Halodromus algericus Zamani & Belhadi & Dekkoumi & Iflefel & Sidatt & Elmareme & Shaibi & Meddour & Alioua 2026, sp. nov.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Halodromus algericus Zamani & Alioua, sp. nov. Figs 12A–E, 13A–D Type material. Holotype ♂ (ZMUT) and paratypes 1♂ 2♀ (ZMUT), ALGERIA: El Maghaier Prov.: El Maghaier, 33°59 ’ 35.27 ” N 05°44 ’ 59.45 ” E, 12.2.2023 (B. Dekkoumi). Other material examined. ALGERIA: El Maghaier Prov.: 1♂ 1♀ (CYA), El Maghaier, 33°59 ’ 35.27 ” N 05°44 ’ 59.45 ” E, 28.1.2023 (B. Dekkoumi); 1♀ (CYA), same locality and collector, 12.2.2023; 1♂ 2♀ (CYA), idem, 16.2.2023; 1♂ (CYA), idem, 26.2.2023; 2♀ (CYA), idem, 14.3.2023; 1♀ (CYA), idem, 15.3.2023; 5♀ (CYA), idem, 28.3.2023; 1♀ (CYA), idem, 13.4.2023; 2♂ 4♀ (CYA), idem, 13.5.2023; 2♀ (CYA), idem, 28.5.2023; 1♂ 4♀ (CYA), idem, 14.6.2023; 1♂ 2♀ (CYA), idem, 26.6.2023; 1♀ (CYA), idem, 14.7.2023; 1♂ (CYA), idem, 28.7.2023; 1♂ (CYA), idem, 14.8.2023; 1♀ (CYA), idem, 27.8.2023; 3♂ 1♀ (CYA), idem, 14.9.2023. Diagnosis. The new species resembles H. patellaris (Wunderlich, 1987), a Mediterranean species, in the male having a relatively short, bifid patellar apophysis (PA) (cf. Fig. 12C, D vs. Muster 2009: figs 29, 30) and in the female having relatively short, posteriorly positioned receptacles (cf. Fig. 13D vs. Muster 2009: fig. 32). The male differs by the blunt dorsal branch of the patellar apophysis (vs. pointed), a very short tibial apophysis (VTA; vs. approximately twice as long), and a much larger tegular apophysis. The female can be distinguished by the diverging lateral margins of the septum (vs. parallel) and the medially positioned glandular heads (vs. apically located). Description. Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 12A. Total length 2.75. Carapace 1.35 long, 1.45 wide. Cephalothorax yellowish brown; carapace with greyish lateral bands and clypeal and ocular markings; borders and posterior part of pars cephalica white. Palps and legs yellowish brown; legs with greyish brown markings and broad annulations. Abdomen dorsally with dark greyish brown cardiac pattern surrounded by white patterns converging and extending posteriorly, as well as broad dark greyish markings sublaterally and posteriorly; pale ventrally; spinnerets light yellowish brown. Measurements of legs: I: 6.65 (1.90, 0.70, 1.75, 1.50, 0.80); II: 8.40 (2.35, 0.80, 2.25, 1.95, 1.05); III: 5.40 (1.70, 0.60, 1.35, 1.20, 0.55); IV: 5.50 (1.75, 0.55, 1.25, 1.30, 0.65). Palp as in Fig. 12C–E; patella with short, bifid apophysis (PA), both branches blunt, dorsal branch broader and slightly longer; tibia with very short, blunt ventral apophysis (VTA); cymbium 1.7× longer than wide, with short tip; tegular apophysis (TA) large, with broad base and triangular tip bent prolaterad; conductor hyaline, indistinct, largely hidden by embolus; embolic base (EB) large, longitudinal, humped prodistally; embolus (Em) long, conical, broad at the base and tapering distally, tip curved dorsad. Female (paratype). Habitus as in Fig. 12B. Total length 2.95. Carapace 1.20 long, 1.40 wide. Coloration generally as in male, with darker and more contrasting patterns. Measurements of legs: I: 5.05 (1.45, 0.60, 1.35, 1.00, 0.65); II: 7.60 (2.10, 0.85, 2.25, 1.60, 0.80); III: 4.50 (1.40, 0.55, 1.15, 0.90, 0.50); IV: 4.80 (1.55, 0.50, 1.25, 1.00, 0.50). Epigyne as in Fig. 13C, D; plate 1.6× wider than long; septum (Sp) almost pentangular, posteriorly bulging; lateral plates (LP) converging in their anterior halves and diverging in their posterior halves; copulatory ducts (CD) broad, joining receptacles on their ental margins; copulatory openings (CO) located anteriorly, with long, oblique rims; receptacles (Re) sac-like, slightly longer than wide, with glandular heads (GH) located medially; fertilization ducts broad, half as long as receptacles. Comment. A large mating plug (MP; Fig. 13C, D) was found within the right copulatory opening of the described paratype female. For comparison, the epigyne of a non-type female lacking a mating plug is illustrated in Fig. 13A, B. Distribution. Known only from the type locality in El Maghaier Province, northern Algeria.
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225625848