The genus Ummidia Thorell 1875 in the western Mediterranean, a review (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Ctenizidae)

2010·8.6 MB·English

by  Arthur E Decae

2010. The Journal ofArachnology 38:328-340
The genus Ummidia Thorell 1875 in the western Mediterranean, a review
(Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Ctenizidae)
Arthur E. Decae: Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000
Gent, Belgium; Natural History Museum Rotterdam, P.O. Box 23, 452, 3001 KL Rotterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail:
[email protected], [email protected]
Abstract. The presenceand origin ofthemygalomorph spidergenus UmmidiaThorell 1875 in thewestern Mediterranean
region is reconsidered. The traditional idea, expressed in the works ofWalckenaer and Simon, that Ummidia is a recent
American import in the Mediterranean region, is opposed by the observation that at least four distinct Ummidia species
inhabit different geographical areas within the western Mediterranean. The taxonomical revision of the Mediterranean
Ummidia fauna presented here results in the description ofone new species (Ummidia algarve n. sp.), the removal of U.
piceaThorell 1875 and U. algeriana(Lucas 1846) from synonymy with U. aedificatoria(Westwood 1840)andtheplacingof
U. occidentalis (Simon 1909) in synonymy with U. aedificatoria (Westwood 1840).
Keywords: Taxonomy, synonomy, new species, spider
The trapdoor spider genus Ummidia Thorell 1875 is Ummidia is reported from several Caribbean islands, including
taxonomically grouped with the genus Conothele Thorell volcanic St. Vincent (Simon 1891), and from Bermuda
1878 in the Ctenizidae subfamily Pachylomerinae (Raven (Whitehead unpublished). If this last record is correct
1985), recently renamed Ummidiinae (Ortiz 2007), which Ummidia inhabits an Atlantic island over a thousand
name is here used. The genus Hebestatis Simon 1903, kilometers off the American east coast. The ability for aerial
traditionally also included in the Ummidiinae (Simon 1903; dispersal in Ummidia, originally reported by Bearg (1928) and
Raven 1985), is here excluded on grounds discussed below (see recently confirmed by Coyle (1985) and Eberhard (2005),
discussion). The Ummidiinae, as understood here, are might have played a key role in reaching such far out
distinguished from other ctenizids on the basis of a locations. The presence ofa geographically isolated Ummidia
NW
pronounced and unique combination of macromorphological population in the western Mediterranean (extreme Africa
characters (see Fig. 1) that include a proximal dorsal glabrous and southern parts of the Iberian Peninsula) is of special
depression or saddle on tibia III, a sharp apophysis on the interest in this respect. Is it a product of eastward cross-
dorsal-prolateral trochanter III, clavate trichobothria on the Atlantic dispersal as Simon believed, is it a relict ofa former
proximal dorsal tarsi, curvy short spines on the lateral faces of pan-Eurasian Ummidia!Conothele distribution, or does it have
the distal segments of the palps and anterior legs and a an endemic identity ofits own? To solve these questions more
compact eye-group placed on and around a distinct ocular suitable material for study, more advanced research tech-
tubercle (A.E. Decae personal observation). Furthermore, niques and more coordinated research efforts will be necessary
spiders of the Ummidiinae show a remarkable sexual (e.g., to establish the phylogenetic relations within and
dimorphism in the texture of the carapace. In females, the between geographically isolated species), but a taxonomical
carapace is smooth and shiny as if polished; in males, the review of the currently available data on the western
carapace surface is dull and typically rugose or granulated Mediterranean Ummidia fauna, as presented here, is a useful
(Figs. 2, 3). Finally, females of the Ummidiinae differ from first step.
other ctenizid genera by the possession of three-partite
METHODS
spermathecae with a distinctly sclerotized central section
—
connecting the proximal and distal membranous sections Material. The material studied consisted ofa sample of36
(Figs. 16-19). Geographically, the ranges of the genera Ummidia specimens (23 female + 13 male). Fourteen females
Ummidia and Conothele are separated (Fig. 4), although the and 11 males were recently collected from southern parts of
presence of U. gandjinoi Andreeva 1968 in Tajikistan (see also the Iberian Peninsula, both in Spain and in Portugal. Nine
Zonstein 2007) appears to be a bridgehead of Ummidia in females from North Africa and one male from Spain
Conothele territory. The genus Ummidia, with around 20 (Cartagena) were found in Simon’s collection at the Museum
described and many undescribed species (Bond & Hendrixson National d’ Histoire Naturelle (MNHN) in Paris and a single
2005), has a predominantly American distribution and male from Spain was found in the collection of the British
Conothele, with 18 recorded species (Platnick 2009) is widely Museum Natural ofHistory (BMNH), London. Although not
distributed in the Orient and Australasian region. Both explicitly stated on the tube labels, type specimens of
genera, contrary to most trapdoor spiders, are not only found Actinopus (Ummidia) a/gerianus (Lucas 1846) and Pachylo-
in continental regions, but also occur on oceanic and volcanic merus (Ummidia) occidentalis (Simon 1909) were probably
islands which suggests a relatively strong capacity for among the material studied in Paris. Further relevant
dispersal, either natural or man - aided. Conothele has been information was obtained through the kind cooperation of
reported from several Pacific Islands (Pocock 1898; Berland the Oxford University Museum (OUM), which provided
1938; Roewer 1963) and from the Seychelles (Saaristo 2002). photographs of the dried type specimens of Actinopus
328
— — —
DECAE—WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN UMMIDIA 329
Figure 1.—Right lateral view ofa Ummidia (female), highlighting diagnostic characters for the subfamily; Sd = saddle depression on dorsal
tibia III; Ap = apophysis on dorsal trochanter III; CT = clavate trichobothria; CS = curly spines in dense spine fields; OT = ocular tubercle.
