Tetragnatha bogotensis: COLOMBIA: ♀♀ syntypes, “Nova Granada” [surely Bogotá], 1859–1863? Alexander Lindig leg., not located, probably lost. Tetragnatha andina: PERU: ♂♂, ♀♀ syntypes, “Amable Maria” [surely province of Tarma, region of Junín] (38 syntypes, Coll. K. Jelski, MIZ 225346-225446), examined (photos). Tetragnatha boydi: YEMEN: ♀ syntype, Socotra, not located. Tetragnatha peninsulana: MEXICO: ♂♂ (CAS), ♀♀ (MCZ 22587) syntypes: San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, females examined (photos), males destroyed (Levi 1981). Tetragnatha praedator: KENYA: 4♂, syntypes (NHRS JUST000000671-672), Kilimandjaro and Meru, examined (photos). Tetragnatha eremita: MEXICO: ♂ holotype, Baja California, Puerto Escondido, Arroyo de Escondido (Coll. J. C. Chamberlin, 14.vi.1921, male pedipalp in MCZ 15283, labeled RVC 1111; whole specimen in CAS 1430), examined (photos of CAS 1430); ♀ paratype, same data as holotype (MCZ 25228), examined (photos). Tetragnatha bemalcuei: PARAGUAY: ♀ holotype, Asunción (Coll. C. Ternetz, 1895, NMB-ARAN 01092a), examined (photos). Tetragnatha ramboi: BRAZIL: ♂, lectotype, Rio Grande do Sul (Coll. Father Balduíno Rambo, MNRJ 42467), examined. Tetragnatha haitiensis: HAITI: ♀ holotype, “Hispaniola” [Ennery] (Coll. P. J. Darlington Jr., 07.vii.1934, MCZ 21516), examined (photos). Tetragnatha nitens kullmanni: ITALY: ♂, holotype (SMF 12741), 2♀, 1 immature, paratypes (SMF 12742), Sardinia, Oliena (E. Kullmann leg.), not examined.

Males of T. bogotensis are similar to T. nitens (Audouin, 1826) and share chelicerae with an elongated ‘a’, and AXu and ‘t’ extremely elongated and distally bent. AXu and ‘t’ differ as follows: thick and triangular in T. bogotensis (Figs 1C, E, F, 3B), but thinner and ‘t’ sickle-like in T. nitens (Figs 14C, D, F, 16A). Gu longer, sharper, straight and larger than U2 in T. bogotensis (Figs 1C, E, F, 3B) while it is shorter than U2 and slightly curved downward in T. nitens (Figs 14C, D, 16A). Palps share medium-sized conductors without pleats (Figs 1I, 3A, 14G, 15D, E). Tetragnatha bogotensis palps differ by shorter tibias (ca 3× longer than wide) (Figs 1I–K, 3A), conductors not twisted at their distal halves, with completely folded apexes enclosing the emboli tips (Figs 1I, J; 3A, E; 20A) and longer paracymbia, overreaching the upper border of teguli, each bearing deeper notch, resulting in an elongated tip of the paracymbium proper, and thinner and relatively narrow translucent lobe (Figs 1I, K; 3D). In T. nitens, palps have longer and thinner tibias (almost 4× longer than wide) (Figs 14G–I, 16E), conductors twisted in distal half with their apexes rounded and excavated, exposing the emboli tips (Figs 14G, H, 16D–F, 20E) and shorter paracymbia that do not reach the upper border of teguli, with expanded and very wide translucent lobes (Figs 14I, J, 16F). The epiandrous field is straight, with 19 fusules, in T. bogotensis (Fig. 3F) but arched and smaller, with only 15 fusules, in T. nitens (Fig. 16C).

Figure 1. 

Tetragnatha bogotensis Keyserling, 1865, male (SMF 0035). A. Dorsal habitus; B. Ventral habitus; C. Chelicerae upper row and eyes; D. Chelicerae lower row and maxilla; E–H. Left chelicera: E. Upper view; F. Inner view; G. Lower view; H. Outer view; I–K. Left male palp: I. Mesal view; J. Dorsal view; K. Ventral view (paracymbium). Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 1 mm (C, D, E, F, G, H); 0.5 mm (I, J, K).

Females are similar to T. nitens and also T. mandibulata Walckenaer, 1841, sharing: bulky body, wide and pointed at the terminal end (Figs 2A, B, 12A–C, 15A, B), and elongate genital fold (Figs 2G, 12H, 15J). Their chelicerae also bear an evident basal cusp (BC) in the fang (Figs 2D, E, 12D–G, 13C, D, 15D, F–I, 16B), Gu elongated and not contiguous to U2 (Figs 2C, D, 12D, E, 13C, 15C, E, F, 16B); Gl large and pointed distalward, followed by smaller L2 and L3 (Figs 2D, E, 3C, 12E, F, 13D, 15D, F, H, 16B). T. bogotensis and T. mandibulata differ from T. nitens by distinct bulky AXl, which are elongated, pointed and with large bases, clearly visible and overreaching the claws even in upper view (Figs 2C–F, 3C, 12D–G, 13C, D), while in T. nitens it is short and not pointed (Figs 15F–H, 16B). T. bogotensis and T. mandibulata also differ by the conspicuous bulge (CB) in the area between both rows (Figs 2C, E, 3C, 12D, F, 13C, D), which is absent in T. nitens. Tetragnatha bogotensis chelicerae can be distinguished from T. mandibulata by the following characters: more robust basal cusp (BC), placed at the middle line of the lower side of the claw, compared to a smaller BC, displaced towards the outer face of the claw (Figs 2D, E, 3C–F, 12D–G, 13C, D); Gu straight with a large basis, being separated from U2 by a wide and deep furrow, versus both teeth not quite spaced (Figs 2C, D, 3C, 12D, E, 13C); AXl bulkier, with much larger basis, compared to a thinner and shorter tooth (Figs 2C–F, 3C, 12D–G, 13C, D); Gl shorter, straight and pointed, with wider basis, and much smaller than AXl, versus a longer and slanted Gl, regularly tapered and just a bit smaller than AXl (Figs 2D, E, 12E, F, 13D); and CB rounded and wide, extending from a bit above L2 to L3, and placed in the middle line between both rows of teeth, contrasting to a smaller and lower CB, extending from the basis of Gl to the middle of the gap between L2 and L3, and adjoined to the basis of L2 (Figs 2C, E, 3C, 12D, F, 13C, D). In T. nitens, BC is placed at a similar position to T. bogotensis, but is larger (Figs 15D, F–I, 16B) and Gu is connected to U2 by a thin and dark ridge, with a gap of similar size to T. bogotensis (Figs 15C, E, F, 16B). The genital fold (Figs 2G, 12H, 15J) is similar in all three species but shorter in T. nitens (genital fold length around 0.6× the width), intermediate in T. bogotensis (0.8×) and longer in T. mandibulata (1.1×). The internal genitalia of T. bogotensis is more similar to T. mandibulata, with medium-sized spermathecae and a sclerotized and rounded fundus (Figs 2H, I, 12I), in contrast to wider spermathecae without a well-defined fundus in T. nitens (Fig. 15K, L). The central membranous sac (CS) of T. bogotensis is medium-sized, with almost the same size of the spermathecae, and placed at the same level of their bases (Fig. 2H, I), while in T. mandibulata it is massive, longer, and placed at the same level as the spermathecae (Fig. 12I). In T. nitens, the CS is about the same size as in T. bogotensis, but with a stalk of variable size, sometimes longer than the spermathecae, placing the apical portion of the CS at the same level or anteriorly to the spermathecae (Fig. 15K, L).

