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The species belonging to the family Leptonetidae living in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Southwestern Japan, are herein discussed. Two species, Longileptoneta yamasakii sp. nov. and Masirana suzukii sp. nov., are described as new to science on the basis of both male and female. The new species were collected in caves in Yonaguni-jima Is. and Okinawa-honto Is., respectively the westernmost and largest islands of the Ryukyu arc. Longileptoneta yamasakii sp. nov. represents the first record of the genus Longileptoneta Seo, 2015 from Japan. The male and female of another leptonetid species previously known from the Ryukyus, Masirana longipalpis Komatsu, 1972, are redescribed and illustrated in detail. The internal genitalia of the female are shown and described for the first time.

Genus Falcileptoneta Komatsu, 1970 Type species. Leptoneta striata (Oi, 1952) from Japan Distribution. China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan.

Genus Longileptoneta Seo, 2015 (Japanese name: nagamashiragumo ナガマシラグモ) Type species: Longileptoneta songniensis Seo, 2015 from Korea. Distribution. China, Japan (new record), Korea., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Eguchi, Katsuyuki, 2022, Taxonomic notes on leptonetid spiders from the Ryukyu Archipelago with the description of two new species and the first record of the genus Longileptoneta from Japan (Araneae: Leptonetidae), pp. 371-387 in Zootaxa 5213 (4) on page 373, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5213.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7381394, {"references":["Seo, B. K. (2015) Four new species of the genera Masirana and Longileptoneta (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from Korea. Korean Journal of Environmental Biology, 33 (3), 306 - 313. https: // doi. org / 10.11626 / KJEB. 2015.33.3.306"]}

Genus Longileptoneta Seo, 2015 (Japanese name: nagamashiragumo ナガマシラグモ) Type species: Longileptoneta songniensis Seo, 2015 from Korea. Distribution. China, Japan (new record), Korea.

Falcileptoneta okinawaensis Komatsu, 1972 Falcileptoneta okinawaensis Komatsu, 1972: 82, f. 1-5 (♂ ♀). F. okinawaensis Shimojana, 1977: 346, f. 4D (♂). Type locality. Shimuku-gama cave, Namihira village, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa-honto Is., Okinawa Pref. (26.40247°N, 127.73133°E). Description. See Komatsu, 1972 for the description of the male (detailed description of the female habitus and genitalia missing). Distribution. Endemic to Okinawa-honto Is. (Fig.10). Remarks. This troglophilic species is endemic to Okinawa-honto Is. and reported from few caves in the Central- Southern part of the island (Fig. 10). It is apparently absent in other islands of the Ryukyu arc (Shimojana 1977) and no external records are currently known. We failed to collect any specimens of F. okinawaensis during our surveys in the Ryukyus despite searching in some of the recorded localities including the type locality cave. Consequently, we postpone the study of this species to future works when some fresh samples of both sexes are available. Apparently, F. okinawaensis can cohabits in the same caves with the more widely distributed M. longipalpis (see Shimojana 1977). We cannot directly confirm this observation since we only collected the latter species during our surveys. Nevertheless, the two species show different degrees of morphological adaptations to the subterranean environment, with F. okinawaensis being apparently less adapted. Thus, they can possibly occupy different sections of the same cave and different niches avoiding direct competition. Additional ecological studies on the micro-habitat preference of M. longipalpis and F. okinawaensis are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Longileptoneta yamasakii sp. nov. (Japanese name: yamasakinagamashiragumo ヤマサキナガマシラグモ ) Figs. 1A–G, 2A–F, 3A–D DNA barcode. GenBank accession number: OP680015. Material examined. ♂ Holotype. JAPAN: Okinawa Pref.: Yonaguni-jima Is., Yaeyama-gun, Yonaguni-cho, unnamed short cave inside a deep, shadowed sinkhole, 24.45872°N, 122.95618°E, 23 m a.s.l., under stones and in mud crevices at the entrance of the cave, 02 March 2021, F. Ballarin & K. Eguchi leg. (NSMT-Ar 22244). Paratypes. JAPAN — same data as the holotype 1♂, 19♀ (5♀ NSMT-Ar 22245; 1♂, 9♀ MNHAH-B6-000402; 5♀ RMUF); same locality, 10♀ (6♀ FBPC; 4♀ MSNVR-Ar028–031), 05 March 2021, all F. Ballarin & K. Eguchi leg. Etymology. The new species is a patronym in honor to our colleague and friend Takeshi Yamasaki (Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan), for his contribution to the study of arachnology and for kindly helping with field collections in Japanese caves. Diagnosis. The male of Longileptoneta yamasakii sp. nov. can be distinguished from the male of the similar L. gutan Wang & Li, 2020 and L. shenxian Wang & Li, 2020 or any other congeners by the following combination of unique characters: presence of a pair of lanceolate apophyses (PA) on the retrodistal part of the patella (reduced to normal, sharp spines in L. gutan and L. shenxian; cf. Figs. 1B, D, 3B vs. figs. 8D and 12C in Wang et al. 2020) and a robust and strongly sclerotized prolateral sclerite (PS) (thinner PS in L. gutan and L. shenxian, or transparent and less sclerotized in other congeners (cf. Figs. 1A, G, 3A vs. figs. 8C and 12C in Wang et al. 2020). In addition, the new species can be recognized by the general shape of the other palpal sclerites when the bulb is observed ventrally or dorsally (differently shaped in L. gutan, L. shenxian and in other congeners; cf. Figs. 1G, 3C vs. figs. 8B and 12B in Wang et al. 2020). The female of L. yamasakii sp. nov. is distinguished from the female of L. gutan, L. shenxian and other congeneric species by the shape of internal genitalia having less twisted ducts (SS) and spermathecae (S) headed toward to each other (vs. more coiled SS and S headed more frontally in L. gutan and L. shenxian or usually smaller S in other congeners; cf. Figs. 2A, B, 3D vs. figs. 9C and 13C in Wang et al. 2020). The dorsal pattern, having clear dark stripes on the opisthosoma, and the general shape of genitalia both help to quickly distinguish L. yamasakii sp. nov. from any other leptonetid species living in the Ryukyus. Description. Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 2C. Total length: 2.52; prosoma 1.03 long, 0.93 wide. Carapace dark brown with a lighter central area less visible in alive specimens (Fig. 2F). Median groove, cervical grooves and radial furrows distinct. Cephalic area poorly defined, slightly raised from carapace. Six eyes all well-developed. ALE = 0.06, PLE = 0.05, PME = 0.05, ALE-PLE = 0, PLE-PME = 0.02. Chelicera, labium and maxillae uniformly brownish. Promargin of chelicera bearing a row of 8 denticles; denticles absent on retromargin. Sternum uniformly dark brown. Legs uniformly brown. Leg formula: I, IV, II, III. Leg measurements (leg II partially missing): I = 9.43 (2.57, 0.36, 2.98, 2.47, 1.05), II =? (1.83, 0.34, -), III = 5.8 (1.60, 0.25, 1.61, 1.46, 0.88), IV = 7.84 (2.11, 0.34, 2.38, 2.02, 0.99). Opisthosoma greyish with two rows of 4–5 dark transversal stripes gradually merging to each other toward the posterior part of opisthosoma. Palp as in Figs. 1A–G, 3A–C. Femur with a row of long and robust spines on ventral margin, additional strong spines on the prolateral and dorsal margins. Patella elongated, bearing a pair of robust, lanceolate apophyses (PA) on retrodistal margin. Tibia short, approx. half of length of patella, with a tubular, robust apophysis on retrodistal margin with a spine on its apex and another spine at its base (TA) (Figs. 1B, 3B). Cymbium with medial depression and several long and robust dorsal spines headed prolaterally. Bulb with three sclerites: prolateral sclerite (PS) spine-like, robust and heavily sclerotized; median sclerite (MS) long and laminar, twisted apically; retrolateral sclerite (RS) flat and wrinkled, sclerotized at its basal trait and wrapped around embolus. Embolus (E) sclerotized at its base, distally leaf-like and transparent, ending with a long, narrow lobe (Figs. 1C–G and 3A–C). Female (based on one of the paratypes). Habitus as in Figs.2 D–F. Total length: 2.70, Prosoma 1.01 long, 0.91 wide. Similar to male for coloration and pattern. Frontal view of cephalic area as in Fig. 2E. ALE = 0.06, PLE = 0.05, PME = 0.05, ALE-PLE = 0, PLE-PME = 0.02. Leg formula: I, IV, II, III. Leg measurements: I = 5.62(1.47, 0.23, 1.71, 1.38, 0.83), II = 4.12 (1.16, 0.23, 1.17, 0.95, 0.61), III = 3.47 (0.96, 0.20, 0.92, 0.83, 0.56), IV = 4.78 (1.30, 0.22, 1.45, 1.16, 0.65). Opisthosoma wrinkled in the frontal part (Fig. 2E). Other characters as in male. Internal genitalia as in Fig. 2A, B, 3C. Atrium (AT) wide, triangular; spermathecae stalk (SS) reaching spermathecae (S) with a slight S-shaped course. Spermathecae oval, separated from each other by two and 2/3 of their diameter, slightly headed toward each other and slightly bent posteriorly toward AT. Size variation: Male (based on 2 specimens): total length: 2.52–2.61, Prosoma 1.03–1.06 long, 0.92—0.96 wide. Female (based on 5 specimens): total length: 2.51–2.70, Prosoma 0.91–1.01 long, 0.89–0.91 wide. Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 10). Habitat. Cave-like habitats. The new species was found spinning small sheet-webs in mud and rock crevices on the ground and under dead wood at the entrance of a short cave opening at the bottom of a humid, shadowed sinkhole covered with subtropical vegetation (Fig. 2G). Remarks. Longileptoneta yamasakii sp. nov. is locally abundant. The population numbered tens of specimens, often spinning webs in crevices close to each other, but occurring only in a small area of few square meters near the entrance of the short cave in the type locality. The species clearly shows troglophilic preferences, however it retains a full pigmentation and large, functional eyes. Thus, it lacks any troglomorphic characters typical of species deeply adapted to a subterranean life-style like in others leptonetids living in Ryukyus caves (e.g., M. longipalpis). This suggests that L. yamasakii sp. nov. might also inhabit screes or external habitats, especially if stable and moist. However, despite intensive collections by the authors in the surroundings of the type locality, in the leaf litter of forests covering the central area of Yonaguni-jima Is., no specimens of this or any other leptonetid species were collected.