(Ummidia) aedificatoria (Westwood 1840). Specimens de- Synonymy. All characters, morphological or behavioral,
scribed here as U. algarve n. sp. and U. picea Thorell 1875 are that have been proposed to distinguish Ummidia from
placed in the collection of the Natural History Museum Conothele (Simon 1892; Roth 1982; Raven 1985; Haupt
Rotterdam (NHMR). 2005) have proved to be insubstantial (A.E. Decae personal
Morphological studies were carried out with the aid of observation). Therefore Main’s (1982, 1998) postulate that
several different stereomicroscopes (as available in the above- Ummidia and Conothele are synonyms is followed here. The
mentioned institutions), all equipped with camera lucida name Ummidia is retained on grounds ofpriority to indicate a
drawing devices and ocular micrometers. Photographs were nearly cosmopolitan genus with representative species on all
taken with an Olympus E-500 reflex camera equipped with a inhabitable continents and several ocean—ic islands.
50mm macro-lens and a ring-flash. Methods of measurement Species list, Western Mediterranean. The following four
and abbreviations are as given in Figs. 5-9. All linear Ummidia species are regarded taxonomically valid and
measures are given in mm. indigenous to the Western Mediterranean region: U. algarve
Abbreviations: BL = total body length, CL = carapace n.sp.; U. picea Thorell 1875; U. algeriana (Lucas 1846); U.
length, CW = carapace width. Cap = caput length, EL = aedificatoria (Westwood 1840). All these species are diagnosed
length eye-group, EW = width eye-group, SL = sternum and described below.
lleanbgutmh), SwiWdth=, sMteLrnu—m mwaidxtihl,luLmLle=ngtlha,biMumWlen=gthm,axLiWllum Ummidia algarve new species
wpslaitetdneLetgrelhtnln.haug,/mtTw,hFia/edrlwrtaihnb=dit=urhtamat,friresoammutsaui,oxrofi,slMl1etoaht=fee)=sloacecrlnumeeglertaotghtra,iitvzwaeqernuds=auidbsnr,woaaidlndTlytgihlbd.peesa-cr(rtFistipigtb.(iicao,6an)rsaP.paisatTcheo=e,f PP.ac81h1p9i9y3c,l7eo:upm1si.:e56rL8u,F-sr1faa5iedg7sde1F.ii,fgi1&sc-f.ia6gt.s2oB.,rMaic13Iu,,esSl:21a1.0OrD,.MEI11PN19Si,T3Ic1I1kD:7Fa5,Er1IN02dC1,T-,ACITa2fFim3IgI.bsO.CrNiA.d3T,gIe4O;1N9.0B7a:c8el18a—r
important diagnostic value. The location of the fovea is Type specimens. Southern PORTUGAL: 1 S holotype, 22
indicated by its position relative to the anterior edge of the March 2007 by S. Huber at Quelfes Algarve 37.217°N,
carapace expressed as Cap/CL (Fig. 5). 7.839°W, slope along a field road. 1 $ paratype, 22 October
2006, S. Huber, east of Alte, Algarve at Pena da Rocha
TAXONOMY
37.250°N, 8.098°W, sout—hern slope along walking trail.
Genus Ummidia Thorell 1875 PraOitahedramaMtaerriianlhastuAdliegda.rve13c?7,.1134°ANu,gu8s.t451W99;6c4olSl.d,P.OScetlodbeenr,
Ummidia Thorell 1875:102. 2003 coll. P. Cardoso, Ribeira de Limas Mertola Beja Alentejo
Type species. Ummidiapicea Thorell 1875:102 by original 37.82°N, 7.62°W; 4 S3, October-November 2003 coll. P.
designation. Cardoso, Corredura Beja Alentejo 37.75 N, 07.64 W; 3 59
,
330 THE JOURNAL OF ARACHNOLOGY
—
Figures 2, 3. Ummidia algarve n. sp. 2. male, note the dull granulated carapace. 3. female, note the shiny polished carapace.