Figure 2. 

Tetragnatha bogotensis Keyserling, 1865, female. A. Dorsal habitus (SMF 1314); B. Lateral habitus (SMF 1314); C–F. Left chelicera (SMF 1314): C. Upper view; D. Inner view; E. Lower view; F. Outer view; G–I. Genital area: G. Genital fold, ventral view (MCTP 3381); H. Internal genitalia, cleared, ventral view (SMF 1314); I. Internal genitalia, cleared, ventral view (MCTP 13581). Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 1 mm (C, D, E, F, G); 0.2 mm (H); 0.1 mm (I).

Figure 3. 

Tetragnatha bogotensis Keyserling, 1865, SEM photos. A. Left male palp, mesal view (MCTP 4299); B. Left male chelicera, upper view (MCTP 4299); C. Left female chelicera, upper view (MCTP 4299); D. Left male palp paracymbium, ventral view (SMF 0044); E. Left palp conductor detail, mesal view (MCTP 4299); F. Epiandrous field, ventral view (SMF 0044). Scale bars: 0.2 mm (A); 0.5 mm (B, C); 0.1 mm (D); 0.05 mm (E); 0.02 mm (F).

Keyserling (1865) described this species based on female specimens from “Nova Granada”, which encompasses a large area ranging from Panama to Ecuador, and which were collected by Alexander Lindig, who gathered many animals and plants in Bogotá (Colombia) from 1859 to 1863 (Meagher 2012). Therefore, the type specimens were most likely collected, at least partially, in this city, as indicated by the name T. bogotensis. The drawing of one female by Keyserling (1865: pl. 21, fig. 5) allows the recognition of the species by showing the long and robust AXl placed near to a smaller and traverse Gl of the right chelicera. In the original description, Keyserling wrote that he had “many copies in my collection”, without citation of any males (Keyserling 1865: 855).

The first author of this paper visited three collections with type material by Keyserling: MIZ; NHM (Beccaloni 2012), and ZMB (Kretschmann 2006), and we also contacted curators of NHMW and USNM. Possible well-preserved type specimens were found in two vials at only the NHM. In the first vial (Fig. 4A), there were three females labeled “type” and originated from “Taquara” (originally “Taquara do Mundo Novo”, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). In the second vial (Fig. 4B), there were two females and one male labeled “Bogotá”, but with no clear indication as type. All five females from both vials are T. bogotensis but the male from Bogotá belongs to T. nitens. We consider Keyserling’s syntypes to be lost, as there is no clear indication that the specimens above were used to describe the species: females from Taquara are not syntypes because Keyserling had not cited any specimens from that Brazilian locality, and females from Bogotá are also not syntypes as they were not labeled as type or “N. Granada” and are kept in the same vial as the additional male. Therefore, the confirmation of the identity of Keyserling’s species relies on the illustration in the original description and the fact that specimens collected in Bogotá and other cities from Colombia clearly display the key cheliceral teeth characters that allow the diagnosis of T. bogotensis.

Figure 4. 

Tetragnatha bogotensis Keyserling, 1865 labels. A. T. bogotensis from Taquara, Brazil (NHM); B. T. bogotensis from Bogotá, Colombia (NHM); C. T. ramboi syntype from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (MNRJ 42467); D. T. bemalcuei holotype from Paraguay (NMB).

Tetragnatha boydi has been redescribed and illustrated many times (see World Spider Catalog 2019). Pickard-Cambridge (1898) described this species based on a female from Socotra (Yemen), giving detailed illustrations of the lower and inner views of the chelicerae (Pickard-Cambridge 1898: fig. 4a, b). Males were first described as T. praedator Tullgren, 1910 from Kenya, a species considered junior synonym afterwards (see below). Unfortunately, the female type material was not located at NHM or in OUMNH, institutions where O. Pickard-Cambridge normally deposited his specimens, and remains lost. Lawrence (1927) (sub T. nitens) and Okuma (1983) were the first authors to correctly match both sexes in their papers. Lawrence (1927) gave very detailed illustrations of the male left palp and chelicera, clearly showing the diagnostic characters of this species. On the other hand, the females were not illustrated, but his description points to the “inferior margin with a large apical tooth” (Lawrence 1927: 28), thereby rejecting the identification as T. nitens. Okuma (1983) also correctly matched the couples, gave very detailed drawings of chelicerae and genitalia, synonymised T. mandibulata bidentata and T. nitens kullmanni with T. boydi, and gave the first records for Brazil. Later, Okuma (1992) also provided new drawings of the species. After examining illustrations by Keyserling (1865: pl. 21, fig. 5), the NHM specimens of T. bogotensis from the type locality (Bogotá), and making comparisons with O. Pickard-Cambridge’s (1898) illustrations and the later illustrations by Tullgren (1910), Lawrence (1927), and Okuma (1983, 1992), we conclude that all specimens belong to the same common species and establish that T. boydi is a junior synonym of T. bogotensis.

Tetragnatha praedator Tullgren (1910: fig. 69a, b) was described from four male specimens from Kilimandjaro and Meru (Kenya). Lessert (1915) also cited males of T. praedator, and the species was later synonymised with T. boydi by Roewer (1942). Finally, it was treated as a subspecies of T. boydi by Schmidt and Krause (1993), who also described females from Comoros Island, forming the combination T. boydi praedator Tullgren, 1910. After comparing Tullgren’s (1910) illustrations and photos of the syntypes we received (Fig. 21C) with the specimens we identified as T. bogotensis, we observed that they clearly match. Thus, T. boydi praedator is synonymised here with T. bogotensis. On the other hand, the females assigned to T. boydi praedator by Schmidt and Krause (1993: fig. 5) probably belong to a different species judging by their illustrations, which are, however, too poor to allow a proper evaluation.

Tetragnatha bemalcuei was described by Mello-Leitão (1939: 68, figs 42–44), who mentioned on the original description “a robust conical frontward apophysis” (AXl) on the lower row of the chelicerae. We examined detailed images of the holotype (NMB) that show the characters of T. bogotensis (Figs 4D, 21E) and establish T. bemalcuei as a junior synonym of T. bogotensis Keyserling, 1865.

