO10; QMS46652, 17F, Gladstone. 23°5PS 151 '16'E;
QMS29S50, M. F. Eureka Ck. I7°Q9*S 144 5VF: QMS46617, f\ QMS46619. F. QMS4J 6622. F.
3
1 i
kl RPTOmOTIC 4&GYRODI SFROMQ1 'AD
QB:2HirM7"i-aSKs2hb4;O8_,a6,M'rn,SS[6e,-,,.44:6232768Qi.545aIV2V46'47.SVi,'rFi4SSf;(6,vM-6iQl'21Q5M56:M323S,SvF*Q40,04MFV166,SlN56-4oQI42:6rM;47t<SOh,,5M43SF6S8.4\t6,h^Cr4r'ah>9.daM2,bp?re.iol!kZIMei-MFu,ivlOI.l.,9,,MSFiB,MSrNti<rTfLsoSubahS-oa'aniSensI., nsFl1oape.tti2Amenbrdbe,nalxdelCt*troIee.mbtnrseTd1io,ingot2nhan4gtcl-ov1pnsle.oiien6slcnt2tvagr.eeltarr/hliAtsor2Lapri.aba5llnd7ig.-ouI43m\lb\6.aee-2r2tn0,.iw8nd(e3done,r-nss1Apa3ieIl)np.ntieigC.rpy0eLu4nts-seu.1a.ul20n98Id>-
1 1 1
DIAGNOSIS. Abdominal colour (hrigfrl silver), All 1.77-.4.23. Palp S.30-1.O0, leg I 5.32-6.26,
combined with morphologies ol"male palp, ni£)1e leg II 3*5 - : leg Ml I 77-2.32, leg IV 3
carapace and epigync separate //. ctntipodkimiS 3.37. Leg formula 1243. I.pigyne width ca. D 3
from other svinp; Palpal cymbium Colour as for male, except both tibia and
i *
conspicuously bi-lobed, base bf embolus with metatarsus of palp are dark brown, ( 'ar:
two pointed projections, extension of median relatively wide (see CI), Abdomen cone-shaped
apophysis narrow and concave distally (Fig, (Fig. 3C), Epigone with thickened laieial ridge
2A,F). Lateral eyes (ALF. and PLE) of males Lgg sac chwnbct urn-shaped, globule
IxrlowbftSeofcephalic projection(characterShaied long, 2.5 wide; exit bole relatively wide (I ig,
by /J. miniucens), but clypeal projection 3K>.
club-shaped and with pectinate setae (Fig. 3H-.1)
contrasting with remaining species (including ,4. DISTRIBUTION ANDABUNDANCE Eat
(iiitHcuvus). Epigynal fossae conspicuous, circ- Australia, Lord Howe I., New Zealand (Pickard-
ularand (unlike remaining species) separated by Cambridge, 1880; I rquhart lS84jp6fS Dbs I
about twice their diameter (Fig. 3G). Unlike for In Australia, specimens have been collected
r;jinht>\vi\ A fissifrons or A- kulcz}i}skii, in- from warm temperate coastal regions (eg.
|
semination duel is short and slightly Curved I Sydney, NSWi lo ilic iropk-s (e.g. C0< 11
irgytxnksargentattJsPickard-Cambridga 1BSD OKI), the spider hasalso been found in rclati
NSW
Remarks) closely resembles A. cintipodianus dry. inland areas (e.g. Broken Hill.
i I
•n 51ZC, shape 8Jtd colour, but differs in shape ot lA). This is probably the most common spc
male carapace. Cephalic projection ofit Otgeft- of kleptobtottc Arpyrodtss m southeast Queens-
iiittts (leelotype, Eust Indies, 1ILL)curvesdown- land, where adults ean be abundant throughout
ward and touches (or almost touches.) clypeal the year.
m
(dpir1eo9j6ie2lc;ltuisfotirnga,tdiioIsn4tSaol)il)Vyl{btuuirtn^sccteejhp/haaarilauicsctberypriios•.jxenIcoit1tilo-cnleualr A RnaEmMeAARrgKySrocfBeoinniestma(s1c9u5l7i)nep,oianntdedcohuatngtheadi tthhee
tmtlpodtamis is tapproximately straight and original name to ,1. mitipotitanus. A holotypc of
pieuously separated from clvpeal projection A. antipotiUinns was noi designate^
Pieknrd-Cambfidee 1880) (M. Atkinson, pers.
(1 ig. 3H). (
contm.J. bui COilvCtoi and locality data (H.1I.B.
