A survey of Pholcus spiders (Araneae, Pholcidae) from the Qinling Mountains of central China, with descriptions of seven new species

Lan Yang; Chang Fu; Yaxuan Zhang; Qiaoqiao He; Zhiyuan Yao

doi:10.3897/zse.100.116759

Abstract

We report 18 spider species of the genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 from a survey in the Qinling Mountains of central China. They belong to four species groups and include seven species new to science: Pholcus jiaozuo Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀) in the taishan species group; P. luonan Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀), P. luoyang Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀), P. lushan Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀), P. shangluo Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀), P. weinan Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀) and P. yuncheng Yang & Yao, sp. nov. (♂♀) in the yichengicus species group. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions, photomicroscopy images and DNA barcodes of all new species are provided. Our study will make a significant contribution to understanding species diversity and zoogeography of the region.

Key Words

Biodiversity, daddy-long-legs, DNA barcode, morphology, taxonomy

Introduction

The family Pholcidae C.L. Koch, 1850 is a highly diverse group of spiders, with 97 extant genera and 1,937 extant species (WSC 2023). It has a wide distribution and occupies a variety of habitats, for example, in buildings, on rock walls, in caves (or at cave entrance ecotones), in leaf litter, on the underside of leaves and in webs between trunks and twigs of trees (Huber 2005, 2011; Yao and Li 2010, 2012, 2013; Yao et al. 2015, 2016). The genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 is the most diverse genus in the family and one of the largest in Araneae Clerck, 1757, with 389 described species placed in 21 species groups (Huber 2011; Huber et al. 2018; WSC 2023). It is mainly distributed in the Palaearctic, Oriental, Afrotropical and Australasian Realms (WSC 2023).

China exhibits the highest species diversity of the genus Pholcus. To date, 169 species have been recorded in China, which represent 43% of the genus (WSC 2023). Recently, a series of surveys of Pholcus have been carried out in northern China and a large number of new species have been reported. For instance, a wide-ranging expedition to the Changbai Mountains in 2020 recorded 27 species of Pholcus, including 13 new species (Lu et al. 2021; Yao et al. 2021; Zhao et al. 2023a). Another investigation in the Yanshan-Taihang Mountains in 2021 recorded 36 Pholcus species, of which 14 species were new to science (Lu et al. 2022a, b). In 2022, Pholcus spiders were collected for the first time during an expedition to the Lüliang Mountains and the study identified one known species and eight new species (Zhao et al. 2023b).

The Qinling Mountain range represents a major geographical dividing line between the temperate zone and the subtropical zone of China, as well as between the Palaearctic and Oriental zoogeographic realms. It is home to many iconic wild animals, such as giant pandas and golden monkeys. For invertebrates, nearly 8,000 species of insects have been recorded in the Qinling Mountains (Yang 2018). However, reports on spiders from the Qinling Mountains are relatively few and the species diversity has not been systematically investigated.

The present study focuses on species diversity of the genus Pholcus from the Qinling Mountains. Previously, 14 species of Pholcus have been recorded in this region according to a series of previously published papers (e.g. Zhang and Zhu (2009); Yao and Li (2012); Dong et al. (2016); WSC (2023)). We undertook a systematic investigation there in 2022 (Fig. 1) and the aim is to reveal the species diversity.

Figure 1.

Distribution records of Pholcus spiders from the Qinling Mountains in this study. The bidentatus group: 1 P. bidentatus; the crypticolens group: 2 P. jingyangensis, 3 P. langensis, 4 P. manueli, 5 P. zichyi; the taishan group: 6 P. jiaozuo sp. nov., 7 P. yugong; the yichengicus group: 8 P. luonan sp. nov., 9 P. luoyang sp. nov., 10 P. lushan sp. nov., 11 P. ovatus, 12 P. parayichengicus, 13 P. shangluo sp. nov., 14 P. songxian, 15 P. taibaiensis, 16 P. tangyuensis, 17 P. weinan sp. nov., 18 P. yuncheng sp. nov.

Materials and methods

All specimens were collected by Z Yao, L Yang and L Zhang. Specimens were examined and measured with a Leica M205 C stereomicroscope. Left male palps were photographed. Epigynes were photographed before dissection. Vulvae were photographed after treating them in a 10% warm solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) to dissolve soft tissues. Images were captured with a Canon EOS 750D wide zoom digital camera (24.2 megapixels) mounted on the stereomicroscope mentioned above and assembled using Helicon Focus v. 3.10.3 image stacking software (Khmelik et al. 2005). All measurements are given in millimetres (mm). Leg measurements are shown as: total length (femur, patella, tibia, metatarsus, tarsus). Leg segments were measured on their dorsal side. The distribution map was generated with ArcGIS v. 10.2 (ESRI Inc.). The specimens studied are deposited in the College of Life Science, Shenyang Normal University (SYNU) in Liaoning, China and the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAECAS) in Liaoning, China.

Terminology and taxonomic descriptions follow Huber (2011) and Yao et al. (2015, 2021). The following abbreviations are used: a = appendix, aa = anterior arch, ALE = anterior lateral eye, AME = anterior median eye, b = bulb, da = distal apophysis, dp = distal process, ds = dorsal spine, dt = distal teeth, e = embolus, fa = frontal apophysis, kn = knob, L/d = length/diameter ratio, mb = median branch, pa = proximo-lateral apophysis, PME = posterior median eye, pp = pore plate, pda = prolatero-distal apophysis, pr = procursus, pra = proximal apophysis, psa = prolatero-subdistal apophysis, pse = prolatero-subdistal edge, pss = prolatero-subdistal sclerite, pvp = prolatero-ventral protuberance, rb = retrolateral branch, rda = retrolatero-distal apophysis, rdb = retrolatero-distal branch, rma = retrolatero-median apophysis, rpa = retrolatero-proximal apophysis, sb = subdistal branch, sc = sclerite, u = uncus, va = ventral apophysis, vp = ventral protuberance, vsa = ventro-subdistal apophysis.

DNA barcode sequences of new species were obtained. A partial fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was targeted using the following primers: forward: LCO1490 (5’-GGTCAACAAATCATAAAGATATTGG-3’) and reverse: HCO2198 (5’-TAAACTTCAGGGTGACCAAAAAATCA-3’) (Folmer et al. 1994). Additional information on extraction, amplification and sequencing procedures is provided in Yao et al. (2016).