Mello-Leitão (1943) described T. ramboi based on males and females from Rio Grande do Sul, south Brazil. He indicated the vial MNRJ 42467 as “tipo” (type in Portuguese) in the description, but did not label it as “typus”, in contrast to his common practice (Fig. 4C). We examined the type series (one male, two females, and one immature specimen) and agree with Silva-Moreira et al. (2010) that the whole series of specimens should be treated as syntypes. In the original description, the male was cited first and its diagnostic chelicerae and palps were illustrated (Mello-Leitão 1943: fig. 24a, b), whereas only the habitus of the female was illustrated (Mello-Leitão 1943: fig. 24). Under the rule of the “First Reviser” (ICZN 1999, article 24), we consider the sequence of descriptions and the presence of diagnostic illustrations in establishing the male as the lectotype of the species. This male clearly belongs to T. bogotensis according to the chelicerae and palp diagnostic characters (Figs 1C, E, J, 3A, B, E, 20A, 21F; Mello-Leitão 1943: fig. 24b) and must be newly synonymised with this species. Finally, we consider the female and juveniles of the type series of T. ramboi as misidentified specimens of T. argentinensis Mello-Leitão, 1931 which were erroneously attributed to T. ramboi.

We also note that several species previously considered junior synonyms of T. nitens should be newly synonymised with T. bogotensis. For example, Levi (1981: 291, 292) established 13 junior synonyms of T. nitens. Indeed, most of those species are correctly junior synonyms of it, but at least four should now be regarded as junior synonyms of T. bogotensis (see T. nitens below). It also seems that Levi (1981: figs 23–29) matched males of T. nitens with at least some females of T. bogotensis, as it is evident by the female illustrations he gave. These clearly depict the large AXl of T. bogotensis (Levi 1981: figs 23–25) and similar genitalia (Levi 1981: figs 27–29), with a pattern very different from T. nitens (Fig. 15K, L, Zhu and Zhang 2011: fig. 125G). In the “Variation” and “Diagnosis” sections of his paper, Levi (1981: 292) pointed out “On Panamanian specimens the diagnostic tooth at the posterior base of the fang is as long as the chelicerae are wide, and is sometimes smaller than illustrated on the most northern specimens” and “The female chelicerae have a large posterior lateral tooth at the insertion of the fang”. Unfortunately, he did not provide the collection site for the female specimen he illustrated, and although there is no formal record for T. bogotensis or any of its synonyms from the United States, at least some of the females from the southern USA cited as T. nitens may belong to that species instead.

Levi (1981: 291, 292) synonymised T. andina Taczanowski, 1878 with T. nitens based on multiple male and female syntypes from Amable Maria, Peru, however, Taczanowski’s (1878: fig. 2) poor illustration of the female chelicerae allows its recognition as T. bogotensis, as verified in the photos we received from MIZ (Fig. 21A). Thus, T. andina is here removed from the synonymy of T. nitens and newly synonymised with T. bogotensis.

Banks (1898) described T. peninsulana from two males and “several females” from San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photos of females provided by the MCZ (Fig. 21B) include three specimens of T. bogotensis and one of T. nitens, which we consider a misidentification. Additionally, according to Levi (1981), the male syntypes were destroyed. Based on the elongated AXl (Fig. 21B), this species must also be removed from the synonymy of T. nitens and be newly synonymised with T. bogotensis.

Tetragnatha eremita Chamberlin, 1924 was based on a male holotype from Baja California, Mexico. Chamberlin (1924: figs 89, 90) provided a short description and two good illustrations that clearly show the characteristic shape and teeth formula of T. bogotensis, besides citing a female paratype collected at the same time. The male holotype is represented by the right pedipalp in the MCZ (MCZ 15283, RVC 1111), and by the whole specimen in CAS 1430. We were able to examine the holotype’s chelicerae through photos (Fig. 21D), and thus confirmed its identity, removing T. eremita from the synonymy with T. nitens and newly synonymising it with T. bogotensis.

Furthermore, Levi (1981: 292) followed Chickering (1957b: 2) in the synonymization of T. haitiensis Bryant, 1945, which was based on a female from Haiti, with T. nitens. Bryant (1945: fig. 37) illustrated the huge AXl tooth typical of T. bogotensis, which we also observed in the photos we received from MCZ (Fig. 21G). Therefore, T. haitiensis Bryant, 1945 is also removed from the synonymy of T. nitens and newly synonymised with T. bogotensis.

Wunderlich (1992: 365) also mistook T. bogotensis as T. nitens, removing T. nitens kullmanni from its proper synonymy with T. boydi (Okuma 1983: 70). We agree with Okuma (1983) that this species is “undoubtedly identical with T. boydi”, as both males and females of T. nitens kullmanni bear the same diagnostic characters of T. bogotensis in comparison with T. nitens: male chelicerae with Gu longer than U2 (Figs 1E, 3B; Wiehle 1962: fig. 9) and female chelicerae with a long AXl (Figs 2D–F, 3C; Wiehle 1962: fig. 15). Therefore, the synonymy with T. nitens is rejected and T. nitens kullmanni is a junior synonym of T. bogotensis.

Males (n = 18): total length, 7.36–11.60; females (n = 17): total length, 7.52–11.76. The gap between Gu and U2 is variable in males of this species and can have almost the double of the length of the specimen illustrated.

This species is widespread in the Neotropics and Mexico, but potentially north into the southern United States; it also occurs in the Old World, with records from Africa, Yemen, India, Nepal, and China (Fig. 22A).

Tetragnatha elongata: GUADELOUPE: ♂ ♀ syntypes, lost; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: ♂ neotype, Raleigh, North Carolina (Coll. C. S. Brimley, 21–31.viii.1944, MCZ 21192), not examined. Tetragnatha tropica: GUATEMALA: ♀ holotype, Menché, Godman and Salvin, not located.

Females of T. elongata can be distinguished from all other Neotropical species by their elongated body, abdomen anteriorly enlarged and much narrower posteriorly, large chelicerae with an outer cusp (OC), and a short genital fold (Figs 6A–G, 7B). The unique internal genitalia has large spermathecae with two thick tubular lobes connected mid-way, forming a kidney-shaped structure, with the median lobe more than twice as long as its width and parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the abdomen (Fig. 6H). The lateral lobe is smaller and thinner than the median lobe and may vary in position, with the fundus directed dorsally (Fig. 6H) or laterally (Levi 1981: fig. 76). Central membranous sac (CS) is small and poorly sclerotized (Fig. 6H; Levi 1981: fig. 76).

Male chelicerae of T. elongata are similar to those of T. laboriosa Hentz, 1850, insofar as sharing elongated apophyses with excavated tips, elongated and robust ‘T’, and long Gl, the last as the longest teeth of both lower rows (Figs 5D–G; Okuma 1992: fig. 11A–C). Tetragnatha elongata differs from T. laboriosa by its longer and narrower chelicerae (4.4× vs 3.5× longer than wide), ‘sl’ shorter, ‘T’ with larger basis, more elongated and distalward projected, a higher number of ‘rsu’ teeth (Figs 5D, 7A; Okuma 1992: 231, fig. 11A), AXl stouter, slender and distalward projected and Gl pointed and much more elongated, both arising from a common base and displaced to a lower position than the remaining lower teeth (Figs 5D–F, 7A; Okuma 1992: 231, fig. 11A, B). Males can also be distinguished from congeners by the palps with conductors having triple pleats, enclosing the long filiform emboli, which bear small bird-head tips that are projected in small tails (Figs 5H–J, 7C–E, 20B), and by short and thick paracymbia that are perpendicular to the palps axes and with undivided notches, narrow, thin translucent lobes, and thumb-like projecting knobs (Figs 5K, 7C, F). The epiandrous field has a large depressed lateral area at both sides of the spigots (Fig. 7G).