Genus Masirana Kishida, 1942 Type species. Masirana cinevacea Kishida, 1942 from Japan. Distribution. Japan, Korea, Taiwan., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Eguchi, Katsuyuki, 2022, Taxonomic notes on leptonetid spiders from the Ryukyu Archipelago with the description of two new species and the first record of the genus Longileptoneta from Japan (Araneae: Leptonetidae), pp. 371-387 in Zootaxa 5213 (4) on page 377, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5213.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7381394

Masirana suzukii sp. nov. (Japanese name: tiragamahinamashiragumoティラガマヒナマシラグモ) Figs. 4A–F, 5A–E, 6A–E. Material examined. ♂ Holotype. JAPAN: Okinawa Pref.: Okinawa-honto Is., Kunigami-gun, Nakijin-son, Tiragama cave (ティラガマ = Tametomo no horaana, Ẫ朝の洞Ẉ), 26.684°N, 128.005°E, 55 m a.s.l., short and rather humid cave, 17 November 2020, F. Ballarin leg. (NSMT-Ar 22246). Paratypes. JAPAN - same data as the holotype, 2♂, 1♀ (2♂, 1♀ RMUF; 1♂, 1♀ FBPC). Etymology. The new species is a patronym in honor to our colleague and friend Yuya Suzuki (United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan). Yuya is a young and promising arachnologist actively working on ethology, ecology and taxonomy of Japanese spiders, including cave species from the Ryukyus. Diagnosis. Species closely related to Masirana changlini (Zhu & Tso, 2002) from Taiwan. The male of M. suzukii sp. nov. can be distinguished from the male of M. changlini by the different number of denticles on the chelicera (a single row of 9 denticles on the promargin in M. suzukii sp. nov. vs. two rows of denticles, 6 on the promargin and 7 on the retromargin, in M. changlini; cf. Fig. 6D vs. fig. 3 in Zhu & Tso 2002) and by the slimmer and longer tip of the cymbium bearing a short, stronger spine (vs. a shorter, tougher tip of cymbium lacking any thick apical spine in M. changlini; cf. Figs. 4B, C–F, 6A, B vs. figs. 4, 5 in Zhu & Tso, 2002). In addition, the embolus of the new species shows a more rounded apex in contrast with a pointy apex in M. changlini (cf. Figs. 4B, 6B vs. fig. 4 in Zhu & Tso 2002). The male of M. suzukii sp. nov. can be easily separated from the male of M. longipalpis by the different length of the palpal femur and tibia (cf. Figs. 4A, B vs. 7A, B). The female of M. suzukii sp. nov. is distinguished from the female of other congeners, including M. longipalpis, by the different shape of internal genitalia (e.g., smaller and rounded spermathecae (S) in contrast with larger, sac-like S in M. longipalpis, cf. Figs. 5A, B and 6E vs. Figs. 8E, F). Description. Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 5C. Total length: 1.66; prosoma 0.72 long, 0.63 wide. Carapace brownish with sightly lighter central area. Median groove, cervical grooves and radial furrows distinct. Cephalic area poorly defined, slightly raised from carapace. Sternum uniformly brownish. Six eyes all well-developed. ALE=0.05, PLE=0.05, PME=0.05, ALE-PLE=0.01, PLE-PME=0.03. Chelicera, labium and maxillae uniformly brownish. Chelicera bearing a single row of 8 denticles on promargin; denticles on retromargin missing (Fig. 6D). Legs uniformly light brown. Leg formula: I, IV, II, III. Leg measurements: I = 4.67 (1.42, 0.22, 1.74, 1.38, 0.91), II = 3.75 (1.06, 0.22, 1.07, 0.81, 0.59), III = 3.09 (0.87, 0.21, 0.80, 0.73, 0.48), IV = 4.03 (1.19, 0.23, 1.26, 1.03, 0.59). Opisthosoma yellowish with faint dorsal marks. Male palp as in Figs. 4A–F, 6A–C. Femur with several long and robust spines on its ventral and dorsal margins. Patella and tibia both elongated, approximately of the same length. Two apophyses (TA) on retrodistal margin of tibia close to each other; ventral apophysis large and lanceolate; dorsal apophysis spine-like, larger at its base and ending with a sharp and long tip (Figs. 4D, E and 6B). Cymbium bearing several long and thin spines, ending pointy and with a robust spine at its apex (= tarsal spur). Bulb with two sclerite: median sclerite (MS) spine-like, long and thin; prolateral sclerite (PS) wide and transparent, ribbon-like and wrapped around MS. Embolus (E) long and robust, thread-like and laterally flattened, ending with a rounded tip slightly curved dorsally (Figs. 4C–F and 6A–C). Female (one of the paratypes). Habitus as in Fig. 5D, E. Total length: 1.59; prosoma 0.69 long, 0.63 wide. General coloration and pattern as in male. Frontal view of cephalic area as in Fig. 5E. ALE=0.05, PLE=0.05, PME=0.05, ALE-PLE=0.01, PLE-PME=0.03. Leg formula: I, IV, II, III. Leg measurements: I = 4.69 (1.28, 0.23, 1.42, 1.09, 0.67), II = 3.51 (1.01, 0.21, 0.95, 0.77, 0.57), III = 3.03 (0.85, 0.23, 0.76, 0.69, 0.50), IV = 4.09 (1.12, 0.22, 1.19, 0.95, 0.61). Opisthosoma brownish or yellowish, strongly wrinkled in the frontal part (Fig. 5E). Other characters as in male. Internal genitalia as in Fig. 5A, B, 6E. Atrium (AT) wide, cup-shaped. Spermathecae stalk (SS) starting at sides of atrium, first bending inward with a comma course, then reaching spermathecae (S) after one convolution. Spermathecae small and round, separated from each other by two and a half of their diameter. Size variation: Male (based on 4 specimens): total length: 1.55–1.66, Prosoma 0.65–0.72 long, 0.63–0.66 wide. Female (based on 2 specimens): total length: 1.59–1.70, prosoma 0.69–0.72 long, 0.63–0.66wide. Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 10). Habitat. Caves. The new species was found in empty spaces under stones and in recesses of the floor in the twilight zone of a short and humid cave. Remarks. M. suzukii sp. nov. shows reduced pigmentation and faint dorsal color pattern. Despite lacking any real troglobitic adaptation, the collecting environment suggests troglophilic habits. However, we do not exclude that this species might also inhabit screes and other shallow subterranean habitats or even external environments (e.g., forest litter). According to Shimojana (1977, pg. 347) Falcileptoneta okinawaensis was also recorded from the same cave where M. suzukii sp. nov. was collected. Despite extensive collections inside the cave, we could not find any other leptonetid species. In addition, the records of F. okinawaensis by Shimojana in Tiragama cave were based on females only. Due to the external similarities of females in Leptonetidae and the lack of information about the internal genitalia of these species, it is possible that such records refer to misidentified samples of M. suzukii sp. nov.

Masirana suzukii sp. nov. (Japanese name: tiragamahinamashiragumoティラガマヒナマシラグモ) Figs. 4A–F, 5A–E, 6A–E. Material examined. ♂ Holotype. JAPAN: Okinawa Pref.: Okinawa-honto Is., Kunigami-gun, Nakijin-son, Tiragama cave (ティラガマ = Tametomo no horaana, Ẫ朝の洞Ẉ), 26.684°N, 128.005°E, 55 m a.s.l., short and rather humid cave, 17 November 2020, F. Ballarin leg. (NSMT-Ar 22246). Paratypes. JAPAN - same data as the holotype, 2♂, 1♀ (2♂, 1♀ RMUF; 1♂, 1♀ FBPC). Etymology. The new species is a patronym in honor to our colleague and friend Yuya Suzuki (United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan). Yuya is a young and promising arachnologist actively working on ethology, ecology and taxonomy of Japanese spiders, including cave species from the Ryukyus. Diagnosis. Species closely related to Masirana changlini (Zhu & Tso, 2002) from Taiwan. The male of M. suzukii sp. nov. can be distinguished from the male of M. changlini by the different number of denticles on the chelicera (a single row of 9 denticles on the promargin in M. suzukii sp. nov. vs. two rows of denticles, 6 on the promargin and 7 on the retromargin, in M. changlini; cf. Fig. 6D vs. fig. 3 in Zhu & Tso 2002) and by the slimmer and longer tip of the cymbium bearing a short, stronger spine (vs. a shorter, tougher tip of cymbium lacking any thick apical spine in M. changlini; cf. Figs. 4B, C–F, 6A, B vs. figs. 4, 5 in Zhu & Tso, 2002). In addition, the embolus of the new species shows a more rounded apex in contrast with a pointy apex in M. changlini (cf. Figs. 4B, 6B vs. fig. 4 in Zhu & Tso 2002). The male of M. suzukii sp. nov. can be easily separated from the male of M. longipalpis by the different length of the palpal femur and tibia (cf. Figs. 4A, B vs. 7A, B). The female of M. suzukii sp. nov. is distinguished from the female of other congeners, including M. longipalpis, by the different shape of internal genitalia (e.g., smaller and rounded spermathecae (S) in contrast with larger, sac-like S in M. longipalpis, cf. Figs. 5A, B and 6E vs. Figs. 8E, F). Description. Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 5C. Total length: 1.66; prosoma 0.72 long, 0.63 wide. Carapace brownish with sightly lighter central area. Median groove, cervical grooves and radial furrows distinct. Cephalic area poorly defined, slightly raised from carapace. Sternum uniformly brownish. Six eyes all well-developed. ALE=0.05, PLE=0.05, PME=0.05, ALE-PLE=0.01, PLE-PME=0.03. Chelicera, labium and maxillae uniformly brownish. Chelicera bearing a single row of 8 denticles on promargin; denticles on retromargin missing (Fig. 6D). Legs uniformly light brown. Leg formula: I, IV, II, III. Leg measurements: I = 4.67 (1.42, 0.22, 1.74, 1.38, 0.91), II = 3.75 (1.06, 0.22, 1.07, 0.81, 0.59), III = 3.09 (0.87, 0.21, 0.80, 0.73, 0.48), IV = 4.03 (1.19, 0.23, 1.26, 1.03, 0.59). Opisthosoma yellowish with faint dorsal marks. Male palp as in Figs. 4A–F, 6A–C. Femur with several long and robust spines on its ventral and dorsal margins. Patella and tibia both elongated, approximately of the same length. Two apophyses (TA) on retrodistal margin of tibia close to each other; ventral apophysis large and lanceolate; dorsal apophysis spine-like, larger at its base and ending with a sharp and long tip (Figs. 4D, E and 6B). Cymbium bearing several long and thin spines, ending pointy and with a robust spine at its apex (= tarsal spur). Bulb with two sclerite: median sclerite (MS) spine-like, long and thin; prolateral sclerite (PS) wide and transparent, ribbon-like and wrapped around MS. Embolus (E) long and robust, thread-like and laterally flattened, ending with a rounded tip slightly curved dorsally (Figs. 4C–F and 6A–C). Female (one of the paratypes). Habitus as in Fig. 5D, E. Total length: 1.59; prosoma 0.69 long, 0.63 wide. General coloration and pattern as in male. Frontal view of cephalic area as in Fig. 5E. ALE=0.05, PLE=0.05, PME=0.05, ALE-PLE=0.01, PLE-PME=0.03. Leg formula: I, IV, II, III. Leg measurements: I = 4.69 (1.28, 0.23, 1.42, 1.09, 0.67), II = 3.51 (1.01, 0.21, 0.95, 0.77, 0.57), III = 3.03 (0.85, 0.23, 0.76, 0.69, 0.50), IV = 4.09 (1.12, 0.22, 1.19, 0.95, 0.61). Opisthosoma brownish or yellowish, strongly wrinkled in the frontal part (Fig. 5E). Other characters as in male. Internal genitalia as in Fig. 5A, B, 6E. Atrium (AT) wide, cup-shaped. Spermathecae stalk (SS) starting at sides of atrium, first bending inward with a comma course, then reaching spermathecae (S) after one convolution. Spermathecae small and round, separated from each other by two and a half of their diameter. Size variation: Male (based on 4 specimens): total length: 1.55–1.66, Prosoma 0.65–0.72 long, 0.63–0.66 wide. Female (based on 2 specimens): total length: 1.59–1.70, prosoma 0.69–0.72 long, 0.63–0.66wide. Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 10). Habitat. Caves. The new species was found in empty spaces under stones and in recesses of the floor in the twilight zone of a short and humid cave. Remarks. M. suzukii sp. nov. shows reduced pigmentation and faint dorsal color pattern. Despite lacking any real troglobitic adaptation, the collecting environment suggests troglophilic habits. However, we do not exclude that this species might also inhabit screes and other shallow subterranean habitats or even external environments (e.g., forest litter). According to Shimojana (1977, pg. 347) Falcileptoneta okinawaensis was also recorded from the same cave where M. suzukii sp. nov. was collected. Despite extensive collections inside the cave, we could not find any other leptonetid species. In addition, the records of F. okinawaensis by Shimojana in Tiragama cave were based on females only. Due to the external similarities of females in Leptonetidae and the lack of information about the internal genitalia of these species, it is possible that such records refer to misidentified samples of M. suzukii sp. nov., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Eguchi, Katsuyuki, 2022, Taxonomic notes on leptonetid spiders from the Ryukyu Archipelago with the description of two new species and the first record of the genus Longileptoneta from Japan (Araneae: Leptonetidae), pp. 371-387 in Zootaxa 5213 (4) on pages 377-379, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5213.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7381394, {"references":["Shimojana, M. (1977) Preliminary report on the cave spider fauna of the Ryukyu Archipelago. Acta Arachnologica, 27 (Spec. No.), 337 - 365. https: // doi. org / 10.2476 / asjaa. 27. Specialnumber _ 337"]}