Results

A total of 18 species were identified, including seven new species. A list of known species is provided in Table 1 and descriptions of all the new species are provided below. In addition, one species, P. bidentatus Zhu, Zhang, Zhang & Chen, 2005, is recorded from the Qinling Mountains for the first time. Of the 14 previously recorded species from the Qinling Mountains, we identified ten from our collection. We did not find four previously recorded species of the region, P. paralinzhou Zhang & Zhu, 2009, P. henanensis Zhu & Mao, 1983, P. harveyi Zhang & Zhu, 2009 and P. lingguanensis Yao & Li, 2016. All the identified species are endemic to the Qinling Mountains, except three widely-distributed species P. bidentatus, P. manueli Gertsch, 1937 and P. zichyi Kulczyński, 1901. One DNA barcode sequence was obtained from each new species and all sequences are deposited in GenBank. The voucher numbers, GenBank accession numbers and other related information are given in Table 2. Our study significantly increases the number of known spider species in the Qinling Mountains and will make a significant contribution to the understanding of species diversity of the region, as well as zoogeography.

Table 1.

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Information of the 11 known species collected and identified.

Species	Voucher code	Collection locality
bidentatus group
P. bidentatus	2♂ (SYNU-Ar00083F–84F) 2♀ (SYNU-Ar00085F–86F)	Shaanxi*, Ankang, Shiquan County, Yundou Town, Hanjiang Yanxiangdong Scenic Spot, 32°47.75'N, 108°8.93'E, 393 m elev., 24/07/2022
crypticolens group
P. jingyangensis	2♂ (SYNU-Ar00087F–88F) 2♀ (SYNU-Ar00089F–90F)	Shaanxi, Xianyang, Jingyang County, Wangqiao Town, Zhangjiashan Reservoir, 34°39.08'N, 108°34.58'E, 440 m elev., 01/08/2022
P. langensis	2♂ (SYNU-Ar00091F–92F) 2♀ (SYNU-Ar00093F–94F)	Henan, Jiyuan, Dayu Town, 34°57.62'N, 112°21.55'E, 373 m elev., 15/07/2022
P. langensis	1♂ (SYNU-Ar00095F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00096F)	Henan, Jiaozuo, Xiuwu County, Xicun Town, 35°19.85'N, 113°15.97'E, 276 m elev., 14/07/2022
P. manueli	1♂ (SYNU-Ar00097F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00098F)	Henan*, Jiyuan, Dayu Town, 35°2.52'N, 112°20.62'E, 443 m elev., 15/07/2022
	1♂ (SYNU-Ar00099F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00100F)	Shanxi, Yuncheng, Yongji, Shuiyukou Village, Shentan Grand Canyon Scenic Spot, 34°49.50'N, 110°25.72'E, 529 m elev., 20/07/2022
	2♀ (SYNU-Ar00101F–02F)	Shaanxi, Hanzhong, Liuba County, Liuhou Town, 33°41.27'N, 106°50.80'E, 1187 m elev., 27/07/2022
	1♂ (SYNU-Ar00103F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00104F)	Shaanxi, Baoji, Chencang District, Pingtou Town, Jiulongshan Scenic Spot, 34°25.93'N, 106°49.98'E, 1082 m elev., 28/07/2022
P. zichyi	1♂ (SYNU-Ar00105F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00106F)	Henan, Sanmenxia, Lushi County, Shuanglongwan Town, 33°58.30'N, 110°56.22'E, 580 m elev., 18/07/2022
	1♂ (SYNU-Ar00107F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00108F)	Shanxi*, Yuncheng, Yongji, Wulaofeng Scenic Spot, Dabaiyu Village, 34°50.18'N, 110°36.05'E, 522 m elev., 20/07/2022
	1♂ (SYNU-Ar00109F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00110F)	Shaanxi*, Shangluo, Luonan County, Chengguan Street, Liuwan Village, 34°8.13'N, 110°8.62'E, 893 m elev., 20/07/2022
taishan group
P. yugong	2♂ (SYNU-Ar00111F–12F) 2♀ (SYNU-Ar00113F–14F)	Henan, Sanmenxia, Mianchi County, Rencun Town, Honghuawo Village, 34°50.20'N, 111°57.22'E, 725 m elev., 16/07/2022
	2♂ (SYNU-Ar00115F–16F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00117F)	Henan, Luoyang, Xin’an County, Qingyaoshan Town, Longtan Grand Canyon Scenic Spot, 34°58.48'N, 112°1.27'E, 336 m elev., 16/07/2022
	1♂ (SYNU-Ar00118F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00119F)	Henan, Luoyang, Xin’an County, Shisi Town, 34°49.43'N, 112°7.43'E, 370 m elev., 16/07/2022
yichengicus group
P. ovatus	1♂ (SYNU-Ar00120F) 1♀ (SYNU-Ar00121F)	Shaanxi, Xi’an, Zhouzhi County, Banfangzi Town, 33°48.02'N, 107°59.08'E, 1165 m elev., 31/07/2022
P. parayichengicus	2♂ (SYNU-Ar00122F–23F) 2♀ (SYNU-Ar00124F–25F)	Henan, Luoyang, Song County, Baiyunshan Scenic Spot, 33°44.63'N, 111°52.97'E, 830 m elev., 17/07/2022
P. songxian	2♂ (SYNU-Ar00126F–27F) 2♀ (SYNU-Ar00128F–29F)	Henan, Luoyang, Song County, Tianchishan Scenic Spot, 34°14.35'N, 111°51.72'E, 810 m elev., 17/07/2022
P. taibaiensis	3♂ (SYNU-Ar00130F–32F) 3♀ (SYNU-Ar00133F–35F)	Shaanxi, Baoji, Mei County, Yingtou Town, Haopingsi Temple, 34°5.32'N, 107°42.33'E, 1101 m elev., 30/07/2022
P. tangyuensis	2♂ (SYNU-Ar00136F–37F) 3♀ (SYNU-Ar00138F–40F)	Shaanxi, Xi’an, Lantian County, Tangyu Town, Tangyuhu Forest Park, Laoaogou Village, 34°0.03'N, 109°14.43'E, 898 m elev., 31/07/2022

Table 2.

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Voucher specimen information.