Figure 5. 

Tetragnatha elongata Walckenaer, 1841, male (MCTP 28045). A. Dorsal habitus; B. Lateral habitus; C. Ventral habitus; D–G. Left chelicera: D. Upper view; E. Inner view; F. Lower view; G. Outer view; H–K. Left male palp: H. Mesal view with tibia; I. Mesal view detail; J. Dorsal view; K. Ventral view (paracymbium). Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B, C); 1 mm (D, E, F, G, H); 0.5 mm (I, J, K).

Figure 6. 

Tetragnatha elongata Walckenaer, 1841, female. A. Dorsal habitus (MCTP 28045); B. Lateral habitus (MCTP 28045); C–F. Left chelicera (MCTP 28045): C. Upper view; D. Inner view; E. Lower view; F. Outer view; G, H. Genital area: G. Genital fold, ventral view (MCTP 28045); H. Internal genitalia, cleared, ventral view (MCTP 28306). Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B); 1 mm (C, D, E, F); 0.5 mm (G); 0.2 mm (H).

Figure 7. 

Tetragnatha elongata Walckenaer, 1841, SEM photos. A. Left male chelicera, upper and lower views (MCTP 0229); B. Left female chelicera, upper view (MCTP 43306 ex 0370); C. Left male palp, mesal view (MCTP 0229); D. Left male palp conductor detail and pleats, mesal view (MCTP 0229); E. Tip of conductor detail, dorsal view (MCTP 43306 ex 0370); F. Left male palp paracymbium, ventral view (MCTP 0229); G. Epiandrous field, ventral view (MCTP 43306 ex 0370). Scale bars: 1 mm (A); 0.5 mm (B, C); 0.2 mm (D); 0.01 mm (E); 0.3 mm (F); 0.05 mm (G).

Tetragnatha tropica was described from a single female from Guatemala (Menché, currently Atxchilan, near the Mexican border), not located in NHM or OUMNH collections. Thus, we rely on the original illustrations and subsequent descriptions of both sexes to diagnose this species (O. Pickard-Cambridge 1889: pl. 2, fig. 3; F. O. Pickard-Cambridge 1903: pl. 40, figs 10, 11; Chickering 1957c: figs 97–102). We compared these illustrations with our specimens and the drawings of both sexes and SEM images of the conductor tip of T. elongata by Levi (1981), who proposed a neotype for this species (MCZ 21192) and identified many specimens from northern Mexico, and with Okuma (1992), who identified specimens from Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. Based on our investigations, T. tropica can be diagnosed as a junior synonym of T. elongata because the morphology of male palps and the chelicerae of both sexes perfectly match.

We also highlight that Mello-Leitão (1943, 1945, 1947, 1949) repeatedly recorded T. elongata from Brazil and Argentina, but all his specimens we analysed belong to other common species, especially T. bogotensis and T. nitens. However, after analyzing many other specimens, we were able to confidently record this species for these two countries.

Males (n = 8): total length, 7.20–13.45; females (n = 15): total length, 8.88–13.90.

Tetragnatha elongata is a very common species in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, recorded from Canada (Dondale et al. 2003) to Misiones, northeastern Argentina (Fig. 22B).

Tetragnatha keyserlingi: COLOMBIA [Neu Granada]: ♂ ♀ syntypes, not located. Tetragnatha maxillosa: INDONESIA: ♀ syntype, Java, not located; SINGAPORE: ♂ ♀ syntypes (Coll. Workman), not located. Tetragnatha kochi: ♂ ♀ syntypes, FIJI (Ovalau), not located; TONGA, not located; SAMOA (Upolu) [2♀ sub T. mandibulata, Mus. Godeffroy collection, 1869 (NHRS-GULI000069809)], examined (photos). Tetragnatha japonica: JAPAN: 10♂, 5♀ syntypes, Saga (Yunohama Mountain) (Coll. W. Dönitz, 25.v.1881, SMF 4212–121), not examined; 3♀ syntypes, 2♂ (misidentified), Osaka (ZMH), examined (photos). Tetragnatha conformans: CHINA: ♀ holotype, ♂ paratype, Suzhou [Soochow] on the labels, Kuliang on the publication (Coll. N. Gist Gee, USNM 865), examined (photos). Tetragnatha propioides: CHINA: ♂ ♀ syntypes, Sichuan, not located. Tetragnatha ethodon: PANAMA: ♂ holotype, Barro Colorado Island (AMNH), not examined.

Males of T. keyserlingi are similar to T. elongata. Both species have a long body, a very long paturon, AXl and Gl placed on a common base and displaced to a lower position than the remaining lower teeth, and conductor tips not extended in tail-like projections (Figs 5A–J, 7A, C–E, 8A–I, 10A, C, D, 20B, C; Levi 1981: pls 5g, i, 6h, i; Okuma 1992 sub T. maxillosa: fig. 11A–D, F). Tetragnatha keyserlingi may be distinguished from T. elongata by having pairs of black dots on the postero-dorsal region of the abdomen, ‘a’ placed closer to the external border of the paturon and directed upwards and outwards, ‘t’ present, ‘sl’ absent, a crest filling the gap from Gu to ‘T’, a large gap between ‘T’ and ‘rsu’, lower teeth onwards from L3 placed in a shallow concave row (Figs 5A–E, 7A, 8A–E, 10A). Palps of both species are also similar, but those of T. keyserlingi have shorter and wider tibias (2.3× vs 4.7×), conductors with one pleat that only partially enfold the ribbon-like and twisted emboli, and paracymbia that are elongated, boomerang-shaped with slanted, basally projecting knobs and clearly visible translucent lobes (Figs 8H–J, 10C–E, 20C). The epiandrous field has a spinning area which is not as high and without the depressed lateral areas found in T. elongata (Figs 7G, 10F).

Figure 8. 

Tetragnatha keyserlingi Simon, 1890, male (SMF 1553). A. Dorsal habitus; B. Lateral habitus; C. Ventral habitus; D–G. Left chelicera: D. Upper view; E. Inner view; F. Lower view; G. Outer view; H–J. Left male palp: H. Mesal view; I. Dorsal view; J. Ventral view (paracymbium). Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B, C); 0.5 mm (D, E, F, G); 0.2 mm (H, I, J).

Female chelicerae have elongated Gu, U2, and U3, where Gu is set apart from U2 by a very large gap and is located on an upper crest (CRu) (Figs 9D, E, 10B). U2 and remaining upper side teeth form a row displaced to lower side of paturon, following the slanted fangs closing (Figs 9D, E, 10B). AXl very small and located near Gl base and lower row with first three teeth on a lower crest (CRl); Gl straight, elongated, bulky, pointed, its base large, and projected slightly upwards (Fig. 9E, F). Cheliceral fang enlarged in middle portion and apical third slanted and tapering to the acute tip, also harboring a narrow ridge (Figs 9D, E, 10B). Internal genitalia unique, with two rounded spermathecae linked by two thick tubes to a median, slender and very elongated stalk, which places CS at a far anterior position (Fig. 9I; Zhu and Zhang 2011, sub T. maxillosa: fig. 123G).