Longileptoneta yamasakii sp. nov. (Japanese name: yamasakinagamashiragumo ヤマサキナガマシラグモ ) Figs. 1A–G, 2A–F, 3A–D DNA barcode. GenBank accession number: OP680015. Material examined. ♂ Holotype. JAPAN: Okinawa Pref.: Yonaguni-jima Is., Yaeyama-gun, Yonaguni-cho, unnamed short cave inside a deep, shadowed sinkhole, 24.45872°N, 122.95618°E, 23 m a.s.l., under stones and in mud crevices at the entrance of the cave, 02 March 2021, F. Ballarin & K. Eguchi leg. (NSMT-Ar 22244). Paratypes. JAPAN — same data as the holotype 1♂, 19♀ (5♀ NSMT-Ar 22245; 1♂, 9♀ MNHAH-B6-000402; 5♀ RMUF); same locality, 10♀ (6♀ FBPC; 4♀ MSNVR-Ar028–031), 05 March 2021, all F. Ballarin & K. Eguchi leg. Etymology. The new species is a patronym in honor to our colleague and friend Takeshi Yamasaki (Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan), for his contribution to the study of arachnology and for kindly helping with field collections in Japanese caves. Diagnosis. The male of Longileptoneta yamasakii sp. nov. can be distinguished from the male of the similar L. gutan Wang & Li, 2020 and L. shenxian Wang & Li, 2020 or any other congeners by the following combination of unique characters: presence of a pair of lanceolate apophyses (PA) on the retrodistal part of the patella (reduced to normal, sharp spines in L. gutan and L. shenxian; cf. Figs. 1B, D, 3B vs. figs. 8D and 12C in Wang et al. 2020) and a robust and strongly sclerotized prolateral sclerite (PS) (thinner PS in L. gutan and L. shenxian, or transparent and less sclerotized in other congeners (cf. Figs. 1A, G, 3A vs. figs. 8C and 12C in Wang et al. 2020). In addition, the new species can be recognized by the general shape of the other palpal sclerites when the bulb is observed ventrally or dorsally (differently shaped in L. gutan, L. shenxian and in other congeners; cf. Figs. 1G, 3C vs. figs. 8B and 12B in Wang et al. 2020). The female of L. yamasakii sp. nov. is distinguished from the female of L. gutan, L. shenxian and other congeneric species by the shape of internal genitalia having less twisted ducts (SS) and spermathecae (S) headed toward to each other (vs. more coiled SS and S headed more frontally in L. gutan and L. shenxian or usually smaller S in other congeners; cf. Figs. 2A, B, 3D vs. figs. 9C and 13C in Wang et al. 2020). The dorsal pattern, having clear dark stripes on the opisthosoma, and the general shape of genitalia both help to quickly distinguish L. yamasakii sp. nov. from any other leptonetid species living in the Ryukyus. Description. Male (holotype). Habitus as in Fig. 2C. Total length: 2.52; prosoma 1.03 long, 0.93 wide. Carapace dark brown with a lighter central area less visible in alive specimens (Fig. 2F). Median groove, cervical grooves and radial furrows distinct. Cephalic area poorly defined, slightly raised from carapace. Six eyes all well-developed. ALE = 0.06, PLE = 0.05, PME = 0.05, ALE-PLE = 0, PLE-PME = 0.02. Chelicera, labium and maxillae uniformly brownish. Promargin of chelicera bearing a row of 8 denticles; denticles absent on retromargin. Sternum uniformly dark brown. Legs uniformly brown. Leg formula: I, IV, II, III. Leg measurements (leg II partially missing): I = 9.43 (2.57, 0.36, 2.98, 2.47, 1.05), II =? (1.83, 0.34, -), III = 5.8 (1.60, 0.25, 1.61, 1.46, 0.88), IV = 7.84 (2.11, 0.34, 2.38, 2.02, 0.99). Opisthosoma greyish with two rows of 4–5 dark transversal stripes gradually merging to each other toward the posterior part of opisthosoma. Palp as in Figs. 1A–G, 3A–C. Femur with a row of long and robust spines on ventral margin, additional strong spines on the prolateral and dorsal margins. Patella elongated, bearing a pair of robust, lanceolate apophyses (PA) on retrodistal margin. Tibia short, approx. half of length of patella, with a tubular, robust apophysis on retrodistal margin with a spine on its apex and another spine at its base (TA) (Figs. 1B, 3B). Cymbium with medial depression and several long and robust dorsal spines headed prolaterally. Bulb with three sclerites: prolateral sclerite (PS) spine-like, robust and heavily sclerotized; median sclerite (MS) long and laminar, twisted apically; retrolateral sclerite (RS) flat and wrinkled, sclerotized at its basal trait and wrapped around embolus. Embolus (E) sclerotized at its base, distally leaf-like and transparent, ending with a long, narrow lobe (Figs. 1C–G and 3A–C). Female (based on one of the paratypes). Habitus as in Figs.2 D–F. Total length: 2.70, Prosoma 1.01 long, 0.91 wide. Similar to male for coloration and pattern. Frontal view of cephalic area as in Fig. 2E. ALE = 0.06, PLE = 0.05, PME = 0.05, ALE-PLE = 0, PLE-PME = 0.02. Leg formula: I, IV, II, III. Leg measurements: I = 5.62(1.47, 0.23, 1.71, 1.38, 0.83), II = 4.12 (1.16, 0.23, 1.17, 0.95, 0.61), III = 3.47 (0.96, 0.20, 0.92, 0.83, 0.56), IV = 4.78 (1.30, 0.22, 1.45, 1.16, 0.65). Opisthosoma wrinkled in the frontal part (Fig. 2E). Other characters as in male. Internal genitalia as in Fig. 2A, B, 3C. Atrium (AT) wide, triangular; spermathecae stalk (SS) reaching spermathecae (S) with a slight S-shaped course. Spermathecae oval, separated from each other by two and 2/3 of their diameter, slightly headed toward each other and slightly bent posteriorly toward AT. Size variation: Male (based on 2 specimens): total length: 2.52–2.61, Prosoma 1.03–1.06 long, 0.92—0.96 wide. Female (based on 5 specimens): total length: 2.51–2.70, Prosoma 0.91–1.01 long, 0.89–0.91 wide. Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 10). Habitat. Cave-like habitats. The new species was found spinning small sheet-webs in mud and rock crevices on the ground and under dead wood at the entrance of a short cave opening at the bottom of a humid, shadowed sinkhole covered with subtropical vegetation (Fig. 2G). Remarks. Longileptoneta yamasakii sp. nov. is locally abundant. The population numbered tens of specimens, often spinning webs in crevices close to each other, but occurring only in a small area of few square meters near the entrance of the short cave in the type locality. The species clearly shows troglophilic preferences, however it retains a full pigmentation and large, functional eyes. Thus, it lacks any troglomorphic characters typical of species deeply adapted to a subterranean life-style like in others leptonetids living in Ryukyus caves (e.g., M. longipalpis). This suggests that L. yamasakii sp. nov. might also inhabit screes or external habitats, especially if stable and moist. However, despite intensive collections by the authors in the surroundings of the type locality, in the leaf litter of forests covering the central area of Yonaguni-jima Is., no specimens of this or any other leptonetid species were collected., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Eguchi, Katsuyuki, 2022, Taxonomic notes on leptonetid spiders from the Ryukyu Archipelago with the description of two new species and the first record of the genus Longileptoneta from Japan (Araneae: Leptonetidae), pp. 371-387 in Zootaxa 5213 (4) on pages 373-377, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5213.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7381394, {"references":["Wang, C. X., Li, S. Q. & Zhu, W. H. (2020). Taxonomic notes on Leptonetidae (Arachnida, Araneae) from China, with descriptions of one new genus and eight new species. Zoological Research, 41 (6), 684 - 704. https: // doi. org / 10.24272 / j. issn. 2095 - 8137.2020.214"]}