New species	Voucher code	GenBank accession number	Sequence length	Collection locality
P. jiaozuo sp. nov.	W215	PP082960	626 bp	Henan, Jiaozuo, Xiuwu County
P. luonan sp. nov.	W257	PP082965	626 bp	Shaanxi, Shangluo, Luonan County
P. luoyang sp. nov.	W242	PP082962	626 bp	Henan, Luoyang, Luanchuan County,
P. lushan sp. nov.	W237	PP082961	626 bp	Henan, Pingdingshan, Lushan County
P. shangluo sp. nov.	W260	PP082966	626 bp	Shaanxi, Shangluo, Zhashui County
P. weinan sp. nov.	W252	PP082964	626 bp	Shaanxi, Weinan, Tongguan County
P. yuncheng sp. nov.	W251	PP082963	626 bp	Shanxi, Yuncheng, Yongji

Taxonomic accounts

Family Pholcidae C.L. Koch, 1850

Subfamily Pholcinae C.L. Koch, 1850

Genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805

Type species

Aranea phalangioides Fuesslin, 1775.

Pholcus taishan species group

This species group was recognised by Huber (2011). It currently includes ten species and is distributed in central China (Huber 2011; Peng and Zhang 2011). A new species, P. jiaozuo sp. nov., is described below.

Pholcus jiaozuo Yang & Yao, sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/A8DC2A11-B767-4FCA-A23C-487F8BFE22C3

Figs 2, 3

Type material

Holotype ♂ (SYNU-Ar00363) and paratypes 2♂ (SYNU-Ar00364, IAECAS-Ar00365Y) 3♀ (SYNU-Ar00366–67, IAECAS-Ar00368Y), China, Henan, Jiaozuo, Xiuwu County, Qinglongxia Scenic Spot (35°22.05'N, 113°11.77'E, 820 m elev.), 14/07/2022.

Etymology

The specific name refers to the type locality and is a noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

The new species resembles P. henanensis Zhu & Mao, 1983 (Yao and Li 2012: 18, figs 77A–D, 78A–B) by having similar male chelicerae, bulbal apophyses and epigyne (Fig. 3A, C, D), but can be distinguished by prolatero-subdistal sclerite of procursus laterally curved (Fig. 2C vs. laterally flat), by procursus with distal membranous process (Fig. 2C vs. absent), by retrolatero-distal apophysis of procursus distally pointed in prolateral view (Fig. 2C vs. distally blunt) and by wavy vulval anterior arch (Fig. 3B vs. arch-shaped).

Figure 2.

Pholcus jiaozuo sp. nov., holotype male A, B. Palp (A. Prolateral view; B. Retrolateral view); C, D. Distal part of procursus (C. Prolateral view, arrow points at curved part of sclerite; D. Dorsal view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A, B); 0.10 mm (C, D).

Figure 3.

Pholcus jiaozuo sp. nov., holotype male (C–F) and paratype female (A, B, G, H) A. Epigyne, ventral view; B. Vulva, dorsal view; C. Bulbal apophyses, prolateral view; D. Chelicerae, frontal view; E–H. Habitus (E, G. Dorsal view; F. Lateral view; H. Ventral view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A–D); 1.00 mm (E–H).

Description

Male (holotype). Total length 5.38 (5.58 with clypeus), carapace 1.66 long, 1.88 wide, opisthosoma 3.72 long, 1.66 wide. Leg I: 39.95 (10.25, 0.79, 9.85, 16.31, 2.75), leg II: 28.15 (7.88, 0.72, 6.95, 10.96, 1.64), leg III: 20.28 (5.90, 0.66, 4.84, 7.63, 1.25), leg IV: 26.12 (7.76, 0.67, 6.67, 9.52, 1.50); tibia I L/d: 62. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.26, PME 0.17, PME–ALE 0.04, AME–AME 0.04, AME 0.10. Sternum width/length: 1.25/0.86. Habitus as in Fig. 3E, F. Carapace yellowish, with brown radiating marks and marginal brown bands; ocular area yellowish, with median and lateral brown bands; clypeus and sternum yellowish, with brown marks. Legs yellowish, but dark brown on patellae and whitish on distal parts of femora and tibiae, with darker rings on subdistal parts of femora and proximal and subdistal parts of tibiae. Opisthosoma yellowish, with dorsal and lateral spots. Chelicerae (Fig. 3D) with pair of proximo-lateral apophyses and pair of distal apophyses. Palp as in Fig. 2A, B; trochanter with long (8 times longer than wide), retrolatero-proximally strongly bulged ventral apophysis; femur with small retrolatero-proximal apophysis and distinct ventral protuberance; tibia with prolatero-ventral protuberance; procursus (Fig. 2C, D) simple proximally, but complex distally, with raised prolatero-subdistal membranous edge, curved prolatero-subdistal sclerite, distal membranous process, sclerotised retrolatero-distal apophysis and two strong dorsal spines; uncus (Fig. 3C) distally widened, with proximal apophysis and distal scaly edge; appendix (Fig. 3C) hooked, with distal teeth; embolus (Fig. 3C) weakly sclerotised, with some indistinct transparent distal projections. Retrolateral trichobothrium on tibia I at 5% proximally; legs with short vertical setae on tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi; tarsus I with 38 distinct pseudosegments.

Female (paratype). Similar to male, habitus as in Fig. 3G, H. Total length 5.00 (5.19 with clypeus), carapace 1.52 long, 1.70 wide, opisthosoma 3.48 long, 1.60 wide; tibia I: 8.05; tibia I L/d: 50. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.21, PME 0.14, PME–ALE 0.04, AME–AME 0.03, AME 0.08. Sternum width/length: 1.03/0.80. Clypeus brown. Epigyne (Fig. 3A) nearly triangular, laterally slightly sclerotised, with knob developed into long scape (10 times longer than wide). Vulva (Fig. 3B) with wavy, posteriorly sclerotised anterior arch and pair of elliptic pore plates.

Variation

Tibia I in two paratype males: 9.55, 10.50. Tibia I in the other two paratype females: 7.95, 8.25.

Habitat

Underside of overhang on rocky cliffs in the mountain area.

Distribution

China (Henan, type locality; Fig. 1).

Pholcus yichengicus species group

This species group was recognised by Huber (2011). It currently includes 44 species and is widely distributed in central and southern China, as well as Thailand (Huber 2011; Zhu et al. 2018; Lan et al. 2020). Six new species are described below.

