Three New Genera of Tracheline Sac Spiders from Southern Africa (Araneae: Corinnidae)

ABSTRACT Three new genera of sac spiders of the subfamily Trachelinae (Corinnidae) are described from southern Africa. Fuchiba gen. n. is represented by F. aquilonia sp. n. (type species), F. capensis sp. n., F. montana sp. n., F. similis sp. n., F. tortilis sp. n. and F. venteri sp. n. All species are endemic to South Africa except for F. aquilonia sp. n., which is also recorded from Mozambique and Botswana, and F. montana sp. n., which is known from Lesotho. Fuchibotulus gen. n. is represented by F. bicornis sp. n. from South Africa (type species) and F. kigelia sp. n. from South Africa and southern Mozambique, Poachelas gen. n. is represented by three new species, and two species groups are recognised based on leg morphology. The striatus species group is represented by P. striatus sp. n. (type species, South Africa) and P. solitarius sp. n. (Zimbabwe). The montanus species group, represented by P. montanus sp. n., is endemic to South Africa. The three genera show different microhabitat preferences. Representatives of Fuchiba gen. n. and Fuchibotulus gen. n. were collected primarily by pitfall trapping or by hand from leaf litter in various biomes, while representatives of Poachelas gen. n. were collected primarily from the base of grass tussocks, or occasionally by sweep-netting in grassland and savannah. Identification keys to new species are provided for each genus.


INTRODUCTION
Until recently, Afrotropical tracheline sac spiders (Araneae: Corinnidae) have been largely neglected and their diversity in the region is poorly known. Dippenaar-Schoeman and Jocqué (1997) listed Austrachelas Lawrence, 1938, Brachyphaea Simon, 1895, Cetonana Simon, 1874, Pronophaea Simon, 1897 and Trachelas L. Koch, 1866 as Afrotropical tracheline genera. A sixth genus, Paccius Simon, 1898, was erroneously listed as being a castianeirine; this genus also belongs to the Trachelinae (Platnick 2000). Subsequently, Bosselaers and Jocqué (2000) transferred the monotypic genus Thysanina Simon, 1910 from the Liocranidae to the Trachelinae, on the basis of the presence of ventral leg cusps on legs I and II, as well as other characters. This genus was recently revised by Lyle and Haddad (2006a), who described five new species. Jocqué (2000, 2002) commented that the monotypic corinnine genus Lessertina Lawrence, 1942 may be a tracheline, as it possesses a single ventral cusp on metatarsi I and II, but the presence of a palpal median apophysis excludes it from the subfamily. Currently this genus is considered Corinnidae incertae sedis (Bosselaers & Jocqué 2000). Most recently, Haddad (2006) described the monotypic genus Spinotrachelas from South Africa.
A revision of Afrotropical Trachelinae is currently in progress. In reviewing the genera presently listed in the group, it is clear that Austrachelas is misplaced in the Trachelinae and may be transferred to one of the gnaphosoid families (Lyle & Haddad 2006b). Brachyphaea and Pronophaea are also misplaced and may belong to the Corinninae (Haddad 2007).
In this paper three new genera of tracheline sac spiders are described from southern Africa, representing a total of 11 new species. Members of Fuchiba gen. n. appear to be ground-living spiders (Figs 1-3) associated with fynbos, grassland and savannah habitats in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Mozambique. Spiders of Fuchibotulus gen. n. are leaf litter dwellers associated with fynbos, karoo and savannah habitats in South Africa and Mozambique. Poachelas gen. n. are closely associated with grasses (Fig. 4), and have been collected from grassland and savannah in South Africa and Zimbabwe. In terms of morphology, each genus has relatively conservative genitalic morphology that shows little variation, especially when compared to the diverse genitalic structures of Afrotropical Thysanina, Trachelas and Cetonana (Lyle & Haddad 2006a;Lyle 2008). Fuchiba gen. n. and Fuchibotulus gen. n. are small spiders that resemble Trachelas, but are more robust, have smaller and more widely spaced eyes, distinctive dorsal chevron markings, and lack ventral leg cusps in both sexes. These two genera can be easily separated on their external morphology and distinctive genitalic structures. Members of Poachelas gen. n. can be readily recognised by their very elongate body and pale colouration with a grey median abdominal stripe, apparent adaptations for camouflage on grass (also seen in the thomisid genus Runcinia Simon, 1875, philodromid genus Tibellus Simon, 1875, and zodariid genus Chariobas Simon, 1893, for example), as well as by the presence of paired ventral leg spines and cusps in males, and paired ventral leg spines in females of P. striatus sp. n. (absent in P. montanus sp. n.).
The new descriptions raise the number of valid tracheline genera from the region to eight, and although the revisions of Trachelas and Cetonana are still to be published AER -anterior eye row AL -abdomen length ALE -anterior lateral eye AME -anterior median eye AW -abdomen width CL -carapace length CW -carapace width FL -fovea length PER -posterior eye row pl -prolateral PLE -posterior lateral eye plv -prolateral ventral PME -posterior median eye rlv -retrolateral ventral RTA -retrolateral tibial apophysis SL -sternum length ST -spermatheca SW -sternum width TL -total length (Lyle 2008), the known species diversity in the region increases from to 29 to 40 species (Table 1).