Figure 4.—World distribution of Ummidiinae based on currently available data. Squares = Ummidia spp., triangles = Conothele spp.
DECAE—WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN UMMIDIA
Figures 5-9.—Methodsofmeasurementand abbreviations used. 5. Dorsal bodyparts: BL = total lengthofbody, CL = carapace length, CW
s=tecranruampalceengwtih,dtSh.WC-aspte=rncuampwuitdtlhe,ngLthL; =6.lOacbuiluamrlqeunagtdhr,anLglWe:=ElLabi-umeyweidgtrho,upMLlen=gthm,axEilWlu=mleeynegtghr,oMupWwi=dtmh;ax7i.llVeunmtwriadlthb;od8.yApnatretrs:ioSrLleg=s
and palps, length only measured along retrolateral face: Tar = tarsus. Met = metatarsus, Tib = tibia, Pat = patella. Fern = femur; 9. Posterior
leg length measured along prolateral face abbreviations as in 8.
332 THE JOURNAL OF ARACHNOLOGY
—
Figures 10-15. Eye-formations in dorsal view of western Mediterranean LJmmidia species. 10. U. algarve male holotype; 11. U. algarve
female paratype; 12. U. picea male 13. U. piceafemale', 14. U. algeriana female; 15. U. aedificatoria female.
;
October 2003, coll. P. Cardoso, Ribeira de Limas Mertola, and smoothly curved embolus with sub-apical fishhook tooth
Beja Alentejo 37.82°N, 07.62°W; 2 99 22 August 1996, coll. P. (Fig. 23) and low ocular quadrangle ratio (1/w = 0.58).
SAeulgduesnt, P1r9a9i6a, dcaollO.urPa. ASlegladernv,e 3B7e.l,0e8m°-N,Mon0c8.h2i4q°uWe; A1lg9a,rv1e6 = M6e.7a;suCraepmeInItTsf.do—EMLal=e 3h.o0l;otEypWe.=B4L.2=; S1L42==j; 4C.L2.=SW6.8=; C3.W7;
37.31°N, 08.59'W; 1 9, 15 August 1986, coll. P. Selden, LL = 0.8; LW = 1.3; ML = 2.7; 2 II: 1.6,
Senhora de Rocha Algarve 37.10°N, 08.37°W.
Etymology.- The species is named after the region and
former Moorish kingdom Algarve in South Portugal where it Tar Met Tib Pat Fern Total
was first discovered (O. Pickard-Cambridge 1907). The
geographically inspired name was chosen because it is Palp 1.4 - 3.3 2.1 4.4 11.2
regarded appropriate for a trapdoor spider species, since these Leg 1 1.2 2.5 3.3 2.8 5.3 17.6
species tend to be local endemics. An earlier suggestion by Leg 2 1.2 2.2 3.2 2.8 4.9 16.4
Leg 3 1.6 2.1 2.6 2.1 4.1 14.6
Amelia Bacelar (1937:1369) to name the Portuguese Ummidia
Leg 4 1.8 3.5 2.3 2.8 5.5 18.6
species after O. Pickard-Cambridge, who first reported it in
scientific literature, is not followed because of potential
confusion with Conothele cambridgeiThorell 1890 upon future
—
revision of the Ummidiinae. Description. Male holotype (Fig. 2): Carapace: (1/w = 1.0)
Diagnosis.- Differs from all other western Mediterranean black with shades of dark red, cephalic area slightly darker
Ummidia species by the small straight mushroom shaped than thorax part, few bristles on clypeus and on cephalic area
spermathecae (Fig. 17) and thewarty textureofthe abdominal crest, cuticle strongly granulated with thicker rim around
cuticle. Differs from U. piceus by the relatively short, strong edges. Clypeus: narrow. Cephalic area: moderately elevated.
——
DECAE—WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN UMMIDIA 333
t i
—
Figures 16-19. Studies ofthe spermathecae ofwestern Mediterranean Ummidia species in ventral view. Note sclerotized central sections of
the spermathecae: 16. U. picea(note double-bent central sections); 17. U. algarve(note mushroom type and cup-shaped central sections); 18. U.
algeriana (note twisted central sections); 19. U. aedificatoria (note short bent central sections). Scale-line = 1 mm.