Pholcus luonan Yang & Yao, sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/4A9F4DB6-3FF3-46D9-8131-3BAD55918638

Figs 4, 5

Type material

Holotype ♂ (SYNU-Ar00369) and paratypes 1♂ (IAECAS-Ar00370Y) 2♀ (SYNU-Ar00371, IAECAS-Ar00372Y), China, Shaanxi, Shangluo, Luonan County, Beikuanping Town, Hanziping Village (33°59.67'N, 110°9.28'E, 1105 m elev.), 21/07/2022.

Etymology

The specific name refers to the type locality and is a noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

The new species resembles P. tangyuensis Yao & Li, 2016 (Dong et al. 2016: 30, figs 21A–D, 22A–H) by having similar male chelicerae and epigyne (Fig. 5A, D), but can be distinguished by dorso-median part of procursus not protruding (Fig. 4B vs. protruding), by male palpal trochanteral apophysis with distinct retrolateral branch (Fig. 4B vs. indistinct projection), by uncus latero-medially strongly protruding (Fig. 5C vs. latero-proximally slightly protruding), by appendix without branch (Fig. 5C vs. present) and by vulval pore plates nearly elliptic (anteriorly wide and posteriorly narrow, Fig. 5B vs. nearly round).

Figure 4.

Pholcus luonan sp. nov., holotype male A, B. Palp (A. Prolateral view; B. Retrolateral view, arrow points at dorso-median part of procursus); C, D. Distal part of procursus (C. Prolateral view; D. Dorsal view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A, B); 0.10 mm (C, D).

Figure 5.

Pholcus luonan sp. nov., holotype male (C–F) and paratype female (A, B, G, H) A. Epigyne, ventral view; B. Vulva, dorsal view; C. Bulbal apophyses, prolateral view (arrow points at latero-median protrusion); D. Chelicerae, frontal view; E–H. Habitus (E, G. Dorsal view; F. Lateral view; H. Ventral view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A–D); 1.00 mm (E–H).

Description

Male (holotype). Total length 4.92 (5.06 with clypeus), carapace 1.56 long, 1.78 wide, opisthosoma 3.36 long, 1.56 wide. Legs I and II missing, leg III: 17.78 (5.19, 0.61, 4.10, 6.80, 1.08), leg IV: 24.87 (7.92, 0.65, 5.83, 9.12, 1.35). Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.26, PME 0.17, PME–ALE 0.06, AME–AME 0.06, AME 0.12. Sternum width/length: 1.16/0.94. Habitus as in Fig. 5E, F. Carapace yellowish, with brown radiating marks and marginal brown bands; ocular area yellowish, with median and lateral brown bands; clypeus brown; sternum yellowish, with brown marks. Legs yellowish, but dark brown on patellae and whitish on distal parts of femora and tibiae, with darker rings on subdistal parts of femora and proximal and subdistal parts of tibiae. Opisthosoma yellowish, with dorsal and lateral spots. Chelicerae (Fig. 5D) with pair of proximo-lateral apophyses, pair of distal apophyses with two teeth each and pair of frontal apophyses. Palp as in Fig. 4A, B; trochanter with long (3 times longer than wide) ventral apophysis bearing distinct retrolateral branch; femur with small retrolatero-proximal apophysis and distinct ventral protuberance; tibia with prolatero-ventral protuberance; procursus (Fig. 4C, D) simple proximally, but complex distally, with raised prolatero-subdistal membranous edge bearing distal membranous process, sclerotised prolatero-subdistal apophysis and two strong and one slender dorsal spines; uncus (Fig. 5C) latero-medially protruding, with proximal apophysis and distal scaly edge; appendix (Fig. 5C) curved, with distal scales; embolus (Fig. 5C) weakly sclerotised, with some indistinct transparent distal projections. Legs with short vertical setae on tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi.

Female (paratype). Similar to male, habitus as in Fig. 5G, H. Total length 4.70 (4.80 with clypeus), carapace 1.38 long, 1.45 wide, opisthosoma 3.32 long, 2.31 wide; tibia I: 6.04; tibia I L/d: 48. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.23, PME 0.15, PME–ALE 0.05, AME–AME 0.06, AME 0.11. Sternum width/length: 0.96/0.78. Epigyne (Fig. 5A) nearly triangular, laterally strongly sclerotised, with knob (distally narrowed). Vulva (Fig. 5B) with laterally strongly curved, sclerotised anterior arch, pair of nearly elliptic pore plates (anteriorly wide and posteriorly narrow) and pair of wavy sclerites.

Variation

Tibia I in paratype male: 8.75; tibia I L/d: 58. Retrolateral trichobothrium on tibia I at 6% proximally; tarsus I with 31 distinct pseudosegments. Leg I missing in another female paratype.

Habitat

Underside of overhang on rocky cliffs in the mountain area.

Distribution

China (Shaanxi, type locality; Fig. 1).

Pholcus luoyang Yang & Yao, sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/4EF6B12F-2ADC-42CF-A45A-E3172BC7D3D7

Figs 6, 7

Type material

Holotype ♂ (SYNU-Ar00373) and paratypes 2♂ (SYNU-Ar00374, IAECAS-Ar00375Y) 2♀ (SYNU-Ar00376, IAECAS-Ar00377Y), China, Henan, Luoyang, Luanchuan County, Jiaohe Town, Tianhe Grand Canyon Scenic Spot (33°49.43'N, 111°18.82'E, 1140 m elev.), 18/07/2022.

Etymology

The specific name refers to the type locality and is a noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

The new species resembles P. songxian Zhang & Zhu, 2009 (Yao and Li 2012: 32, figs 159A–D, 160A–C) by having similar male chelicerae and epigyne (Fig. 7A, D), but can be distinguished by prolatero-distal apophysis of procursus curved (Fig. 6C vs. flat), by uncus narrow, distally pointed (Fig. 7C vs. wide, distally blunt), by appendix with subdistal branch (Fig. 7C vs. median branch), by vulval anterior arch medially sclerotised (Fig. 7B vs. entirely sclerotised) and by vulval pore plates long elliptic (length/width ratio: 5, Fig. 7B vs. elliptic and length/width ratio: 2).

Figure 6.

Pholcus luoyang sp. nov., holotype male A, B. Palp (A. Prolateral view; B. Retrolateral view); C, D. Distal part of procursus (C. Prolateral view; D. Dorsal view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A, B); 0.10 mm (C, D).

Figure 7.

Pholcus luoyang sp. nov., holotype male (C–F) and paratype female (A, B, G, H) A. Epigyne, ventral view; B. Vulva, dorsal view; C. Bulbal apophyses, prolateral view; D. Chelicerae, frontal view; E–H. Habitus (E, G. Dorsal view; F. Lateral view; H. Ventral view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A–D); 1.00 mm (E–H).