MATERIAL AND METHODS
All spiders were studied under a stereomicroscope. Female genitalia were dissected from the abdomen using fine entomological pins, placed in a small vial in 70% ethanol, cleared for 8 minutes in a Branson 3200 ultrasonic bath, and observed for sketch drawings in 70% ethanol. Dissected genitalia were placed in microvials in the vial with the specimen from which they had been removed. Body measurements were taken of the largest and smallest specimens of each sex, and eye and leg measurements were taken from the largest specimen. The length of leg segments is given from the femur to tarsus, and total. All measurements are given in millimetres (mm). Leg spination follows the format of Bosselaers and Jocqué (2000).
The following abbreviations are used in the descriptions: Material of Fuchiba capensis sp. n. and Poachelas striatus sp. n., and palps of the two Fuchibotulus gen. n. species, was prepared through a graded ethanol series and then critical point dried in an argon chamber. Material was then mounted on stubs and sputter-coated three times with gold before observation in a JEOL WinSEM 6400 at 10kV. Digitised micrographs were taken. Digital photographs of the general habitus of males and/or females of each species were taken using a Nikon Coolpix 8400 mounted on a Nikon SMZ800 stereomicroscope.
Carapace, including eye region, bright orange to dark red-brown, slightly darker laterally (Figs 1, 6); carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline (Fig. 28); surface granular, covered in dense, short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, eyes subequal; clypeus height equal to 1.33× AME diameter; AME separated by distance equal to their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance approx. 0.5× AME diameter (Fig. 29); PER strongly recurved, eyes subequal; PME separated by distance equal to 1.25× their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance nearly 2× PME diameter. Chelicerae orange-brown to red-brown; anterior surface with scattered short, fine setae; promargin with three widely spaced teeth, median tooth largest, proximal tooth smallest; retromargin with three subequal teeth sharing single base. Sternum orange-brown, darker along border; surface smooth, covered in fine setae. Abdomen: pale grey dorsally with dark grey chevron markings (Fig. 6); cream laterally and ventrally, with dark grey mottling; oval, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, longer than wide; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short fine setae; two pairs of sigilla present; venter with small oval sclerites, running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs I to IV uniform orange; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Epigyne with copulatory openings mediolaterally in circular ridges (Fig. 30); ST II initially narrow following copulatory openings, with large, oval, anteromedial receptacles and small, globose lateral receptacles; ST I small, oval, laterally situated, slightly anterior to copulatory openings (Fig. 31).  Figs 2,7,8,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][32][33][34][35]40 Etymology: This species is named after the Eastern and Western Cape provinces in South Africa, to which it is endemic. Diagnosis: Males can be recognised by the fine embolus, which forms an incomplete coil with the tip angling slightly towards the base of the tegulum. Females can be recognised by the small obliquely orientated oval ST II and the copulatory openings located posteriorly in the circular ridges of the epigyne. Description: Male. Measurements: CL 1.60-1.97, CW 1.28-1.60, AL 1.57-1.87, AW 1.30-1.33, TL 3.08-3.70, FL 0.09-0.10, SL 0.82-0.93, SW 0.73-0.86, AME-AME 0.06, AME-ALE 0.05, ALE-ALE 0.36, PME-PME 0.10, PME-PLE 0.20, PLE-PLE 0.69. Length of leg Carapace, including eye region, pale orange to dark orange-red, slightly darker laterally (Figs 2, 7); carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline; surface granular, covered in dense, short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, eyes subequal; clypeus height approx. equal to 1.5× AME diameter; AME separated by 0.75× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 0.5× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes slightly larger than laterals; PME separated by distance equal to their diameter; PME separated from PLE by approx. 1.75× PME diameter. Chelicerae orange to orange-brown; anterior surface with scattered short, fine setae; promargin with three widely spaced teeth, median tooth largest, proximal tooth smallest; retromargin with three closely spaced teeth, median tooth largest, proximal and distal teeth subequal. Sternum pale to dark yellow, yellow-brown along border; surface smooth, covered in fine setae. Abdomen: pale grey dorsally with distinct dark grey dorsal chevron markings, branches extending laterally, converging at spinnerets (Fig. 7); venter pale grey; oval, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, longer than wide; dorsal scutum weakly sclerotised, covering posterior 3/4 of dorsum, pale orange; surface covered in short fine setae; two pairs of dorsal sigilla present; venter with small oval sclerites running in single paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs I to IV uniform orange; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae; leg spines and cusps  Carapace, including eye region, bright yellow-brown to dark orange-brown, slightly darker laterally (Fig. 8); carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline; surface granular, covered in dense, short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, lateral eyes slightly larger than medians; clypeus height slightly larger than AME diameter; AME separated by 0.66× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 0.5× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, eyes subequal; PME separated by distance lightly less than their diameter; PME separated from PLE by approx. 1.33× PME diameter. Chelicerae orange-brown to red-brown; anterior surface with scattered short, fine setae; promargin with three widely spaced teeth, median and distal teeth subequal, proximal tooth smaller; retromargin with three subequal teeth sharing single base. Sternum pale orange, yellow-brown along border; surface smooth, covered in fine setae. Abdomen: pale grey dorsally with distinct dark grey dorsal chevron markings, branches extending laterally, converging at spinnerets (Fig. 8); cream laterally, with broad triangular dark grey marking in anterior half, sometimes fused to anterior dorsal chevron markings; venter pale grey with small pair of triangular dark grey markings anterior to spinnerets; oval, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, slightly longer than wide; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short fine setae; dorsum with two pairs of sigilla present; venter with small oval sclerites, running in single paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs I to IV uniform orange; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Epigyne with copulatory openings situated posterolaterally in circular ridges (Fig. 34); ST II initially broad following copulatory openings, narrowing medially before entering small obliquely orientated oval anterior receptacle; ST II connected to small globose ST I via narrow lateral tube (Fig. 35 Distribution: Largely restricted to Western Cape, with a single record from the western part of Eastern Cape (Fig. 40). Biology: This species was collected from leaf litter in natural fynbos and Afromontane forest habitats, but at De Hoop Nat. Res. was more common in the leaf litter of exotic Eucalyptus plantations. In the latter habitat it showed further microhabitat selection, being considerably more common in areas with grass and creeper cover than in areas without it.