Eye-group: (1/w = 0.6) eight eyes compactly grouped in two narrowing distally with strong spines along distal edge, tarsus
rows on and around low ocular process, anterior row strongly cylindrical with numerous spines ventrally and distally, paired
procurved, posterior row straight (Fig. 10). Fovea: position claws with one large and one small tooth. Leg IV: lighter in
Cap/CL = 0.7, deep, smoothly procurved. Chelicerae: strong, color than other legs, femur finely ribbed with few short spines
dorsally black, cuticle granulated, few setae mainly in apical dorsally, patella with elliptical glabrous patch dorsally lined
zone; ventrally warm orange brown, cheliceral furrow lined with fine denticles proximally, distally segments unmodified.
with rows of teeth on either side, 5 prolateral, 6 retrolateral. Abdomen: with strongly developed wart-like sockets for
PMS
Rastellum: tight group of strong teeth on well developed individual bristles as in female. Spinnerets: digitiform,
apical process. Fangs: with distinct serrated ventral ridges. proximally light brown, distally creamy white with numerous
Maxillae: (1/w = 1.7) trapezoid, orange brown, cuspules small spigots and one apical macro-spigot, PLS three equally
groups strongly reduced both in sizes of cuspules and in short segments all proximally light brown and distally creamy
numbers. Palp trochanters: without ventral cuspules. Labium: white fields with numerous fine spigots and few macro-spigots.
(1/w = 0.6) triangular shape, dark grey-brown, cuspules Bulb: (Figs. 21-23) as described in diagnosis.
gsrelhdaaubdcreeosdu.spocsSettneterriraonlru,mzo:sneet(.a1e/Awnctoe=nrcieo1nr.t1rl)eagtsberd&owipnna,llpastg:errdaaadlrikznogbnretosownal,riogthuatrnesdri S=WM6e.9=a;suC3r.9We;meL=nLt6s.=.2; 1C.Fa0e;pmLa=lWe4.p=8a1;.rE6a;tLyMp=eL2(.F8=i;g.2E.93W);:M=BWL5.5=;=S11L4..65.=; 4C.5L;
and metatarsi legs I & II light yellow brown, cuticle proximal
segments ribbed and granulate, spines absent from palps and Tar Met Tib Pat Fem Total
alterrgirscahnIogbe&odthiIrnIi,vaesnttprrroaenlsgelnadttiesrtaoallngsrpaoilulnpessmeootnnattiavbreisnaiter,amlaentpdaattaetrlislbiaieaae,nId&mtoarsIsIti, LLPaeelggp21 111...900 11-..74 222...040 222...146 433...177 11901...767
strongly developed on all dorsal tarsi in dense disordered Leg 3 1.2 1.4 1.7 2.1 3.6 9.9
groups ofboth Filiform- and clavate-bothria; dense scopula of Leg 4 1.4 2.2 2.5 2.6 4.7 13.5
short hairs on ventral tarsi and metatarsi I & II, paired claws
with variable number of strong lateral teeth (sometimes fused
into an irregular comb), 3rd claw very small: trochanter Description. Female paratype: Carapace: (1/w = 1.1)
apophysis reduced armed with a strong spine, femur bent and smooth, shining, with bristles only around eye-group, short
ventrally enlarged (Fig. 9: Fern), with spines distributed on crest-rowwith two lateral bristle rows reduced to only one pair
dorsal and prolateral faces, patella short with group of sharp ofbristles. Clypeus: protracted onto membranous connection
spines along dorsal prolateral side, tibia with shallow saddle between carapace and chelicerae. Cephalic area: smoothly
and spines along distal edge and, retrolaterally, metatarsus elevated. Eye-group: (1/w = 0.6) eight eyes placed in two rows
334 THE JOURNAL OF ARACHNOLOGY
—
Figures 20-23. Studiesoftheright bulbin Iberian Ummidiaspecies. 20. U.piceaprolateral; 21. U. algarveprolateral;22. U.picearetrolateral
(arrow indicates denticles); 23. U. algarve retrolateral (arrow indicates Fish-hook). Scale-line = 1 mm.
nearanterioredge ofcarapace and compactly set around small concentrated along dorsal crests, ventrally orange, cheliceral
ocular process, anterior row strongly procurved, posterior row furrow with 5 prolateral and 7 retrolateral denticles, rastellum
slightly recurved. Fovea; (Cap/CL = 0.7) deep, strongly of compactly set short teeth on strongly developed process.
=
procurved with distinct light colored anterior tips. Chelicerae: Fangs: strong, blunt with serrated inner ridge. Maxillae (1/w
massive, black contrasting with color of carapace, bristles 1.8) sub-rectangular, anterior light orange brown with greyish
:
DECAE—WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN UMMIDIA
335
scopula, cuspules strongly developed, organized in two burrow is presently not known from any other Ummidia
groups; one with 25 larger cuspules more proximal and species, a similar type of burrow has recently been reported
anterior and one with 21 smallercuspules distal and posterior, from Conothele varvarti in eastern India (Siliwal et. al. 2009).
anterior apical maxillary process indistinct. Palp trochanter:
with distinct group of cuspules. Labium: (1/w - 0.6) semi- Ummidiapicea Thorell 1875
dome shaped, posterior sloping steeply to labial furrow; Figs. 12, 13, 16, 20, 22
distinctly bicolored with anterior light crescent carrying an Ummidia picea Thorell 1875a:102.