Theridiosoma triumphale Zhao & Li, 2012 Figs. 3A ̅D, 4 A–E. T. triumphalis Zhao & Li, 2012: 37, f. 24 A̅D, 25 A, B (³). (Holotype Ƌ from CHINA: Hainan Island, Mt. Jianfengling National Nature Reserve, Tianchi watershed, 19 JULY 2007, leg. Li S. (IZCAS); examined, based on photos). Material examined TAIWAN: 1♀, Taitung County, Orchid Island (Lanyu), Hongtou neighborhood, along the trail to Datianchi lake († R ¨), Elev. 106m a.s.l., (22°00’46.2”N, 121°34’13.9”E), 13. JUNE.2019, rainforest litter (NMNS); 1³, 1♀, Dongqing neighborhood, rainforest litter, Elev. 50 m a.s.l., (22°01’42.5”N, 121°34’36.4”E), 14. JUNE.2019, (NMNS); 1♀, same locality, 40 m a.s.l., (22.029878N, 121.575075), 15. JUNE.2019, all leg. Ballarin F. (FBPC). Diagnosis. For male diagnosis see Zhao & Li 2012, p. 39. Female of this species can be easily distinguished from female of Asian congeners by the presence of a short but well-developed scapus on the epigynal plate. In addition, female T. triumphale can be distinguished from female T. diwang Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 and T. shuangbi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 by the position of the spermathecae, located high over the copulatory ducts in contrast with spermathecae located adjacent to the copulatory ducts in the latter two species (see Fig. 4B, C vs. figs. 3G, I in Miller et al. 2009). Description. Male. Measurements: total length: 1.24; carapace: 0.63 long, 0.58 wide. Habitus as in Fig. 4D. Palp as in Fig. 3 A–D. Opisthosoma uniformly yellowish, bearing 3̅4 silver patches on the dorsal side, most of them aligned in a transversal stripe around the central part of opisthosoma. For the main description of body and palp see Zhao & Li, 2012, p. 39, 40. Female. Habitus as in Fig. 4E. Measurements: total length: 1.60; carapace: 0.62 long, 0.56 wide. Carapace uniformly yellowish. Cephalic area distinctly elevated. Chelicera, labium and sternum uniformly yellowish, slightly darker than in the male. Legs yellowish, covered with numerous spines. Tibia, metatarsus and tarsus slightly darker. Leg measurements: I: (1.89) 0.61, 0.24, 0.41, 0.39, 0.24; II: (1.66) 0.53, 0.21, 0.35, 0.34, 0.23; III: (1.06) 0.32, 0.15, 0.18, 0.23, 0.18; IV: (1.43) 0.48, 0.20, 0.28, 0.28, 0.19. Opisthosoma uniformly yellowish, bearing a transverse stripe of silver patches in the middle of the dorsal side, more extended and obvious than in the male. Spinnerets uniformly yellowish. Epigyne and vulva as in Fig. 4 A–C. Epigynal plate flat with a short, squared scape protruding from the posterior margin and a pair of lateral pits. Inner epigynal plate with several small marks. Copulatory ducts large, visible through the translucent ventral cuticle. Copulatory ducts connect to the posterior side of the spermathecae. Fertilization ducts narrow, S-shaped. Spermathecae small and subspherical, close to each other and located in the anterior section of the epigyne, over the copulatory ducts. Distribution. Known only from two localities: Hainan Island (type locality) and Orchid Island (Fig. 7). This is the first record of this species for Taiwan. Habitat. Humid rainforest leaf litter. Remarks. Theridiosoma triumphale was described for the first time by Zhao & Li (2012) based on a single male specimen from Hainan Island, China. Due to the poor condition of the sample, no description of the opisthosoma could be included (Zhao & Li 2012 p. 39). The female was previously unknown. We had the opportunity to examine high quality photos of the palp of the holotype and failed to identify significant morphological discrepancies with the specimens from Orchid Island. Minor differences can be attributed to intraspecific variation. Based on this assumption we consider the specimens from Orchid Island as belonging to the same species. Thus, we describe the female for the first time, and illustrate the habitus of both sexes. The new records extend the distribution of T. triumphale approximately 1200 km to the east. Despite extensive collections, only few specimens were found and only in the southern part of the island (Fig. 7). Theridiosoma triumphale may be widespread, but locally rare.

Brignoliella tao Ballarin & Yamasaki sp. nov. Figs.1A ̅H, 2A̅C. Type material. Holotype Ƌ: TAIWAN: Taitung County, Orchid Island (Lanyu), Hongtou neighborhood, elev. 270 m a.s.l., (22°00’59.1”N, 121°34’20.5”E), rainforest litter, 13. JUNE.2019, Ballarin F. leg. (NMNS-8309-001). Paratypes: TAIWAN: 8³³, 18♀♀, same locality and date as the holotype, (NMNS-8309-002); 3³³, 4♀♀, along the trail to Datianchi lake († R ¨), elev. 106 m a.s.l., (22°00’46.2”N, 121°34’13.9”E), rainforest litter, 13. JUNE.2019, (MSNV, MSNVRAr006–012); 2³³, 13♀♀, Hongtou forest, walking trail under a bridge, Elev. 68 m a.s.l., (22°00’34.8”N, 121°34’26.1”E), rainforest litter, 17. JUNE.2019, (NSMT-Ar 20876, Ar 20877). All Ballarin F. leg. Other material examined. TAIWAN: 2♀♀, Taitung County, Orchid Island (Lanyu), Langdao neighborhood, near the Lanyu lighthouse, elev. 200 m a.s.l., (22°04’53.2”N, 121°30’17.7”E), rainforest litter, 17. JUNE.2019, (NMNS); 2³, 3♀♀, near the Xiaotianchi Lake (ṮR¨), elev. 160 m a.s.l., (22°04’39.7”N 121°30’35.8”E), rainforest litter, 17. JUNE.2019, (NSMT); 11³³, 11♀♀, Dongqing neighborhood, elev. 50 m a.s.l., (22°01’42.5”N, 121°34’36.4”E), rainforest litter, 14. JUNE.2019, (FBPC); 5³³, 3♀♀, same locality, elev. 40 m a.s.l., (22°01’47.6”N, 121°34’30.3”E), rainforest litter, 15. JUNE.2019, (NMNS). All Ballarin F. leg. Etymology. The specific name refers to the Tao people, an ethnic group native of Orchid Island. Noun in apposition. Diagnosis. Males of the new species can be easily distinguished from congeners by the shape of the two clypeal horns which are well-separated, short, rectangular, and ending with a blunt tip. In contrast, males of all other congeners have a different number of horns (e.g. B. delphina Deeleman-Reinhold, 1980, B. ratnapura Shear, 1988, B. trifida Lehtinen, 1981) or longer (e.g. B. dankobiensis Bourne, 1980), more pointed (e.g. B. acuminata (Simon, 1889), B. besuchetiana Bourne, 1980, B. bicornis (Simon, 1893), B. carmen Lehtinen, 1981, B. massai Lehtinen, 1981, B. maros Lehtinen, 1981), and sometimes partially-fused horns ending with a sharp tip (e.g. B. besutensis Lin, Li & Jäger, 2012, B. caligiformis Tong & Li, 2008, B. maoganensis Tong & Li, 2008, B. martensi (Brignoli, 1972), B. michaeli Lehtinen, 1981, B. patmae Fardiansah & Dupérré, 2019, B. vulgaris Lehtinen, 1981). Males of B. tao sp. nov. can be further separated from males of the similar B. carmen from Philippine and B maros from Indonesia by the different shape of the embolus, larger and weaved rather than strait in B. carmen or much shorter and thinner in B. maros (see Fig 1A, B vs. figs. 113, 116 in Lehtinen, 1981). In addition, males of the new species can be further distinguished from males of other Chinese species (B. maoganensis and B. caligiformis) by the oblong, dorsoventrally flattened bulb of the palp in B. tao sp. nov., in contrast with a pear-shaped bulb as in the other Chinese species (see Fig. 1A, B vs. fig. 2F, G and fig. 3F, G in Tong & Li 2008). Female B. tao sp. nov. can be distinguished from female B. caligiformis, B. carmen, B. maoganensis, and B. maros by the rounder seminal receptacula, and especially by the position of anterolateral grooves of the preanal plate, close to each other near the center of the plate in the new species in contrast with more separate grooves at the sides of the plate in the latter species (see Fig. 2A, C, vs. figs. 2E, 3E in Tong & Li 2008 and figs. 121, 125 in Lehtinen, 1981). Description. Male. (holotype). Measurements: total length: 1.55 carapace: 0.78 long, 0.61 wide. Habitus as in Fig. 1E, F. Carapace uniformly dark reddish-brown, strongly sclerotized with a rugose and indented margin. Cephalic area strongly elevated, with a ring of nodular bumps starting from the ocular area and surrounding the margin of the raised part. Six eyes well-developed and all of the same size. Clypeal horns rectangular and stumpy with a trapezoidal shape when observed dorsally, ending with a squared tip. Chelicerae as in Fig.1 H, dark reddish-brown, bearing a well-developed front-mesial cheliceral apophysis, long and sharp, headed inward. Cheliceral lamina well-developed. Labium subtriangular, sternum with several bumps both colored as the carapace. Legs uniformly yellowish-brown. Leg measurements: I: (1.42) 0.47, 0.14, 0.35, 0.25, 0.21; II: (1.37) 0.44, 0.15, 0.31, 0.23, 0.24; III: (1.19) 0.34, 0.14, 0.26, 0.22, 0.23; IV: (1.51) 0.46, 0.14, 0.35, 0.29, 0.27. Opisthosoma uniformly dark reddish-brown. Dorsal and pulmonary scuta of opisthosoma with several sparse, small pits. Postgenital scutum present, often partially covered by other ventral scuta. Preanal and anal scuta rectangular and smooth, uniformly reddish, lighter-colored than other ventral scuta. Spinnerets reddish-brown. Palp as in Fig. 1A ̅C. Femur bearing several spine pits ventrally, tibia bent, cymbium short and triangularshaped when seen laterally. Bulb oblong and compressed dorso-ventrally, bearing a seta in the posterior-ventral side. Spermatic duct with a simple course; embolus strongly sclerotized, long and lightly curved, ending with a sharp tip. Female (one of the paratypes). Measurements: total length: 1.45; carapace: 0.70 long, 0.58 wide. Habitus as in Fig. 1G, H. General coloration, and shape of prosoma and opisthosoma as in the male. Prosoma lacking clypeal horns. Leg measurements: I: (1.38) 0.45, 0.12, 0.34, 0.23, 0.24; II: (1.13) 0.35, 0.10, 0.26, 0.23, 0.19; III: (1.26) 0.38, 0.13, 0.30, 0.22, 0.23; IV: (1.49) 0.45, 0.14, 0.37, 0.29, 0.24. Genitalia as in Fig. 2A ̅C. Epigynal fold distinct, anterolateral groves easily visible, close to each other in the central part of the preanal scutum. Vulval stem sclerotized. Vulval ducts starting at the side of the vulval stem, straight and connecting to translucent, round seminal receptacula. Habitat. Humid leaf litter of the rainforest covering the mountain slopes of the island with an altitudinal range of approx. 40̅ 300 m a.s.l. Brignoliella tao sp. nov. appears to be absent in other habitats in the coastal areas. Distribution. Endemic to Orchid Island, widespread along the island (Fig. 7).

