Epeira biapicata L. Koch, 1871 (designated here). Gender female.

The generic name is composed of the stem hortus (Latin – garden), referring to the vernacular name of the species in Australia, Garden orb-weavers, and the ending –phora to indicate the similarity of the genus with Eriophora.

Hortophora gen. nov. is here diagnosed against the only four genera of the backobourkiines (sensu Scharff et al. 2020) which have been revised with modern taxonomic methods: Plebs, Backobourkia, Lariniophora Framenau, 2011 and Novakiella (Framenau 2011; Framenau et al. 2010, 2021; Joseph and Framenau 2012). Other established backobourkiine genera, Singa, Carepalxis and Acroaspis, have not yet been revised in Australia and a diagnosis against those is not possible as their synapomorphies have not been defined based on modern taxonomic methods.

As we could not identify unambiguous synapomorphies of Hortophora gen. nov., we here propose the combination of the following characters to diagnose the genus within the backobourkiines: abdomen subtriangular to ovoid and generally with distinct humeral humps (Fig. 1A, C, D, F); tibia of the second leg of males enlarged with strong prolateral and ventral setae (e.g., Fig. 2A, C, F, G); male pedipalp with an elongated, transverse median apophysis, often ending in a bifid tip and with its base arching over the radix (Figs 3A–D, 4A, 5A, C); terminal apophysis bubble-shaped, ending in a heavily sclerotised elongated tip (Figs 3A–C, 4A–C), this tip accompanied at its base by a second pointy structure at least in H. biapicata comb. nov. (Fig. 5A, C, D); conductor lobe elongate, spatulate and with its end bent ventrally (Fig. 3A, D), this spatulate terminal part covered in scale-like structures (Fig. 5B); female epigyne base very compact; scape directed anteriorally at its base but then turning posteriorly, highly elongated and without a terminal pocket (e.g., Figs 7C, 10C, 13C).

Figure 2.

Hortophora gen. nov. species, second legs of male, prolateral view. A. H. biapicata comb. nov., right leg (HBI N18501-1); B. H. cucullus sp. nov., right leg (SAM NN19582); C. H. lodicula comb. nov., left leg (QM S116469); D. H. megacantha sp. nov., left leg (QM S116493); E. H. porongurup sp. nov., left leg (WAM T75419); F. H. tatianeae sp. nov., left leg (MV K-14612); G. H. transmarina comb. nov., right leg (QM S20307); H. H. urbana comb. nov., left leg (QM S111900); I. H. walesiana comb. nov., left leg (WAM T75383); J. H. yesabah sp. nov., left leg (QM S111896). Scale bars: 2 mm (A–C, E, F, H–J); 1 mm (D); 5 mm (G).

Hortophora gen. nov. differ from Backobourkia by the absence of a basal flange on the median apophysis of the male pedipalp and by the generally much longer, not elongate triangular epigyne scape of females. In addition, Hortophora gen. nov. species lack the characteristic anterior triangular white marking and the strong spine-like setae found on the dorsum of abdomen in Backobourkia.

Figure 3.

Hortophora gen. nov., left male pedipalps, ventral view A. H. biapicata comb. nov. expanded (WAM T77043); B. H. biapicata comb. nov. (WAM T68036); C. H. tatianeae sp. nov. (WAM T68012); D. H. urbana comb. nov. (AM KS66276). Scale bars: 1 mm (A), 2 mm (B–D).

Hortophora gen. nov. species differ from those of Plebs by an overall much larger body size, although large Plebs such as P. bradleyi (Keyserling, 1887) may overlap in size with smaller Hortophora gen. nov. Plebs species have a comparatively longer abdomen and Hortophora gen. nov. species lack the characteristic ventral abdominal pattern of Plebs, i.e. a squared, light Ü-pattern with the dots placed near the spinnerets. Most Hortophora gen. nov. species have indistinct lateral light lines on the ventral abdomen, sometimes with transverse light bands or patches (e.g., Fig. 1B, G, E). Genital morphology of Hortophora gen. nov. and Plebs is similar, but male pedipalps of Hortophora gen. nov. generally have more pronounced, bubble-shaped terminal apophysis and have no conspicuous tegular protrusion or tegular lobe (except in H. lodicula comb. nov.).

Figure 4.

Hortophora megacantha sp. nov., expanded right pedipalp (QM S56709). A, dorsal view; B, retrolateral view; C, ventral view. Scale bars: 0.2 mm.

The subtriangular abdomen of Hortophora gen. nov. greatly differs from the elongate abdomen of Lariniophora. Hortophora gen. nov. males lack the bilobed outgrowth on the median apophysis characteristic for Lariniophora, and females present an epigyne not as elevated and generally with a longer scape.

Male Hortophora gen. nov. differ from Novakiella by the elongate and transverse median apophysis of the pedipalp (short and pointing basally in Novakiella) and a comparatively smaller conductor lobe (heavily enlarged in Novakiella). In contrast to that of Novakiella females, the female epigyne base of Hortophora gen. nov. is rounded in ventral view and without wrinkles (triangular base with transverse or lateral wrinkles in Novakiella).

Figure 5.

Hortophora biapicata comb. nov., scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) of right male pedipalp (NHMD, from Two Roads, Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Western Australia). A. whole pedipalp, retrolateral view; B. conductor lobe, retrolateral view; C. basal part of pedipalp, retrolateral view; D. close-up of conductor, embolus and tip of terminal apophysis, retrolateral view.

Median to large-sized orb-weaving spiders, males (TL 5.9–11.5) generally smaller than females (TL 7.00–22.00). Carapace longer than wide, pear-shaped and with cephalic region relatively narrower in males than in females; colouration variable from beige to reddish-brown, often covered with dense white setae (e.g., Figs 1A–D, F, 6A, C, E, G). Fovea longitudinal in males, but a roundish pit in females that somewhat extends anteriorly. Anterior median eyes largest, row of posterior eyes slightly recurved, lateral eyes almost touching, posterior lateral eyes apart from posterior median eyes by more than their diameter; lateral eyes of males on tubercles, anterior median eyes protruding from the carapace (e.g., Figs 6A, C, E, G, 9A, 10A). Sternum longer than wide with a sparse to dense cover of setae. Labium wider than long, with anterior glabrous light edge. Endites of male with lateral tooth. Chelicerae fangs with two to four promarginal teeth of differing sizes, and one to four retromarginal teeth of similar size. Legs: Leg formula I > IV > II > III. Tibiae II of males stronger than tibiae I and with heavy spination and sometimes with conspicuous apico-ventral megaspur that carries a strong spine (e.g., Fig. 2F, H, J). Abdomen slightly longer than wide, subtriangular to ovoid (except in H. cucullus sp. nov.; Figs 9A–C, 10A–B), without specialised setae, sigillae, condyles or other specific structures; dorsally with variable folium pattern and often with variable white patterns of guanine crystals (e.g., Fig. 1A, C, F). Venter with indistinct light lateral lines, sometimes pairs of white spots centrally or transverse light bands or patches.

Figure 6.

Hortophora biapicata comb. nov. A. male dorsal habitus (HBI N18501-1); B. male ventral habitus (HBI N18501-1); C. female dorsal habitus (HBI N26183-1); D. female ventral habitus (HBI N26183-1); E. male dorsal habitus (NHMD 12380); F. male ventral habitus (NHMD 12380); G. female dorsal habitus (NHMD 12371); H. female ventral habitus (NHMD 12371). Scale bars: 5 mm (A–H).

Male pedipalp patella with a single macroseta (e.g., Fig. 3A, C, D) (two in H. cucullus sp. nov.; Fig. 9D, E); paracymbium elongated and hook-like (e.g., Figs 3, 7B, 9E); median apophysis generally elongate transverse with two or rarely three apical tips (e.g., Figs 3A–D, 4A, B, 5A, 7A, B, 9D) or shorter with apical lobes (e.g., Figs 12C, 30C); conductor lobe well developed and ending in a rounded spatula with a ventrally bent tip (e.g., Figs 3A–D, 4A, 7A, 9D, 12C); terminal apophysis bubble-shaped and tapering to a sclerotised, pointed tip (e.g., Figs 3A–D, 4A, 7A, 9D, 12C); conductor with sclerotised and membranous portions, carved ventrally to accommodate embolus and terminal apophysis tip (e.g., Figs 3A–D, 4A, 7A, 9D, 12C); embolus straight to sinuous, uncapped (e.g., Figs 3A–D, 4A, 9D). Epigyne base compact and strongly sclerotised with distinct atrium; scape highly elongated in most species (e.g., Figs 7C, 10C, 13C).

Figure 7.

Hortophora biapicata comb. nov., male and female genitalia. A. left male pedipalp, ventral view (HBI N18501-1); B. left male pedipalp, ventral view (HBI N18501-1); C. female epigyne, ventral view (HBI N26183-1); D. female epigyne, lateral view (HBI 26183-1); E. female epigyne, posterior view (HBI N26183-1); F. male left coxae of legs I and II showing coxal hooks, ventral view (HBI N18501-1); G. female epigyne, ventral view (NHMD 12371); H. right male pedipalp, ventral view (NHMD 12380). Scale bars: 1 mm (A–E, G, H); 0.5 mm (F).

13 species: H. biapicata comb. nov.; H. capitalis comb. nov.; H. cucullus sp. nov.; H. flavicoma comb. nov.; H. lodícula comb. nov.; H. megacantha sp. nov.; H. porongurup sp. nov.; H. tatianeae sp. nov.; H. transmarina comb. nov.; H. urbana comb. nov.; H. viridis comb. nov.; H. walesiana comb. nov.; H. yesabah sp. nov.

Most species are restricted to Australia, with H. transmarina comb. nov. also found in Papua New Guinea (Table 1). Hortophora capitalis comb. nov. has been recorded in Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu, H. flavicoma comb. nov. in New Caledonia and H. viridis comb. nov. in Samoa (Table 1).

Holotype of Epeira biapicata L. Koch, 1871: female, “Neuholland” (= Australia; no precise locality data in original description) (SMNH) (lost in WW2, see Davies 1980).