oval-shaped group of 11 strong cuspules. Sternum (1/w = 1.2) U. picea Thorell 1875b:121.
smooth, with large glabrous central area (fused sigilla) and U. piceus: Frade & Bacelar 1931:51 1, fig. 4bis.
evenly set setae along lateral zones. Anterior legs & palps: Pachylomerus aedificatorias: Simon 1909:42. Misidentifica-
dense lateral fields ofshort curvy and curved spines on tarsus, tion.
metatarsus and tibia (absent from retrolateral tarsus, meta- Diagnosis.—Differs from all other western Mediterranean
tarsus and tibia of leg II), anterior patellae and femora Ummidia species by double bent central sclerotized section of
without spines with theexception ofone distal prolateral spine the spermathecae (Fig. 16). Differs from U. algarve by the
on palp patella. Leg III: blunt pointed apophysis on prolateral long slender curved embolus, proximal sclerite with distal
dorsal trochanter, femur curved and ventrally enlarged
denticles (Fig. 22). —
(Fig. 9: Fern), patella short strong with prolateral field of Material studied. 1 c? (described) collected as juvenile 6
short straight spines, tibia with dorsal proximal dark colored, April 2007, adult 11 September 2008, coll. A.E. Decae,
glabrous, saddle flanked on either side by narrow membra- Barranco de Rio Higueron, Frigliana, Andalusia 36.802°N,
nous slits, distal field ofshort curved spines on distal upward 03.875°W. 1 ? (described) 4-6 April 1989, coll. A.E. Decae,
curved part oftibia (Fig. 9: Tib), metatarsus short with dorsal Nerja, Andalusia 36.764°N, 03.865°W. 1 c? MNHN Coll
field ofstrong short spines along full length ofsegment, tarsus Simon (undated) Cartagena, 37.61°N, 01.00°W. 1 <5 MNHN
short with dense prolateral spine field along full length of 18 September 1919 BMNH Cartagena, 37.61°N, 01.00 W. 3 ¥9
segment and retrolateral spine field distally restricted. Leg IV: 4-6 April 2007, coll. A.E. Decae, Barranco de Rio Higueron,
trochanter and femur unmodified, patella dorsal glabrous Frigliana, Andalusia 37.80°N, 03.83°W. 2 99 4-6 April 1989,
patch with prolateral dense fields of fine cuspules, tibia coll. A.E. Decae,—Nerja, Andalusia 36.764°N, 03.865°W.
unmodified without prolateral spines, metatarsus unmodified Measurements. Male: BL = 13.3; CL = 5.6; CW = 5.2;
with dorsal and ventral prolateral rows of 2 spines, tarsus Cap = 3.9; EL = 2.7; EW = 4.1; SL = 3.2; SW = 2.7. LL =
unmodified with apical prolateral group of strong short LW = ML = MW =
1.0; 1.2; 2.1; 1.2.
spines. Trichobothria: large groups of filiform trichobothria
and small groups of clavate trichobothria dorsal on all tarsi,
few filiform trichobothria in disordered row on dorsal
Tar Met Tib Pat Fem Total
metatarsi; two small rows offiliform trichobothria in proximal
half of dorsal tibiae. Abdomen: egg-shaped with evenly Palp 1.2 - 2.8 1.7 3.9 9.6
distributed bristles set in strongly developed wart-like sockets. Leg 1 1.2 2.3 2.9 2.3 4.7 13.5
Spinnerets: as described for male. Spermathecae: (Fig. 17) Leg 2 1.2 2.2 2.5 2.2 4.2 12.4
short, distally converging mushroom-shaped, proximal part Leg 3 1.4 2.2 2.1 1.9 3.5 11.0
Leg 4 1.7 3.0 2.7 2.0 4.5 13.8
tubular, lightly glandular, medial part sclerotized, distal part
donut-shaped lightly glandular.
—
Variation. Morphological variation in this species is small, —
the bulb structure and the structure ofthe spermathecae were Description. Male: Carapace: (1/w =1.1) glabrous, surface
found to be constant in all specimens studied. Total body sizes finely striated and granulated. Clypeus: width as longest
vary between 12.6 mm and 18.2 mm in males (n = 10) and diameter of ALE, with two brownish lines running from the
between 12.4 mm and 19.6 mm in females (n — 8). Carapace base ofALE to clypeus edge, setae fully absent. Cephalic area:
shape asjudged by the CL/CW ratios quiteconstant in females elevated, laterally not delineated from thorax part ofcarapace.
