A new species of wolf spider from the Pyrenees, with remarks on other species in the Pardosa pullata-group (Araneae, Lycosidae)

Abstract

Pardosa pyrenaica sp. n. is described based on material from the Pyrenees (Andorra, France and Spain). This species belongs in the Pardosa pullata-group, members of which are characterised, inter alia, by having a tegular apophysis consisting of two membranously connected sclerites. Pardosa pyrenaica sp. n. and P. pullata (Clerck) share comparatively short legs, notably the first two leg pairs, in comparison to other species in the pullata-group. Moreover, the first two pairs of legs in these two species are furnished with an abundance of scopulate hairs (less developed in the female sex). Males of the two species differ notably in the shape of the embolus while the females differ by the course of the receptacula and usually by proportions in the shape of the epigyne although there is some overlap due to morphological variation. The restricted elongation in final instar legs and the abundance of scopulate hairs in the anterior two pairs of legs are associated with traits in the precopulatory behaviour, which is described for both species.