Neotype of Epeira biapicata L. Koch, 1871 (designated by Davies 1980): male, 64 km W of Westmar (ca. 27°59'S, 149°04'E, Queensland, Australia), R.J. Raven, V.E. Davies, 9 January 1979, mulga scrub (QM S361). Examined.

Holotype of Epeira frosti Hogg, 1896: female, Stevenson River (27°06'S, 135°32'E, South Australia, Australia), Horn Expedition (MV K-931). Examined.

Holotype of Araneus biapicatifera Strand, 1907: female, no exact locality, only given as “Australien” in Strand (1907) (MWNH 331). Microscopic photographs of the holotype examined.

See Appendix 1.

Male and female H. biapicata comb. nov. are most similar to H. transmarina comb. nov. with which they share a comparatively large size and distinct ventral pattern of broad light transverse bands of the abdomen, particularly distinct just behind the epigastric furrow (Figs 1B, G, 6B, D, F, H, 24B, 25B). However, male H. biapicata comb. nov. differ from all other species of Hortophora gen. nov., including H. transmarina comb. nov., by the presence of coxal hooks on leg II (Fig. 7F). Female H. biapicata comb. nov. can be distinguished from those H. transmarina comb. nov. by the smaller baso-lateral flaps of the epigyne that bulge laterally in the latter and can be seen in ventral view (Fig. 25C), but not so in H. biapicata comb. nov. (Fig. 7G).

Male (HBI N18501-1): Total length 10.5. Carapace 6.2 long, 5.0 wide; reddish-brown, lighter in cephalic area (Fig. 6A). Eye diameter AME 0.34, ALE 0.16, PME 0.29, PLE 0.18; row of eyes: AME 0.85, PME 0.65, PLE 2.30. Chelicerae reddish-brown; three promarginal teeth (basal smallest), three retromarginal teeth (similar size). Legs dark brown, femora basally lighter, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi with yellow brown rings or spots (Fig. 6A, B). Coxae of leg II with hook-like projections (Fig. 7F). Tibiae of leg II enlarged with strong prolateral spines, but no distinct apico-ventral megaspur (Figs 2A, 6A, B). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 6.5 + 3.5 + 6.1 + 6.0 + 1.5 = 23.6, II – 6.1 + 2.8 + 4.6 + 0.9 + 0.8 = 15.2, III – 4.1 + 1.6 + 2.7 + 2.6 + 0.9 = 11.9, IV – 4.7 + 1.9 + 4.2 + 4.4 + 0.8 = 16.0. Labium 0.80 long, 0.92 wide, dark brown (Fig. 6B); endites light brown. Sternum 2.9 long, 1.7 wide, brown and covered by yellowish setae (Fig. 6B). Abdomen 6.0 long, 4.3 wide; dorsum olive-brown with indistinct lighter folium pattern; venter olive-brown with light transverse band behind epigastric furrow (Fig. 6B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 1.1 + 0.5 + 0.3 + 2.0 = 3.9; paracymbium elongated, strongly sclerotised (Fig. 7B); median apophysis elongate transverse with pointy central protrusion and apically bifid curved tips (Figs 5A, 7A, H); terminal apophysis bubble-shaped tapering into an elongated, sclerotised tip (Figs 5A, C, D, 7A); conductor with sclerotised apical and lamellar central portion (Fig. 7A); embolus heavily sclerotised, elongated with a sinuous tip (Figs 5D, 7A).

Female (HBI N26183-1): Total length 22.0. Carapace 8.7 long, 7.6 wide; reddish-brown, cephalic are darker; centrally covered with white setae (Fig. 6C). Eye diameter AME 0.36, ALE 0.27, PME 0.27, PLE 0.20; row of eyes: AME 0.92, PME 0.88, PLE 4.35. Chelicerae orange-brown; three promarginal teeth (similar size), three retromarginal teeth (basal largest). Leg femora reddish-brown, apically darker and without setae; all other segments very dark brown with bands of dark and white setae (Fig. 6D). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + tarsus = total length): 2.5 + 1.1 + 1.8 + – + 3.2 = 8.6. Leg formula I > IV > II > III; and length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 9.5 + 4.7 + 7.9 + 8.2 + 2.6 = 32.9, II – 8.6 + 4.2 + 7.5 + 0.9 + 2.4 = 23.6, III – 5.8 + 2.7 + 3.5 + 3.8 + 1.8 = 17.6, IV – 7.5 + 4.4 + 6.4 + 6.3 + 2.6 = 27.2. Labium 1.00 long, 1.68 wide, reddish-brown (Fig. 6D); endites as in male. Sternum 4.0 long, 3.0 wide, brown, covered by yellowish setae (Fig. 6D). Abdomen 12.5 long, 13.0 wide, indistinct humeral humps, dorsum dark olive-brown and mottled with light spots, central folium pattern darker (Fig. 6C); venter dark olive-brown with narrow light lateral lines and light transverse band behind epigastric furrow (Fig. 6D). Spinnerets brown. Epigyne (Fig. 7C–E) base ovoid; scape highly elongated and centrally slightly wider, dorsal narrow ridge in basal half (Fig. 7D), and covered with sparse short setae.

Size variation: total length males 11.3–16.3 (n=17), females 15.0–23.1 (n=19). Unlike in other Hortophora gen. nov. species, the female scape was never broken off in any of the females examined by us. There is great colour variation, specifically in the abdomen of both males and females, which may be almost uniformly light to dark brown, or have a distinct folium pattern (e.g., Figs 1A, 6E, G) and often distinct white guanine markings, either just spots (in particular posterior of the humeral humps (e.g., Fig. 1A, 6C, G), or longitudinal or transverse spots and lines (e.g., Fig. 1C, 6E). These patterns are not species-specific, occur similarly in other species and cannot be relied on to identify H. biapicata comb. nov.

The species was named after the often discernible two tips at the end of the abdomen in females. However, these cannot be seen in all specimens, in particular not in gravid or fully fed females and cannot be relied upon as diagnostic character.

The holotype of Epeira biapicata L. Koch, 1871 was lost in WW2 when the Natural History Museum, Stuttgart was damaged. Davies (1980) designated a neotype for the species due to its similarities with H. transmarina comb. nov. to fix the taxonomic concept of the species-group name Epeira biapicata.

Two immature females from Ovalau (Fiji) (ZMH Rack (1961)-catalogue no. 225), Museum Godeffroy 7477) (examined) were mentioned in the original description and could potentially be considered part of the type series. However, we here follow Davies (1980) who excluded them from the type material as they were not explicitly described. Based on our examinations, Fiji does not belong to the distribution range of H. biapicata comb. nov. and it is likely that both specimens belong to H. viridis comb. nov., originally described from Fiji and here removed from synonymy with H. transmarina comb. nov. (see below), pending a more detailed review of orb-weaving spiders of the Pacific region.

The female holotype of Epeira frosti Hogg, 1896 (MV K-931) agrees well with the diagnosis of H. biapicata comb. nov. as presented here. It is therefore proposed as junior synonym of H. biapicata comb. nov. Detailed images of the female holotype of Araneus biapicatifera Strand, 1907 (MWNH 331) were examined and somatic and genitalic characters also match the diagnosis of H. biapicata comb. nov. presented here. Therefore, A. biapicatifera is here also proposed as junior synonym of H. biapicata comb. nov.

The large majority of mature males of H. biapicata comb. nov. has been found between January and March, with no records between August and October and very few in all other months. Mature females show an extended activity from January to May, with few records in all other months. Therefore, main reproductive activity of H. biapicata comb. nov. occurs in summer, extending into autumn for females. This coincides with the late wet season in northern Australia.

Eriophora biapicata comb. nov. can be found in almost all habitats that allow it to span its large orb-web between shrubs and trees. The species is also common in man-made environments, such as suburban parks and gardens.

Hortophora biapicata comb. nov. has been found throughout all Australian mainland states, but so far not in Tasmania (Fig. 8).

Figure 8.

Distribution records of Hortophora biapicata comb. nov. in Australia.

Holotype male, Pandappa Conservation Park (33°10'00"S, 139°08'15"E, South Australia, Australia), 22–25 April 2003, D. Hirst, night collection, mallee and sparse chenopods (SAM NN19582).

The specific epithet is a masculine noun in apposition from Latin cucullus – a monk’s hat, and refers to the distinct abdominal shape, specifically of the male of this species.

See Appendix 1.

Males of Hortophora cucullus sp. nov. can be easily identified from all other Hortophora species by the lateral lobes on the abdomen of both males (Fig. 9A) and females (Fig. 10A), which are absent in all other species. In addition, males (and less so females) differ by the dorsally drawn up abdomen (Fig. 9B). The male pedipalp H. cucullus sp. nov. has two macrosetae on the patella (Fig. 9E), one being smaller, but there is only one in all other Hortophora gen. nov. species.

Figure 9.

Hortophora cucullus sp. nov., male holotype (SAM NN19582). A. dorsal habitus; B. lateral habitus; C. ventral habitus; D. left pedipalp, ventral view; E. left pedipalp, dorsal view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A–C); 0.2 mm (D, E).

Figure 10.

Hortophora cucullus sp. nov., female (WAM T70164). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. epigyne, ventral view; D. epigyne, lateral view; E. epigyne, posterior view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (C–E).

Male (holotype, SAM NN19582): Total length 11.5. Carapace 4.1 long, 2.9 wide, dark brown with yellow setae mainly centrally (Fig. 9A). Eyes diameter AME 0.23, ALE 0.13, PME 0.20, PLE 0.13; row of eyes: AME 0.67, PME 0.61, PLE 1.37. Chelicerae brown; two promarginal teeth and one retromarginal tooth. Legs brown to light brown, femora basally yellow-brown (Fig. 9A–C). Tibiae of leg II very little enlarged and without strong spines, but distinct white setae ventrally (Figs 2B, 9A–C). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; and length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 5.0 + 2.6 + 4.7 + 4.0 + 1.6 = 17.9, II – 4.0 + 2.2 + 3.7 + 0.9 + 1.5 = 12.3, III – 2.9 + 1.3 + 2.0 + 1.5 + 0.9 = 8.6, IV – 3.4 + 1.8 + 3.3 + 3.4 + 1.2 = 13.1. Labium 0.36 long, 0.52 wide, brown; endites brown. Sternum 1.9 long, 0.9 wide, dark brown with few yellow setae (Fig. 9C). Abdomen 7.5 long, 3.5 wide, dorsally extended and arching posteriorly and with lateral protrusions (Fig. 9A–C); dorsum olive-brown and mottled yellow-brown (Fig. 9A–C); venter dark olive-brown (Fig. 9C). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 0.7 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 1.3 = 2.7; paracymbium short (Fig. 9E); median apophysis elongate transverse and apically bifid curved tip (Fig. 9D); conductor lobe large and rectangular, clearly connecting to the conductor basis from beneath the embolus (Fig. 9D); terminal apophysis bubble-shaped tapering into an elongated, sclerotised tip (Fig. 9D); conductor with strong sclerotised tip (Fig. 9D, E); embolus strong and curved apically (Fig. 9D).

