A new species of the genus Wendilgarda (Araneae: Theridiosomatidae) from Japan

Abstract

A new species of the genus Wendilgarda is described as Wendilgarda ruficeps sp. nov. from Japan. Both sexes of this species possess a bicolor body: prosoma reddish orange and opithosoma dark grey, which is useful for distinction from other congeners. The male palpal morphology of this species is similar to that of W. sinensis and W. muji, but can clearly be distinguished by the serrated edge on the posterior side of the median apophysis. The female epigyne of this species is similar to that of W. sinensis; however, it shows the smaller invagination on the posterior margin of the epigyne and the wider scape.