Figure 9. 

Tetragnatha keyserlingi Simon, 1890, female. A. Dorsal habitus (SMF 1351); B. Lateral habitus (SMF 1351); C. Ventral habitus (SMF 1351); D–G. Left chelicera (MCTP 14749): D. Upper view; E. Inner view; F. Lower view; G. Outer view; H, I. Genital area: H. Genital fold, ventral view (MCTP 14749); I. Internal genitalia, cleared, ventral view (SMF 1504). Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B, C); 1 mm (D, E, F, G); 0.5 mm (H); 0.1 mm (I).

Figure 10. 

Tetragnatha keyserlingi Simon, 1890, SEM photos. A. Left male chelicera, upper and lower views (MCTP 43319 ex 6944); B. Left female chelicera, upper and lower view (MCTP 14749); C. Left male palp, mesal view (MCTP 43319 ex 6944); D. Left palp conductor tip, mesal view (SMF 1552); E. Left male palp paracymbium, ventral view (SMF 1552); F. Epiandrous field, ventral view (MCTP 43319 ex 6944). Scale bars: 0.5 mm (A, B); 0.1 mm (C, E); 0.02 mm (D); 0.05 mm (F).

This species is widespread in the Old World tropics and has been cited and illustrated many times under T. maxillosa (World Spider Catalog 2019), especially by Okuma (1983, 1987) and Zhu and Zhang (2011).

Tetragnatha keyserlingi was named by Simon (1890: 134) for the specimens described and illustrated as T. mandibulata by Keyserling (1865: 848, pl. 21, figs 6–9) from “Neu Granada” (currently Colombia) and T. mandibulata? by L. Koch (1872: 194, pl. 17, figs 2, 3) from Fiji (Ovalau), Samoa (Upolu), and Tonga in the Pacific. The illustrations by Keyserling (1865) and L. Koch (1872) already clearly show, for example, the large ‘T’ and small ‘t’ in male chelicerae and the characteristic Gu and Gl of the female chelicerae of T. keyserlingi (Figs 8D, E, G, 9D–F, 10A, B).

Tetragnatha keyserlingi was also recorded from Java (Indonesia) (Thorell 1890: 221) and in his paper on Burmese spiders, Thorell (1895: 139) newly named this species as T. maxillosa, based on the female from Java he described in 1890 and on males and females from Singapore collected by Cel. Workman; he pointed out that he considered T. maxillosa to be distinct from T. keyserlingi. One page later, he (Thorell 1895: 140) named the specimens reported by L. Koch (1872) from the Pacific islands as another new species: T. kochi, heavily relying on geographical distributions to separate the specimens from South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The only morphological differences mentioned in his paper (Thorell 1895: 139–140) are minor details in eye position and cheliceral teeth arrangement in females; no male characters were mentioned. In particular for T. maxillosa and T. keyserlingi, he compared the position of the second tooth on upper row of female chelicerae (U2 in our terminology) in relation to teeth of the lower row. According to Thorell, U2 of T. maxillosa would face the 6^th or 7^th tooth of the lower row, while in T. keyserlingi it would face the 4^th or 5^th tooth. However, the apparent position of teeth of one row in relation to the teeth of the opposite row is not easy to evaluate, as small changes on chelicerae inclination may change the apparent alignment. In addition, small changes in the relative position of teeth of the upper and lower rows are very common in this and other species.

We agree with Simon (1890) that the detailed illustrations given by Keyserling (1865) from “Neu Granada”, and L. Koch (1872), from Pacific Islands (Fig. 21H), allow the clear recognition of just one species, despite the great distances between localities. Moreover, the specimens from Southeast Asia that Thorell (1895) named T. maxillosa also belong to the same widespread species. As Simon (1890) and Thorell (1895) had never seen the specimens they named as new species, no type specimens have ever been designated. No type or non-type material from the type localities of T. keyserlingi or T. maxillosa could be located in NHM, NMV, and ZMH. However, we received photos of two females from Upolu, collected in 1869 and deposited at NHRS, both identified as T. mandibulata (labeled Museum Godeffroy, NHRS-GULI000069809). These specimens are surely part of the material which L. Koch (1872) designated and illustrated as “T. mandibulata?” (Fig. 21H) and Thorell (1895) afterwards named T. kochi. Thus, these specimens represent part of the type series of T. kochi. As T. keyserlingi Simon, 1890 was proposed five years before both Thorell’s names (1895), it is senior synonym of T. maxillosa and T. kochi.

Bösenberg and Strand (1906: 177, pl. 15, fig. 409a–d) provided comprehensive illustrations of male and female chelicerae and genitalia of T. japonica. Based on photos of the chelicerae of syntypes of both sexes from Osaka (Japan) deposited at ZMH (Fig. 21I–K), we confirm that the female is T. keyserlingi (Fig. 21I) and that the male actually belongs to T. nigrita Lendl, 1866 (Fig. 21J, K). Nonetheless, the illustrations of the male by Bösenberg and Strand (1906: fig. 409c, d) are like T. keyserlingi, with a laterally directed apophysis, large Gu, absent or not noticeable ‘t’, and apical portion of embolus and conductor curved in a gentle slope. Thus, we consider that at least the originally illustrated male syntype belongs to T. keyserlingi and that it may be deposited in SMF instead. The female specimen of T. japonica should be considered as name bearing, as it was described, measured, and illustrated first by Bösenberg and Strand (1906: fig. 409a, b). We agree here with Okuma’s synonymy (1983) of T. japonica with T. maxillosa (= T. keyserlingi) and consider the male syntype from Hamburg and any other possible similar male syntype as misidentified specimens of T. nigrita. Unfortunately, we were not able to examine the syntypes from Saga deposited in SMF.

Chamberlin (1924: 12, pl. 3, figs 21–23) described T. conformans (Fig. 21L, M) and T. cliens Chamberlin, 1924 (Fig. 21N–Q), each based on a couple from Suzhou [Soochow on the labels (Fig. 21P, Q), but Kuliang (Fuzhou) in the original paper], China. Later, Schenkel (1936: 89–91, fig. 31) described T. propioides based on a couple from Sichuan, also in China. All were separately synonymised with T. keyserlingi (under T. maxillosa or its junior synonyms): Zhu (1983) for T. conformans (sub T. japonica) and Okuma (1983: 72, 73) for T. japonica, T. cliens, and T. propioides.