D1.E1-S2C-!13R.)I.S3P,TC'ItAOlN1.1..20A35f-f-f11/..c6s369,,TotACalIll l!eI.n<gJ>7t3-h-3l.2.0.S037,5.-2f.tAMlL7p oB1frafdielcmerayilp.etisNonSb.oWmCaoInnIdsFp<Fe.cmWialticlehliuttttvhoons,weNnilelhw!hGPtiic;l
1.29-1.74,leg I 5.00-7.98, leg II 3.03-5.03, legIII rthndge • materia] was established on die
1.72 2 4*-», leg IV 2.46-3:60, Leg formula 1243. l-i-iSIS ol leir,. _ ishes, as ihe oi i..
nbhim length ca. 0.6, width ca. 0.4, collection did noi include males.
Colont ol earapacc dark brown, darker around did not examine the material collected by
AMF and ALF; legs yellowish, pale brown near RaIinbow (L902 "24|. Rainbow (t9lo.
joints; palps yellowish, except for taisus (dark Dalmasd'H" £9) and Borland (
brown/black); sternum black tobrown; abdomen l;>7, Gg. o5), and ihi Iheraiurc did noi provide
bright silver dorsally; bfeclc mid-dorsal band il lent datatoestablishconspccilicitywid' lh<
about as thick as tibia IV originating ai pedicel specimens described here However, the
und usually reaching tip ofabdomen. A darkspot carapace of males from New Caledonia, ident-
on abdominal tip of mosl specimens, but ified as A. untipoJuniHs bv Bciland (1924), is
sometimes noi clearly visible (perhaps laded in VOty similar to that ofnialea from the Australian
preservative) Ventral surface black to about 1 /J collections, Specimens o\' A orgentatus were
ofheight ofabdomenisec fctiialc. Pig 5C). Two .'.Heeled ftvm Papua New C lumea (t 'lirvsnn
icrhap found in northern
Ausi- ould find no difference in cpigync
626 MEMOIRS OF THE QUEENSLAND MUSEUM
FIG. 4. A. miniaceus. A-C, female cephalothorax and abdomen; D, egg sac; E, spermathecae and fertilisation
ducts; F) epigyne; G-I, male cephalothorax. Scale bars: A-C, G-I =2.0mm; D = 13.9mm; E, F =0.495mm.
morphology between A. antipodianus and A. Argyrodes walkeri Rainbow, 1902: 524, plate 28, figs 2,3
argentatus, asthe epigynes ofA. argentatus (Sri (firstsynonymisedbyBerland, 1938).
Lanka, HEC) were covered with a resinous A. smyunsognryamvyei).Rainbow, 1916: 52, plate 15, fig. 28 (new
accretion(alsoseeLevietal., 1982).Noneofthe
Australian male specimens that I examined MATERIAL. HOLOTYPE: A. musgravei Rainbow,
(includingones from farnorth Queensland, AM, 1916, F, Gordonvale, Qld, Australia (AM). Theridion
QM) belong toA. argentatus, miniaceum Doleschall, 1858, (TYPE), juv. F, Amboina
(NHMW). A. walkeriRainbow, 1902,(TYPE),F,Torres
I., Torres Strait, Australia (AM). OTHER MATERIAL:
Argyrodes miniaceus (Doleschall, 1857) AMKS8257, M, F,juv., CattleCo. Headquarters,Jimi R.
(Figs 2B, 4A-I) (PNG), 05°18'S, 144°14'E; AMKS35057, F, Honiara
(Solomon Is), 09°28'S, 159°57'E. Queensland -
Theridion miniaceum Doleschall, 1857: 408 (first synony- AMKS49156, M, Mossman, 16°28'S, 145°28'E;
ArgmyirsoeddesbymiTnhioarcelelu,s:18T7h8o)r.ell, 1878: 138; Berland, 1938: AMKS49161, F, Cooktown, 15°28'S, 145°15'E;
162; Bonnet, 1957: 715; Chrysanthus, 1963: 739, fig. QMS29822, M, QMS29824, F, Freshwater Ck, Cairns,
63-66, 69; Chikuni, 1989: 177, fig. 22; Platnick, 1987: 16°56'S, 145°42'E; QMS29831, M, QMS29834, F,
192; Platnick, 1991: 191. QMS29836, F, Centenary Lks, Cairns, 16°55'S,
Argyrodinaminiacea Roewer, 1942: 433.