Description

Male (holotype). Total length 4.44 (4.55 with clypeus), carapace 1.41 long, 1.66 wide, opisthosoma 3.03 long, 1.34 wide. Leg I: 34.83 (8.95, 0.69, 8.85, 14.10, 2.24), leg II: 23.67 (6.75, 0.66, 5.76, 9.04, 1.46), leg III: 15.75 (4.95, 0.61, 3.95, 5.10, 1.14), leg IV: 22.22 (6.65, 0.62, 5.65, 7.95, 1.35); tibia I L/d: 63. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.20, PME 0.16, PME–ALE 0.04, AME–AME 0.05, AME 0.11. Sternum width/length: 1.06/0.81. Habitus as in Fig. 7E, F. Carapace yellowish, with brown radiating marks and marginal brown bands; ocular area yellowish, with median and lateral brown bands; clypeus brown; sternum yellowish, with brown marks. Legs yellowish, but dark brown on patellae and whitish on distal parts of femora and tibiae, with darker rings on subdistal parts of femora and proximal and subdistal parts of tibiae. Opisthosoma yellowish, with dorsal and lateral spots. Chelicerae (Fig. 7D) with pair of proximo-lateral apophyses, pair of distal apophyses with two teeth each and pair of frontal apophyses. Palp as in Fig. 6A, B; trochanter with long (4 times longer than wide) ventral apophysis bearing retrolatero-distal branch; femur with small retrolatero-proximal apophysis and distinct ventral protuberance; tibia with prolatero-ventral protuberance; procursus (Fig. 6C, D) simple proximally, but complex distally, with raised prolatero-subdistal membranous edge bearing distal membranous process, curved sclerotised prolatero-distal apophysis and two strong and one slender dorsal spines; uncus (Fig. 7C) narrow, distally pointed, with proximal apophysis and scales; appendix (Fig. 7C) hooked, with angular subdistal branch; embolus (Fig. 7C) weakly sclerotised, with some indistinct transparent distal projections. Retrolateral trichobothrium on tibia I at 5% proximally; legs with short vertical setae on tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi; tarsus I with 38 distinct pseudosegments.

Female (paratype). Similar to male, habitus as in Fig. 7G, H. Total length 5.00 (5.13 with clypeus), carapace 1.48 long, 1.64 wide, opisthosoma 3.52 long, 2.23 wide; tibia I: 7.05; tibia I L/d: 47. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.20, PME 0.15, PME–ALE 0.04, AME–AME 0.05, AME 0.09. Sternum width/length: 1.03/0.78. Epigyne (Fig. 7A) nearly trapezoid, slightly sclerotised, with wedge-shaped knob. Vulva (Fig. 7B) with curved, medially sclerotised anterior arch, pair of long elliptic pore plates and pair of posterior sclerites.

Variation

Tibia I in two paratype males: 8.78, 9.95. Tibia I in another paratype female: 7.10.

Habitat

Underside of overhang on rocky cliffs in the mountain area.

Distribution

China (Henan, type locality; Fig. 1).

Pholcus lushan Yang & Yao, sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/E2C38327-FB2F-44E8-AADA-48C370724414

Figs 8, 9

Type material

Holotype ♂ (SYNU-Ar00378) and paratypes 1♂ (IAECAS-Ar00379Y) 2♀ (SYNU-Ar00380, IAECAS-Ar00381Y), China, Henan, Pingdingshan, Lushan County (33°46.72'N, 112°16.03'E, 743 m elev.), 17/07/2022.

Etymology

The specific name refers to the type locality and is a noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

The new species resembles P. parayichengicus Zhang & Zhu, 2009 (Yao and Li 2012: 29, figs 140A–D, 141A–C) by having similar male chelicerae and epigyne (Fig. 9A, D), but can be distinguished by distal membranous process of procursus wide (Fig. 8C vs. narrow), by ventro-subdistal apophysis of procursus spine-shaped (Fig. 8C vs. hooked), uncus latero-medially strongly protruding (Fig. 9C vs. latero-proximally slightly protruding) and by vulval anterior arch nearly half-round and posteriorly sclerotised (Fig. 9B vs. crescent-shaped and entirely sclerotised).

Figure 8.

Pholcus lushan sp. nov., holotype male A, B. Palp (A. Prolateral view; B. Retrolateral view); C, D. Distal part of procursus (C. Prolateral view; D. Dorsal view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A, B); 0.10 mm (C, D).

Figure 9.

Pholcus lushan sp. nov., holotype male (C–F) and paratype female (A, B, G, H) A. Epigyne, ventral view; B. Vulva, dorsal view; C. Bulbal apophyses, prolateral view (arrow points at latero-median protrusion); D. Chelicerae, frontal view; E–H. Habitus (E, G. Dorsal view; F. Lateral view; H. Ventral view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A–D); 1.00 mm (E–H).

Description

Male (holotype). Total length 5.06 (5.19 with clypeus), carapace 1.54 long, 1.73 wide, opisthosoma 3.52 long, 1.43 wide. Leg I: 38.44 (9.81, 0.69, 9.60, 15.96, 2.38), leg II: 26.47 (7.44, 0.64, 6.47, 10.32, 1.60), leg III: 18.94 (5.58, 0.60, 4.55, 6.99, 1.22), leg IV: 26.04 (7.29, 0.62, 6.41, 10.26, 1.46); tibia I L/d: 60. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.23, PME 0.16, PME–ALE 0.06, AME–AME 0.05, AME 0.10. Sternum width/length: 1.10/0.88. Habitus as in Fig. 9E, F. Carapace yellowish, with brown radiating marks and marginal brown bands; ocular area yellowish, with lateral brown bands; clypeus brown; sternum yellowish, with brown marks. Legs yellowish, but dark brown on patellae and whitish on distal parts of femora and tibiae, with darker rings on subdistal parts of femora and proximal and subdistal parts of tibiae. Opisthosoma yellowish, with dorsal and lateral spots. Chelicerae (Fig. 9D) with pair of proximo-lateral apophyses, pair of distal apophyses with two teeth each and pair of frontal apophyses. Palp as in Fig. 8A, B; trochanter with long (4 times longer than wide), retrolaterally strongly bulged ventral apophysis; femur with small retrolatero-proximal apophysis and distinct ventral protuberance; tibia with prolatero-ventral protuberance; procursus (Fig. 8C, D) simple proximally, but complex distally, with raised prolatero-subdistal membranous edge bearing distal membranous process, sclerotised prolatero-subdistal apophysis, sclerotised retrolatero-distal apophysis, spine-shaped ventro-subdistal apophysis and three strong and one slender dorsal spines; uncus (Fig. 9C) latero-medially protruding, with proximal apophysis and distal scaly edge; appendix (Fig. 9C) hooked, with angular median branch; embolus (Fig. 9C) weakly sclerotised, with some indistinct transparent distal projections. Retrolateral trichobothrium on tibia I at 6% proximally; legs with short vertical setae on tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi; tarsus I with 42 distinct pseudosegments.