Another mismatching of T. keyserlingi and T. nigrita occurred with the type series of T. cliens, as observed by Song (1988: 127), who removed T. cliens from the synonymy with T. maxillosa. The male holotype of T. cliens is clearly T. nigrita and was wrongly coupled with the female, which belongs to T. keyserlingi (Fig. 21N, O). Song (1988) noted that the male was labeled as “type” and the female as “paratype” in the original vials in USNM (Fig. 21P, Q). Like Song (1988), we were also able to analyse the type material and agree with the synonymy. Nonetheless, this mismatching was not noticed by Okuma (1983), who probably did not analyse the type material and, years before Song, wrongly synonymised T. cliens with T. maxillosa, surely based on the order of description and illustrations of the original paper. Summing up, we agree with the synonymies for T. conformans (Fig. 21L, M), T. japonica (Fig. 21I) and T. cliens (Fig. 21N, P), according to original descriptions and illustrations and type photos we received. Additionaly, we also confirm the synonymy of T. propioides (see Schenkel 1936: fig. 31), but its syntypes were not located.

Finally, T. ethodon was described by Chamberlin and Ivie (1936: pl. 17, figs 144–146) based on specimens from both sexes collected in Panama. This species was redescribed by Chickering (1957c: 316, figs 27–31) who transferred Chamberlin and Ivie’s females to T. tenuissima O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1889 and pointed out that the rather damaged male holotype was the only known specimen of the species from Panama. Okuma (1992: 228, fig. 7) also redescribed and illustrated T. ethodon, expanding its distribution to Puerto Rico and Barbados and adding a new description for females. She pointed out that this species was very similar to T. maxillosa (= T. keyserlingi) and separated both species by its wider genital fold. Comparing our specimens with previous illustrations under T. maxillosa, we consider the differences pointed out by Okuma (1992) to fall within the observed intraspecific variations, and hereby synonymise T. ethodon with T. keyserlingi.

Males (n = 11): total length, 5.29–7.28; females (n = 14): total length, 6.59–9.03. In Okuma (1968 sub T. japonica, 1983, 1992 under T. ethodon) and Bösenberg and Strand (1906 under T. japonica: fig. 409a), there is no visible upper crest (CRu) or lower crest (CRl). In fact, female syntypes of T. kochi (Fig. 21K), the paratype of T. cliens and holotype of T. conformans (Fig. 21M, O) do not have crests on the paturon. In contrast, other publications (e.g. Okuma 1987, 1988b, Zhu and Zhang 2011), the female syntype of T. japonica from Osaka (Fig. 21I), and all female specimens we examined from South America clearly possess CRu and CRl. So far, we cannot disregard the possibility that the absence of crests in some of the illustrated specimens is real or simply an artefact of poor illustration.

Pantropical, including Africa, Asia, Polynesia, Central America, and Brazil (Fig. 22C).

Tetragnatha mandibulata: GUAM: ♂♀ syntypes, Mariana Archipelago, not located. Tetragnatha confraterna: COSTA RICA: ♂♀ syntypes, Machuca (Coll. P. Biolley); Escazii (Coll. J. F. Tristan); 3♂ 1♀ 1 immature, Tiribi (Coll. J. F. Tristan, MCZ 79139) and 2♂, Esparte (Coll. P. Biolley, MCZ 20875), examined (photos). Tetragnatha necatoria: TANZANIA: ♂ holotype, Pare (Coll. Kimela, NHRS-GULI0000069808), examined (photos). Tetragnatha petrunkevitchi: GUYANA: 2♂, 5♀, 6j syntypes, Konawaruk (“Conwarook”), Potaro-Siparuni (18.iii.1937, MRAC 527), examined; 1♂ syntype, Hyde Park, Georgetown, Demerara-Mahaica (18.iv.1936, MRAC 528), examined; 1♂, 2♀, 1j syntypes (1♂, 1♀, 3j in the museum’s catalog), Garraway Landing, Potaro-Siparuni (30.vi.1936, MRAC 529), examined. Tetragnatha infuscata: SEYCHELLES: ♂, holotype, Mahé (Coll. P. L. G. Benoit & J. J.Van Mol, 24.vi.1972, MRAC 143319), examined (photos).

For females, see the extended diagnosis of T. bogotensis. Males can be distinguished by the elongated body (Fig. 11A–C), chelicerae with pointed undivided apophyses (Figs 11D–G, 13A), Gu extremely distinctive, thick, bulky and distally projected, followed by a tiny U2, contiguous to Gu (Figs 11D, E, 13A), two very small and almost connected AXl and Gl (Figs 11E, F, 13B) and palps with shorter tibias (ca 3× longer than large); conductor tips projected, large, flattened and winglet-shaped (Figs 11H–J, 13E, F, 20D) and paracymbia with divided notches and large membranous translucent lobes that constitute the mesal halves of the notches, as in T. bogotensis and T. nitens (Figs 1K, 3D, 11K, 13E, G, 14I, J, 16D–F). Differing from T. bogotensis, the translucent lobes of the other two species fill more than half of the total width of the paracymbia (Figs 1K, 3D, 11K, 13G, 14I, J, 16F). Finally, T. mandibulata can be distinguished from T. nitens by the narrower lobes (Figs 11K, 13G, 14I, J, 16F).

Figure 11. 

Tetragnatha mandibulata Walckenaer, 1841, male (SMF 1356). A. Dorsal habitus; B. Lateral habitus; C. Ventral habitus; D–G. Left chelicera: D. Upper view; E. Inner view; F. Lower view; G. Outer view; H–K. Left male palp: H. Mesal view with tibia; I. Mesal view detail; J. Dorsal view; K. Ventral view (paracymbium). Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B, C); 1 mm (D, E, F, G); 0.5 mm (H); 0.2 mm (I, J, K).

Figure 12. 

Tetragnatha mandibulata Walckenaer, 1841, female. A. Dorsal habitus (SMF 1552); B. Lateral habitus (SMF 1552); C. Ventral habitus (SMF 1552); D–G. Left chelicera (SMF 1552): D. Upper view; E. Inner view. F. Lower view; G. Outer view; H, I. Genital area: H. Genital fold, ventral view (SMF 1552); I. Internal genitalia, cleared, ventral view (SMF 1124). Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B, C); 1 mm (D, E, F, G, H); 0.1 mm (I).

Figure 13. 

Tetragnatha mandibulata Walckenaer, 1841, SEM photos. A. Left male chelicera, upper view (SMF 1356); B. Left male chelicera, lower view (SMF 1356); C. Left female chelicera, upper view (SMF 1552); D. Left female chelicera, lower view (SMF 1552); E. Left male palp, mesal view (SMF 1356); F. Left male palp conductor detail, mesal view (SMF 1356); G. Left male palp paracymbium, ventral view (SMF 1356); H. Epiandrous field, ventral view (SMF 1356). Scale bars: 0.5 mm (A, B, C, D, E); 0.05 mm (F); 0.1 mm (G); 0.02 mm (H).

We identified many specimens of T. mandibulata from northern to southeastern Brazil. Unfortunately we were not able to study the type material of this species from Guam. It was not available at the MNHN and NHM and is likely lost. However, this well-known and widely distributed species has been repeatedly redescribed and illustrated in many papers (e.g. Simon 1900; Gravely 1921; Okuma 1983, 1987).

