New data on the spider genus Pionothele (Araneae: Nemesiidae), with description of a new species from South Africa
Keywords:
Biodiversity, Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Nemesiidae, spiders, wishbone spiders, Afrotropical, South Africa, new species, taxonomyAbstract
The formerly monotypic African genus Pionothele Purcell is shown to comprise two members, the type species P. straminea Purcell, 1902 and P. capensis n. sp., described here. The distribution of both sympatric species is confined to the Cape Peninsula and adjacent territories. The new species differs from P. straminea by having a noticeably better developed cheliceral rastellum, more numerous maxillary cuspules (80–90 vs 15–20) and triangular (not domed) apical segment of the posterior lateral spinnerets, as well as by the short-cylindrical (not swollen) male palpal tibia and a paddle-like embolus slightly dilated apically (thorn-like in the latter species). To compare diagnostic characters directly, the type species is also redescribed from a conspecific male. The relationships of Pionothele are briefly discussed.
Cite as: Zonstein, S. L. 2016. New data on the spider genus Pionothele (Araneae: Nemesiidae), with description of a new species from South Africa. Israel Journal of Entomology 46: 31–42.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.56928
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1AB4F448-8024-40D6-98F0-02CC7D7CC150

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