Zoma taiwanica (Zhang, Zhu & Tso, 2006) comb. nov. Fig. 5A ��G. Theridiosoma taiwanica Zhang, Zhu & Tso, 2006: 265, f. 1��6 (��♀). Material examined. TAIWAN: 3♀♀, 3 juv., Taitung County, Orchid Island (Lanyu), Hongtou neighborhood, along the trail to Datianchi lake (��� R ¨), Elev. 106 m a.s.l., (22��00���46.2���N, 121��34���13.9���E), rainforest litter along the trail, 13. JUNE.2019, (NMNS); 1��, 1♀, 1juv., along the trail to Datianchi lake (��� R ¨), Elev. 270 m a.s.l., (22��00���59.1���N, 121��34���20.5���E), rainforest litter, 13. VI.2019, (NMNS); 2♀♀, 3 juv. Hongtou forest, walking trail under a bridge, Elev. 68 m a.s.l., (22��00���34.8���N, 121��34���26.1���E), rainforest litter, 17. JUNE.2019, (NMNS); 2♀♀, Dongqing neighborhood, Elev. 50 m a.s.l., (22��01���42.5���N, 121��34���36.4���E), rainforest litter, 14. JUNE.2019, (MSNV); 2����, 3♀♀, same locality, Elev. 40 m a.s.l., (22��01���47.6���N, 121��34���30.3���E), rainforest litter with many stones, 15.JUN.2019, (FBPC); 2♀♀, 2 juv., Langdao neighborhood, near the Shiaotientci lake, Elev. 160 m a.s.l., (22��04���39.7���N 121��30���35.8���E), rainforest litter, 17. JUNE.2019, (NMNS); 4♀♀, near the Lanyu lighthouse, Elev. 200 m a.s.l., (22��04���53.2���N, 121��30���17.7���E), rainforest litter, 17. JUNE.2019, (NSMT). All leg. Ballarin F. Diagnosis. Male Zoma taiwanica comb. nov. can be distinguished from male Z. dibaiyin Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 by the shorter embolic apophysis (see Fig. 5A, B vs. fig. 10F in Miller at al. 2009), and from male Z. fascia Zhao & Li, 2012 by the different shape of the embolus (straight rather than Z-shaped and with a different tip, see Fig. 5B, C vs. figs. 28C, 30B in Zhao & Li, 2012). Female Z. taiwanica comb. nov. can be separated from female Z. dibaiyin and Z. zoma Saaristo, 1996 by the different, rounded shape of epigynal plate and the higher position of spermathecae (see Fig. 5D, E vs. fig. 11A, B in Miller et al., 2009 and fig. 5 in Saaristo 1996). Apparently, no distinct characters can be found in epigyne and vulva to clearly separate female Z. taiwanica comb. nov. from female Z. fascia. Description. Habitus of male and female as in Fig. 5F, G. Male palp as in Fig. 5A ��C. Female epigyne and vulva as in Fig. 5D, E. For a detailed description of male and female see Zhang, Zhu & Tso 2006, p. 265. Distribution. Southern Taiwan (Pingtung County, Kenting National Park), Orchid Island. Widespread throughout the island. (Fig. 7). Habitat. Humid rainforest leaf litter. Remarks. This species was originally described by Zhang et al. (2006) and placed in the genus Theridiosoma O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1879. In the diagnosis, the authors did not discuss the similarities of the new species with the genus Zoma Saaristo, 1996, established on the base of a single species: Zoma zoma Saaristo, 1996 from the Seychelles. Careful examination of samples of Z. taiwanica comb. nov. from Orchid Island, and comparison with the drawings by Zhang et al. (2006) allowed us to identify the diagnostic characters of the genus Zoma in Z. taiwanica comb. nov. Similar characters include a flat, bluntly triangular epigynal plate with a wide and shallow median pit (Saaristo 1996); a filiform embolic apophysis of the male palp extending beyond the conductor tip; an embolic division with moderate, simple branching; silver patches on the abdomen forming a curved transverse stripe; and juxtaposed posterior median eyes (Miller et al. 2009) (see Fig. 5A ��G). On the base of this evidence, we propose to transfer Theridiosoma taiwanica Zhang, Zhu & Tso, 2006 to the genus Zoma. A similar species, Z. fascia Zhao & Li, 2012, was described from Hainan Island, China. The diagnosis of this species does not include a comparison with Z. taiwanica comb. nov., which at the time of publication was still included in the genus Theridiosoma. We did not have the opportunity to examine the type specimens of Z. fascia. However, the comparison with the excellent illustrations from Zhao & Li (2012), reveals that the females of Z. fascia and Z. taiwanica are morphologically very similar. We failed to find any discernible diagnostic characters in the shape of the epigynal plate, internal ducts, or position of spermathecae that would allow a clear separation of the two species. Males, on the other hand, show minor differences in the shape of the embolus. Due to only a single male being illustrated in Zhao & Li (2012), we cannot advise if such differences indicate distinct species, or if they are better interpreted as intraspecific variability within a single, widespread species. We are inclined to suggest that the latter is probably the most parsimonious explanation. A direct morphological comparison between a larger number of specimens from Hainan and Taiwan, as well as the use of molecular data, may help to solve this problem in future., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco, Yamasaki, Takeshi & Su, Yong-Chao, 2021, A survey on poorly known rainforest litter-dwelling spiders of Orchid Island (Lanyu, Taiwan) with the description of a new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae Tetrablemmidae, and Theridiosomatidae), pp. 197-208 in Zootaxa 4927 (2) on pages 203-206, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4927.2.2, http://zenodo.org/record/4536966, {"references":["Zhang, J. X., Zhu, M. S. & Tso, I. M. (2006) First record of the family Theridiosomatidae from Taiwan, with description of a new species (Arachnida: Araneae). Bulletin of the British Arachnological Society, 13, 265 ‾ 266","Miller, J. A., Griswold, C. E. & Yin, C. M. (2009) The symphytognathoid spiders of the Gaoligongshan, Yunnan, China (Araneae, Araneoidea): Systematics and diversity of micro-orbweavers. ZooKeys, 11, 9 ‾ 195. https: // doi. org / 10.3897 / zookeys. 11.160.","Zhao, Q. Y. & Li, S. Q. (2012) Eleven new species of theridiosomatid spiders from southern China (Araneae, Theridiosomatidae). ZooKeys, 255, 1 ‾ 48. https: // doi. org / 10.3897 / zookeys. 255.3272","Saaristo, M. I. (1996) Theridiosomatid spiders of the granitic islands of Seychelles (Araneae, Theridiosomatidae). Phelsuma, 4, 48 ‾ 52","Tu, L. H. & Li, S. Q. (2006) A review of Gongylidioides spiders (Araneae: Linyphiidae: Erigoninae) from China. Revue Suisse de Zoologie, 113, 51 ‾ 65. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 80339"]}

Gongylidioides angustus Tu & Li, 2006 Fig. 6A ��G. G. angustus Tu & Li, 2006: 55, f. 2A��J (��♀). Material examined. TAIWAN: 4����, 3♀♀, Taitung County, Orchid Island (Lanyu), Dongqing neighborhood, Elev. 50m a.s.l., (22��01���42.5���N, 121��34���36.4���E), 14. JUNE.2019, rainforest litter, (NMNS); 1��, 1♀, same locality, Elev. 40m a.s.l., (22��01���47.6���N, 121��34���30.3���E), 15. JUNE.2019, (NMNS); 2����, 5♀♀, Hongtou neighborhood, along the trail to Datianchi lake (��� R ¨), Elev. 106m a.s.l., (22��00���46.2���N, 121��34���13.9���E), 13. JUNE.2019, rainforest litter, (NMNS); 2����, 4♀♀, same locality and date, Elev. 270m a.s.l., (22��00���59.1���N, 121��34���20.5���E), rainforest litter, (NSMT); 4����, 10♀♀, Hongtou forest, walking trail under a bridge, Elev. 68m a.s.l., (22��00���34.8���N, 121��34���26.1���E), 17. JUNE.2019, rainforest litter (FBPC); 1��, 8♀♀, Langdao neighborhood, near the Lanyu lighthouse, Elev. 200m a.s.l., (22��04���53.2���N, 121��30���17.7���E), 17. JUNE.2019, rainforest litter, (FBPC); 1��, 3♀♀, near the Xiaotianchi Lake (���R¨), Elev. 160m a.s.l., (22��04���39.7���N 121��30���35.8���E), 17. JUNE.2019, rainforest litter (MSNV). All leg. Ballarin F. Description and diagnosis. Male and female habitus as in Figs. 6F and G respectively. Male palp as in Fig. 6 A���C, female epigyne and vulva as in Fig. 6D, E. For diagnosis and full description of male and female see Tu & Li 2006. Distribution. Endemic to Orchid Island. Widespread throughout the island (Fig. 7). Habitat. Humid rainforest leaf litter. Remarks. This species was first described by Tu & Li (2006). Herein we provide further detailed photos of genitalia and habitus of both sexes., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco, Yamasaki, Takeshi & Su, Yong-Chao, 2021, A survey on poorly known rainforest litter-dwelling spiders of Orchid Island (Lanyu, Taiwan) with the description of a new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae Tetrablemmidae, and Theridiosomatidae), pp. 197-208 in Zootaxa 4927 (2) on page 207, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4927.2.2, http://zenodo.org/record/4536966, {"references":["Tu, L. H. & Li, S. Q. (2006) A review of Gongylidioides spiders (Araneae: Linyphiidae: Erigoninae) from China. Revue Suisse de Zoologie, 113, 51 ‾ 65. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 80339"]}

