Abstract
Ballomma gen. nov. is described in the zodariid subfamily Cryptothelinae. It is characterized by the pairs of adjacent anterior median eyes and anterior lateral eyes and triangular palpal tarsus in the female, the concave tegulum with thin embolus in the male. Apart from the type species B. erasmus gen. et sp. nov. (♂♀), the genus contains B. haddadi gen. et sp. nov. (♂♀), B. neethlingi gen. et sp. nov. (♂♀), and B. legala gen. et sp. nov. (♀). A key to the species is provided. The restricted distribution of the genus is discussed.
Highlights
The Cryptothelinae remain a subfamily within the Zodariidae in which numerous novelties are to be expected
For scanning electron micrographs (SEM) photos, specimens were dried in Hexamethyldisilazane (36h), gold coated and examined and photographed with a JEOL 6480 LV scanning electron microscope
Distribution Known from the Limpopo Province in the northern part of South Africa (Fig.14)
Summary
The Cryptothelinae remain a subfamily within the Zodariidae in which numerous novelties are to be expected. South Africa has been fairly well inventoried in the last few years by the SANSA initiative (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al 2015), many new taxa remain to be discovered such as in Limpopo, the northernmost province of the country. The species Australutica africana Jocqué, 2008 is one of these (Jocqué 2008) It was found in a thoroughly inventoried area in the Soutpansberg (Foord et al 2008). One of the most remarkable characters of the genus is the position of the ALE which are very close together, an eye arrangement which is rare. These eyes would not be recognized as ALE without the observation of intermediate positions between lateral and central in related genera
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