(CL/CW 1.2-1.3: n = 8) and somewhat morevariable in males Fovea: (Cap/CL — 0.7) regularly procurved. Eye-group: (1/w
(CL/CW 1.0-1.2; n—= 10). = 0.6) on dome-shaped process, anterior row strongly
Natural History. U. algarve is reported to be very common procurved, posterior row straight, ALEs largest, PMEs
and occurring in quite dense populations, often in close teardrop shaped. Chelicerae: basal segment striated and
association with nemesiid trapdoor spiders (S. Huber pers. granulated as carapace, black dorsally grading into warm
comm.). The burrowstructure, with a trapdoorat the entrance brown ventrally, distal sharp bristles evenly spaced around
of the burrow and a second up-side down trapdoor in the very short strong teeth of the rastellum. Rastellar process
bottom of the burrow has attracted much attention in the ventrally pronounced, fangs brown, long, sharp and slightly
literature (O. Pickard- Cambridge 1907; Bacelar 1937; Buchli translucent, with ventral retrolateral serrated ridge. Cheliceral
1962). This type of burrow distinguishes U. algarve from all furrow warm brown, bordered with rows ofteeth 5 prolateral,
other Mediterranean Ummidia species that construct simple 6 retrolateral. Maxillae: (1/w = 1.8) sub-rectangular, dark
trapdoor burrows with no other internal structures than a brown, proximally lighter, with distinct light colored anterior
dense silken lining ofthe burrow walls. Buchli (1962) reported edges and silvery white scopulae, cuspules reduced and
that the inverted trapdoor at the bottom ofthe burrow might irregularly spread along ventral surface, proximally more
only be built by female spiders. Although this curious type of concentrated, distally absent. Labium: (1/w — 0.8) relatively
336 THE JOURNAL OF ARACHNOLOGY
long striated, with contrasting color zones, proximal dark to black and contrasting in color with carapace, dorsally
brown, distal light brown, small group of distal cuspules. slightly lighter in color than laterally, ventrally bright orange
Sternum: (1/w = 1.2) greyish brown, lateral zones lighter than brown in and along the cheliceral furrow, glabrous between
central zone, centrally fused sigilla, widely spaced sharp three distinct longitudinal zones with bristles. Cuticle dorsally
bristles predominantly in finely striated lateral zones. Palps: smooth, distally (in rastellar zone) striated; furrow lined with
long and slender; femur is longest segment; tegument two irregular rows of 7 or 8 strong stubby teeth, no denticles
structure, color and setae as described for legs; spines absent on furrowbottom, rastellumdensegroupshort strongteeth on
from all segments. Legs: dorsally black striated, ventrally distinct process. Fangs: strong, short, and blunt. Fang ridge:
greyish, tarsi and metatarsi I & II ventrally light colored and smooth. Maxillae: (1/w = 1.7) cuspules spiky spread in two size
scopulate. Leg III: trochanter with small dorsal apophysis, classes over ventral surface, about 35 larger cuspules anterior,
femur slightly thickened with group of 4 short strong apical about 33 small more posterior. Palp trochanters: with short
spines dorsally, patella with short curved spines along dorsal cusp-like setae. Labium: (1/w = 0.6) somewhat diamond
prolateral face, tibia with transverse striated saddle and few shaped, 10 strong distal cuspules in distal half. Labial furrow:
sharp spines irregularly placed, metatarsus with numerous glabrous, shallow, with two distinct elliptical sigilla. Sternum:
irregularly placed sharp spines, tarsus with numerous ventral (1/w = 1.2) light brown with dark edge, setae mainly in
spines. Leg IV: trochanter unmodified, femur with few apical peripheral zone, sigilla fused in central glabrous field. Legs:
dorsal short spines, patella with longitudinal dorsal glabrous dorsally dark brown, ventrally lighter, ventral femora III & IV
zone flanked on either side by short spiny bristles, tibia with light yellowish brown, anterior coxae darker than posterior
ventral longitudinal row of sharp spines, metatarsus and coxae; (spine patterns) dense fields short curvy and curved
tarsus with numerous sharp ventral spines, dorsal patella IV spines on lateral tibiae metatarsi and tarsi I & II, short straight
with central brown zone. Filiform trichobothria on all dorsal spines on all patellae and on tibiae, Ometatarsi and tarsi III &
tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi. Clavate trichobothria in small IV, no spines on femora; patella III with transverse row of
groups on proximal dorsal surfaces of all tarsi. Abdomen: short strong spines along the distal edge, tibia III, with dense
evenly covered with fine, spiky bristles, dorsally purplish transverse group ofshort strong spines along full dorsal width
brown with irregular creamy blotches, ventrally yellowish distal ofblack saddle depression, metatarsus III with group of
brown, integument not warty. Spinnerets: PMS short, light short strong spines along full dorsal length ofsegment (apical
colored with few apical spigots, PLS three-segmented with spines strongest), tarsus III with few prolateral spines and
groups of spigots on ventral distal parts of proximal and dense spine groups ventrally around apical claw implant; leg
medial segment and dense apical spigot field on domed distal IV with dense ‘rasp-like’ field of very small short spines on
segment. Bulb (Fi—gs. 20, 22). dorsal patella and only few fine spines in distal halves oftibia,
Measurements. Female: BL — 26.0; CL = 9.5; CW = 8.5; metatarsus and tarsus; trochanter III with anterior dorsal
Cap - 6.8; EL = 4.8; EW - 7.0; SL = 6.5; SW = 5.4; LL = apophysis. Tarsi with proximal groups of clavate trichobo-
1.2; LW = 1.9; ML = 3.5; MW = 2.1. thria (reduced or absent in posterior legs), surrounded by
irregularly placed filiform trichobothria; metatarsi with
central dorsal longitudinal row ofvery fine filiform trichobo-
Tar Met Tib Pat Fem Total thria (absent from leg I), tibiae with two distally converging
rows of very fine filiform trichobothria in proximal quarter;
Palp 2.9 - 3.7 3.3 5.0 14.9 leg scopulaeabsent; pairedclawswith one longproximal tooth
Leg 1 1.2 2.4 3.5 3.8 5.6 16.5 & one much smaller more distal tooth, 3rd claw vestigial.