Brignoliella tao Ballarin & Yamasaki sp. nov. Figs.1A ��H, 2A��C. Type material. Holotype ��: TAIWAN: Taitung County, Orchid Island (Lanyu), Hongtou neighborhood, elev. 270 m a.s.l., (22��00���59.1���N, 121��34���20.5���E), rainforest litter, 13. JUNE.2019, Ballarin F. leg. (NMNS-8309-001). Paratypes: TAIWAN: 8����, 18♀♀, same locality and date as the holotype, (NMNS-8309-002); 3����, 4♀♀, along the trail to Datianchi lake (��� R ¨), elev. 106 m a.s.l., (22��00���46.2���N, 121��34���13.9���E), rainforest litter, 13. JUNE.2019, (MSNV, MSNVRAr006���012); 2����, 13♀♀, Hongtou forest, walking trail under a bridge, Elev. 68 m a.s.l., (22��00���34.8���N, 121��34���26.1���E), rainforest litter, 17. JUNE.2019, (NSMT-Ar 20876, Ar 20877). All Ballarin F. leg. Other material examined. TAIWAN: 2♀♀, Taitung County, Orchid Island (Lanyu), Langdao neighborhood, near the Lanyu lighthouse, elev. 200 m a.s.l., (22��04���53.2���N, 121��30���17.7���E), rainforest litter, 17. JUNE.2019, (NMNS); 2��, 3♀♀, near the Xiaotianchi Lake (���R¨), elev. 160 m a.s.l., (22��04���39.7���N 121��30���35.8���E), rainforest litter, 17. JUNE.2019, (NSMT); 11����, 11♀♀, Dongqing neighborhood, elev. 50 m a.s.l., (22��01���42.5���N, 121��34���36.4���E), rainforest litter, 14. JUNE.2019, (FBPC); 5����, 3♀♀, same locality, elev. 40 m a.s.l., (22��01���47.6���N, 121��34���30.3���E), rainforest litter, 15. JUNE.2019, (NMNS). All Ballarin F. leg. Etymology. The specific name refers to the Tao people, an ethnic group native of Orchid Island. Noun in apposition. Diagnosis. Males of the new species can be easily distinguished from congeners by the shape of the two clypeal horns which are well-separated, short, rectangular, and ending with a blunt tip. In contrast, males of all other congeners have a different number of horns (e.g. B. delphina Deeleman-Reinhold, 1980, B. ratnapura Shear, 1988, B. trifida Lehtinen, 1981) or longer (e.g. B. dankobiensis Bourne, 1980), more pointed (e.g. B. acuminata (Simon, 1889), B. besuchetiana Bourne, 1980, B. bicornis (Simon, 1893), B. carmen Lehtinen, 1981, B. massai Lehtinen, 1981, B. maros Lehtinen, 1981), and sometimes partially-fused horns ending with a sharp tip (e.g. B. besutensis Lin, Li & J��ger, 2012, B. caligiformis Tong & Li, 2008, B. maoganensis Tong & Li, 2008, B. martensi (Brignoli, 1972), B. michaeli Lehtinen, 1981, B. patmae Fardiansah & Dup��rr��, 2019, B. vulgaris Lehtinen, 1981). Males of B. tao sp. nov. can be further separated from males of the similar B. carmen from Philippine and B maros from Indonesia by the different shape of the embolus, larger and weaved rather than strait in B. carmen or much shorter and thinner in B. maros (see Fig 1A, B vs. figs. 113, 116 in Lehtinen, 1981). In addition, males of the new species can be further distinguished from males of other Chinese species (B. maoganensis and B. caligiformis) by the oblong, dorsoventrally flattened bulb of the palp in B. tao sp. nov., in contrast with a pear-shaped bulb as in the other Chinese species (see Fig. 1A, B vs. fig. 2F, G and fig. 3F, G in Tong & Li 2008). Female B. tao sp. nov. can be distinguished from female B. caligiformis, B. carmen, B. maoganensis, and B. maros by the rounder seminal receptacula, and especially by the position of anterolateral grooves of the preanal plate, close to each other near the center of the plate in the new species in contrast with more separate grooves at the sides of the plate in the latter species (see Fig. 2A, C, vs. figs. 2E, 3E in Tong & Li 2008 and figs. 121, 125 in Lehtinen, 1981). Description. Male. (holotype). Measurements: total length: 1.55 carapace: 0.78 long, 0.61 wide. Habitus as in Fig. 1E, F. Carapace uniformly dark reddish-brown, strongly sclerotized with a rugose and indented margin. Cephalic area strongly elevated, with a ring of nodular bumps starting from the ocular area and surrounding the margin of the raised part. Six eyes well-developed and all of the same size. Clypeal horns rectangular and stumpy with a trapezoidal shape when observed dorsally, ending with a squared tip. Chelicerae as in Fig.1 H, dark reddish-brown, bearing a well-developed front-mesial cheliceral apophysis, long and sharp, headed inward. Cheliceral lamina well-developed. Labium subtriangular, sternum with several bumps both colored as the carapace. Legs uniformly yellowish-brown. Leg measurements: I: (1.42) 0.47, 0.14, 0.35, 0.25, 0.21; II: (1.37) 0.44, 0.15, 0.31, 0.23, 0.24; III: (1.19) 0.34, 0.14, 0.26, 0.22, 0.23; IV: (1.51) 0.46, 0.14, 0.35, 0.29, 0.27. Opisthosoma uniformly dark reddish-brown. Dorsal and pulmonary scuta of opisthosoma with several sparse, small pits. Postgenital scutum present, often partially covered by other ventral scuta. Preanal and anal scuta rectangular and smooth, uniformly reddish, lighter-colored than other ventral scuta. Spinnerets reddish-brown. Palp as in Fig. 1A ��C. Femur bearing several spine pits ventrally, tibia bent, cymbium short and triangularshaped when seen laterally. Bulb oblong and compressed dorso-ventrally, bearing a seta in the posterior-ventral side. Spermatic duct with a simple course; embolus strongly sclerotized, long and lightly curved, ending with a sharp tip. Female (one of the paratypes). Measurements: total length: 1.45; carapace: 0.70 long, 0.58 wide. Habitus as in Fig. 1G, H. General coloration, and shape of prosoma and opisthosoma as in the male. Prosoma lacking clypeal horns. Leg measurements: I: (1.38) 0.45, 0.12, 0.34, 0.23, 0.24; II: (1.13) 0.35, 0.10, 0.26, 0.23, 0.19; III: (1.26) 0.38, 0.13, 0.30, 0.22, 0.23; IV: (1.49) 0.45, 0.14, 0.37, 0.29, 0.24. Genitalia as in Fig. 2A ��C. Epigynal fold distinct, anterolateral groves easily visible, close to each other in the central part of the preanal scutum. Vulval stem sclerotized. Vulval ducts starting at the side of the vulval stem, straight and connecting to translucent, round seminal receptacula. Habitat. Humid leaf litter of the rainforest covering the mountain slopes of the island with an altitudinal range of approx. 40�� 300 m a.s.l. Brignoliella tao sp. nov. appears to be absent in other habitats in the coastal areas. Distribution. Endemic to Orchid Island, widespread along the island (Fig. 7)., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco, Yamasaki, Takeshi & Su, Yong-Chao, 2021, A survey on poorly known rainforest litter-dwelling spiders of Orchid Island (Lanyu, Taiwan) with the description of a new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae Tetrablemmidae, and Theridiosomatidae), pp. 197-208 in Zootaxa 4927 (2) on pages 198-201, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4927.2.2, http://zenodo.org/record/4536966, {"references":["Lehtinen, P. T. (1981) Spiders of the Oriental-Australian region. III. Tetrablemmidae, with a world revision. Acta Zoologica Fennica, 162, 1 - 151.","Tong, Y. F. & Li, S. Q. (2008) Tetrablemmidae (Arachnida, Araneae), a spider family newly recorded from China. Organisms Diversity & Evolution, 8 (2), 84 ‾ 98. https: // doi. org / 10.1016 / j. ode. 2007.01.002"]}

Theridiosoma triumphale Zhao & Li, 2012 Figs. 3A ��D, 4 A���E. T. triumphalis Zhao & Li, 2012: 37, f. 24 A��D, 25 A, B (��). (Holotype �� from CHINA: Hainan Island, Mt. Jianfengling National Nature Reserve, Tianchi watershed, 19 JULY 2007, leg. Li S. (IZCAS); examined, based on photos). Material examined TAIWAN: 1♀, Taitung County, Orchid Island (Lanyu), Hongtou neighborhood, along the trail to Datianchi lake (��� R ¨), Elev. 106m a.s.l., (22��00���46.2���N, 121��34���13.9���E), 13. JUNE.2019, rainforest litter (NMNS); 1��, 1♀, Dongqing neighborhood, rainforest litter, Elev. 50 m a.s.l., (22��01���42.5���N, 121��34���36.4���E), 14. JUNE.2019, (NMNS); 1♀, same locality, 40 m a.s.l., (22.029878N, 121.575075), 15. JUNE.2019, all leg. Ballarin F. (FBPC). Diagnosis. For male diagnosis see Zhao & Li 2012, p. 39. Female of this species can be easily distinguished from female of Asian congeners by the presence of a short but well-developed scapus on the epigynal plate. In addition, female T. triumphale can be distinguished from female T. diwang Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 and T. shuangbi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 by the position of the spermathecae, located high over the copulatory ducts in contrast with spermathecae located adjacent to the copulatory ducts in the latter two species (see Fig. 4B, C vs. figs. 3G, I in Miller et al. 2009). Description. Male. Measurements: total length: 1.24; carapace: 0.63 long, 0.58 wide. Habitus as in Fig. 4D. Palp as in Fig. 3 A���D. Opisthosoma uniformly yellowish, bearing 3��4 silver patches on the dorsal side, most of them aligned in a transversal stripe around the central part of opisthosoma. For the main description of body and palp see Zhao & Li, 2012, p. 39, 40. Female. Habitus as in Fig. 4E. Measurements: total length: 1.60; carapace: 0.62 long, 0.56 wide. Carapace uniformly yellowish. Cephalic area distinctly elevated. Chelicera, labium and sternum uniformly yellowish, slightly darker than in the male. Legs yellowish, covered with numerous spines. Tibia, metatarsus and tarsus slightly darker. Leg measurements: I: (1.89) 0.61, 0.24, 0.41, 0.39, 0.24; II: (1.66) 0.53, 0.21, 0.35, 0.34, 0.23; III: (1.06) 0.32, 0.15, 0.18, 0.23, 0.18; IV: (1.43) 0.48, 0.20, 0.28, 0.28, 0.19. Opisthosoma uniformly yellowish, bearing a transverse stripe of silver patches in the middle of the dorsal side, more extended and obvious than in the male. Spinnerets uniformly yellowish. Epigyne and vulva as in Fig. 4 A���C. Epigynal plate flat with a short, squared scape protruding from the posterior margin and a pair of lateral pits. Inner epigynal plate with several small marks. Copulatory ducts large, visible through the translucent ventral cuticle. Copulatory ducts connect to the posterior side of the spermathecae. Fertilization ducts narrow, S-shaped. Spermathecae small and subspherical, close to each other and located in the anterior section of the epigyne, over the copulatory ducts. Distribution. Known only from two localities: Hainan Island (type locality) and Orchid Island (Fig. 7). This is the first record of this species for Taiwan. Habitat. Humid rainforest leaf litter. Remarks. Theridiosoma triumphale was described for the first time by Zhao & Li (2012) based on a single male specimen from Hainan Island, China. Due to the poor condition of the sample, no description of the opisthosoma could be included (Zhao & Li 2012 p. 39). The female was previously unknown. We had the opportunity to examine high quality photos of the palp of the holotype and failed to identify significant morphological discrepancies with the specimens from Orchid Island. Minor differences can be attributed to intraspecific variation. Based on this assumption we consider the specimens from Orchid Island as belonging to the same species. Thus, we describe the female for the first time, and illustrate the habitus of both sexes. The new records extend the distribution of T. triumphale approximately 1200 km to the east. Despite extensive collections, only few specimens were found and only in the southern part of the island (Fig. 7). Theridiosoma triumphale may be widespread, but locally rare., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco, Yamasaki, Takeshi & Su, Yong-Chao, 2021, A survey on poorly known rainforest litter-dwelling spiders of Orchid Island (Lanyu, Taiwan) with the description of a new species (Araneae: Linyphiidae Tetrablemmidae, and Theridiosomatidae), pp. 197-208 in Zootaxa 4927 (2) on page 201, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4927.2.2, http://zenodo.org/record/4536966, {"references":["Zhao, Q. Y. & Li, S. Q. (2012) Eleven new species of theridiosomatid spiders from southern China (Araneae, Theridiosomatidae). ZooKeys, 255, 1 ‾ 48. https: // doi. org / 10.3897 / zookeys. 255.3272","Miller, J. A., Griswold, C. E. & Yin, C. M. (2009) The symphytognathoid spiders of the Gaoligongshan, Yunnan, China (Araneae, Araneoidea): Systematics and diversity of micro-orbweavers. ZooKeys, 11, 9 ‾ 195. https: // doi. org / 10.3897 / zookeys. 11.160."]}