After comparing our specimens with illustrations from redescriptions, we noticed close similarities between T. mandibulata and T. confraterna (Fig. 21R–V; Chickering 1957c: 312, figs 19–26; Okuma 1992: 223, fig. 4), similar to Okuma (1983), who pointed out that both species might be synonyms. Banks (1909) described T. confraterna from Costa Rica and published a simple illustration of the male chelicerae. Later on, Chickering (1957c) and Okuma (1992) provided better illustrations of chelicerae and genitalia of specimens from Panama and Costa Rica, respectively. Okuma (1992) also redescribed T. confraterna based on many specimens from various localities in Costa Rica and reaffirmed its relationship with T. mandibulata, acknowledging that T. confraterna “may be barely distinguished from the latter by the female cheliceral fang” (Okuma 1992: 225). We received photos of five males and one female syntypes from two different vials, all bearing the diagnostic characters of T. mandibulata (Fig. 21R–V). Based on the characteristic morphology of males and females of T. mandibulata, we consider the small differences pointed out in Okuma (1992) as representing intraspecific variation, and we propose that T. confraterna is a junior synonym of T. mandibulata.

Tetragnatha necatoria Tullgren, 1910 was based on a male specimen from the Pare Mountains in Tanzania. After studying one photo of the upper row of teeth of this male holotype and the original illustration of the distal part of the left chelicera of this species (Fig. 21W; Tullgren 1910: fig. 72), we noticed the large Gu had the U2 adjoined, which is typical of T. mandibulata. So, T. necatoria is a junior synonym of T. mandibulata.

We received photos of one of the many specimens of T. petrunkevitchi Caporiacco, 1947 from Potaro and Georgetown, Guyana. This female (MRAC 529) clearly belongs to T. nitens, but there are also four specimens of T. mandibulata in the same vial. Additionally, all specimens in vials MRAC 527 and MRAC 528 are T. mandibulata, but the male and only adult specimen (amongst 25 immatures) in the vial MRAC 530 also belong to T. nitens. As the illustrations of chelicerae by Caporiacco (1948: figs 51, 52) of male and female specimens that he had preliminarly described in 1947 also match well with T. mandibulata, we conclude this species is another junior synonym of T. mandibulata.

Finally, based on photos of the male holotype of T. infuscata from the Seychelles (MRAC 143319), we observed that it also has the diagnostic characters of T. mandibulata (Fig. 21X). Saaristo (2003: figs 21A, B, 25; 2010: figs 27, 31) illustrated the genitalia of one male and one female from the same locality and placed this species in the synonymy of T. boydi (= T. bogotensis), but without any evidence for his claim. Ironically, Saaristo (1978: 121, figs 224–231) was the first to correctly identify T. mandibulata from the Seychelles and gave reliable illustrations of the typical female chelicerae and much elongated genital fold. However, Saaristo (2003, 2010) unexplicably considered his former identification as erroneous and attributed it to T. boydi instead. Hence, we correct this misidentification, removing T. infuscata from the synonymy with T. boydi, and consider it to be a junior synonym of T. mandibulata.

Males (n = 6): total length, 7.12–11.89; females (n = 20): total length, 7.54–11.63.

Known from Africa, Asia, Australia, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America (Brazil and Guyana) (Fig. 22D).

Tetragnatha nitens: EGYPT: ♂ ♀ syntype, Rosetta, Markaz Rasheed, lost (Levi 1981). Tetragnatha peruviana: PERU: ♂♂, ♀♀, syntypes: Lima, El Callao and Pacasmayo (191 syntypes, Coll. K. Jelski and J. Sztoleman, MIZ 225658-225682), examined (photos). Tetragnatha decipiens: PARAGUAY: 1 ♀ holotype, “Nanahua”, probably Nanawa, Presidente Hayes, 05.ii.1927 [Coll. G. S. Carter and L. C. Beadle] (NHM), examined. Tetragnatha caporiaccoi: GUYANA: ♀ holotype, Alto Demerara-Berbice, xii.1931 (MRAC 532), examined.

See the extended diagnosis under T. bogotensis for the diagnostic characters of T. nitens.

Figure 14. 

Tetragnatha nitens (Audouin, 1826), male (MCTP 1426). A. Dorsal habitus; B. Ventral habitus; C–F. Left chelicera: C. Upper view; D. Inner view; E. Lower view; F. Outer view; G–J. Left male palp: G. Mesal view. H. Dorsal view; I. Ventral view (paracymbium); J. Paracymbium detail, ventral view. Scale bars, 2 mm (A, B); 1 mm (C, D, E, F); 0.5 mm (G, H, I); 0.2 mm (J).

Tetragnatha nitens was first described from Egypt, but its syntypes are lost according to Levi (1981). This common species has been diagnosed and redescribed many times, with plentiful illustrations of its body, chelicerae and genital morphology (e.g. L. Koch 1872; O. Pickard-Cambridge 1872; Simon 1898; F. O. Pickard-Cambridge 1903; Chickering 1957c; Okuma 1983, 1987, 1988b, 1992). Furthermore, it is a senior synonym for 17 species or subspecies according to the World Spider Catalog (2019). As it is easily mistaken for other large-bodied species, misidentified specimens are commonly found in museum collections.

Levi (1981: 291, 292), for example, listed 13 synonyms of T. nitens, of which 11 were new. We highlight that T. festina Bryant, 1945 was listed as a new synonym by Levi (1981) but was previously synonymised by Chickering (1957b: 2), T. aptans Chamberlin, 1920 was a new synonym but not listed as such, and T. eremita Chamberlin, 1924 was not included in the synonymic list of the World Spider Catalog (2019). Indeed, Levi (1981: figs 23–29) clearly misidentified at least some of the females he ascribed to T. nitens, whose illustrations belong to T. bogotensis instead (see above Synonymy and notes for T. bogotensis). Based on the original illustrations, we are able to confirm the synonymy of the following taxa: T. pelusia Audouin, 1826, T. antillana Simon, 1897, T. vicina Simon, 1897, T. galapagoensis Banks, 1902, T. aptans Chamberlin, 1920, T. seminola Gertsch, 1936, T. steckleri Gertsch & Ivie, 1936, T. elmora Chamberlin & Ivie, 1942, and T. festina Bryant, 1945. On the other hand, four species are in turn synonyms of T. bogotensis (see Synonymy and notes for that species).

Another lapsus occurred with T. nitens kullmanni from Sardinia, Italy (Wiehle 1962: 379, figs 1–5, 6b, 9–11, 14, 15). It was first synonymised with T. nitens by Wunderlich (1992: 365), but we disagree with this synonymy and consider T. nitens kullmanni as a synonym of T. bogotensis (see Synonymy and notes for that species).

Mainly based on our observations of the morphology of the chelicerae, we propose three new synonymies for T. nitens: T. peruviana from Peru, T. decipiens from Paraguay, and T. caporiaccoi from Guyana. The type materials of all species were studied; for T. peruviana images from MIZ were examined, and for T. decipiens and T. caporiaccoi specimens were studied on visits to NHM and MRAC, respectively.

Tetragnatha decipiens and T. caporiaccoi were described only from females, while descripitions of T. peruviana were based on males and females, with males described first, even though only females were illustrated. Females of the three species and males of T. peruviana clearly show the diagnostic characters of T. nitens (see Diagnosis above).