Carapace, including eye region, red-brown, dark grey laterally ( Fig. 9); carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline; surface finely granular, covered in dense, short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, eyes subequal; clypeus height approx. equal to 1.5× AME diameter; AME separated by distance equal to their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance slightly larger than 0.5× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes larger than laterals; PME separated by 1.25× their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 2× PME diameter. Chelicerae red-brown, dark grey along inner and outer margins; anterior surface with scattered short, fine setae; promargin with three widely spaced teeth, median tooth largest, proximal tooth smallest; retromargin with three closely spaced teeth, proximal and median teeth subequal, distal tooth smallest; endites with anterolateral spur. Sternum orange with grey markings radiating from centre, orange-brown along border; surface smooth, with scattered erect short fine setae. Abdomen: pale grey dorsally with distinct dark grey dorsal chevron markings, branches extending laterally (Fig. 9); venter pale grey with cream mottling; abdomen shield-shaped, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, slightly longer than wide; dorsal scutum covering entire dorsum, yellow-brown; surface covered in short fine setae; four pairs of dorsal sigilla present, first pair elongate, at 1/3 abdomen length, remaining pairs smaller, near midpoint; venter with small oval sclerites running in single paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs I to IV uniform orange-brown; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Palp with small, triangular RTA with sharply pointed tip; embolus distal on tegulum, forming single complete coil with tip directed towards cymbial tip (Figs 36,37). Female. Measurements: CL 1.57-1.75, CW 1.42-1.58, AL 1.63-2.07, AW 1.60-1.70, TL 3.13-3.70, FL 0.06-0.07, SL 0.85-1.00, SW 0.77-0.90, AME-AME 0.07, AME-ALE 0.05, ALE-ALE 0.37, PME-PME 0.16, PME-PLE 0. Carapace, including eye region, orange-brown, grey laterally (Fig. 10); carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline; surface granular, covered in dense, short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, lateral eyes slightly larger than medians; clypeus height equal to 1.25× AME diameter; AME separated by distance slightly less than their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 0.5× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes slightly larger than laterals; PME separated by 1.25× their diameter; PME separated from PLE by approx. 2× PME diameter. Chelicerae red-brown, grey along inner and outer margins; anterior surface with scattered short, fine setae; promargin with three widely spaced teeth, median and distal teeth subequal, proximal tooth smaller; retromargin with three subequal teeth sharing single base. Sternum orange, orange-brown along border; surface smooth, covered in erect short fine setae. Abdomen: pale grey with indistinct grey chevron markings (Fig. 10); abdomen pale grey laterally, venter pale grey with cream mottling; abdomen oval, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, slightly longer than wide; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short fine setae; two pairs of sigilla present; venter with small oval sclerites, running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs I to IV uniform orange-brown; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Epigyne with copulatory openings situated anterolaterally in circular ridges (Fig. 38); entrance ducts directed anteriorly before entering ST I and ST II; ST II initially with small oval anterior receptacle, then looping posteriorly then anteriorly before entering large oval anteromedian receptacles; ST I posteriorly located, small, comma-shaped, linked to fertilisation ducts by short duct (Fig. 39 11); carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline; surface finely granular, covered in dense, short fine setae, interspersed with long erect setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, eyes subequal; clypeus height equal to 1.25× AME diameter; AME separated by distance slightly less than their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 0.5× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes slightly larger than laterals; PME separated by 1.25× their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 1.75× PME diameter. Chelicerae deep orange-brown; anterior surface with scattered short, fine setae, interspersed with long, fine erect setae; promargin with three widely spaced teeth, median tooth slightly larger than distal tooth, proximal tooth smallest; retromargin with three subequal teeth sharing single base. Sternum bright orange, dark orange-brown along border; surface smooth, covered in short fine setae. Abdomen: cream with distinct grey chevron markings dorsally, posterior branches continuing laterally, converging at spinnerets (Fig. 11); cream laterally and ventrally with faint grey mottling; oval, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, slightly longer than wide; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short fine setae, interspersed with long erect setae; dorsum with three pairs of sigilla present, first at 1/3 abdomen length, posterior pairs close together at midpoint; venter with indistinct small oval sclerites, running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs I to IV uniform yellow-brown; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae interspersed with long erect setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Epigyne with fine transverse corrugated ridges anteriorly and circular ridges posteriorly; copulatory openings situated laterally in these depressions; entrance ducts short and broad; ST II bent medially, narrowing before entering round anteromedian receptacles; ST I anterolaterally situated, with fine duct leading to fertilisation ducts posteriorly. Holotype Carapace, including eye region, deep red-brown, slightly darker laterally (Fig. 12); carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline; surface finely granular, covered in dense, short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, eyes subequal; clypeus height equal to AME diameter; AME separated by approx. 