Nihonella gen. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 05F43F8A-6FBC-4A95-98FF-56CEFACF73DB Figs 1 A���G, 2���4; Table 2 Type species Nihonella chika gen. et. sp. nov. Diagnosis The new genus is distinguished from any other genera belonging to the distal Erigoninae clade by the following unique combination of somatic and genitalic characters: Femur I with 1 prolateral spine; Tibia I with 1 dorsal spine; tibial spine formula: 1.1.1.1; male palp with a well-developed distal suprategular apophysis and a hypertrophic ��secondary�� DSA (Figs 2 A���B, 3A���C, 4A���E) (usually presented in Erigoninae as a simple tooth and protruding form a different side of the DSA); a well-developed and uniquely-shaped prolateral tibial apophysis, the same length as the cymbium and partially covering it (Figs 2 A���C, 3A���B, D, 4E���F). The unusual chaetotaxy and unique shape of the epigyne, with anteriorly converging lateral walls and two distinct, flat, ovoid inflations of the copulatory ducts, also distinguishes the female of this genus from females of any other genera in distal Erigoninae. Etymology The generic name is a combination of the word �� Nihon �� and the Latin suffix �� -ella ��. The former refers to the country of Japan where the genus is endemic; the latter is the feminine suffix of �� -ellus �� commonly used in Latin to form the feminine diminutive of a noun. Name in apposition, feminine in gender. Species included Only the type species Nihonella chika gen. et. sp. nov. Taxonomic remarks The morphology of Nihonella gen. nov. suggests it may be closely related to the species of the Savignia group. However, the presence of numerous differences in genitalia shape and somatic characters does not allow us to include the new genus within this group of species. A close but distinct relationship with the Savignia group is also supported by the molecular analysis (see Fig. 5). Nihonella gen. nov. male palps have a general morphology similar to those found in some genera of the Savignia group (e.g., Araeoncus Simon, 1884 or Diplocephalus Bertkau, 1883). They share a similar shape in the embolic division: a long, modified palpal tibia, and a well-developed DSA. However, the new genus shows a distinct hypertrophy of the SDSA, which is extremely long and clearly protruding outside the frontal part of the palpal bulb (Figs 2 A���B, D, 3A���C, 4A���E). Within the subfamily Erigoninae, some genera belonging to the Savignia group (sensu Millidge 1977) have a large DSA and a tooth-like SDSA (e.g., Alioranus Simon, 1926, Dactylopisthes Simon, 1884, Delorrhipis Simon 1885, Savignia Blackwall, 1833, etc., see Millidge 1977: figs 128, 135���136, 139). However, none of the Savignia group display a SDSA as strongly developed as in Nihonella gen. nov. Females of Nihonella gen. nov. have an epigyne with two anteriorly converging lateral walls, which resembles the female genitalia, of most of genera within the Savignia group (e.g., Araeoncus Simon, 1884, Diplocephalus Bertkau, 1883, Erigonella Dahl, 1901, Savignia Blackwall, 1833, etc.). Nevertheless, both males and females of Nihonella gen. nov. have a highly distinctive chaetotaxy which strongly differ from the chaetotaxy usually found in species belonging to the Savignia group (1.1.1.1 vs 2.2.1.1). Although some species included in this group may occasionally have a tibial spine formula of 1.1.1.1, this usually only occurs in males and as a consequence of the reduction of the distal spines in tibia I and II (e.g., Araeoncus crassipes Heimer & Nentwig, 1991 = 1.1.1.1, A. humilis (Blackwall, 1841) = 0.0.1.1: Tanasevitch, in litteris). An exception is the genus Microctenonyx Dahl, 1886, the female of which has a tibial spine formula of 1.1.1.1. However, Microctenonyx can be easily distinguished from Nihonella gen. nov. by the large genetic distance between the two genera (see Table 2), and by the shape of the epigyne and male palp (short SDSA, different shape of epigyne and internal ducts, see Figs 2 A���H, 3A���D vs Millidge 1977: fig. 140 and Bosmans 2007: figs 111���115). Distribution Endemic to Western Honshu, Japan. Currently known from three caves only (Figs 1H, 6)., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Yamasaki, Takeshi, 2021, Nihonella gen. nov., a new troglophilic genus of dwarf spiders from Japan with a discussion on its phylogenetic position within the subfamily Erigoninae (Araneae, Linyphiidae), pp. 1-18 in European Journal of Taxonomy 733 on pages 6-8, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1215, http://zenodo.org/record/4471392, {"references":["Millidge A. F. 1977. The conformation of the male palpal organs of linyphiid spiders, and its application to the taxonomic and phylogenetic analysis of the family (Araneae: Linyphiidae). Bulletin of the British arachnological Society 4 (1): 1 - 60.","Bosmans R. 2007. Contribution to the knowledge of the Linyphiidae of the Maghreb. Part XII. Miscellaneous erigonine genera and additional records (Araneae: Linyphiidae: Erigoninae). Bulletin & Annales de la Societe entomologique de Belgique 143: 117 - 163."]}

A new monospecific genus belonging to the family Linyphiidae Blackwell, 1859, Nihonella gen. nov., is described using an integrative taxonomic approach based on the species N. chika gen. et sp. nov. The new genus is endemic to Western Honshu, Japan, and it shows distinctive genitalic and somatic characters of other genera of the subfamily Erigoninae Emerton, 1882. Nihonella gen. nov. is found only in the twilight and transition zones of caves in Okayama and Nara Prefectures. The phylogenetic position of Nihonella gen. nov. within the subfamily Erigoninae, and its relationship as a sister clade of the species of the group of Savignia Blackwell, 1833 (sensu Millidge 1977), is discussed on the basis of both, morphological and molecular evidence.

Nihonella chika gen. et. sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 87924F73-CCDB-4872-99A3-20A5A3A4EBE9 Figs 1 A���G, 2���4; Table 1 Diagnosis Male Nihonella chika gen. et. sp. nov. can easily be distinguished from males of species of the Savignia group by the clearly visible hypertrophic secondary DSA apophysis, long and hooked, which instead is absent or much shorter in species of Savignia and usually straight and tooth-shaped (see Figs 2 A���B, D, 3A���C, 4A���E vs Millidge 1977: figs 122���144). Another distinct character of the male Nihonella chika gen. et. sp. nov. is the shape of the prolateral tibial apophysis of the palp: long, partially covering the middle line of the cymbium, and ending with a triangular structure covered with short, stocky spikes (Figs 2 A���C, 3A���B, D, 4E���F). Female Nihonella chika gen. et. sp. nov. are easily recognized by the general shape of the epigyne, which has two ovoid, flat inflations of the copulatory ducts where the lateral walls of the epigyne join to each other; further, the anterior wall protrudes slightly (Figs 2E, 3E). The epigyne also has a trapezoidal posterior median plate (Figs 2 F���G, 3F), and a twisted course of the copulatory ducts (Figs 2H, 3G). Etymology The specific name is derived from the Japanese word �� chika �� (������) meaning�� underground, subterranean�� and thus refers to the habitat of the species, but it is also the pronunciation of a feminine given name in the Japanese language. Name in apposition. Material examined Holotype JAPAN ��� ♂; Honshu Island, Okayama Prefecture, Takahashi-shi, Kawakamichō, Kōyamaichi, Anatoyama Shrine, Anatoyama cave (��� ������������); 34.7440�� N, 133.3918�� E; 480 m a.s.l.; 22 Apr. 2019; Ballarin F. and Yamasaki T. leg.; narrow and long cave behind a Shinto shrine; NSMT-Ar 20909. Paratypes JAPAN ��� 1 ♂, 14 ♀♀; same collection data as for holotype; NSMT-Ar 20910 ��� 1 ♂, 10 ♀♀; Niimi-shi, Toyonagauyama, Uyama-do cave (���������); 34.94226�� N, 133.57499�� E; 423 m a.s.l.; 21 Apr. 2019; Ballarin F. and Yamasaki T. leg.; large and deep humid cave with a subterranean creek; NSMT-Ar 20911. Other material JAPAN ��� 1♀; Honshu Island, Nara Prefecture, Yoshino District,Tenkawa-shi, Dorogawa, Komorinoiwaya cave (������������); 34.2686�� N, 135.8906�� E; 06 Oct. 2019; Ballarin F. and Tanikawa A. leg.; NSMT-Ar 20912. Description Male (holotype) HABITUS. As shown in Fig. 1 A���C. MEASUREMENTS. Total length: 1.79, carapace 0.97 long, 0.75 wide. PROSOMA. Carapace, chelicerae, labium, and sternum uniformly light brownish. Head distinctly raised, AME = 0.04, PME, ALE, PLA = 0.06. Anterior margin of cheliceral groove bearing 5 robust teeth. OPISTHOSOMA. Opisthosoma uniformly grayish, lacking any pattern, covered with numerous short hairs. Central area of ventral side of opisthosoma slightly lighter. LEGS. Legs uniformly light brownish. Femur I with 1 prolateral spine. Patella I and Tibia I with 1 dorsal spine. Tibial spine formula = 1.1.1.1. One trichobothrium on metatarsi I���III, absent on metatarsus IV. TmI = approx. 0.55. Leg measurements as follows: Leg I: 3.02 (0.84, 0.23, 0.80, 0.71, 0.44); Leg II: 2.92 (0.81, 0.24, 0.73, 0.66, 0.48); Leg III: 2.44 (0.68, 0.23, 0.58, 0.56, 0.39); Leg IV: 3.15 (0.87, 0.26, 0.82, 0.69, 0.51). PALP. As shown in Figs 2 A���D, 3A���D, 4E���F. Embolic division as in Fig. 4 A���D. Palpal tibia bearing 1 trichobotrium and long prolateral tibial apophysis approximately as long as the cymbium and partially covering it along its median line. PTA triangle-shaped when observed dorsally, ending with triangular spiked structure. Cymbium ovoid when observed dorsally, covering whole bulb with exception of the tip of secondary branch of distal suprategular apophysis. Deep groove along middle line of cymbium, in which rests ventral part of PTA. Paracymbium stumpy and simple, lacking in apophyses. Tailpiece of radix slightly protruding, with well-developed, thin apophysis, hook-like and frontally-oriented. DSA well-developed, hook-like and ending with blunt tip. Secondary branch of distal suprategular apophysis hypertrophic, long and thin, strongly protruding frontally and ventrally, ending with sharp tip. Median membrane transparent and barely visible, protruding retrolaterally. Embolus hook-like, initial trait oriented frontally then ventro-posteriorly, stumpy, ending with blunt end near tip of DSA. Female (based on three paratypes) HABITUS. As shown in Fig. 1 D���G. MEASUREMENTS. Total length: 2.10-2.47, carapace 1.00-1.06 long, 0.80-0.83 wide. PROSOMA AND OPISTHOSOMA. Coloration and other details of carapace, chelicera, and opisthosoma as in male. Head only slightly raised. LEGS. Legs coloration, tibial spine formula, trichobothria and TmI as in male. Leg measurements as follows (based on one paratype): Leg I: 3.59 (1.02, 0.3, 0.95, 0.77, 0.55); Leg II: 3.36 (0.95, 0.28, 0.87, 0.75, 0.51); Leg III: 2.87 (0.81, 0.25, 0.71, 0.68, 0.42); Leg IV: 3.65 (1.05, 0.3, 1.01, 0.82, 0.47). EPIGYNE AND VULVA. As shown in Figs 2 E���H, 3E���G. Lateral walls converging anteriorly. Anterior wall of epigyne with small projection. End of copulatory ducts with inflation, forming two small, transparent, ovoid plates in central part of the epigyne. Internal ducts visible through epigyne by transparency. Posterior medium plate larger than wide, approximately trapezoidal when epigyne is observed dorsally. Receptacles subspherical, located lateral to the PP. Copulatory ducts starting from posterior/inner side of receptacles, initial trait oriented towards posterior part of the epigyne, then turning frontally before reaching copulatory opening with twisted course. Copulatory openings located under ovoid plates, approximately at joining point of lateral walls. Ecology and habitat Although lacking extreme troglomorphic characters (e.g., eye loss), N. chika gen. et. sp. nov. shows troglophilic adaptations, such as body depigmentation. This species has only been found inside caves, several meters from the entrance, in the twilight and transition zones where the light is strongly reduced or absent. N. chika gen. et. sp. nov. builds small sheet-webs inside cracks or empty spaces between rocks on the cave floor. Distribution Endemic to Western Honshu, Japan. Currently known only for few caves in Okayama and Nara Prefectures (Fig. 6). Type locality: Anatoyama cave (��� ������������) in Okayama Prefecture (Fig. 1H)., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Yamasaki, Takeshi, 2021, Nihonella gen. nov., a new troglophilic genus of dwarf spiders from Japan with a discussion on its phylogenetic position within the subfamily Erigoninae (Araneae, Linyphiidae), pp. 1-18 in European Journal of Taxonomy 733 on pages 8-14, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.733.1215, http://zenodo.org/record/4471392, {"references":["Millidge A. F. 1977. The conformation of the male palpal organs of linyphiid spiders, and its application to the taxonomic and phylogenetic analysis of the family (Araneae: Linyphiidae). Bulletin of the British arachnological Society 4 (1): 1 - 60."]}