Female (paratype). Similar to male, habitus as in Fig. 9G, H. Total length 4.60 (4.75 with clypeus), carapace 1.47 long, 1.62 wide, opisthosoma 3.13 long, 1.58 wide; tibia I: 7.45; tibia I L/d: 47. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.22, PME 0.15, PME–ALE 0.06, AME–AME 0.04, AME 0.08. Sternum width/length: 1.05/0.73. Ocular area with median and lateral brown bands. Epigyne (Fig. 9A) nearly trapezoid, laterally strongly sclerotised, with wedge-shaped knob. Vulva (Fig. 9B) with nearly half-round, posteriorly sclerotised anterior arch and pair of anteriorly blunt and posteriorly pointed pore plates.

Variation

Leg I missing in paratype male. Tibia I in another paratype female: 7.30.

Habitat

Underside of overhang on rocky cliffs in the mountain area.

Distribution

China (Henan, type locality; Fig. 1).

Pholcus shangluo Yang & Yao, sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/5BC2B733-B7D9-46A3-8A97-0F807A231E99

Figs 10, 11

Type material

Holotype ♂ (SYNU-Ar00382) and paratypes 1♂ (IAECAS-Ar00383Y) 3♀ (SYNU-Ar00384–85, IAECAS-Ar00386Y), China, Shaanxi, Shangluo, Zhashui County, Jiutianshan Scenic Spot (33°36.93'N, 109°8.45'E, 878 m elev.), 22/07/2022.

Etymology

The specific name refers to the type locality and is a noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

The new species resembles P. huberi Zhang & Zhu, 2009 (Yao and Li 2012: 19, figs 83A–D, 84A–C) by having similar male chelicerae, uncus and epigyne (Fig. 11A, C, D), but can be distinguished by prolatero-subdistal apophysis of procursus proximally thick (Fig. 10C vs. thin), by prolatero-subdistal membranous edge of procursus laterally straight (Fig. 10D vs. latero-medially strongly curved), by male palpal trochanteral apophysis with retrolatero-distal branch (Fig. 10A, B vs. male palpal trochanteral apophysis retrolatero-medially strongly bulged, with retrolatero-median branch), by appendix with distal teeth (Fig. 11C vs. absent) and by vulval anterior arch laterally strongly curved (Fig. 11B vs. C-shaped).

Figure 10.

Pholcus shangluo sp. nov., holotype male A, B. Palp (A. Prolateral view; B. Retrolateral view); C, D. Distal part of procursus (C. Prolateral view, arrow points at thick part; D. Dorsal view, arrow points at straight part). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A, B); 0.10 mm (C, D).

Figure 11.

Pholcus shangluo sp. nov., holotype male (C–F) and paratype female (A, B, G, H) A. Epigyne, ventral view; B. Vulva, dorsal view; C. Bulbal apophyses, prolateral view; D. Chelicerae, frontal view; E–H. Habitus (E, G. Dorsal view; F. Lateral view; H. Ventral view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A–D); 1.00 mm (E–H).

Description

Male (holotype). Total length 4.68 (4.90 with clypeus), carapace 1.44 long, 1.66 wide, opisthosoma 3.24 long, 1.50 wide. Leg I: 36.43 (9.55, 0.73, 9.05, 14.74, 2.36), leg II: 24.19 (7.05, 0.68, 5.95, 9.17, 1.34), leg III: 17.65 (5.15, 0.62, 4.20, 6.60, 1.08), leg IV: 23.71 (6.90, 0.65, 5.83, 9.05, 1.28); tibia I L/d: 60. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.24, PME 0.17, PME–ALE 0.06, AME–AME 0.07, AME 0.12. Sternum width/length: 1.08/0.86. Habitus as in Fig. 11E, F. Carapace yellowish, with brown radiating marks and marginal brown bands; ocular area yellowish, with median and lateral brown bands; clypeus brown; sternum yellowish, with brown marks. Legs yellowish, but dark brown on patellae and whitish on distal parts of femora and tibiae, with darker rings on subdistal parts of femora and proximal and subdistal parts of tibiae. Opisthosoma yellowish, with dorsal and lateral spots. Chelicerae (Fig. 11D) with pair of proximo-lateral apophyses, pair of distal apophyses with two teeth each and pair of frontal apophyses. Palp as in Fig. 10A, B; trochanter with long (3 times longer than wide) ventral apophysis bearing retrolatero-distal branch; femur with small retrolatero-proximal apophysis and distinct ventral protuberance; tibia with prolatero-ventral protuberance; procursus (Fig. 10C, D) simple proximally, but complex distally, with raised prolatero-subdistal membranous edge bearing distal membranous process, sclerotised prolatero-subdistal apophysis and two strong and one slender dorsal spines; uncus (Fig. 11C) with proximal apophysis and distal scaly edge; appendix (Fig. 11C) curved, with distal teeth; embolus (Fig. 11C) weakly sclerotised, with some indistinct transparent distal projections. Retrolateral trichobothrium on tibia I at 5% proximally; legs with short vertical setae on tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi; tarsus I with 36 distinct pseudosegments.

Female (paratype). Similar to male, habitus as in Fig. 11G, H. Total length 4.35 (4.52 with clypeus), carapace 1.38 long, 1.53 wide, opisthosoma 2.97 long, 1.58 wide; tibia I: 7.45; tibia I L/d: 53. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.19, PME 0.15, PME–ALE 0.05, AME–AME 0.05, AME 0.11. Sternum width/length: 1.02/0.80. Epigyne (Fig. 11A) nearly triangular, laterally strongly sclerotised, with cone-shaped knob. Vulva (Fig. 11B) with laterally strongly curved, sclerotised anterior arch, pair of nearly round pore plates and pair of C-shaped sclerites.