KLEPTOBIOTIC ARGYRODESFROM QUEENSLAND 627
145°46,-E; QMS29865, M, F, Carlisle I., 20o47'S, oflateral spots, andablackspotpresentposterior
l49°17flE;QMS29866,M, Canal Ckroadcrossing, Cape to base ofspinnerets.
YFoorreks,t,121°42°55'2S',S,!4I25°223°'2E1;*EQMQSM2S92S97827,9M,,FF,,JBaurnddinacbeRr.g, Abdomen triangular, dorsal tip not extending
Cape York, H°09'S, 142°22'E; QMS29883, F, posteriorto spinnerets.
NQQoMMrSS22m99a88n88b46y,,StFMn,,,H8oF0r,knmTIaN.,nWTnCoerorrsoeksPtpSottrywa,int,,CoI1o05k°°3t273o''wSSn,,,1I441245°Q°153720'''EES;;, FA2.eH0m8a,leC.IT1o.t4a1l-1l.e7n3g.thA3L.712.-864.-546.5(2n,=lAlI).1.C0L9-11..4782,-
145°22'E;QMS29890,F,PrinceofWalesI.,TorresStrait, 2.00-4.20. Palp 1.48-1.88, legl 13.12-16.12,
I0°41'S, I42°09'E; QMS29891. M, F, Jardine R., Cape leg II 8.04-9.480, leg III 4.68-5.48, leg IV
York, 11°09,S, 142°22'E; QMS29892, 2M, 2F, Port 7.68-8.80. Leg formula 1243. Epigyne width ca.
Stewart, 14°04'S, 143°4I'E; QMS46514, F, QMS46518, 0.6.
F, QMS46565, M, QMS46566, M, North Stradbroke [., Colourofcarapace orange, darkbrown around
27°35'S, 153°27'E; QMS46519, F, Pinkenba, 27°25'S, AME and between ALE and PLE; legs dark
Bl1r5ei3^s°Sb0a'7nS'e,E,;21Q84M5a2°S744'66S',5E2;0!5,Q3M°FS0,4r6EQ5;M2SQ34M,6S547F,685,Q2M1MS,,46FT,5li2eC5ai,GranpsF,,, bIrVo(wonr/abnlgaec)k;,paelxpcsepatndfosrtbearsneumanodrafnogre;taarsbidoofmleeng
QMS46570, M, QMS46572, M, Yeppoon, 23°08'S, light grey-orange dorsally, large black spot on
150°45'E; QMS46526, F, QMS46574, M, QMS46576, apex, four lateral silver patches near the
M, Cairns, 16°55'S, 145°46'E. Northern Territory - posterio-dorsally, sometimes with two lateral
QMS29873, F. West Alligator R. mouth, 12°12'S, silver spots anterio-dorsally (Fig. 4B); ventral
132°I3,E; QMS29874, M,juv., KempAirstrip, l2°35aS, abdomen brown. Colour ofmelanic specimens:
131°20,E; QMS29875, 2M, 2F gorgeNE ofMt Gilruth, abdomen black (with silver patches); carapace,
13°02s^ 133°05'E; QMS29876, 2M, 2F, QMS29885, F, palps and chelicerae orange-brown; sternum and
RAlaldiogantoCrk.R,.ic2r°os4s5i'nSg,,11322°°2553''SE,;IQ3M2S°528918E.77, F, juv..East legsdarkbrown,exceptfortarsusIV(paleyellow).
Carapace relatively wide (see CI). Abdomen
DIAGNOSIS. Combination of male carapace, conical/triangular, apex broad.
mnoaslteicpaamlponagndSEepQiugeyenneslmaonrdphsopleocigeise.sAiLsEdiaangd- Egg sac chamber spherical, ca. 5.5 long, 5
wide; exit hole relatively narrow (Fig. 4D).
PLE ofmales below base ofcephalic projection
(Fig. 4G,I) (similar to A. antipodianus), but DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE. Japan
unlike all species, clypeal and cephalic project- (Chikuni, 1989), Australia (Rainbow, 1902,
ions touch distally (but not centrally, e.g. A. 1916), Amboina (Doleschall, 1857; Thorell,
rainbowi) (Fig. 4G). Extension of median 1878), Papua New Guinea (Chrysanthus, 1963),
apophysis relatively broad and convex distally, India (Chrysanthus, 1963).
embolus short and claw-like (Fig. 2B). Fossae In eastern Australia, A. miniaeeus is probably
large and closely-spaced, almost touching restricted to sub-tropical and tropical habitats,
(similar to A. fissifrons), but spherical (not from Brisbane to the Torres Strait islands (Fig.