0.66× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 0.5× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes slightly larger than laterals; PME separated by distance slightly larger than their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 1.5× PME diameter. Chelicerae bright orange; anterior surface with scattered short and long fine setae; promargin with three widely spaced teeth, median and distal teeth subequal, proximal tooth smallest; retromargin with three subequal teeth sharing single base. Sternum yellow-brown, darker along border, with pale grey mottling; surface smooth, with scattered short fine setae. Abdomen: cream dorsally with distinct grey chevron markings, branches merging laterally (Fig. 12); grey with cream mottling laterally, cream ventrally; oval, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, slightly longer than wide; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short fine setae, interspersed with long erect setae; dorsum with three pairs of sigilla present, first at 1/3 abdomen length, posterior pairs smaller, close together at midpoint; venter with indistinct small oval sclerites, running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs I to IV pale orange, anterior pairs slightly darker than posterior pairs; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae interspersed with long erect setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Epigyne with subrectangular ridges posteriorly, slightly curved along margins; copulatory openings situated anterolaterally in these depressions (Fig. 43); entrance ducts coiled twice before entering ST II medially; ST II large, oval, anteriorly situated; ST I small and laterally situated, with fine duct leading to fertilisation ducts posteriorly (Fig. 44 Carapace, including eye region, appearing black in live specimens (Fig. 3), in ethanol dark orange-brown, dark grey-brown laterally (Fig. 13); carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 1/3 its length, sloping gradually to 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline; surface finely granular, covered in dense, short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, lateral eyes slightly larger than medians; clypeus height slightly larger than AME diameter; AME separated by approx. 0.75× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by 0.5× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes larger than laterals; PME separated by distance equal to their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 1.33× PME diameter. Chelicerae dark brown; anterior surface with scattered short and long fine setae; promargin with three closely spaced teeth, median tooth largest, proximal and distal teeth subequal; retromargin with three closely spaced teeth, proximal and median teeth subequal, distal tooth smallest; endites with anterolateral spur. Sternum dark brown with dark grey markings radiating from centre; surface smooth, with scattered short fine setae. Abdomen: pale grey with distinct dark grey dorsal chevron marking, branches extending laterally (Fig. 13); dark grey laterally and ventrally, venter with pale grey mottling; shield-shaped, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, longer than wide; dorsal scutum covering entire dorsum, yellow-brown; surface covered in short fine setae; three pairs of dorsal sigilla present, first pair elongate, at 1/3 abdomen length, remaining pairs smaller, near midpoint; venter with small oval sclerites running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs appearing black in live specimens (Fig. 3); legs I and II darker yellow-brown than legs III and IV in ethanol; all tibiae and metatarsi darker than other segments; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Palp with small, triangular RTA with bent tip; embolus distal on tegulum, forming broad coil with tip directed towards cymbial tip (Figs 45, 46 Carapace, including eye region, yellow-brown (Fig. 14), with grey striae radiating from fovea, fusing laterally; carapace gradually rounded with highest point at 2/3 its length, last quarter with steep decline; surface granular, covered in dense, short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, eyes subequal; clypeus height equal to AME diameter; AME separated by approx. 0.66× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 0.5× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes larger than laterals; PME separated by distance slightly less than their diameter; PME separated from PLE by approx. 1.33× PME diameter. Chelicerae yellow-brown with faint grey mottling; anterior surface with scattered short and long fine setae; promargin with three widely spaced teeth, median and distal teeth subequal, proximal tooth smaller; retromargin with three Fig. 49. Distribution of Fuchiba similis sp. n., F. tortilis sp. n. and F. venteri sp. n.
Downloaded From: https://bioone.org/journals/African-Invertebrates on 02 Apr 2020 Terms of Use: https://bioone.org/terms-of-use teeth sharing single base, distal tooth slightly smaller than proximal and median teeth. Sternum pale yellow-brown with grey mottling and darker grey striae radiating from centre; grey along border; surface smooth, covered in short fine setae. Abdomen: yellowgrey dorsally with dark grey chevron markings (Fig. 14); dark grey laterally and ventrally with yellow-grey mottling; oval, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, longer than wide; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short fine setae; dorsum with three pairs of sigilla present, first at 1/3 abdomen length, posterior pairs smaller and less distinct, close together at midpoint; venter with small oval sclerites, running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets. Legs I to IV with similar colouration; femora and patellae pale yellow-grey, darker distally; tibiae and metatarsi darker grey; moderately dense scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in fine, less dense setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Epigyne with copulatory openings situated laterally in circular ridges (Fig. 47); entrance ducts directed anteriorly before entering ST I and ST II; ST II initially with small oval lateral receptacle, then looping medially then anteriorly before entering oval anteromedian receptacles; ST I laterally located, small and globose, linked to fertilisation ducts by short duct (Fig. 48 Biology: This species was found at the base of dense fynbos shrubs, where it was common together with a new Thysanina species. The holotype male was collected at night inside a house.