Variation

Tibia I in paratype male: 9.15. Tibia I in the other two paratype females: 7.15, 7.60.

Habitat

Underside of overhang on rocky cliffs in the mountain area.

Distribution

China (Shaanxi, type locality; Fig. 1).

Pholcus weinan Yang & Yao, sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/A06698F6-1451-4E17-A61E-AB7559B2C6D1

Figs 12, 13

Type material

Holotype ♂ (SYNU-Ar00387) and paratypes 1♂ (IAECAS-Ar00388Y) 3♀ (SYNU-Ar00389–90, IAECAS-Ar00391Y), China, Shaanxi, Weinan, Tongguan County, Kuishudian Village (34°24.17'N, 110°17.05'E, 1214 m elev.), 20/07/2022.

Etymology

The specific name refers to the type locality and is a noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

The new species resembles P. parayichengicus Zhang & Zhu, 2009 (Yao and Li 2012: 29, figs 140A–D, 141A–C) by having similar male chelicerae, bulbal apophyses and epigyne (Fig. 13A, C, D), but can be distinguished by procursus without distal apophysis (Fig. 12C vs. with angular distal apophysis), by male palpal trochanteral apophysis without retrolateral branch (Fig. 12B vs. present), by epigynal knob column-shaped (Fig. 13A vs. wedge-shaped), by vulval anterior arch eyebrow-shaped (Fig. 13B vs. crescent-shaped) and by vulval pore plates elliptic (Fig. 13B vs. anteriorly wide and posteriorly narrow).

Figure 12.

Pholcus weinan sp. nov., holotype male A, B. Palp (A. Prolateral view; B. Retrolateral view); C, D. Distal part of procursus (C. Prolateral view; D. Dorsal view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A, B); 0.10 mm (C, D).

Figure 13.

Pholcus weinan sp. nov., holotype male (C–F) and paratype female (A, B, G, H) A. Epigyne, ventral view; B. Vulva, dorsal view; C. Bulbal apophyses, prolateral view; D. Chelicerae, frontal view; E–H. Habitus (E, G. Dorsal view; F. Lateral view; H. Ventral view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A–D); 1.00 mm (E–H).

Description

Male (holotype). Total length 5.44 (5.58 with clypeus), carapace 1.76 long, 1.98 wide, opisthosoma 3.68 long, 1.80 wide. Leg I: – (10.32, 0.79, 10.19, 17.18, –), leg II: 28.79 (7.80, 0.77, 7.15, 11.54, 1.53), leg III: 20.78 (5.83, 0.68, 5.13, 8.01, 1.13), leg IV: 27.10 (7.75, 0.70, 6.95, 10.32, 1.38); tibia I L/d: 58. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.26, PME 0.13, PME–ALE 0.05, AME–AME 0.07, AME 0.11. Sternum width/length: 1.28/0.94. Habitus as in Fig. 13E, F. Carapace yellowish, with brown radiating marks and marginal brown bands; ocular area yellowish, with lateral brown bands; clypeus brown; sternum yellowish, with brown marks. Legs yellowish, but dark brown on patellae and whitish on distal parts of femora and tibiae, with darker rings on subdistal parts of femora and proximal and subdistal parts of tibiae. Opisthosoma yellowish, with dorsal and lateral spots. Chelicerae (Fig. 13D) with pair of proximo-lateral apophyses, pair of distal apophyses with two teeth each and pair of frontal apophyses. Palp as in Fig. 12A, B; trochanter with long (4 times longer than wide), retrolatero-proximally strongly bulged ventral apophysis; femur with small retrolatero-proximal apophysis and distinct ventral protuberance; tibia with prolatero-ventral protuberance; procursus (Fig. 12C, D) simple proximally, but complex distally, with raised prolatero-subdistal membranous edge bearing distal membranous process, sclerotised prolatero-subdistal apophysis, pointed sclerotised retrolatero-distal apophysis and two strong and one slender dorsal spines; uncus (Fig. 13C) latero-medially contracted, with proximal apophysis and distal scaly edge; appendix (Fig. 13C) hooked, with curved median branch and distal teeth; embolus (Fig. 13C) sclerotised, with some indistinct transparent distal projections. Retrolateral trichobothrium on tibia I at 5% proximally; legs with short vertical setae on tibiae and metatarsi.

Female (paratype). Similar to male, habitus as in Fig. 13G, H. Total length 4.76 (4.90 with clypeus), carapace 1.56 long, 1.78 wide, opisthosoma 3.20 long, 1.43 wide; tibia I: 7.45; tibia I L/d: 47. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.21, PME 0.14, PME–ALE 0.06, AME–AME 0.05, AME 0.09. Sternum width/length: 1.10/0.80. Ocular area with median and lateral brown bands. Epigyne (Fig. 13A) nearly triangular, laterally strongly sclerotised, with column-shaped knob. Vulva (Fig. 13B) with eyebrow-shaped, sclerotised anterior arch, pair of elliptic pore plates and pair of nearly half-round sclerites.

Variation

Tibia I in paratype male: 9.29. Tibia I in the other two paratype females: 6.45, 7.45.

Habitat

Underside of overhang on rocky cliffs in the mountain area.

Distribution

China (Shaanxi, type locality; Fig. 1).

Pholcus yuncheng Yang & Yao, sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/FEB41C4F-6B7C-4822-B322-C24C35AE9A7B

Figs 14, 15

Type material

Holotype ♂ (SYNU-Ar00392) and paratypes 2♂ (SYNU-Ar00393, IAECAS-Ar00394Y) 3♀ (SYNU-Ar00395–96, IAECAS-Ar00397Y), China, Shanxi, Yuncheng, Yongji, Shuiyukou Village, Shentan Grand Canyon Scenic Spot (34°49.50'N, 110°25.72'E, 529 m elev.), 20/07/2022.

Etymology

The specific name refers to the type locality and is a noun in apposition.

Diagnosis

The new species resembles P. lushan sp. nov. by having similar male chelicerae and bulbal apophyses (Fig. 15C, D), but can be distinguished by procursus without ventro-subdistal apophysis (Fig. 14C vs. with spine-shaped ventro-subdistal apophysis, Fig. 8C), by procursus with small pointed distal apophysis (Fig. 14C vs. large angular distal apophysis, Fig. 8C), by male palpal trochanteral apophysis with retrolatero-median apophysis (Fig. 14B vs. absent, Fig. 8B), by epigynal plate posteriorly straight (Fig. 15A vs. curved, Fig. 9A), by vulval anterior arch laterally strongly curved (Fig. 15B vs. nearly half-round, Fig. 9B) and by vulval pore plates nearly round (Fig. 15B vs. anteriorly blunt and posteriorly pointed, Fig. 9B).