reniform, e.g. A. fissifrons), with slit-like gono- 1A). Specimens have also been collected from
pores (Fig. 4F). Insemination duct short (Fig. coastal Northern Territory, as far west as Kemp
4E), unlike A rainbowi, A. kulczynskii or A, Airstrip(12°35'S, 131Q20'E).InsoutheastQueens-
fissifrons. land, 1 rarely found adults between May and
(DnE=S6)C.RICPLTI1.O8N0-.2.3M,alCeI. LT6o1t-a1l.9l0e.ngAthL31..8982--42..526, aOcptpoebaerrs, bcutominmtoronpictahlrQouuegehnosultandt,hethyeesapre.cieIsn
Al 1.22-2.00,AH 1.40-2.24. Palp2.72-2.88, leg southeast Queensland, this spider can be fairly
I abundant in rainforest pockets of North
l1e1g.8I4V-166..6582-,9.l6e0g.IIL7e.g12f-o1r0.m6u0l,al1e2g4I3I.I 4C.y04m-b5i.9u2m, Stradbroke Island (27°28nS, 153°28'E). Melanic
individuals can be found throughout the species
length ca. 0.8, width ca. 0.5.
range in Queensland.
Colour ofcarapace orange except for cephalic
projection and area surrounding ALE and PLE REMARKS. Conspecificity of the Australian
(brown); sternum and palp orange, cymbium material with thejuvenile female from NTIMW
brown; legs brown, often orange on distal was established by the overall shape and size.
femora. Tarsi oflegTV paleyellow; abdomen as More accurate comparisons were made with the
for female (see below), except lighter ventrally, type of A. walkeri (synonymised by Berland,
silverdorsal pattern usually reduced totwopairs 1938) from AM. Several authors (including
Chrysanthus, 1963) providegood illustrations of
the epigyne, male carapace and palp. However,
628 MEMOIRS OF THE QUEENSLAND MUSEUM
FIG. 5.A. rainbowi. A-C, female cephalothorax and abdomen; D, E, variation in shape offemale abdomen; F,
spermathecaeandfertilisationducts;G,epigyne;H-J,malecephalothorax.Scalebars:A-C,H-J= 1.2mm;D,E
=2.5mm; F, G = 0.320mm.
the descriptions in Thorell (1881: 161), Berland M, F, Reids Flat,RoyalNational Pk, 34°08'S, 151°04'E;
(1938: 162, figs 93, 94), Chen & Zhang (1991: AMKS44791, M, F, Calga, 33°25'S, 151°13'E;
152, fig. 148.1-3), Chrysanthus (1975: 43) and AMKS49163, M, F, North Ryde, 33°48'S, 151°06'E;
Yaginuma(1978: 51, fig. 28.1) were insufficient AMKS49170, M, F, Pittwater, 33°38'S, IS^IS^E;
to ascertain iftheirmaterial is conspecific, and I 3QMM,S2298F8,8T,urMn,erCsudDgiep,n,3218°°011'6S',S,115523°°4323',EE;;QQMMSS4269585924,,
did not examine their specimens. 3M, Sydney, 33°53'S, 151°13'E. Queensland -
QMS29825, juv., QMS29826, M, QMS29827, F,
Argyrodes rainbowi (Roewer, 1942) QMS29828, M, Forty Mile Scrub, 18D05'S, 144 51'E;
(Figs 2C, 5A-J) QMS29845, M, 2F, Mt Coolum, 26°34'S, 153°05'E;
QMS29867,2M,2F,LkBroadwaterviaDalby,27°2TS,
A. argentata Rainbow, 1916: 50, pi. 15, fig. 24 (preoccu- 151o06'E; QMS29869, 2 M, F, Blackdown Tbld, via
piedbyA, argentataPickard-Cambridge, 1880). Dingo, 23°50'S, 149°03,E; QMS29870, M, 2F,
Argyrodina rainbowi Roewer, 1942: 435. Replacement
nameforA argentata. Bundaberg Forest, 24°52'S, 152°21'E; QMS29881, M,
2F, Blue Lagoon area, Moreton L, 27°11'S, 153°24'E;
MATERIAL. TYPE: A argentata Rainbow, 1916, F, QMS29889,F,CampMilo,Cooloola,26°00,S,153°05,E;
Gordonvaie,Qld, Australia(AM).OTHER MATERIAL. QMS29897, M, Coen, 13°56'S, 143°12'E; QMS29900,
New South Wales - AMKS18404, M, F, Blackbutt M, Black Mt, 16°39'S, 145°29'E; QMS29905, 2M, 2F,
Reserve, Newcastle, 33°18'S, 151°19'E; AMKS18820, Davies Ck, 16°55'S, 145°32'E; QMS46498, M,
.