Female (WAM T70164): Total length 13.1. Carapace 6.0 long, 5.2 wide; reddish-brown, cephalic area and lateral flanks darker, flanks covered in with white setae (Fig. 10A). Eyes diameter AME 0.32, ALE 0.18, PME 0.16, PLE 0.18; row of eyes: AME 0.88, PME 0.79, PLE 2.36. Chelicerae dark reddish-brown; four promarginal teeth (apical and third largest) and two retromarginal teeth (basal largest). Legs orange-brown and mottled in dark brown especially along joints (Fig. 10A, B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + tarsus = total length): 1.3 + 1.0 + 1.1 + 2.0 = 5.4. Leg formula I > IV> II > III; and length of segments: I – 6.2 + 3.6 + 4.8 + 4.1 + 1.5 = 20.2, II – 5.6 + 3.8 + 4.7 + 0.9 + 1.3 = 16.3, III – 4.1 + 2.1 + 2.0 + 2.3 + 1.0 = 11.5, IV – 4.6 + 3.2 + 4.0 + 3.9 + 1.3 = 17.0. Labium 0.94 long, 1.26 wide, dark brown; endites reddish-brown (Fig. 10B). Sternum 2.7 long, 2.0 wide, dark brown, with white setae particularly along the lateral edges (Fig. 10B). Abdomen 8.8 long, 8.2 wide, with lateral, dorsal and posterior humps, dorsum dark olive-brown, mottled with yellow spots (Fig. 10A); venter olive-brown with lateral rows of white spots (Fig. 10B); Epigyne (Fig. 10C–E) base ovoid; scape highly elongated and centrally slightly wider, short dorsal narrow ridge in basal half (Fig. 10D, E), covered with sparse long setae.

Size variation: total length males 11.5–12.1 (n=2), females 13.1–17.8 (n=3). Little colour variation has been found within this species, although the abdomen may be a bit darker and less distinctly mottled than in the specimens illustrated here. No case of scape break-off was observed in female H. cucullus sp. nov.

Mature males of H. cucullus sp. nov. were found between April and August suggesting reproductive activity mainly in winter (or the dry season in northern latitudes). Mature females were found between March and November, also suggesting that this species is not reproductively active in summer (or the wet season). The species has generally been found in open forests where the spiders build large orb-webs between shrubs and trees. Like H. biapicata sp. nov. it has been found in a variety of climatic conditions, including semi-arid to arid, tropical and temperate regions.

Hortophora cucullus sp. nov. has been found throughout all mainland states of Australia, except in the south-eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria. The species has not been found in Tasmania (Fig. 11).

Figure 11.

Distribution records of Hortophora cucullus sp. nov. in Australia.

Holotype of Epeira lodicula Keyserling, 1887: Female, Sydney (33°52'S, 151°12'E, New South Wales, Australia), ZMH (Rack (1961)-catalogue No. 248). Examined.

Syntypes of Epeira scutigerens Hogg, 1900: 1 male, 1 female, Macedon (37°25'S, 144°33'E Victoria, Australia (NHM 1907.2.24.20–21). Examined.

See Appendix 1.

The median apophysis of the pedipalp of male of H. lodicula comb. nov. is most similar to that of H. walesiana comb. nov. due to a broad apical lobe (Figs 12C, 30C), but distinctly differs due to the absence of a conspicuous bubble-shaped terminal apophysis and the presence of a tegular lobe (Fig. 12C, D). Females of H. lodicula comb. nov. are most similar to those of H. yesabah sp. nov. due to a comparatively short scape (Figs 13C, D, 34C, D). However, H. lodicula comb. nov. differs distinctly by the much narrower subtriangular base of the scape (Fig. 13C).

Figure 12.

Hortophora lodicula comb. nov., male (QM S116469). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. left pedipalp, ventral view; D. left pedipalp, dorsal view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (C, D).

Male (QM S116469): Total length 7.5. Carapace 3.9 long, 3.3 wide; orange-brown, cephalic area somewhat lighter (Fig. 12A). Eye diameter AME 0.25, ALE 0.13, PME 0.18, PLE 0.13; row of eyes: AME 0.77, PME 0.58, PLE 2.20. Chelicerae yellowish-brown; three promarginal teeth (similar size) and two retromarginal teeth (apical larger and on a ridge). Legs orange-brown, basally lighter on femora (Fig. 12A, B). Tibiae of leg II with very elongated and thickened setae and a relatively short and curved apico-ventral megaspur and spine (Fig. 2C). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 5.4 + 2.6 + 4.3 + 3.7 + 1.7 = 17.7, II – 4.7 + 2.0 + 3.2 + 0.9 + 1.4 = 12.2, III – 3.5 + 1.4 + 2.0 + 1.9 + 0.9 = 9.7, IV – 3.8 + 1.9 + 2.9 + 3.0 + 1.2 = 12.8. Labium 0.54 long, 0.67 wide, brown, endites brown (Fig. 12B). Sternum 1.4 long, 1.0 wide, yellowish-brown, somewhat darker along the edge (Fig. 12B). Abdomen 3.6 long, 2.7 wide; no humeral humps but with distinct posterior tip; colour pattern poorly preserved (Fig. 12A); dorsum greyish-brown with indistinct darker median marking, venter greyish-brown with indistinct lighter lateral lines (Fig. 12A, B). Pedipalp length (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 0.8 + 0.5 + 0.4 + 1.8 = 3.5; paracymbium elongated with rounded tip (Fig. 12D); tegulum with conspicuously pronounced tegular protrusion (Fig. 12 D); median apophysis elongated with a blunt terminal lobe pointing apically (Fig. 12C); conductor lobe not conspicuous (Fig. 12C); terminal apophysis elongate, not bubble-shaped, with pointed tip (Fig. 12C); conductor sclerotised apically and basally, with lamellar central section (Fig. 12C); embolus heavily sclerotized and sinuous (Fig. 12C).

Female (QM S31030): Total length 15.5. Carapace 5.9 long, 4.8 wide; reddish-brown with darker flanks, distinct cover of white setae in cephalic area (Fig. 13A). Eye diameter AME 0.32, ALE 0.16, PME 0.23, PLE 0.16; row of eyes: AME 0.77, PME 0.59, PLE 2.75. Chelicerae reddish-brown; four promarginal teeth (apical and third largest) and three retromarginal teeth (similar size) (Fig. 13B). Legs light brown with some darker discolourations (Fig. 13A, B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + tarsus = total length): 1.3 + 0.8 + 1.1 + 2.0 = 5.2. Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 5.3 + 2.9 + 4.2 + 4.8 + 1.6 = 18.8, II – 5.0 + 2.8 + 4.2 + 0.9 + 1.5 = 14.4, III – 3.7 + 1.8 + 2.1 + 2.0 + 0.8 = 10.4, IV – 4.7 + 2.2 + 3.7 + 4.0 + 1.4 = 16.0. Labium 0.90 long, 1.15 wide, brown; endites brown (Fig. 13B). Sternum 2.8 long, 2.5 wide, brown, with few white setae anteriorly (Fig. 13B). Abdomen 10.0 long, 9.8 wide; very indistinct humeral humps, olive-grey folium pattern and dark lanceolate median band, mottled yellowish to white (Fig. 13A); venter light olive-brown with light lateral bands that are widening posteriorly (Fig. 13B). Epigyne (Fig. 13C–E) almost hexagonal, with subtriangular borders and heart-shaped atrium; central division parallel-sided; scape with triangular basis, just reaching posteriorly beyond epigyne and with sparse setae.

Figure 13.

Hortophora lodicula comb. nov., female (QM S31030). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. epigyne, ventral view; D. epigyne, lateral view; E. epigyne, posterior view. Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (C–E).

Size variation: total length males 7.5–10.6 (n=4), females 9.6–16.3 (n=9). The scape of the epigyne was not broken off in any females examined. Like other Hortophora gen. nov. species, the abdomen can be variable within the general folium pattern, and white guanine spots or lines are not uncommon. For example, the female syntype of E. scutigerens has a strong median guanine line along its whole abdomen (examined).

The NHM holds a further female of H. lodicula comb. nov. collected in Sydney that is, based on the registration number (NHM 1890.7.1.4193), part of the Keyserling collection that was purchased by that institute (J. Beccaloni, pers. com. to VWF). Keyserling (1887) clearly described the species based on a single holotype female and it is not necessarily clear if the female in the ZMH or NHM is the holotype. Both match the description of Keyserling (1887). We here follow Rack (1961) who considered the ZMH specimen the holotype of E. lodicula.

The male and female syntypes of Epeira scutigerens Hogg, 1900 match in somatic and genitalic characters the diagnostic characters of H. lodicula comb. nov. and the species is therefore proposed as junior synonym of H. lodicula comb. nov.

Mature males of H. lodicula comb. nov. have exclusively been found between January and April, suggesting this species to be summer- to autumn-mature. This matches the female phenology, as females appear somewhat earlier in the season, from November, and can be found into May. There is very little habitat information with specimens in collections, and these point to H. lodicula comb. nov. to inhabit open forests, including “amongst Proteas”.

Hortophora lodicula comb. nov. is an eastern Australian species and occurs east and west of the Great Dividing Range from south of ca. 23°50'S Latitude in Queensland south into Tasmania (Fig. 14).

Figure 14.

Distribution records of Hortophora lodicula comb. nov. in Australia.