Males (n = 23): total length, 7.22–9.04; females (n = 30): total length, 7.42–11.44. The internal genitalia of females is also variable, with CS stalk shorter or longer than CS head, which places this structure at the same level or anterior to the spermathecae, which also vary in size (Fig. 15K, L; Zhu and Zhang 2011: fig. 125G)

Figure 15. 

Tetragnatha nitens (Audouin, 1826), female. A. Dorsal habitus (SMF 1528); B. lateral habitus (SMF 1528); C. Chelicerae upper row and eyes (SMF 1528); D. Chelicerae lower row and maxilla (SMF 1528); E–I. Left chelicera (SMF 1528): E. Upper view. F. Inner view. G. Lower view. H. Outer view. I. Basal cusp detail, distal view; J–L. Genital area: J. SEM of genital fold, ventral view (MCTP 11555); K. Internal genitalia, cleared, ventral view (MCTP 43323 ex 7313); L. Internal genitalia variation, cleared, ventral view (SMF 1528). Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B); 1 mm (C, D, E, F, G, H, J); 0.2 mm (I, K, L).

Figure 16. 

Tetragnatha nitens (Audouin, 1826), SEM photos. A. Left male chelicera, upper and lower views (MCTP 1618). B. Left female chelicera, upper and lower views (MCTP 11555). C. Epiandrous field, ventral view (MCTP 1618). D. Left male palp, bulb detail, mesal view (MCTP 5985). E. Left male palp, mesal view (MCTP 5985); F. Left male palp paracymbium, ventral view (MCTP 5985). Scale bars: 1 mm (A, B); 0.1 mm (C); 0.5 mm (D, E, F).

This species was first described from Africa (Egypt), but it has a cosmopolitan distribution, with many new records from the Neotropics (Fig. 22E).

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: ♂ lectotype, ♀ paralectotype (Levi 1981). ♀ lectotype, 3♀ paralectotypes in MCZ database, Beverly, Essex, Massachusetts (Coll. J. H. Emerton, 15.xiii.18xx), not examined.

Males and females of T. vermiformis are most similar to T. pallescens F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1903. Males have similar length and width of chelicerae (Figs 17D–G, 19A, Banks 1892: 51, pl. 5, fig. 88 as T. pallida; Okuma 1992: 236, fig. 16A–E); ‘T’ and ‘rsu’ very alike, sclerotized and pointed; Gl very sclerotized, thick and pointed, with a very large base, remaining teeth set apart by similar gaps. They also share similar elongated paracymbia, with finger-like notches and straight lateral knobs (Figs 17J, 19E; Okuma 1992: 236, fig. 16D). The epiandrous field sets this species apart as it is flat and wide, with 20 fusules in two bands (Fig. 19F).

Figure 17. 

Tetragnatha vermiformis Emerton, 1884, male (SMF 1556). A. Dorsal habitus. B. Lateral habitus. C. Ventral habitus; D–G. Left chelicera: D. Upper view; E. Inner view; F. Lower view; G. Outer view; H–J. Left male palp: H. Mesal view; I. Dorsal view; J. Ventral view (paracymbium). Scale bars, 2 mm (A, B, C); 0.5 mm (D, E, F, G); 0.2 mm (H, I, J).

Females of both species have similar small, rounded and laterally bulging chelicerae (Figs 18D–G, 19B; Okuma 1992: 236, fig. 16F, G); Gu isolated from U2; Gl from L2 by large gaps, with all teeth very pointed; and similar short genital folds (Fig. 18H; Okuma 1992: 236, fig. 16J). Nonetheless, males and females of T. vermiformis differ from T. pallescens in having eyes much smaller and delicate and abdomen not as long and projecting (Figs 17A–C, 18A–C; Okuma 1992: 236, fig. 16H, I). Males differ by the following characters: absence of ‘sl’ (Figs 17D–F, 19A); ‘a’ bending downward and closer to fang base (Figs 17D–G, 19A); Gu not so close to fang base, larger and with thicker base (Figs 17D, E, 19A); Gu and ‘T’ placed apart from the row proper, towards lower side and following fang’s closing (Figs 17D, E, 19A); Gl with wider basis and close to AXl and fang basis (Figs 17E, F, 19A); presence of an inner cusp on fang (Figs 17D, F, 19A) and more elongated conductors, with thicker projected tips completely enfolding the emboli, not ending in long tails (Figs 17H–J, 19C, D, 20F). Females differ in lacking both AXu and AXl and having smaller and triangular Gu, longer and wider U2, and lack of a small denticle and groove near the base of L2 (Figs 18D–F, 19B; Okuma 1992: 236, fig. 16G). Females of T. vermiformis and T. pallescens have similar internal genitalia, with two curved kidney-shaped spermathecae on edge of plate, lacking central membranous sacs (Fig. 18I; Levi 1981: 311, fig. 131). However, T. vermiformis has longer spermathecae, without a median membranous area (Fig. 18I).

Figure 18. 

Tetragnatha vermiformis Emerton, 1884, female. A. Dorsal habitus (SMF 1556); B. Lateral habitus (SMF 1556); C. Ventral habitus (SMF 1556); D–G. Left chelicera (SMF 1556): D. Upper view; E. Inner view; F. Lower view; G. Outer view; H, I. Genital area: H. Genital fold, ventral view (SMF 1556); I. Internal genitalia, cleared, ventral view (MCTP 43339 ex 11333). Scale bars: 2 mm (A, B, C); 0.2 mm (D, E, F, G, H, I).

Figure 19. 

Tetragnatha vermiformis Emerton, 1884, SEM photos (MCTP 43339 ex 11333). A. Left male chelicera, upper and lower views; B. Left female chelicera, upper and lower views; C. Left male palp, mesal view; D. Left palp conductor detail, mesal view; E. Male palp paracymbium, ventral view; F. Epiandrous field, ventral view. Scale bars: 0.5 mm (A, B, C); 0.05 mm (D); 0.1 mm (E); 0.02 mm (F).

Males (n = 4): total length, 6.29–7.29; females (n = 7): total length, 6.99–10.98. The spermathecal lobes are variable in size and form. Both lobes may be more regularly cylindrical and the external lobe may be much smaller than the inner one (Levi 1981: figs 178–180) or both lobes may be curved and about the same size (Fig. 18I; Zhu and Zhang 2011: fig. 133H).

Temperate and tropical Asia, North and Central America, newly recorded from South America (Brazil) (Fig. 22F).

Tetragnatha major and T. riparia were described by Holmberg (1876), but the original descriptions are very short, without any suitable characters to correctly diagnose the species. There is a lack of illustrations and no type materials are specified because Holmberg did not collect the specimens he described. No specimens labeled as types of either species were found in MACN during our visit to that collection; Galiano and Maury (1979) had previously determined this. Despite the lack of information on these two species, both were subsequently reported from many localities from Argentina (e.g. Mello-Leitão 1941, 1942). However, we re-examined many of these specimens at the MACN and MNRJ and they belong to either T. argentinensis or T. nitens. Therefore, we treat both species as nomina dubia.