KI.l-:i>TOBIOTlC^i?CH?Q/)WI'R(1M^l'!-r:NSLA>JD
QMS4655Q, F, QMS46557, 3M. 21 QMS4655& 21. AH 1.4S-3 i'0, Palp 0.76-0.96, leg I 6.60-8.88,
Mnkettba, 27 '26\S, IS3°07TE; QMS4649&, M, leg II 2.7(i-3.72, leg 111 1.40-1.72, leg IV 2,08
QMS46506, M, QMS4G539, M. QMS4654I,
F, Leg formula 1243. Epigyne width ca.
Q27MS:'43V6S5,4315.3LF',02Q,hM;SO4M6S545C5,>,473.M,F.3QFM,SN4a6t5h4an8,,BF,r(isbhafnlepd, Colour oi carapa i 'mum and palps dark
Hill. Brisbane, 27:2srs. ES3°03*E; UMS4650U, M, brown, legs sometimes lighter, abdomen blackoi
QMS46507, M, QMS465S4, M. F, North Stradbrokc I darkbrown, usually wilh lwoohlii|ue, elongaled,
silver patches on each side (Fig, 5B). Shape and
relative size ofsilvei patches \aiiablc, ant
DIAGNOSIS. Male carapace and palp tnorph patches may extend vcntrally to epigvne. or be
ology are diagnostic. Unlike For remaining interrupted, irregular, faded, or absent; some
species (except A. hdczyttsh'i\ which appears times. anterior and posterior patches tbrm a
v losely related) cephalic and elypeal projections continuous pattern. Two lateral, silvei g|hj '
touch throughouttheirlength(Pig 51 l-,l),all spinnerets, one central spot between spinnerets
situated on cephalic projection, palpal embolus and epigyne, another central spol oi Short Strip*
elongated and filiform (fig. 2L i Lower I'ronlal rtimea absent) behind abdominal apex.
vcfaaerrnfaicprzayacnHexyk,-ilao)bncownvtheeobdsaesneoaton\cthccrho(eF-livigec.nertar5caH.l,Jw)ciatrhuandlpiiaskcceereAti.es FuiseuC.aal5rlDay,patEcea\erradeplreaoxtpi-uvessluhyaalpnleaydrer(xobtwuet(nsdsesehasClpie1g)h.mtAlaybydbeo*hmiennd
pointed and beak shaped. Also, base ofembolus
tear-shaped and almost globular for A. spinnerets (Fig, 5B).
-yf/shii K'hrysanthus. [963), but more Egg sac unknown.
angular and flat for A. ramhowi {Fig. 2C). DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE. Found
erodes neocnledomcfis Berlamf lc>24 (ajbeil throughout much ofthe eastern Australian co.iM.
mOOotrprheocolrodgeyd farnodmcAoulsoturra.liaH)owisevaelsro,simmaiilar in NfrSoWm)watrom.t,rotpiecmap]eraQtueeehnasblitaantds ((Fei.gg.. SIyBd)n,eyI.n
neocaledonicMS has no notch on antero-ventral
carapace and its cephalic projection is more tihtfrtoltuhghioui tQlt>helye'a-rl.aud, adults can be eolk
rounded from dorsal aspect (Berland, 1924)than
UtA. rainbowi REMARKS. Abdomen ofthe female type
F.pigyne small (sec below) with oval, closelv urgtmtat&i Rainbow, 1916; AM) is slightly
Spaced fossae, and shallow, oval indentations higher than thai of mosi specimens that
I
extending laterally from fossae (Fig. 5(i ). Unlike ti\;tfnirw?d Llowetfe*, abdominal shape is quite
lorremaining specie HU Wpl I. kiticzynskii), the variable for this and many other species of
insemination duet shows eMenxuc c<hI W.'.v (Kline & ovi. 1^62. tigs 3D-I
; : .