Holotype male, Enterprise Mine, North Stradbroke Island (27°33'37"S, 153°27'06"E, Queensland, Australia), QM Party, 8 January 2002, Blackbutt #2 (QM S116474).

The specific epithet is a compound noun in apposition derived from the Ancient Greek mega (μέγας) – great, and acantha (Ἀκάνθα) – thorn, and refers to the large megaspur and spine on tibia of leg II in males.

See Appendix 1.

Males of Hortophora megacantha sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from all Hortophora by the presence of a large apico-ventral megaspur on the tibia of the second leg that is armed with a strong spine (Fig. 2D). Females of H. megacantha sp. nov. are most similar to those of H. tatianeae sp. nov., however, H. megacantha sp. nov. is identified by the much narrower atrium of the epigyne, specifically visible in posterior view (Fig. 16E vs Fig. 22E). In addition, the scape of H. megacantha sp. nov. is much more wrinkled than in H. tatianeae sp. nov. (Fig. 16C).

Male (holotype, QM S116474): Total length 7.1. Carapace 3.5 long, 2.8 wide, orange-brown, slightly darker along borders (Fig. 15A). Eye diameter AME 0.27, ALE 0.13, PME 0.18, PLE 0.13; row of eyes: AME 0.65, PME 0.54, PLE 1.60. Chelicerae brown; four promarginal teeth (third largest), and four retromarginal teeth on left chelicera (three on the right; basal tooth largest in both sides). Legs brown, femora basally light (Fig. 15A, B). Tibia of leg II with strong apico-ventral megaspur that is armed with a strong spine (QM S116493; Fig. 2D). Metatarsus of leg II strongly bent ventrally in basal half (Fig. 2D). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 4.1 + 1.9 + 3.5 + 3.0 + 1.2 = 13.7, II – 3.6 + 1.5 + 2.3 + 0.9 + 1.2 = 9.5, III – 2.5 + 1.0 + 1.2 + 1.3 + 0.7 = 6.7, IV – 3.3 + 1.5 + 2.1 + 2.5 + 1.0 = 10.4. Labium 0.45 long, 0.58 wide, reddish-brown; endites yellowish-brown (Fig. 15B). Sternum 1.5 long, 1.1 wide, light brown, with somewhat greyish shade (Fig. 15B). Abdomen 3.8 long, 3.2 wide, dorsum with distinct humeral humps, distinct folium pattern of olive-grey, mottled white (Fig. 15A; venter olive-brown, with two parallel dusky and two white lateral lines (Fig. 15B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 0.6 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 1.2 = 2.5; paracymbium elongated with rounded tip (Figs 4A–C, 15C, D); median apophysis transverse elongate, with greatly enlarged arch over the radix and terminating in two tips with a smaller hump basal of those (Figs 4A–C, 15C, D); conductor lobe of standard size (Figs 4C, 15C); terminal apophysis elongate and not inflated, ventrally projected to an elongated, thin and acute tip (Figs 4A–C, 15C, D); conductor well-developed, subquadrate, flattened and bearing an sclerotized and dented ventral border (Figs 4A, B, 15C, D); embolus sinuous and sclerotized, with a broad and well-developed basis, thick and elongated (Figs 4A–C, 15C).

Figure 15.

Hortophora megacantha sp. nov., male holotype (QM S116474). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. left pedipalp, ventral view; D. left pedipalp, dorsal view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (C, D).

Female (QM S116473): Total length 8.9. Carapace 3.9 long, 3.5 wide, brown, laterally darker and with white setae in cephalic area (Fig. 16A); chelicerae reddish-brown; four promarginal teeth (third largest) and three promarginal teeth (similar size). Eye diameter AME 0.23, ALE 0.14, PME 0.20, PLE 0.14; row of eyes: AME 0.67, PME 0.59, PLE 2.20. Legs light brow with some darker discolourations, specifically on femora (Fig. 16A, B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + tarsus = total length): 1.3 + 0.6 + 0.7 + 1.4 = 4.0. Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 4.2 + 1.9 + 3.3 + 3.1 + 1.2 = 13.7, II – 3.7 + 1.9 + 2.9 + 0.9 + 1.1 = 10.5, III – 2.3 + 1.2 + 1.4 + 1.4 + 0.9 = 7.2, IV – 3.5 + 1.6 + 2.1 + 2.5 + 1.0 = 10.7. Labium 0.68 long, 0.86 wide, colouration as in male; endites as in male (Fig. 16B). Sternum 1.9 long, 1.7 wide, orange-brown with sparse white setae (Fig. 16B). Abdomen 4.7 long, 4.1 wide, folium colouration as in male (Fig. 16B). Epigyne (Fig. 16C–E) wider than long with small atrium; scape elongated, anteriorly heavily sclerotized, basally wide and tapering from its first third to a thin and pointed less sclerotized tip, wrinkled and with sparse setae.

Figure 16.

Hortophora megacantha sp. nov., female (QM S116473). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. epigyne, ventral view; D. epigyne, lateral view; E. epigyne, posterior view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (C–E).

Size variation: total length males 5.6–7.5 (n=11), females 6.3–9.9 (n=16). The incidence of epigyne break-off was high in this species (ca. 75%), as only four of the 16 females measured had an intact scape. Colour pattern of the preserved specimens was fairly uniform as here described for the male and female with little major variation. Guanine patterns are prominent mainly in the anterior parts of the abdomen in some species.

Mature males and females of H. megacantha sp. nov. can generally be found between November and February, with single records of males in April and September and a few records of females in April. Therefore, the species appears to be largely summer-mature. The species was found in a variety of forests and bushlands, including those with Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis), and in vine thickets. Other habitat descriptions include mallee, scrubby gully and softwood scrub.

Hortophora megacantha sp. nov. has been found east and west of the Great Dividing Range from northern Queensland to central New South Wales (Fig. 17).

Figure 17.

Distribution records of Hortophora megacantha sp. nov. in Australia.

Holotype male, Porongurup National Park, S end of Millinup Pass (34°42'S, 117°54'E, Western Australia, Australia), M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, 30 March 1993 (WAM T155065).

The specific epithet is a noun in apposition derived from the type locality, Porongurup National Park.

See Appendix 1.

Males of H. porongurup sp. nov. are easily identified by the extremely elongated median apophysis of the male pedipalp that reaches far beyond the pedipalp contour (Fig. 18C, D), unlike in any other Hortophora gen. nov. males. Similarly, females of H. porongurup sp. nov. are unlike any other species in the genus and can be distinguished from all other Hortophora gen. nov. by the thick and rounded lateral borders of the epigyne and an extremely wide central division (Fig. 19C, E). The central division is much narrower in all other Hortophora gen. nov. species.

Figure 18.

Hortophora porongurup sp. nov., male holotype (WAM T155065). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. left pedipalp, ventral view; D. left pedipalp, dorsal view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (C, D).

Male (holotype, WAM T155065): Total length: 5.9. Carapace 3.0 long, 2.4 wide; yellow-brown with irregular darker discolourations (Fig. 18A). Eye diameter AME 0.14, ALE 0.09, PME 0.11, PLE 0.09; row of eyes: AME 0.54, PME 0.38, PLE 1.35. Chelicerae yellowish-brown; four promarginal teeth (apical and third largest) and three retromarginal teeth (similar size). Legs yellow-brown with dark brown patches on joints, patellae, tibiae and metatarsi, especially on legs III and IV (Fig. 18A, B). Tibiae of leg II with elongated strong setae but without megaspur (Fig. 2E). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 2.9 + 1.3 + 2.5 + 1.9 + 0.8 = 9.4, II – 2.5 + 1.2 + 2.0 + 0.9 + 0.6 = 7.2, III – 2.0 + 0.7 + 1.1 + 1.0 + 0.5 = 5.3, IV – 2.7 + 1.0 + 1.7 + 1.7 + 0.7 = 7.8. Labium 0.38 long, 0.54 wide, yellowish-brown; endites yellow-brown (Fig. 18B). Sternum 1.3 long, 0.9 wide, yellow-brown with dusky patches (Fig. 18B). Abdomen 3.0 long, 2.4 wide; dorsum with indistinct humeral humps and pointed posterior end, olive-grey with distinct folium pattern and dark central line (Fig. 18A); venter olive-grey with two indistinct large light patches mainly in posterior half (Fig. 18B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 0.7 + 0.3 + 0.3 + 1.4 = 2.7, paracymbium short and hook-like (Fig. 18D); median apophysis transverse, highly elongated, with two apical tips (Fig. 18C); conductor lobe of standard size; terminal apophysis bubble-shaped and tapering into a short, sclerotised tip (Fig. 18C); conductor subquadrate, with a sclerotised tip; embolus short and thick (Fig. 18C).

Female (WAM T155066): Total length 7.0. Carapace 2.8 long, 2.2 wide; brown, with darker discolorations (Fig. 19A). Eye diameter AME 0.20, ALE 0.13, PME 0.14, PLE 0.13; row of eyes: AME 0.52, PME 0.43, PLE 1.40. Chelicerae brown; four promarginal teeth (apical and third largest) and three retromarginal teeth (similar size). Legs as in male but somewhat lighter (Fig. 19A, B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + tarsus = total length): 0.9 + 0.4 + 0.6 + 1.1 = 3.0. Leg formula I > IV > II > III; and length of segments: I – 2.9 + 1.4 + 2.2 + 2.0 + 0.8 = 9.3, II – 2.6 + 1.2 + 2.0 + 0.9 + 0.7 = 7.4, III – 1.6 + 0.6 + 1.4 + 1.0 + 0.5 = 5.1, IV – 2.4 + 1.0 + 1.7 + 1.8 + 0.7 = 7.6. Labium 0.36 long, 0.63 wide, as in male; endites as in male (Fig. 19B). Sternum 1.4 long, 1.1 wide, colour as in male (Fig. 19B). Abdomen 4.5 long, 3.5 wide; with humeral humps and tip posteriorly, dorsal and ventral colour as in male (Fig. 19A, B). Epigyne (Fig. 19C–E) wider than long, borders thick and rounded, heavily sclerotized; central division wide; and scape with broad basis, but shape unknown as broken off in all examined specimens.

Figure 19.