Etymology: The name is a combination of Fuchiba, a genus to which these spiders are related, and the Latin botulus (sausage), that refers to the sausage-shaped ST II of the female. Gender masculine. Type species: Fuchibotulus bicornis sp. n. Diagnosis: The carapace shape is evenly high and flat dorsally, with a sharp decline in the last fifth, and has a strongly tuberculate surface texture (Figs 50,51,53,54). The abdomen is notched anteriorly and has distinct dorsal sigillae with several pairs of tiny intermediate sclerites among them (Figs 52, 55). The legs lack spines and ventral cusps, and are weakly scopulate. Males have a needle-like embolus originating prolaterally and curving retrolaterally around the tegulum, accompanied by a narrow membranous conductor (Fig. 56); the palpal tibia has a larger single or bifid distal retrolateral apophysis and a small tooth-like proximal retrolateral dorsal apophysis (Figs 57, 58); females have a narrow median epigynal hood and strongly twisted entrance ducts leading to long, sausage-shaped ST II, with corresponding twisted ducts leading from ST II to the small posterior ST I. Description: Small spiders, 2.80-3.55 mm long; carapace red, surface strongly granulate; abdomen pale grey with darker dorsal chevron marking; AER procurved, clypeus height equal to or slightly larger than AME diameter; AME slightly smaller than ALE, or eyes subequal; AME closer to ALE than to each other; PER strongly recurved; PME slightly larger than PLE, or eyes subequal; PME closer to each other than to PLE; chilum single, triangular, tapring distally; cheliceral promargin and retromargin with three teeth each, retromarginal teeth often on single base; labium trapezoidal, posterior width equal to length; endites straight laterally with distinct serrula; carapace broadly oval, widest at midpoint, eye region smoothly connected to thoracic region; carapace with slight depression anterior to fovea, posterior margin slightly concave; pleural bars isolated; sternum shield-shaped; precoxal triangles present; intercoxal sclerites present between coxae I and II, II and III, and III and IV; legs I slightly more strongly built than others in males; legs without spines or ventral cusps, metatarsi and tarsi weakly scopulate, metatarsi III and IV with terminal preening brush; leg formula 1423 _, 4123 ^; abdomen oval, distinctly notched anteriorly, tapering posteriorly; dorsal scutum absent in both sexes; dorsal sigilla present, with several intermediate sclerites between them; venter with paired tiny sclerites running from epigastric fold to spinnerets; small inframamillary sclerite present; male palp with subtriangular RTA, sometimes split distally, and small tooth-like dorsal apophysis; tegulum oval, embolus needle-like, originating prolaterally, directed retrolaterally along distal margin of tegulum, accompanied by narrow membranous conductor; female epigyne with narrow median epigynal hood, copulatory openings  (Fig. 61); distal retrolateral tibial apophysis distinctly bifid (Fig. 62) (Fig. 67); distal retrolateral tibial apophysis triangular (Fig. 68) (Fig. 50); carapace slightly rounded anteriorly with highest point at 1/3 its length, flat dorsally, sloping very slightly to 4/5 its length, last fifth with steep decline (Fig. 59); surface coarsely granulate, covered in very short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 3/4 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, lateral eyes larger than medians; clypeus height slightly larger than AME diameter (Fig. 60); AME separated by distance slightly larger than 0.5× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by slightly less than 0.25× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes slightly larger than laterals; PME separated by 0.66× their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 1.33× PME diameter. Chelicerae red-brown; anterior surface granular, with scattered short fine setae; promargin with three teeth, median and distal teeth subequal, proximal tooth smallest; retromargin with three teeth on single base, proximal and median teeth subequal, distal tooth smallest and blunt. Sternum bright orange, darker along border; surface smooth, with scattered short fine setae. Abdomen: pale grey throughout, with indistinct grey dorsal chevron markings; oval, distinctly notched anteriorly, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, longer than wide (Fig. 50); dorsal scutum absent; surface finely granulate, covered in short stout setae anteriorly, becoming finer towards posterior; two pairs of large elongate dorsal sigilla present, first pair at 1/3 abdomen length, second pair near midpoint, with several pairs of tiny oval intermediary sclerites posterior to each pair (Fig. 52); venter with small oval sclerites running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets; small broad inframamillary sclerite present. Legs I to IV orange-brown, tarsi slightly paler; weakly developed scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in short fine setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Palp with small retrolateral tibial apophysis with split tip, and small secondary tooth-like dorsal apophysis (Figs 57, 61, 62); embolus fine, originating prolaterally on tegulum, curling around tegulum, ending in sharp tip retrolaterally (Fig.  56); conductor narrow and membranous, reaching embolus tip (Fig. 61).

Female.
Measurements: CL 1.33-1.58, CW 1.14-1.30, AL 1.90-2.13, AW 1.54-1.60, TL 3.28-3.55, FL 0.09-0.10, SL 0.76-0.85, SW 0.65-0.73, AME-AME 0.09, AME-ALE 0.02, ALE-ALE 0.26, PME-PME 0.08, PME-PLE 0.  . 51); carapace slightly rounded anteriorly with highest point at 1/3 its length, flat dorsally, sloping very slightly to 4/5 its length, last fifth with steep decline (Fig. 63); surface coarsely granulate, covered in very short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 3/4 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, lateral eyes much larger than medians; clypeus height equal to 1.33× AME diameter; AME separated by approx. 1.25× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 0.25× AME diameter (Fig. 64); PER strongly recurved, median eyes larger than laterals; PME separated by 0.75× their diameter; PME separated from PLE by approx. 1.25× PME diameter. Chelicerae orangebrown; anterior surface granular, with scattered short and long fine setae; promargin with three teeth, median tooth largest, proximal tooth smallest; median and distal teeth closest together; retromargin with three subequal teeth sharing single base. Sternum pale orange-brown with faint grey mottling, darker along border; surface smooth, covered in short fine setae. Abdomen: pale grey throughout, with indistinct dorsal chevron markings; oval, distinctly notched anteriorly, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, longer than wide (Fig. 51); dorsal scutum absent; surface finely granulate, covered in short stout setae anteriorly, becoming finer towards posterior; dorsum with two pairs of elongate sigilla present, first pair at 1/3 abdomen length, second pair at midpoint, latter pair sometimes fragmented into several smaller sclerites; several pairs of small intermediate sclerites posterior to each pair; venter with small oval sclerites, running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets; small subrectangular inframamillary sclerite present. Legs I to IV brown, slightly paler distally; weakly developed scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in short fine setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Epigyne with small median hood, copulatory openings situated medially in short curved ridges (Fig. 65); entrance ducts twisted anteriorly before entering ST II, with corresponding twisted ducts leading from long sausage-like ST II to posterior ST I; ST I comprising two small oval lateral receptacles, linked to fertilisation ducts by short narrow duct (Fig. 66) Distribution: Endemic to Western Cape (Fig. 71). Biology: This species was primarily collected from leaf litter in fynbos habitats.