Leg 2 0.7 2.4 3.3 3.4 5.5 15.3
Abdomen: evenly covered with fine setae, mottled purplish
Leg 3 1.7 1.7 2.7 2.6 4.5 13.1
Leg 4 2.1 3.4 3.1 3.2 6.1 17.8 grey with irregular light colored blotches, ventrally overall
lighter color. Spinnerets: PMS: digitiform, with distinct lighter
colored apical spinneret field with few micro-spigots and one
— macro-spigot, PLS all three segments short and distally light
Description. Female: Carapace: (1/w = 1.1) smooth, colored, proximal and medial segment with transverse distal
shining and shaded brown, darkest zones around fovea and rows of macro-spigots, distal segment with apical spigot field
abovecoxa III; crest-line narrow, dark contrastingwith lighter with exclusiv—ely micro-spigots. Spermathecae: see diagnosis.
crest-zone; crest-bristlesstronglydeveloped in straight line and Variation. The emboli ofthe 2 male spiders found, one in
only in anterior halfofcrest-zone, few finer bristles lateral of the BMNH, London, and one in MNHN, Paris, were not as
crest-zone; no setae along carapace edge. Clypeus: mottled elongated as the embolus in the specimen here described and
brown, with small group of setae on protracted semi-circular figured. This could well be the result ofhandling damage over
process anterior of eye-formation. Cephalic area: smoothly a long period of time. The material available, however, was
elevated. Eye-group: (1/w = 0.6) on distinct ocular process, insufficient to test this hypothesis, and the possibility that the
anterior row strongly procurved, posterior row straight; ALE Spanish Ummidia population is more diverse at the species
largest, AME slightly wider than their diameter apart, PME level than presently conceived cannot be ruled out.
pearly and caudally protracted projecting caudally beyond Remarks. -Thorell’s original description of the male of U.
PLE. PLE distinctly smaller than AME; groups ofstrongsetae picea is very short and inadequate (Thorell 1875:102); the
both anteriorand posteriorofAME on ocular process. Fovea: female described as U. picea by Frade & Bacelar 1931 actually
(Cap/CL = 0.7) deep, strongly and smoothly procurved. was a specimen of U. algarve. Therefore, both sexes are fully
Chelicerae: basal segment strong, dark brown distally grading described here.
—
DECAE—WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN UMMIDIA 337
— —
Natural History. U. piceawas found to inhabit steep banks Natural History. Simon (1888) reported this species to be
along trails, creeks and canyons in Andalusia, particularly in widespread in the Tell region ofAlgeria and western Tunisia,
shady locations. Different from U. algarve (see above), U. where its burrows were all dug in steep to vertical surfaces
picea does not form aggregations ofnests. Single burrows were along roads and rivers. The burrows were reported to be
found throughout the area. Specimens were collected from a shallow (6-10 cm), internally lined with dense white silk and
number of burrows for further study of morphology closed at the entrance by a stiff thin trapdoor.
(taxonomy) and behavior in the laboratory. The trapdoors
Ummidia aedificatoria (Westwood 1840)
were typically, as reported for several Ummidia species, placed
sideways or even upside down with respect to the slope. A Figs. 15,19
remarkable difference in behavior between U. picea and U. Actinopus aedificatorius Westwood 1840:175, pi. 10.
algarve is the immediate strong holding down ofthe trapdoor Sphodros aedificatorius'. Walckenaer 1842:438.
in the first species upon disturbance, and the absence of this Cteniza aedificatoria: Ausserer 1871:155.
behavior in the second species. U. picea burrows may be found Pachylomerus occidentals Simon 1909:8 New synonym.
&
close to burrows ofboth nemesiid Nemesia and Cyrtauchenius Pachylomerusoccidentals'. Frade Bacelar 1931:512, figs. 5, 6.