Hortophora porongurup sp. nov., female (WAM T155066). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. epigyne, ventral view; D. epigyne, lateral view; E. epigyne, posterior view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (C–E).

Size variation: total length males 5.9–6.7 (n=3), females 7.0–8.8 (n=6). The scape of the female epigyne was broken off in all females examined. The folium pattern of H. porongurup sp. nov. with a dark central line is fairly consistent between specimens examined by us.

Mature males and females of H. porongurup sp. nov. have only been found in March and April, suggesting this species to be autumn-mature. Only one specimen vial included a habitat description, which was ‘deep gully, in elevated leaf litter’.

Hortophora porongurup sp. nov. has only been found in southern Western Australia (Fig. 20).

Figure 20.

Distribution records of Hortophora porongurup sp. nov. in Australia.

Holotype male, Hume St, Ringwood East, unnamed park (37°49'26.88"S, 145°15'31.97"E, Victoria), 7 January 2019, V.W. Framenau, spotlighting (MV K-14612).

The specific epithet is a matronym in apposition honouring Tatiane Almeida Diorio, wife of one of the junior authors (PSC), for her support during his research career.

See Appendix 1.

Male and female genital morphology of H. tatianeae sp. nov. is most similar to H. biapicata comb. nov. and H. transmarina comb. nov., but differs from both species in the distinctly different ventral abdomen colouration that lacks the broad transverse light bands (Fig. 1E, 21B, 22B vs 1E, G, 6B, D, F, H, 24B, 25B).

Male (holotype, MV K-14612): Total length 7.8. Carapace 4.5 long, 3.5 wide, centrally beige and with dark brown lateral flanks, white setae particularly centrally (Fig. 21A). Eye diameter AME 0.29, ALE 0.13, PME 0.20, PLE 0.14; row of eyes: AME 0.68, PME 0.47, PLE 1.66. Chelicerae dark brown, three promarginal teeth widely separated on sclerotised irregular ridge, three retromarginal teeth of same size. Legs dark brown with light discolourations, particularly basally on all femora and hooks on coxae I (Fig. 21A, B). Tibiae of leg II enlarged with apico-ventral megaspur that carries a strong spine, additional strong spines ventrally and prolaterally (Fig. 2G). Metatarsus of leg II heavily bent (Fig. 2F). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 4.7 + 1.9 + 4.0 + 3.4 + 1.1 = 15.1, II – 3.9 + 1.8 + 3.3 + 0.9 + 1.0 = 10.9, III – 2.8 + 1.1 + 1.8 + 1.7 + 0.8 = 8.2, IV – 3.5 + 1.4 + 2.8 + 2.7 + 1.0 = 11.4. Labium 0.45 long, 0.72 wide, dark brown, endites dark brown (Fig. 21B). Sternum 1.8 long, 1.3 wide, brown, with darker discolorations (Fig. 21B). Abdomen 4.0 long, 2.8 wide, dorsum with humeral humps, dark brown folium pattern and central white guanine patches (Fig. 21A); venter olive-brown with two white lateral lines and ca. four pairs of white spots centrally (Fig. 21B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 1.9 = 3.1; paracymbium elongated with terminal hook (Figs 3C, 21D); median apophysis transverse elongate with central pointy protrusion and terminating in two sclerotized apical tips (Figs 3C, 21C); conductor lobe of standard size (Figs 3C, 21C); terminal apophysis bubble-shaped tapering into a short sclerotised tip (Figs 3C, 21C); conductor apically and basally sclerotised and with a lamellar, excavated central portion (Figs 3C, 21C); embolus sinuous with acute tip (Figs 3C, 21C).

Figure 21.

Hortophora tatianeae sp. nov., male holotype (MV K-14612). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. left pedipalp, ventral view; D. left pedipalp, dorsal view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.5 mm (C, D).

Female (MV K-14613): Total length 10.1. Carapace 4.5 long, 3.9 wide; reddish-brown with darker lateral flanks (Fig. 22A). Eye diameter AME 0.22, ALE 0.14, PME 0.15, PLE 0.14; row of eyes: AME 0.68, PME 0.50, PLE 2.44. Chelicerae brown, three promarginal teeth (median largest) and three retromarginal teeth (similar size). Legs brown, variously ringed lighter and darker (Fig. 22A, B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + tarsus = total length): 1.3 + 0.6 + 0.8 + – + 1.6 = 4.3. Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 4.4 + 2.5 + 4.2 + 4.1 + 1.4 = 16.6, II – 4.2 + 2.2 + 3.7 + 0.9 + 1.3 = 12.3, III – 3.0 + 1.2 + 1.6 + 1.7 + 0.9 = 8.4, IV – 4.3 + 2.0 + 3.0 + 3.2 + 1.2 = 13.7. Labium 0.81 long, 1.15 wide, as in male; endites as in male (Fig. 22B). Sternum 2.0 long, 1.7 wide, but reddish-brown with dusky markings (Fig. 22B). Abdomen 6.0 long, 4.9 wide; dorsum with indistinct humeral humps, olive-grey folium pattern with light lines and patches (Fig. 22A); venter as in male (Fig. 22B). Epigyne (Fig. 22C–E) base about as wide as long in ventral view; scape very elongated, basally with transverse ridge, very sparse setae; central division narrow with parallel sides.

Figure 22.

Hortophora tatianeae sp. nov., female. A. dorsal habitus (MV K-14613); B. ventral habitus; C. epigyne, ventral view; D. epigyne, lateral view; E. epigyne, posterior view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 1 mm (C, D); 0.2 mm (E).

Size variation: total length males 6.3–11.3 (n=21), females 6.3–14.0 (n=31). There was no incidence of epigyne scape breaking in H. tatianeae sp. nov. in any of the specimens examined by us. Dorsal abdominal colour variations are similar to that of H. biapicata comb. nov. and H. transmarina comb. nov., which range from a fairly uniform light to dark brown colour, faint to distinct folium pattern as described here and variable guanine patterns, as for example in the holotype male (Fig. 1F, 21A).

Mature males of H. tatianeae sp. nov. have been found from December to April, with a single record in May. Mature females have been found throughout the year, but with very low numbers between June and November. Therefore, the species is largely summer- to autumn mature. Habitat descriptions include open, dry sclerophyll and rainforest, but the species has also been found in urban parks and gardens.

Hortophora tatianeae sp. nov. has been found along the east coast of Australia, from northern Queensland to Tasmania (Fig. 23).

Figure 23.

Distribution records of Hortophora tatianeae sp. nov. in Australia.

Syntypes of Epeira transmarina Keyserling, 1865: Based on original description an unknown number of females, New South Wales (no exact locality), Dr Graeffe leg., Museum Godeffroy (today largely in ZMH). Here assumed to be: 8 females, 3 juveniles in the ZMH without locality data and a label: “e Mus. God.; det. Keys.” and a second label handwritten by E. v. Keyserling “Epeira transmarina Keys. = producta L.K.” (ZMH) (2 females in this series are B. heroine and 1 female is H. biapicata comb. nov.). Examined. 4 mature females, 1 juvenile, Godeffroy collection (labelled with Schmeltz (1866, 1869)-catalog species no. “2286” for Epeira producta (NHM). No other specimens examined by us in NHM, ZMH or ZMB match the type data (see Remarks).

Syntypes of Epeira producta L. Koch 1871: Based on original description unknown number of mature females (“Entwickelte Weibchen”), Brisbane (27°28'S, 153°02'E, Queensland), A. Dietrich leg., Museum Godeffroy (today largely in ZMH). Here assumed to be: 1 female, 3 juveniles, Brisbane (27°28'S, 153°02'E, Queensland) (NHM 1915.3.5.986–989). Examined. 1 juvenile, Brisbane (27°28'S, 153°02'E, Queensland) (ZMH, Rack (1961)-catalogue no. 265). No other specimens examined by us in NHM, ZMH or ZMB match the type data (see Remarks below).

See Appendix 1.

Males of H. transmarina comb. nov. are, due to the ventral colour pattern and similar body-size, most similar to H. biapicata comb. nov. However, they differ from those of H. biapicata comb. nov. by the absence of coxal hooks on leg II (Fig. 7F). Females of H. transmarina comb. nov. are most similar to H. biapicata comb. nov.; however, H. transmarina comb. nov. can be identified by the much larger baso-lateral flaps, best observed in posterior view (Fig. 25E).

Male (WAM T67597): Total length: 17.3. Carapace 8.5 long, 7.3 wide; orange-brown, head region lighter and covered with yellow setae (Fig. 24A). Eye diameter AME 0.32, ALE 0.20, PME 0.29, PLE 0.18; row of eyes: AME 1.06, PME 0.79, PLE 3.64. Chelicerae orange-brown, two promarginal teeth connected by a sclerotized ridge, and three retromarginal teeth (similar size). Legs orange-brown and covered by strong setae (Fig. 24A, B). Tibiae of leg II bearing conspicuous strong and long setae, but no megaspur (Fig. 2G). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 8.6 + 7.0 + 4.5 + 6.7 + 2.1 = 28.9, II – 7.5 + 6.6 + 3.9 + 0.9 + 1.8 = 20.7, III – 5.8 + 3.7 + 2.3 + 3.1 + 1.3 = 16.2, IV – 7.0 + 3.4 + 5.3 + 5.5 + 1.8 = 23.0. Labium 0.86 long, 1.13 wide, dark brown; endites brown (Fig. 24B). Sternum 3.4 long, 2.2 wide, orange-brown and covered by yellowish setae (Fig. 24B). Abdomen 8.3 long, 6.5 wide; dorsum yellow-olive, covered by yellowish setae; venter yellowish brown with broad white banding (Fig. 24B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 1.6 + 0.7 + 0.6 + 3.3 = 6.2; paracymbium elongated with curved tip (Fig. 24D); median apophysis elongate and transverse, basally with large arch over radix, a central pointy protrusion and apically divided tips (Fig. 24C); conductor lobe of standard shape and size (Fig. 24C); terminal apophysis bubble-shaped, tapering into an elongated, sclerotised tip (Fig. 24C); conductor subquadrate, sclerotized apically with membranous central portion, slightly carved out at its tip (Fig. 24C, D); elongate and terminally sinuous (Fig. 24C).