Carapace, including eye region, deep orange, slightly darker near margins (Fig. 53); carapace slightly rounded anteriorly with highest point at 1/3 its length, flat dorsally, sloping very slightly to 4/5 its length, last fifth with steep decline; surface coarsely granular, covered in very short fine setae; fovea short, distinct, slightly thickened, at 3/4 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, eyes subequal; clypeus height equal to 1.25× AME diameter; AME separated by slightly less than 0.66× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by slightly less than 0.25× AME diameter; PER strongly recurved, median eyes slightly larger than laterals; PME separated by distance equal to their diameter; PME separated from PLE by 1.5× PME diameter. Chelicerae orange; anterior surface granular, with scattered long and short fine setae; promargin with three closely spaced teeth, median tooth largest, proximal tooth smallest; retromargin with three teeth on single base, proximal tooth large, median and distal teeth flat, only projecting slightly. Sternum bright orange, darker along border; surface smooth, with scattered short fine setae. Abdomen: pale grey throughout, without dorsal chevron markings; oval, distinctly notched anteriorly, tapering posteriorly, broadest at half its length, longer than wide (Fig. 53); dorsal scutum absent; surface finely granulate, covered in short stout setae anteriorly, becoming finer towards posterior; two pairs of large elongate dorsal sigilla present, first pair at 1/3 abdomen length, second pair near midpoint; each sigillum split transversely in two in some specimens; several pairs of tiny oval or elongate intermediary sclerites posterior to each pair; venter with small oval sclerites running in two paired lines from epigastric fold to spinnerets; small broad inframamillary sclerite present. Legs I to IV deep yellow-brown, femora slightly darker distally, tarsi slightly paler; weakly developed scopulae on metatarsi and tarsi, remaining leg segments covered in short fine setae; leg spines and cusps absent. Male palp with small triangular retrolateral tibial apophysis with sharp tip, and small secondary tooth-like dorsal apophysis (Figs 58, 67, 68); embolus fine, originating prolaterally on tegulum, curling around tegulum, ending in sharp tip projecting beyond retrolateral margin of cymbium; conductor narrow and membranous, reaching embolus tip (Fig. 67).
Etymology: From the grass family Poaceae, with which these spiders are closely associated, and from the genus Trachelas, to which they are related. Gender masculine. Type species: Poachelas striatus sp. n. Diagnosis: This genus can be easily recognised from other trachelines by the pale elongate body, usually with a median abdominal stripe (Figs 72-75), lack of a dorsal scutum in both sexes, darkened anterior tibiae and metatarsi, and ventral leg cusps in known males that also have paired ventral leg spines on the anterior legs. Females lack cusps and may or may not have strong paired ventral leg spines on the anterior tibiae and metatarsi. Description: Small spiders, 2.63-4.23 mm long; carapace cream or yellow, abdomen with grey median stripe; AER procurved, clypeus height 0.5-0.66× AME diameter; AME slightly smaller than ALE; AME separated by 0.33-0.5× their diameter, AME nearly touching ALE; PER strongly recurved; eyes variable in size, usually subequal; posterior eye interdistances subequal, at least 0.75× PME diameter; chilum single, triangular, weakly sclerotised; cheliceral promargin with three teeth, retromargin with two or three teeth, often on single base; labium trapezoidal; endites straight laterally with distinct serrula (Fig. 76) with slight depression at 0.66× its length, fovea indistinct, posterior margin straight; pleural bars isolated, weakly sclerotised; sternum oval-elongate; precoxal triangles present; intercoxal sclerites present between coxae I and II, reduced between coxae II and III and III and IV; legs I slightly more strongly built than other pairs; patellae I with plv spines (Fig. 77); anterior legs of males strongly spined, with paired ventral spines on tibiae and metatarsi (Fig. 78), and elongate cusps on tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi I, and metatarsi II (Figs 78-80); anterior legs of females strongly spined in P. striatus (Figs 81,82), arrangement as for males, replaced by erect setae in P. montanus; cusps absent; tarsi with paired claws and dense claw tufts (Fig. 83); metatarsi III and IV with terminal preening comb (Fig. 84); leg formula 1423 _, 4123 ^; abdomen elongate oval, twice as long as wide; dorsal scutum absent in both sexes; venter without sclerites; male palp with long, narrow, curved RTA (Figs 85, 86); tegulum round, embolus originating distally on tegulum, curling around margins, curving along retrolateral margin of cymbium towards cymbial tip ( Poachelas striatus species group Diagnosis: Members of this species group can be recognised by the leg morphology. Males have paired ventral leg spines on the anterior tibiae and metatarsi, as well as elongate ventral leg cusps on the anterior tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi; females lack cusps and have strong paired leg spines on the anterior tibiae and metatarsi. Carapace bright yellow, paler posteriorly, with pale grey stripe from between PME to midpoint, forming small rectangular grey marking medially (Fig. 72); carapace flattened with highest point at 1/3 carapace length, sloping gently to posterior, last fifth declining more steeply (Fig. 88); surface smooth with scattered short fine setae; fovea indistinct, lying in shallow median depression, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, lateral eyes larger than medians; clypeus height equal to approx. 0.66× AME diameter; AME separated by approx. 