Diores murphyorum JOcQuE 1990

Diores murphyorum Jocqué, 1990

Figs 13, 18–22

Diagnosis: The female epigyne is closest to that of Diores triarmatus Lessert, 1929 but the posterior margin is shorter than in D. triarmatus and reflexed inwards laterallY. The spermathecae (seen through the cuticle) extend laterally rather than anteriorly, as in D. triarmatus.

Description:

Female.

Total length: 5.50. Carapace: length 2.37, width 1.66. Colour (Figs 18, 19): Carapace orange anteriorly, fading to yellow posteriorly. Eye region and central area of clypeus black. Chelicerae orange, sternum pale yellow. Legs yellowish orange. Abdomen deep purple dorsally and laterally with 3–4 white chevrons in the posterior half. Tracheal spiracle straight, rather wide (0.30) at 0.80. Venter and spinnerets creamy white. Eyes: a) 1.00 (0.17); b) 0.71; c) 0.57; d) 0.43; e) 0.43; f) 0.14; g) 1.00; h) 0.57.

Leg measurements:

F P T Mt t Total

I 2.03 0.56 1.81 2.16 1.38 7.94

II 2.02 0.59 1.54 2.12 1.12 7.39

III 2.12 0.65 1.52 2.44 1.08 7.81

IV 2.17 0.59 2.10 2.66 1.07 8.59 Legs: With three tarsal claws, the unpaired claw tiny.

Epigyne (Figs 13, 20–22): In ventral view, similar to that of D. triarmatus but the posterior margin of the epigynal plate is shorter and reflexed inwards laterally. Spermathecae (as seen through the cuticle) extend laterally rather than anteriorly, as in D. triarmatus Lessert, 1929. Epigyne in methyl salicylate as in Figs 20, 21.

Material examined: TANZANIA:Mkomazi G.R., between Ndeya & Mbula, pitfall traps in Senegalia senegal wOOdland, 21–23.xi.1994, 2♂ 2♀; MkOmazi G. R., Kisima plOt, in grass tussOck, 25.i.1996, 1♂; MkOmazi G. R., below Kisima plot, in litter beneath Newtonia tree, 25.i.1996, 1♀; MkOmazi G. R., Ubani plOt, in open S. senegal / Vachellia nilotica wOOdland, pitfall traps, 11–13.i.1997, 11♂ 6♀ 9 imm. (MRAC 215734). Remark: This species was OriginallY described frOm a single male frOm Kilifi, KenYa, located approximately 200km northwest of Mkomazi G. R. (Jocqué 1990). The female is described here fOr the first time.

Distribution: Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.

Natural history: The majority of specimens were collected from pitfall traps in open Acacia woodlands in the eastern part of the reserve. A single female was taken from a more open grassy habitat at Kisima.All specimens were collected during the main early rains between November and January.