Figure 24.

Hortophora transmarina comb. nov., male (WAM T67957). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. left pedipalp, ventral view; D. left pedipalp, dorsal view. Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B); 1 mm (C, D).

Female (WAM T70164): Total length 18.5. Carapace 9.5 long, 8.4 wide; colouration as in male (Fig. 25A). Eye diameter: AME 0.34, ALE 0.23, PME 0.29, PLE 0.22; row of eyes: AME 1.17, PME 0.90, PLE 4.75. Chelicerae, legs, labium and endites as in male but slightly darker (Fig. 25A, B). Chelicerae with four promarginal teeth (apical and third largest), and three retromarginal teeth (similar size). Labium 0.99 long, 1.98 wide. Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 2.8 + 1.4 + 1.9 + 3.2 = 9.3. Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 9.4 + 7.2 + 5.0 + 7.5 + 2.5 = 31.6, II – 8.6 + 7.0 + 4.9 + 0.9 + 2.4 = 23.8, III – 6.0 + 2.9 + 3.8 + 3.2 + 1.8 = 17.7, IV – 8.5 + 4.5 + 6.0 + 6.3 + 2.0 = 27.3. Sternum 4.3 long, 3.3 wide, orange-brown with sparse yellow setae (Fig. 25B). Abdomen 12.0 long, 9.5 wide; with distinct humeral humps; dorsum colour similar to male, but with three pairs of white guanine spots posterior to humerals; venter centrally dark brown, with white transverse bands posterior of epigastric furrow and anterior of spinnerets (Fig. 25A, B). Epigyne (Fig. 25C–E) base ovoid, slightly wider than long; atrium oval, wider than long; scape very elongated; centrally slightly narrower and more sclerotized; in posterior view the central division is very narrow with borders almost touching; baso-lateral flaps large and projected ventrally, also visible in ventral view (Fig. 25C).

Figure 25.

Hortophora transmarina comb. nov., female (WAM T84364). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. epigyne, ventral view; D. epigyne, lateral view; E. epigyne, posterior view. Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B); 1 mm (C–E).

Size variation: total length males 12.2–16.3 (n=10), females 18.1–25.8 (n=7). There was no incidence of a broken scape in the material of H. transmarina comb. nov. examined by us. Abdominal colour patterns varied in similar fashion as in H. biapicata comb. nov. and H. tatianeae sp. nov. with almost uniformly very dark brown specimens to those with distinct folium pattern and a variety of white guanine patterns.

There is ample confusion about the type material of Epeira transmarina Keyserling, 1865 and Epeira producta L. Koch, 1867 which we have tried to resolve here based on an exhaustive examination of material in all institutions where Australian types of these authors are mainly known from, i.e. Hamburg (ZMH), Berlin (ZMB) and London (NHM) in combination with the material listed in the original descriptions.

Epeira transmarina was described based on multiple (in German “mehrere”) (i.e., unknown number of) syntypes collected in New South Wales (Keyserling 1865, p. 815: “Patria: Neu-Süd-Wales. Mehrere Exemplare in dem Museum Godeffroy in Hamburg, die vom Hrn. Dr. Graeffe gesammelt wurden”). Only females were mentioned in the description, so any specimen lots containing males are unlikely part of the type series.

The NHM has two specimen lots collected in New South Wales potentially being part of the type series, i.e., 1 male and 2 females collected in Sydney with handwritten labels by L. Koch (NHM 1915.3.5.992–994). These are unlikely types of E. transmarina, as identified based on an accompanying label as E. producta, collected in Sydney (and not labelled New South Wales) and as it contains a male. A second lot, also with 1 male and 2 females collected in Sydney and possibly part of the Keyserling collection (NHM 4235–6) is, for the same reasons as above, not considered part of the type series. A third lot of 1 female and 3 immatures in the ZMB (ZMB 22413) cannot be part of the type series. Whilst the locality is “New South Wales”, the specimens were collected by Overbeck, not Graeffe based on a label with the spiders. A fourth lot is a vial with 5 females in the ZMH without locality data and a label: “e Mus. God.; det. Keys.” and a second label handwritten by E. v. Keyserling “Epeira transmarina Keys. = producta L.K.” is here considered part of the type series (ZMH), but no other vial in that collection. Curiously, that vial also included two females of Backobourkia heroine and one female of H. biapicata comb. nov., which we, however, do not consider part of the type series. A fifth lot in the NHM contains 4 mature females and 1 juvenile and was part of the Godeffroy collection (labelled with Schmeltz (1866, 1869)-catalogue species no. “2286” for E. producta). The specimens did not have any locality data with it. Although Schmeltz (1866, 1869) did not explicitly name “New South Wales” as the collecting locality, but “New Holland” (Schmeltz 1866) and Brisbane, Rockhampton an Port Mckay, all in Queensland (Schmeltz 1869), these spiders cannot be excluded from consideration to be part of the type series based on the criteria above and are here considered syntypes. We here refrain from designating a lectotype from these spiders as Davies (1980) as the first reviser clearly identified the males of this species. Rack (1961)-catalogue no. 282 listed a female syntype from New South Wales and two male paratypes (“Paratypoids”) from Rockhampton (Queensland) in the ZMH. We could not locate a single female from New South Wales in the ZMH (VWF pers. obs.) and the males from Rockhampton cannot be part of the type series, which was described from New South Wales. Davies (1980) also reported these two males from Rockhampton as paratypes in her material examined, likely based on Rack’s (1961) erroneous listing.

Ludwig Koch (1867) described Epeira producta based on an unknown number of mature females (“Entwickelte Weibchen”) collected by Amelie Dieterich in Brisbane (L. Koch, 1867). Koch (1871) when redescribing the species lists specimens from Brisbane, Rockhampton, Sydney (two pinned specimens) and one specimen in ethanol from “Neuholland” (L. Koch, 1871, p. 58: “Exemplare im Museum Godeffroy von Brisbane und Rockhampton, – zwei aufgesteckte Thiere dieser Species von Sydney und eines in Weingeist mit der Bezeichnung „Neuholland“ ohne nähere Angabe im kgl. Museum zu Stuttgart.”). However, only the Brisbane specimens referred to in L. Koch’s (1871) later treatment are part of the type series. Only two specimen lots examined by us were collected in Brisbane and fulfil the criteria of the original description as in the type listing above. Although both include juvenile specimens this does not surprise as sometimes penultimate females were considered mature by the early authors.

Dondale (1966, p. 1164) synonymised Epeira thyridota Thorell, 1870 with H. transmarina comb. nov. based on the “study of original description and of Koch’s (1871, p. 52) redescription of Thorell’s types.” This synonymy is rejected here. We were not able to examine the syntype specimens of this species (1 male, 1 juvenile female, “Celeberrimo R., Nova Hollandia”, Coli. Dom Pessler” (possibly in NRM)). However, L. (Koch 1871) redescribed these type specimens, including a detailed illustration of the male pedipalp (L. Koch, 1871, plate 7, fig. 1a). This clearly shows the basal flange of the median apophysis characteristic for Backobourkia. We therefore transfer Epeira thyridota to Backobourkia, B. thyridota (Thorell, 1870), comb. nov. It is likely, that this species is a senior synonym of either B. brounii (Urquhart, 1885) or B. heroine (L. Koch, 1871) but a detailed examination of the male pedipalp conductor of the E. thyridota male syntype is required for a taxonomic decision on this synonymy (see Framenau et al. 2010). Unfortunately, the NRM was not accessible when our current study was completed (T. Kronestedt, pers. comm. to VWF).

Mature males of H. transmarina comb. nov. have largely been found between December and March, with few records in other months, but none in September and October. Mature females were found largely between December and May, with very few records between June to November. Therefore, the species is largely summer mature (or in the northern latitudes wet season). Within its range, H. transmarina comb. nov. is found in open woodlands, from dry sclerophyll to rainforest, wherever it can fix its large orb-webs between shrubs and trees. It is also common in suburban parks and gardens.

Hortophora transmarina comb. nov. has been found along the east coast of Australia from southern New South Wales to the Top End, but also into the northern parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia (Fig. 26). The species has also been found in Papua New Guinea (Chrysanthus 1960).

Figure 26.

Distribution records of Hortophora transmarina comb. nov. in Australia.

Holotype of Epeira urbana Keyserling, 1887: Male, Sydney (33°52'S, 151°12'E, New South Wales, Australia), Bradley collection (considered lost; see Framenau (2005)).

See Appendix 1.

Males of H. urbana comb. nov. can easily be distinguished from all other Hortophora gen. nov. species by distinct shape of the median apophysis of male pedipalp. Whilst it is elongate transverse with a central protrusion as in many other species, both the central protrusion and the apical tip are blunt with only very small teeth apically (Figs 3D, 27C), whereas these are generally pointed in other species of similar size, such as H. biapicata comb. nov. (Fig. 7A, H) and H. transmarina comb. nov. (Fig. 24C). The epigyne scape of H. urbana comb. nov. is unlike that of any other species, as it is comparatively strong, centrally widened and has distinct transverse wrinkles (Fig. 28C–E).

Figure 27.

Hortophora urbana comb. nov., male (QM S111900). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. right pedipalp, ventral view; D. right pedipalp, dorsal view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.5 mm (C, D).