1/3 their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 1/8× AME diameter (Fig. 89); PER recurved, median eyes slightly larger than laterals; PME separated by distance slightly larger than their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance slightly smaller than PME diameter. Chelicerae pale yellow; anterior surface slightly granulate, with scattered short and long fine setae; promargin with three small teeth, distal tooth largest, proximal and median teeth subequal; retromargin with two closely spaced teeth, distal tooth slightly larger. Sternum cream with faint grey mottling, slightly darker along border; surface smooth, with scattered short fine setae. Abdomen: cream with pale grey mottling, with broad grey median stripe dorsally running along abdomen, expanding laterally above spinnerets (Fig. 72); elongate, twice as long as wide, broadest at half its length; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short fine setae; two pairs of indistinct oval sigilla present, first at 1/4 abdomen length, second pair anterior to midpoint; venter without sclerites. Legs I to IV with pale yellow femora; patellae, tibiae and tarsi I dark yellow-brown, metatarsi I dark brown; legs II to IV pale yellow-brown; legs covered in short fine setae with scattered long erect setae, particularly on femora, patellae and tibiae; metatarsi III and IV with terminal preening comb; tarsi I and IV with rows of short erect plv and rlv setae; leg spination: femora: I pl 2; patellae: I plv 2; tibiae: I plv 5-7 rlv 6 spines, plv 1-2 cusps, II rlv 0-2 spines; metatarsi: I plv 3-5 rlv 3-4 spines, plv 4-10 rlv 0-2 cusps, II rlv 4 spines, plv 1-4 cusps; tarsi: I plv 1-2 cusps. Male palp with fine curved retrolateral tibial apophysis (Figs 85,86,90,91); tegulum round, embolus fine, originating distally, curving around tegular margins before looping retrolaterally, curving along distal retrolateral margin to tip of cymbium (Figs 90, 91).
Carapace pale yellow, sometimes with pale grey mottling, with pale grey stripe from PER to midpoint, forming rectangular grey marking medially (Fig. 73); eye region at AER black; carapace flattened with highest point at 1/3 carapace length, sloping gently to posterior, last fifth declining more steeply (Fig. 92); surface smooth with dense short fine setae; fovea indistinct, lying in shallow median depression, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, lateral eyes larger than medians; clypeus height slightly larger than 0.5× AME diameter; AME separated by 0.33× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 1/8× AME diameter (Fig. 93); PER slightly recurved, eyes subequal; PME separated by distance slightly less than their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance equal to PME diameter. Chelicerae pale yellow; anterior surface smooth, with scattered short and long fine setae; promargin with three small teeth, median and distal teeth largest, subequal in size; retromargin with two closely situated teeth, distal tooth largest. Sternum cream, dark yellow along border; surface smooth, covered in long fine setae. Abdomen: cream, with broad grey median stripe dorsally running along abdomen, expanding laterally in posterior third (Fig. 73); elongate, twice as long as wide, broadest at half its length; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short and long fine setae; two pairs of indistinct oval sigilla present, first pair at 1/4 abdomen length, second pair at anterior to midpoint of abdomen; venter without sclerites. Legs I to IV with pale yellow femora; patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi I and I dark yellow-brown, legs II to IV pale yellow-brown; legs covered in short fine setae with scattered long erect setae, particularly on femora and patellae; metatarsi III and IV with terminal preening comb; tarsi I and IV with rows of short erect plv and rlv setae; leg spination: femora: I pl 3-5 rlv 7; patellae: I plv 2-4 rlv 1; tibiae: I plv 6-7 rlv 6-8, II rlv 4-5; metatarsi: I plv 4-7 rlv 4-5, II rlv 5-7; palp spineless, with several long fine erect setae on femora and patellae. Epigyne with copulatory openings situated anterolaterally in posterior lip-shaped ridge (Figs 87, 94); entrance ducts coiling before entering large round anteromedian ST I, with broad median ducts leading from ST I to posterolateral oval ST II (Fig. 95). Biology: This species was commonly found at the base of grass tussocks, and occasionally caught by sweep-netting. The adults from the National Botanical Gardens were collected during spring. By late summer (March 2008) no adults were collected, although more than 25 immature specimens were observed. In the following month males started to appear. By the end of May nearly no immatures were collected, only adults. This suggests a life cycle where adults breed in spring and early summer, immatures develop through summer, maturing in early autumn, with the adults overwintering and breeding the following spring. One adult female maintained in the laboratory produced an egg sac of 6.0 mm diameter, consistent in structure with other corinnids (foundation disc of silk on which eggs are laid, covered by a disc of papery silk). Eight cream-coloured oval eggs were produced, each being approx. 0.60×0.68 mm. Distribution: Known only from the Grassland Biome in Free State (Fig. 100). Carapace bright yellow, paler posteriorly, with dark grey stripe from between PME to midpoint, forming small rectangular grey marking medially (Fig. 74); carapace flattened with highest point at posterior eye row, sloping gently to posterior, last fifth declining more steeply; surface smooth with scattered short and long fine setae; fovea Poachelas montanus species group Diagnosis: Members of this species group have the same general morphology as the striatus group, but the abdominal markings are less distinct, and they lack the strong anterior leg spines of the latter species group.