—
trapdoor spiders. Remark. The type of U. aedificatoria is a dried specimen in
Ummidia algeriana (Lucas 1846) comb. nov. the Oxford University Museum collection, of which photo-
Figs. 14, 18 graphs by Ray Gabriel were seen, but diagnostic details ofthe
sexual organs could not be studied. Westwood’s original
ACctteinnizoapuaslgaelrgiearniaanuAsusLsuecraesr 11884761::9165-59.7, pi. 1, fig. 5. description fortunately is very detailed and extensive and is
Pachylomerusaedi:ficatorius: Simon 1892, fig. 86; 1903:887, fig. (fuWretshtewromoorde 1a84c0c:omPplaanteied10).byTwaogcohoadracsteetrsofofislluupsptorsateidolnys
P. M10aI4eS8di;IfiD1cE9at0No9rT:i4Iu2sF'^.I43C.AFrTaIdOeNS&. Bacelar 1931:509 figs. 1, 2. dtihaegrneodstuiccedvarlasuteel-larthperorceelsatsi-vealryesshuofrfticoiecnutllayrcqleuaardrinantghleedrainedd
— specimen and the illustrations to synonymize Westwood’s type
Remarks. Lucas’ (1846:96-97) description and figures are of U. aedificatoria with Simon’s type of U. occidentals that
very accurate and complete, here only further observations on originated from roughly the same type location (Tangiers
the morphology of the spermathecae and measurements are province in northwestern Morocco; Fig. 24). Because Simon’s
given. The measurements are taken from a specimen in Lucas’ spider at the MNHN Paris is the only specimen available for
type series, the spermathecae are drawn after one ofthe larger closer study, the limited additional diagnostic and descriptive
specimens in Simon’—s collection. information given h—ere is based on that specimen.
Material studied. 9 99 including a probable type specimen Material studied. 2 $9 on photographs in the Westwood
collected by Lucas and found in Simon’s collection at the collection, preserved in dry condition in the Oxford University
MNHN, Pari—s. Museum. 1 9 found in Simon’scollection at the MNHN, Paris,
Diagnosis. Differs from all other Mediterranean Ummidia probable type specimen of U. occidentals that is here
species in the possession ofa twisted central sclerotized section synonymized with U. aedificatoria.
—
in the spermathecae (Fig. 18). Differs from U. aedificatoria in Diagnosis. Differs from all other Mediterranean Ummidia
the higher 1/w-ratio ofthe ocularquadrangle (Figs. 14—15), the species by the short bent central section of the spermathecae
strong development of the rastellar process, the deep labial (Fig. 19), the low length/width ratio ofthe ocular quadrangle
furrow with distinct elliptical sigilla and the texture of the (Fig. 15) and the—reduced rastellar process.
aCbadMpeoLam=siWun5ra.e=0l;mecEuntLtiscl.=Me—.L3.F7e;=maElWe:=MBL6W.1=;=S24L.4=; C5.L5;=SW8.6;=C5.W0;=LL7.9=; CaMVpaera=isaut5ri.eo8nm;.eE—ntLOs.n=ly0F.4e;tmhaErleeWe: =fBeLm0.a8l-.e18s.1p;ecCiLmen=s8.a2r;eCWcurr=en6t.l7y;
1.0; 1.7; 2.7; 1.4. known, two of which have been preserved in dried condition
for almost 170 years. Nevertheless, it is clear that U.
aedificatoria falls in the same size range as the other western
Tar Met Tib Pat Fem Total Mediterranean Ummidia species. Total body lengths of adult
Palp 2.4 - 2.9 2.8 4.8 12.9 females in the small sample range from 18.1 to 29.0mm.
—
Leg 1 1.1 2.3 2.9 3.5 5.2 15.0 Natural History. Neither Westwood (1840) nor Simon
Leg 2 1.3 2.2 2.4 3.2 4.6 13.7 (1909) provides any information about the natural conditions
Leg 3 1.4 1.9 2.6 2.4 4.3 12.7 in which U. aedificatoria is found. Westwood, however,
Leg 4 1.7 3.0 3.1 3.2 5.7 16.8 received the spiders hedescribed alive in theirnatural burrows.
From Westwood's descriptions and figures, and also from
photographs of the preserved burrow material in the Oxford
Variation. Total sizes (BL) in the sample of 9 99 varied University Museum, it might be concluded that U. aedifica-
between 29.1mm and 17.0mm. Variation in the shape of the toria builds the typical shallow silk-lined trapdoor burrow that
carapace (CL/CW = 1.1-1.2; n =9), the position of the fovea is very similar to the burrows of U. algeriana and U. picea.
(CL/Cap = 1.4-1.5; n = 9) appeared to be very low. DISCUSSION
Differences found in the length/width ratio of the ocular
quadrangle (1/w = 0.6-0.8; n—9) suggest some local geograph- Simon (1903:887-888) included three genera (Ummidia,
ical variability or cryptic diversity. Conothele and Hebestatis) in his Pachylomereae based on the