Male (QM S111900): Total length 10.0. Carapace 5.1 long, 4.7 wide, reddish-brown, anterior cephalic area somewhat lighter (Fig. 27A). Eye diameter AME 0.31, ALE 0.18, PME 0.20, PLE 0.18; row of eyes: AME 0.83, PME 0.59, PLE 2.48. Chelicerae brown; three promarginal teeth (median largest) and three retromarginal teeth (basal largest). Legs orange-brown (Fig. 27A, B). Tibiae of leg II with cluster of thick setae prolaterally, but no apico-ventral megaspur (Fig. 2H). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 6.4 + 2.5 + 4.8 + 5.2 + 1.4 = 20.3, II – 5.8 + 2.2 + 4.5 + 0.9 + 1.4 = 14.8, III – 3.6 + 1.4 + 2.3 + 2.3 + 1.0 = 10.6, IV – 4.6 + 2.0 + 3.5 + 3.8 + 1.1 = 15.0. Labium 0.63 long, 0.85 wide, reddish-brown; endites dark brown (Fig. 27B). Sternum 2.3 long, 1.9 wide, irregular light brown-brown, covered with white setae (Fig. 27B). Abdomen 5.0 long, 4.5 wide, dorsum with indistinct humeral humps, beige with darker folium pattern and central brown line (Fig. 27A); venter olive-grey with indistinct lateral white lines (Fig. 30B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 1.2 + 0.5 + 0.4 + 2.1 = 4.2; paracymbium elongated and curved, ending on a hook-like rounded tip (Figs 3D, 27C, D); median apophysis elongated transverse with blunt rounded central protrusion and indistinct tips (Figs 3D, 27C); conductor lobe of standard shape and size (Figs 3D, 27C); terminal apophysis deflated, ending in an elongated, sclerotised tip (Figs 3D, 27C); conductor heavily sclerotized ending in two rounded projections (Figs 3D, 27C, D); embolus elongated and sinuous (Figs 3D, 27C).

Female (QM S111901): Total length 17.00. Carapace 4.5 long, 6.1 wide; very dark brown, cephalic area lighter and covered with white setae (Fig. 28A). Eye diameter AME 0.90, PME 0.67, PLE 3.52. Chelicerae reddish-brown; four promarginal teeth (apical and third largest) and three retrolateral (similar size). Leg colouration as in male (Fig. 28A, B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + tarsus = total length): 2.2 + 1.0 + 1.3 + 2.7 = 7.2. Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 7.5 + 3.8 + 6.3 + 6.6 + 2.0 = 26.2, II – 6.5 + 3.5 + 5.8 + 0.9 + 1.9 = 1.6, III – 5.0 + 1.7 + 3.0 + 3.0 + 1.3 = 14.00, IV – 6.7 + 3.1 + 4.5 + 5.0 + 1.6 = 20.9. Labium 0.90 long, 1.53 wide, as in male; endites as in male (Fig. 28B). Sternum 3.2 long, 2.7 wide, reddish-brown, centrally somewhat darker (Fig. 28B). Abdomen 13.0 long, 11.0 wide, similar as male but colouration poorly preserved (Fig. 28A, B). Epigyne (QM S111902) (Fig. 28C–E) wider than long; scape thick and wrinkled, constricted anteriorly with very sclerotized and black lateral edges.

Figure 28.

Hortophora urbana comb. nov., female. A. dorsal habitus (QM S111901); B. ventral habitus (QM S111901); C. epigyne, ventral view (QM S111901); D. epigyne, lateral view (QM S111902); E. epigyne, posterior view (QM S111902). Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B); 0.5mm (C–E).

Size variation: total length males 10.0–13.1 (n=4), females 13.1–20.0 (n=8). The epigyne scape was broken off in half the females measured here. Abdominal colour patterns are fairly variable in H. urbana comb. nov. male and females, from dark specimens to very light ones as illustrated here. The folium pattern is generally not very distinct, but light guanine spot and lines are frequent.

The holotype of Epeira urbana Keyserling, 1887 was part of the Bradley collection and is considered lost (Framenau. 2005, 2019), but we do not consider it necessary to designate a neotype, as the original illustrations of the male pedipalp in combination with the distribution of the species allow an accurate identification.

We described the best preserved female available to us, but as the scape of this specimens was broken off (Fig. 28B), we described an intact scape of a different female.

Mature males of H. urbana comb. nov. were collected in November and December and mature females from December to April indicating summer-maturity (equivalent to the wet season in northern latitudes). Habitat descriptions with museum specimens include rainforest and softwood scrub, but a single record is from a suburban clothes line.

Hortophora urbana comb. nov. has mainly been found along the east coast of Australia from southern New South Wales to northern Queensland, but occurs into northern Western Australia (Fig. 29).

Figure 29.

Distribution records of Hortophora urbana comb. nov. in Australia.

Holotype of Epeira walesiana Karsch, 1878: Male, New South Wales (no exact locality), Daemel (ZMB 1429). Examined.

Holotype of Epeira rhombocephala Thorell, 1881: Male, Somerset, Cape York (10°43'S, 142°31'E, Queensland, Australia) 1875, L. D’Albertis (MSNG). Photographs examined.

Holotype of Epeira lutulenta Keyserling, 1886: Female, Peak Downs (22°56'S, 148°05'E, Queensland, Australia) (ZMH, Rack (1961)-catalogue no. 249). Examined.

See Appendix 1.

Males of H. walesiana comb. nov. are most similar to those of H. lodicula comb. nov. due to the comparatively short median apophysis of the pedipalp that terminates in an apically pointing lobe. (Fig. 12C vs 30C). However, the terminal apophysis of H. walesiana comb. nov. is large and bubble-shaped, but inconspicuous in H. lodicula comb. nov. The strong, curved lateral borders of the epigyne of female of H. walesiana comb. nov. (Fig. 31C) are somewhat similar to those of H. porongurup comb. nov. (Fig. 19C), but overall much slimmer and therefore the atrium much larger.

Male (WAM T75383): Total length 5.9. Carapace 3.3 long, 2.9 wide, dark-brown, cephalic area slightly lighter and with white setae (Fig. 30A). Eye diameter AME 0.23, ALE 0.18, PME 0.16, PLE 0.16; row of eyes: AME 0.72, PME 0.54, PLE 1.62. Chelicerae dark-brown; four promarginal teeth (apical group of three, median largest) and one retromarginal tooth (Fig. 30B). Legs brown with beige annulations, femora basally beige (Fig. 30A, B). Tibiae of leg II with thickened setae but without a megaspur (Figs 2I, 30A). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 3.3 + 1.7 + 2.5 + 2.3 + 0.9 = 10.7, II – 2.9 + 1.3 + 2.1 + 0.9 + 0.9 = 8.1, III – 2.0 + 1.0 + 1.3 + 1.0 + 0.7 = 6.0, IV – 2.9 + 1.1 + 2.3 + 2.0 + 0.9 = 9.2. Labium 0.41 long, 0.59 wide, brown; endites brown (Fig. 30B). Sternum 1.6 long, 1.1 wide, brown, irregularly lighter centrally (Fig. 30B). Abdomen 2.9 long, 2.7 wide, dorsum with distinct humeral humps, dark olive-grey with dark folium pattern and light lines and spots (Fig. 30A); venter dark olive-brown, some lighter discolourations (Fig. 30B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 0.5 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 1.00 = 2.2; paracymbium short, ending in a hook-like rounded tip (Fig. 30D); median apophysis transverse, terminating in an apically bent lobe (Fig. 30C, D); conductor lobe of standard size (Fig. 30C); terminal apophysis, bubble-shaped and directed basally, terminating in a slightly cured spine (Fig. 30C); conductor heavily sclerotized; embolus heavily sclerotised, thick and short (Fig. 30C).

Figure 30.

Hortophora walesiana comb. nov., male (QM S111900). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. right pedipalp, ventral view; D. right pedipalp, dorsalview. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (C, D).

Female (WAM T88936): Total length 8.40. Carapace 3.10 long, 2.90 wide; light brown, flanks dark brown, covered with white setae (Fig. 31A). Eye diameter AME 0.23, ALE 0.13, PME 0.18, PLE 0.13; row of eyes: AME 0.67, PME 0.47, PLE 1.92. Chelicerae yellow-brown; four promarginal teeth (apical and third largest) and three retromarginal teeth (basal largest). Legs yellow-brown, mottled with brown spots (Fig. 31A, B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + tarsus = total length): 1.0 + 0.5 + 0.6 + – + 1.1 = 3.2. Leg formula I > IV = II > III; and length of segments: I – 3.0 + 1.6 + 2.3 + 2.0 + 1.0 = 9.9, II – 2.5 + 0.9 + 2.1 + 1.9 + 1.0 = 8.4, III – 2.0 + 0.8 + 1.3 + 1.2 + 0.8 = 6.1, IV – 2.7 + 0.9 + 2.1 + 1.8 + 0.9 = 8.4. Labium 0.58 large, 0.77 wide, orange-brown; endites orange-brown (Fig. 31B). Sternum 1.6 long, 1.3 wide, yellow-brown, lighter centrally (Fig. 31B). Abdomen 6.0 long, 6.0 wide, dorsum with distinct humeral humps, beige with indistinct folium pattern and mottled with small brown spots (Fig. 31A); venter light olive-brown and covered by guanine crystals (Fig. 31B). Epigyne (HBI N25742-6) (Fig. 31C–E) with large atrium and thick borders; scape shorter than epigyne long with few setae.

Figure 31.

Hortophora walesiana comb. nov., female. A. dorsal habitus (WAM T88936); B. ventral habitus (WAM T88936); C. epigyne, ventral view (HBI N25742-6); D. epigyne, lateral view (HBI N25742-6); E. epigyne, posterior view (HBI N25742-6). Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B); 0.5 mm (C–E).

Size variation: total length males 5.2–6.4 (n=15), females 8.2–10.1 (n=6). We did not observe any scape break-off in H. walesiana comb. nov. Colour variations are as reported for other Hortophora gen. nov. species, from fairly dark (as in the male described here) to the light colouration of the female illustrated, but the folium pattern is generally fairly indistinct.

Somatic and genitalic characters, specifically male pedipalp morphology of the holotype of Epeira rhombocephala Thorell, 1881 match H. walesiana comb. nov. as diagnosed here. Epeira rhombocephala is therefore proposed as junior synonym of H. walesiana comb. nov. Similarly the female holotype of Epeira lutulenta Keyserling, 1886 matches in somatic and genitalic morphology those belonging to H. walesiana comb. nov. and therefore Epeira lutulenta is proposed as junior synonym of H. walesiana comb. nov.

Mature males have been found in January and February, with a single record from June. Mature females have been found from January to April, with a single record in August. Hortophora walesiana comb. nov. therefore appears to be most active in the late dry season, considering that the species is limited to the northern half of the country.

Hortophora walesiana comb. nov. has been found mainly towards the coastal areas in the northern half of Australia, north of ca. 27°S Latitude in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia (Fig. 32). The holotype was collected at an unspecified location in New South Wales (Karsch 1878) and it can be assumed that the type locality, if not erroneously reported, was in the north-eastern part of that state.