Carapace, including eye region, bright yellow with pale grey stripe from PER to midpoint, forming rectangular grey marking medially (Fig. 75); carapace flattened with highest point at posterior eye row, sloping gently to posterior; surface smooth with scattered short and long fine setae; fovea indistinct, lying in shallow median depression, at 2/3 carapace length. Eyes surrounded by black rings; AER procurved, lateral eyes larger than medians; clypeus height equal to 0.5× AME diameter; AME separated by 0.25× their diameter; AME separated from ALE by approx. 1/8× AME diameter; PER slightly recurved, lateral eyes slightly larger than medians; PME separated by approx. 0.75× their diameter; PME separated from PLE by approx. 0.75× PME diameter. Chelicerae orange; anterior surface smooth, with scattered short and long fine setae; promargin with three small teeth, median tooth largest, proximal and distal teeth subequal; retromargin with three teeth sharing single base, proximal tooth largest, distal tooth smallest. Sternum yellow with grey mottling, dark yellow-brown along border; surface smooth, covered in fine setae. Abdomen cream, with very faint grey median stripe dorsally running along abdomen, expanding laterally in posterior third (Fig.  75); abdomen elongate, nearly twice as long as wide, broadest at half its length; dorsal scutum absent; surface covered in short fine setae; two pairs of oval sigilla present, first pair indistinct, at 1/4 abdomen length, second pair distinct, close to midpoint of abdomen; venter without sclerites. Legs I to IV yellow; tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi I and II yellowbrown, with long dense erect setae ventrally; metatarsi and tarsi with weak scopulae, remaining leg segments covered in short fine setae; metatarsi III and IV with terminal preening comb; leg spines and cusps absent. Epigyne with copulatory openings situated posteriorly in short semi-circular ridges; entrance ducts entering oval anteromedian ST I, with broad ducts leading from ST I to lateral oval ST II. Poachelas sp. A series of subadult specimens was collected at the base of grass tussocks at the Lajuma Mountain Retreat in the Soutpansberg Mts, Limpopo Province, South Africa (Fig. 100). Attempts to rear these specimens to adulthood failed. This species seems to belong to the montanus species group, as both subadult males and females lack the ventral leg spines typical of the striatus group. The formal description of this species is postponed until adults are collected. DISCUSSION The present paper brings the number of new genera described from the Afrotropical Region to four. 'True' trachelines from the region, i.e. excluding misplaced taxa discussed above, include eight genera represented by 40 species (Table 1). However, many new species of Cetonana and Trachelas have yet to be described. Several new species of Spinotrachelas and Thysanina have been discovered since last revisions (Haddad 2006;Lyle & Haddad 2006a). The genus Paccius still needs attention, and Platnick (2000) suggests that there may be as many as 25 species occurring on the Indian Ocean islands, to which these spiders are endemic (Madagascar, La Réunion, Comoros and Mauritius). With the publication of these studies, the diversity of Afrotropical Trachelinae will probably treble ( Table 1).
Synapomorphies of the subfamily Trachelinae still need to be thoroughly assessed and are the subject of much debate. Platnick and Shadab (1974a) suggested that trachelines can be characterised by the complete absence of leg spines and the presence, at least in males, of ventral cusps on the last three segments of the anterior legs. However, leg spines have been recorded from several species of Afrotropical Cetonana (Tucker 1920;Lawrence 1942;Lyle 2008), many species of the South American Meriola Banks, 1895 (Platnick & Ewing 1995), two species of Thysanina (Lyle & Haddad 2006a), and from the monotypic Spinotrachelas (Haddad 2006). Poachelas gen. n. also has strong spines on the anterior legs. A review of these genera, and other trachelines, prompts that the absence of leg spines should not be considered a valid synapomorphy for the group. Based on the discussion of trachelines by Platnick (1975), Haddad (2006) proposed that the loss of leg spines and ventral cusps may represent an apomorphic state within the trachelines, with Spinotrachelas being the most plesiomorphic genus in the group. Two newly described genera, Fuchiba and Fuchibotulus, may represent the most derived genera in the group as all their known species lack leg spines and cusps in both sexes. Ventral leg cusps, in turn, persist in at least males of all the remaining genera (Platnick & Shadab 1974a, b;Platnick 1975Platnick , 2000Grimm & Vilbel 1986;Platnick & Ewing 1995;Platnick & Rocha 1995;Deeleman-Reinhold 2001;Lyle & Haddad 2005, 2006aChami-Kranon et al. 2007), with the exception of many Palaearctic and Afrotropical Trachelas (Lyle 2008;Bosselaers et al., in press), in which the cusps are often absent from both sexes.
Based on the current descriptions, relationships of the three new genera to other trachelines can be proposed. Fuchiba and Fuchibotulus may be most closely related to the Afrotropical species of Trachelas, which usually lack leg cusps in both sexes (Lyle 2008). Poachelas appears to be most closely related to the South African genus Spinotrachelas, based on the presence of strong paired ventral leg spines on the anterior legs (Haddad 2006), in addition to strongly developed cusps in males. However, clear adaptations for living in grass habitats in Poachelas (elongate body and pale colouration with median abdominal stripe) suggest that this body form is derived. Consequently, it may be premature to consider these two genera closely related purely on the basis of their leg structure. Their true relations may become quite different when these taxa are included in a cladistic analysis with a large number of somatic and genitalic characters.
The present paper advances our knowledge of tracheline diversity and the variation of important somatic morphological traits in the group. With revisions of other Afrotropical genera, it is hoped that an accurate phylogeny of the Trachelinae can be prepared, with diagnostic characters of each genus, and relationships between genera (particularly apparently polyphyletic genera such as Cetonana and Trachelas) can be more thoroughly resolved.