Figure 14.

Pholcus yuncheng sp. nov., holotype male A, B. Palp (A. Prolateral view; B. Retrolateral view); C, D. Distal part of procursus (C. Prolateral view; D. Dorsal view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A, B); 0.10 mm (C, D).

Figure 15.

Pholcus yuncheng sp. nov., holotype male (C–F) and paratype female (A, B, G, H) A. Epigyne, ventral view; B. Vulva, dorsal view; C. Bulbal apophyses, prolateral view; D. Chelicerae, frontal view; E–H. Habitus (E, G. Dorsal view; F. Lateral view; H. Ventral view). Scale bars: 0.20 mm (A–D); 1.00 mm (E–H).

Description

Male (holotype). Total length 5.35 (5.51 with clypeus), carapace 1.59 long, 1.84 wide, opisthosoma 3.76 long, 1.60 wide. Leg I: 40.99 (10.64, 0.81, 10.38, 16.47, 2.69), leg II: 29.19 (8.21, 0.79, 7.18, 11.28, 1.73), leg III: 20.69 (6.15, 0.70, 5.06, 7.63, 1.15), leg IV: 28.40 (8.14, 0.77, 7.12, 10.83, 1.54); tibia I L/d: 59. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.25, PME 0.18, PME–ALE 0.07, AME–AME 0.06, AME 0.11. Sternum width/length: 1.24/1.02. Habitus as in Fig. 15E, F. Carapace yellowish, with brown radiating marks and marginal brown bands; ocular area yellowish, with indistinct median band; clypeus and sternum yellowish, with brown marks. Legs yellowish, but dark brown on patellae and whitish on distal parts of femora and tibiae, with darker rings on subdistal parts of femora and proximal and subdistal parts of tibiae. Opisthosoma yellowish, with dorsal and lateral spots. Chelicerae (Fig. 15D) with pair of proximo-lateral apophyses, pair of distal apophyses with two teeth each and pair of frontal apophyses. Palp as in Fig. 14A, B; trochanter with long (4 times longer than wide) ventral apophysis bearing retrolatero-median apophysis; femur with small retrolatero-proximal apophysis and distinct ventral protuberance; tibia with prolatero-ventral protuberance; procursus (Fig. 14C, D) simple proximally, but complex distally, with raised prolatero-subdistal membranous edge bearing distal membranous process, sclerotised prolatero-subdistal apophysis, pointed distal apophysis and two strong dorsal spines; uncus (Fig. 15C) latero-medially contracted, with proximal apophysis and distal scaly edge; appendix (Fig. 15C) hooked, with curved median branch and distal teeth; embolus (Fig. 15C) weakly sclerotised, with some indistinct transparent distal projections. Retrolateral trichobothrium on tibia I at 5% proximally; legs with short vertical setae on tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi; tarsus I with 35 distinct pseudosegments.

Female (paratype). Similar to male, habitus as in Fig. 15G, H. Total length 4.97 (5.13 with clypeus), carapace 1.53 long, 1.66 wide, opisthosoma 3.44 long, 1.66 wide; tibia I: 7.56; tibia I L/d: 54. Eye interdistances and diameters: PME–PME 0.22, PME 0.16, PME–ALE 0.06, AME–AME 0.06, AME 0.10. Sternum width/length: 1.06/0.84. Ocular area with median and lateral brown bands; clypeus brown. Epigyne (Fig. 15A) nearly triangular, laterally strongly sclerotised, with wedge-shaped knob. Vulva (Fig. 15B) with laterally strongly curved, posteriorly sclerotised anterior arch, pair of nearly round pore plates and pair of C-shaped sclerites.

Variation

Tibia I in two paratype males: 8.97, 10.96. Tibia I in the other two paratype females: 8.27, 8.33.

Habitat

Underside of overhang on rocky cliffs in the mountain area.

Distribution

China (Shanxi, type locality; Fig. 1).

Acknowledgements

The manuscript benefits greatly from comments by Danilo Harms, Yanfeng Tong and two anonymous reviewers. We thank Joseph KH Koh (Singapore) and Jinzhong Fu (Canada) for their suggestions and language editing. This study is supported by the Science & Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program of China (2023FY100200) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC-32170461, 31872193).

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Yao Z, Li S (2012) New species of the spider genus Pholcus (Araneae: Pholcidae) from China. Zootaxa 3289(1): 1–271. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3289.1.1

Yao Z, Li S (2013) New and little known pholcid spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) from Laos. Zootaxa 3709(1): 1–51. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3709.1.1

Yao Z, Pham DS, Li S (2015) Pholcid spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) from northern Vietnam, with descriptions of nineteen new species. Zootaxa 3909(1): 1–82. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3909.1.1

Yao Z, Dong T, Zheng G, Fu J, Li S (2016) High endemism at cave entrances: a case study of spiders of the genus Uthina. Scientific Reports 6: 35757 [1–9 & Suppl. 1–52]. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep35757

Yao Z, Wang X, Li S (2021) Tip of the iceberg: species diversity of Pholcus spiders (Araneae, Pholcidae) in the Changbai Mountains, northeast China. Zoological Research 42(3): 267–271 [& Suppl. 1–60]. https://doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.037

Zhang F, Zhu M (2009) A review of the genus Pholcus (Araneae: Pholcidae) from China. Zootaxa 2037(1): 1–114. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2037.1.1

Zhao F, Jiang T, Yang L, He Q, Zheng G, Yao Z (2023a) Pholcid spiders of the Pholcus phungiformes species-group (Araneae, Pholcidae) from Liaoning Province, China: An overview, with description of a new species. ZooKeys 1156: 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1156.98331

Zhao F, Yang L, Zou Q, Ali A, Li S, Yao Z (2023b) Diversity of Pholcus spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) in China’s Lüliang Mountains: an integrated morphological and molecular approach. Insects 14(4): 364 [1–34]. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040364

Zhu K, Yao Z, Bai X, Li S (2018) Five new species of the spider genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 (Araneae: Pholcidae) from China and Thailand. Zootaxa 4377(2): 235–253. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4377.2.5