Figure 32.

Distribution records of Hortophora walesiana comb. nov. in Australia.

Holotype male, Dandabah, Bunya Mountains National Park (26°51'S 151°34'E, Queensland, Australia), QM Party, 1–7 March 1976 (QM S111896).

The specific epithet refers to the Yesabah Caves (New South Wales), one of the few localities where the species was found. It is a noun in apposition.

See Appendix 1.

The male pedipalp of male H. yesabah sp. nov., specifically the shape of the median apophysis is unlike any other in the genus, as it terminates in two large somewhat pointy lobes, of which the dorsal one is heavily sclerotised (Fig. 33D). Females of H. yesabah sp. nov. are similar to the ones of H. lodicula comb. nov., however, the epigyne of H. yesabah sp. nov. is broad at the base of the scape (Fig. 34C), whereas it is narrow at the base of the scape in H. lodicula comb. nov. (Fig. 13C).

Figure 33.

Hortophora yesabah sp. nov., male holotype (S111896). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. right pedipalp, ventral view; D. right pedipalp, dorsal view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.5 mm (C, D).

Male (holotype, QM S11896): Total length 7.6. Carapace 3.8 long, 3.1 wide, dark-brown, cephalic area somewhat lighter and covered in white setae (Fig. 33A). Eye diameter AME 0.27, ALE 0.18, PME 0.20, PLE 0.18; row of eyes: AME 0.74, PME 0.49, PLE 1.62. Chelicerae reddish-brown; four promarginal teeth (apical and third largest) and three retromarginal teeth (similar size). Legs brown with light discolourations, specifically ventrally and on legs III and IV (Fig. 33A, B). Tibiae of leg II with few strong setae and a conspicuous megaspur with strong spine (Fig. 2J). Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 4.3 + 1.7 + 4.0 + 3.5 + 1.1 = 14.6, II – 3.8 + 1.5 + 3.5 + 0.9 + 1.0 = 10.7, III – 2.7 + 0.9 + 1.7 + 1.8 + 0.8 = 7.9, IV – 3.7 + 1.3 + 2.8 + 2.6 + 0.9 = 11.3. Labium 0.45 long, 0.72 wide, dark brown; endites brown (Fig. 33B). Sternum 1.6 long, 1.4 wide, dark brown, yellow-brown centrally (Fig. 33B). Abdomen 4.0 long, 3.6 dorsum with humeral humps, olive-grey folium pattern on beige background (Fig. 33A); venter covered by large guanine patch (Fig. 33B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + cymbium = total length): 0.8 + 0.4 + 0.3 + 1.1 = 2.6; paracymbium short and ending in a hook-like rounded tip (Fig. 33D); median apophysis transverse, terminating in two broad lobes, the dorsal of which is heavily sclerotised (Fig. 36C); conductor lobe elongated apically (Fig. 33C); terminal apophysis bubble-shaped terminating in a short sclerotised tip; conductor heavily sclerotized and rounded (Fig. 33C); embolus thick and short (Fig. 33C).

Female (QM S111897): Total length 8.6. Carapace 4.2 long, 3.7 wide; reddish brown, centrally darker, cephalic area with few white setae (Fig. 34A). Eye diameter AME 0.79, PME 0.50, PLE 1.95. Chelicerae yellow-brown; four promarginal teeth (apical and third largest) and three retromarginal teeth (similar size). Leg colouration similar to male but with lighter hue (Fig. 34A, B). Pedipalp length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + tarsus = total length): 1.3 + 0.6 + 0.9 + 1.4 = 4.2. Leg formula I > IV > II > III; length of segments (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): I – 4.4 + 1.8 + 4.0 + 3.5 + 1.2 = 14.9, II – 4.2 + 1.8 + 3.6 + 0.9 + 1.2 = 11.7, III – 3.1 + 1.3 + 1.9 + 2.0 + 0.9 = 9.2, IV – 4.1 + 1.8 + 3.2 + 3.2 + 1.0 = 13.3. Labium 0.68 large, 0.99 wide, reddish-brown; endites brown (Fig. 34B). Sternum 2.1 long, 1.8 wide, brown, centrally yellow-brown (Fig. 34B). Abdomen 4.8 long, 4.8 with, dorsum with humeral humps, colouration and folium pattern as in male but with darker colour hue (Fig. 34A, B). Epigyne (QM S111898; Fig. 34C–E) dark reddish-brown, atrium longer than wide; central division narrow; scape elevated with large subquadrate base, slightly reaching posteriorly beyond epigyne, wrinkled and with long setae.

Figure 34.

Hortophora yesabah sp. nov., female (QM S111897). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. epigyne, ventral view; D. epigyne, lateral view; E. epigyne, posterior view. Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 0.2 mm (C–E).

Size variation: total length males 7.5–8.9 (n=4), females 8.6.1–10.9 (n=5). The epigyne scape was broken off in one of five females measured for this study. A folium pattern is always clearly discernible in all specimens of H. yesabah sp. nov. examined by us, but no distinct white guanine patterns were evident.

Mature males of H. yesabah comb. nov. were found from February to July and mature females from March to October. This suggests that this species is autumn and winter mature. The only habitat description with collection specimens reads ‘rainforest’.

Hortophora yesabah comb. nov. has been found from south-eastern Queensland south to about Wollongong in eastern New South Wales (Fig. 35)

Figure 35.

Distribution records of Hortophora yesabah sp. nov. in Australia.

Holotype of Epeira capitalis L. Koch, 1871: Female, from Ovalau (17°41'S, 178°48'E, Fiji) ZMH ((Rack 1961)-catalogue no. 227). Examined.

Dondale (1966) listed Epeira capitalis L. Koch, 1871 as junior synonym of H. transmarina comb. nov. and the holotype of this species from Fiji has therefore been examined as part of this study. Its current synonymy with H. transmarina comb. nov. cannot be confirmed as the epigyne base is narrow without visible baso-lateral flaps, much more like that of H. biapicata comb. nov. However, having not had the opportunity to examine topotypical males, the most prudent solution is to revalidate this species pending a revision of Pacific Hortophora gen. nov. The species is here transferred to Hortophora gen. nov. due to the similarities with the above-mentioned two species, thereby conforming to the generic diagnostic of Hortophora gen. nov., specifically the highly elongated epigyne scape (Fig. 36A–C).

Figure 36.

Hortophora capitalis comb. nov., holotype female from Ovalau (Fiji) ZMH (Rack (1961)-catalogue 227). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus; C. epigyne, ventral view.

Berland (1924) reported the H. capitalis comb. nov. from New Caledonia without specimen details, but differentiated it from H. flavicoma comb. nov. by somatic (colouration of the abdomen) and genitalic (length of epigyne scape) characters. Berland (1938) reported males and females of H. capitalis comb. nov. from the New Hebrides, now Vanuatu. Taking the similarities of female Hortophora gen. nov. into account, we caution to accept his identifications until males of the species from the type locality are known and their genitalia examined in detail. We did not examine Berland’s (1938) material, likely deposited in Paris.

Hogg (1899) reported H. capitalis comb. nov. and H. transmarina comb. nov. (as Epeira producta) from near Cooktown in northern Queensland. He discusses the differences of these species and his Epeira frostii (= H. biapicata comb. nov.) in some detail and concludes that “…the whole three species are, at most, local varieties of the same”. He stayed, however, short of synonymising them. Curiously, he illustrated the epigyne of both H. capitalis comb. nov. and H. transmarina comb. nov. in a single image (Hogg 1899, fig. 4b “Epigyne of E. capitalis and E. producta”). It is clear, that H.R. Hogg was unable to clearly delineate the two species, specifically as he did not examine mature males. It is also clear that his record of H. capitalis comb. nov. refers to either H. biapicata comb. nov. or H. transmarina comb. nov. We found both species in Cooktown (see Appendix 1).

Holotype of Epeira flavicoma Simon, 1880: Female, Canala (21°31'S, 165°57'E, New Caledonia), Coll. E. Simon (likely MNHN). Not examined.

Epeira flavicoma Simon, 1880 was described based on a female from New Caledonia. Simon (1880) diagnosed the species at the time from H. capitalis comb. nov. by colour differences. Berland (1924) reported both species from New Caledonia, specifically the Loyalty Islands, and differentiated them both by colour and the length of the epigyne, being much longer in H. flavicoma comb. nov.

The detailed treatment of this species is not part of this project, but it is clear that Simon’s (1880) original description and Berland’s (1924) depiction of the species conforms to the diagnosis of Hortophora gen. nov., specifically with respect to the long epigyne scape. We therefore transfer the species to Hortophora gen. nov., H. flavicoma comb. nov., pending a revision of Pacific species of the genus.

Holotype of Epeira viridis Keyserling, 1865: Female from Upolu (13°54'S, 171°44'E, Samoa) (NHM 1890.7.1.4237). Examined.

Epeira viridis Keyserling, 1865 was synonymised with H. transmarina comb. nov. by Dondale (1966). This synonymy is rejected here in addition to other synonymies proposed by the author, including that of H. transmarina comb. nov. with H. biapicata comb. nov.

Dondale (1966) considered a female lodged in the ZMH as holotype of Epeira viridis Keyserling, 1865. This designation is here rejected as a female lodged in the NHM (NHM 1890.7.1.4237) much better matches the original description by Keyserling (1865). This is also consistent with a comment by Rack (1961, p. 25) who stated (from German) “It is not clear if this is Keyserling’s type, as L. Koch 1871, 84, also had specimens from Upolu”.

Hortophora viridis comb. nov. is much unlike H. transmarina comb. nov., specifically based on the shape and colouration of the abdomen and details of the epigyne (Fig. 25A–C vs Fig. 37A, B). The long epigyne is consistent with Hortophora gen. nov. as diagnosed here and therefore the species is transferred to the genus, Hortophora viridis comb. nov., pending an examination of males as part of a revision of Pacific Hortophora gen. nov.

Figure 37.

Hortophora viridis comb. nov., holotype female from Upolu (Samoa) (NHM 1890.7.1.4237). A. dorsal habitus; B. ventral habitus.