However, insemination duct ol ). kulczynskii is 5D-T. 6J-K: pers. obs.). 1 eouJd not distinguish
more coiled (5 times) than ten 4. rainbow (3 the cpigyne morphology of the type Specimen
limes, Fig, *F). from other examined A. rainbowi. Further.
collection locality of the type (Gordomale,
iD1r.Ei5S-2C-I2JR.)120T.PCILAOlN1.1.436\2-h-2:1h..:2690,,TOfACaIlH l1e1.n.g81t12h--21.1.08%60..-3P.Aa8lL0p Fgior7ar~Jpt0hyr.iM'csi.rlaen1gS4ce5r°ou4fb7,s-pBie)xctiii.msSe'npSsr.otxLhi4amt4agI5te1ex,aEt;moiQtnMhee)d;(fi.y.
1.20-1.46. lee [9,12-13.76, legII 3.92-S Bi leg Several specimens collected in far north
111251L4f3'oLo.rl8oC0fu-iye2mm.Oab4fl4iec,au(rmsalepecalgcebenIe,glVtsohtw2ce).ar:.6n4ua0-mn.3,t5.,e6lr4ewi,giosrdtaLihneadtuceaar.obf-OiddJwoom.rmusetanal cQeDxauicreaeaegpnpntsaolcstaeihnasid)is,t(hQseatMrn)ladoiwgcehlitros,seIlnwmyonitlrtaehlbsoeeumpatabtrliae-soAnh.foatrtpcahehiedtiI(fhljowIi
silvei patch on abdomen often longer than Hshi] These res-etnblcr A m HtcIttIx
posterior patch. Intwo specimens, asmall, trans- see Miet land, 1924).
verse, dull-silver band on ventral abdomen, 1
between spinnerets and tip. Cymbium usually \rgj rodefl alannae sp- nox.
Muck.
igs2D.6A-K)
if
\hdomennarrow,elongated, triangular,dorsal
lip slightly behind spinnerets. Rl u r) QMS3S6U M ^atfwn
!8 tlCI TLo6t9a-l2l.e0n7gth 2.36-3-.804(0f,i=JM4).ICiIi d.,r.v;,..M|-l,i:ToH.pd.h..vl2|l7'ftovr-e.isti,ini3i(lr(uWRm&MJwAQtTclERl]I:.A!\ .yriVtni)pctptoharlo,irai-an
630 MEMOIRS OF THE QUEENSLAND MUSEUM
FIdGuc.t6s.;AF.,aelpaingnyanee;spG.-nI,oxm.aAl-eC,cefpehmaalloethcoerpahxa;loJ,thKo,rvaaxrainatdiaonbdionmsehna;peD,ofefgegmsaalce;Ea,bdspoemremna.thSecaclaeebaanrdsfAe-rtCi,liGsa-tIio=n
1.7mm; D -21.4mm; E, F =0.368mm; J, K = 12.6mm.
QMS35702, M, QMS35717, 2F, Edithvale. Tasmania - QMS29843, F, QMS29863, 2F, QMS29882, M, F,
AMKS31178, M, Lindisfarne, 42°51'S, 147°2rE Rochedale, Brisbane, 27°37,S, 153°09'E; QMS29853,
AMKS31180, F, Opossum Bay, 42°59,S, 147°24'E 2M,2F, LkNugaNuga,24°59,S, 148°40'E;QMS29857,
AMKS31346, M,juv., East Risdon, 42°50,S, 147°21'E M,F,juv.,KoahRd, 16°49'S, 145°3rE;QMS29858,2F,
AMKS31347, M, F, Punch Bowl, 41°27'S, 147°I0'E 2 juv., Tinaroo, 17°10'S, 145°35'E; QMS29864, M,
AMKS31348, M, F, Trevallyn, Launceston, 41°27'S Wolfram, 17°05'S, 144°57'E; QMS29868, M,
147°10'E. New South Wales - AMKS49164, M, F Blackdown Tbld, via Dingo, 23°50'S, 149°03'E;
Currawong, Broken Bay, 33°36'S, 151°18'E QMS29871, 2M, 2F, Bundaberg Forest, 24°52'S,
AMKS49173, M, F, QMS35701, M, QMS35716, F 152°21'E;QMS29893,F,Homevale,21°24'S, 148°33'E;
Sydney,33°53'S, 151° 13'E.Queensland-AMKS12820 QMS29898, M, 2F, Mt Garnet, 17°41'S, 145°07'E;
F, Mt Dryander, via Prosperine. 20°15'S, I48°32'E QMS29903, 2M, 2F, Davies Ck, 16°55'S, 145°32'E;
AMKS49162, F, Fraser I., 25°33'S, 152°59'E QMS29844, F, Mt Coolum, 26°341S, 153°05,E;
QMS29838, M, Millstream Falls, 17°43,S, 145°26'E QMS35687, M, QMS35688, M, QMS35689, M,