Domitius culsu Ballarin sp. nov. Figures 1 A���G, 2A���E, 3A���D. Nesticus speluncarum Brignoli, 1979: 214 (misidentification) Type material. Holotype ♂. ITALY, Toscana: Garfagnana area, Lucca Province, Coreglia Antelminelli Municipality, Tana delle Fate di Coreglia Antelminelli cave, 141/T/LU, 260m a.s.l., 44.046336��N 10.523525��E, 21.VIII.2018, leg. F. Ballarin and D. Avesani (MSNV). Paratypes. Same locality as the holotype, 1♀, 04.IX.1967, leg. A. Vigna Taglianti (MSNV) (Brignoli 1979, sub Nesticus speluncarum); 1♀, 15.VIII.2015, leg. F. Ballarin and M. Gaiga (MSNV); 4♀♀, 24.VI.2017, (3♀♀ collected as juveniles and raised in captivity, adults: 20.VIII.2017, 15.IX.2017 and 28.VI.2018 respec- tively), leg. F. Ballarin and R. Ballarin (MSNV); 4♀♀, 21.VIII.2018, leg. F. Ballarin and D. Avesani (MSNV, MSNB). a New Sequences. Examined comparative material. Domitius speluncarum (Pavesi, 1873): ITALY: Liguria : 1♂, 1♀, (topotypes), La Spezia Province, Grotta Bocca Lupara cave, 74/Li/SP, 120m a.s.l., 05.III.1969, leg. P.M. Brignoli (MSNV) (Brignoli, 1971); Toscana: 1♀, Lucca Province, Garfagnana area, Villa Collemandina Municipality, Canigiano village, Tana di Magnano cave, 162/T/LU, 653m a.s.l., 44.177285��N, 10.38803��E, 03.XI.1967, leg. A. Vigna Taglianti (MSNV) (Brignoli, 1971), 1♀, 01.VIII.1975, leg. P. Magrini (MSNV), 4♀♀, 14.VIII.2015, leg. F. Ballarin and M. Gaiga (MSNV); 1♀, Forno- volasco (not reported in the label but very likely from Grotta del Vento cave), 700m a.s.l., 16.VI.1970, leg. O. Osella (MSNV) (Brignoli, 1971); 1♀, Grotta del Buggine cave, 166/T/Lu, 315m a.s.l., 07.X.1967, leg. G. Castellini (MSNV) (Brignoli, 1971); 1♀, Massa-Carrara, Buca della Freddana cave, 230/T/Ms, 550m a.s.l., 05.VI.1977, leg. C. Bonzano (MSNV) (Brignoli, 1985); 1♀, Buca del Bacile cave, 226/T/Ms, 10.III.1975, leg. unknown (MSNV) (Brignoli, 1985). Domitius menozzii (di Caporiacco, 1934): ITALY, Liguria , 1♂, 4♀♀, north-east of Genova town, Tanna da Vulpe cave, 264/Li/GE, 23.XI.1969, leg. A. Vigna Taglianti (MSNV) (Brignoli, 1971); 2♂♂, 2♀♀, Creto, Tanna de Fate cave, 17/ Li/GE, 30.X.1971, leg. G. Gardini (MSNV); 2♀♀ (topotypes), Prati di Bavari locality, Tanna da Suja cave, 5/Li/GE, 582m a.s.l., 44.422894��N, 09.035239��E, 30.V.2013, leg. F. Ballarin, A. Trotta, G. Gardini, and S. Zoia. Domitius sbordonii (Brignoli, 1979): ITALY, Lazio , 1♂ (holotype), Frosinone Province, Supino, Valle Serena, Grot- ta della Croce cave, 01.IX.1977 leg. V. Sbordoni (MSNV) (Brignoli, 1979); 1♀ (paratype), 08.II.1976, leg. V. Sbordoni (MSNV) (Brignoli, 1979). Kryptonesticus eremita (Simon, 1880): ITALY, Liguria: 2♂♂ (sub. Nesticus menozzii), Creto, Tanna de Fate cave, 17/Li/GE, 30.X.1971, leg. G. Gardini (MSNV); Emilia-Romagna: 2♀♀ Ravenna Province, Riolo Terme, Borgo Rivola, Grotta del Re Tiberio cave, 36/Er/RE. 19.II.1951, Leg. Denis (MSNV) (Zangheri, 1966, sub. Nesticus speluncarum); Toscana: 1♀ Garfagnana area, Lucca Province, Coreglia Antelminelli Municipality, Tana delle Fate di Coreglia Antel- minelli cave, 141/T/LU, 260m a.s.l., 44.046336��N, 10.523525��E, 15.VIII.2015, leg. F. Ballarin and M. Gaiga (MSNV); 3♀♀, 24.VI.2017, Leg. F. Ballarin and R. Ballarin (MSNV-MSNVRAr/m 0007); 1♀, 21.VIII.2018, leg. F. Ballarin and D. Avesani (MSNV); Campania: 1♀, Avellino Province, Bagnoli Irpino, Mt. Piacentini, Grotta Giovannino cave, 16.VI.1956, leg. S.Ruffo (MSNV) (Kritscher, 1958, sub. Nesticus speluncarum). Etymology The name of the new species is derived from the Etruscan goddess Culsu who, according to the Etruscan mytholo- gy, ruled the cave-like entrance of the underworld. Noun in apposition. Diagnosis Species closely re- lated to D. speluncarum and D. menozzii. Males of D. culsu sp. nov. can be separated from males of all other Italian species of the genus Domitius by the different shape of the apophyses of the para- cymbium (Figs. 1A���C, 2B,C vs. Fig. 4A���I). D. culsu sp. nov shows a robust, S-shaped dorsal apophysis 1 in contrast with a large, flat and axe- like Da 1 in D. speluncar- um (Figs. 1A���C, 2B, C vs. Fig. 4A���C); a short and stumpy Da 1 in D. me- nozzii (Figs. 1A���C, 2B, C vs. Fig. 4D���F) or a long and thread-like Da 1 in D. sbordonii (Figs. 1A���C, 2B, C vs. Fig. 4G���I). Addi- tionally, males of D. culsu sp. nov. have a well-de- veloped, triangular medi- an apophysis, absent in males of the other three species (Figs. 1A, 2A vs. Fig. 4A, D, G). Female D. culsu sp. nov. can be easily distin- guished from female D. speluncarum by the nar- rower, trapezoid-shaped median septum with slant- ing edges, in contrast with the larger, lobate Ms with rounded edges in D. spe- luncarum (Figs. 1E, 2D vs. Fig. 5A). Female D. culsu sp. nov. are separated from female D. morisii by the absence of a bulge on the Ms (clearly visible in D. morisii, Figs. 1E, 2D vs. Fig. 5C). Additionally, they can be distinguished by the different shape of copulatory ducts when the vulva is observed dorsally: with a rather uniform diameter in D. culsu sp. nov. and bearing a large, flattened middle trait in D. morisii (Figs. 1G, 2E vs. Fig. 5D). Female D. culsu sp. nov. are easily sepa- rated from those of D. sbordonii by the trapezoid-shaped Ms with slanting edges, in contrast with the squared Ms with vertical edges in D. sbordonii (Figs. 1E, 2D vs. Fig. 5E). They can further be distinguished by the different position of spermathecae, located in the lower half of the vulva and below the vulval pockets in D. culsu sp. nov., in contrast with S located in the upper half of vulva and above Vp in D. sbordonii (Figs. 1G, 2E vs. Fig. 5F). Description. Male (holotype). Total length 4.19. Carapace: 1.81 long, 1.56 wide. Habitus as in Fig. 3A. Carapace uniformly pale yellow with some sparse setae (more reddish while alive, see Fig. 3A). Cephalic region not clearly differentiated from the rest of carapace. Eyes reduced, AM missing, reduced to black maculae. Eye diameters: AM -, AL 0.079, PM 0.080, and PL 0.078. Thoracic grooves and fovea distinct. Mouthparts and sternum uniformly colored as the carapace. Promargin of chelicera with three teeth approximately of the same size, retromargin with several small denticles. Legs uniformly light yellowish. Legs measurements as follows: I 17.40 (4.89, 0.90, 4.78, 4.90, 1.93), II 14.03 (3.92, 0.80, 3.67, 3.76, 1.88), III 10.35 (3.19, 0.69, 2.53, 2.79, 1.15), IV 13.47 (4.34, 0.84, 3.53, 3.49, 1.27). Leg formula: I, II, IV, III. Opisthosoma gray-yellowish colored (lighter than carapace while alive, see Fig. 3A), covered with long hairs. Palp as in Figs. 1 A���C, 2A-C. Cymbium oval, covered with short, sparse setae, with a tuft of longer hairs in the pro- lateral distal area near the tip. Embolus filamentous, slender in the terminal part. Conductor complex with three distinct processes: Cp 1-3. Cp 1 stocky and roughly triangularly shaped, Cp 2 and Cp 3 located at the distal part of the bulb and diagonally protruding (approx. 2 o���clock seeing the left palp ventrally), their tips curved towards each other (Figs. 1A, C, 2A, C). Median apophysis well-developed, shaped as a long, sharp triangle, heading prolaterally (Figs. 1A, 2A). Para- cymbium large with well-developed, sclerotized dorsal, distal and ventral processes. Two dorsal apophyses, Da 1-2: Da 1 robust and long, ending sharply, S-shaped when the palp is observed dorsally, Da 2 stocky, triangularly-shaped. Distal apophysis triangularly shaped. Ventral apophysis lobate, dorso-ventrally flattened and heading toward the cym- bium (Figs. 1 A���C, 2A-C). Female (based on 4 paratypes). Total length 3.65���5.27. Carapace: 1.71���1.98 long, 1.54���1.64 wide. Habitus as in Fig. 3B, C. Carapace uniformly yellowish with some sparse setae (often more reddish while alive, see Fig. 3B). Cephalic region not clearly differentiated from the rest of the prosoma.Eyes reduced, AM strongly reduced and bare- ly visible, reduced to small, dark maculae in some specimens. Eye diameters: AM (when present): 0.032, AL: 0.087, PM: 0.078, and PL: 0.77. Thoracic grooves and fovea distinct. Mouthparts and sternum uniformly colored as in the carapace. Teeth of chelicera as in the male. Legs uniformly light yellowish. Leg measurements as follows: I 17.07 (4.38, 1.01, 4.95, 4.90, 1.83), II 13.69 (4.04, 0.92, 3.57, 3.64, 1.52), III 10.46 (3.43, 0.80, 2.50, 2.56, 1.17), IV 13.89 (4.64, 0.92, 3.59, 3.41, 1.33). Leg formula: I, IV, II, III. Opistho- soma yellowish-gray (often lighter colored than carapace while alive, see Fig. 3B), covered with long hairs. Epigyne as in Figs. 1E, F, 2D, E. Medi- an septum short, not protruding, shaped as an inverted trape- zoid with a narrower base. Vulval pockets and copulatory ducts externally visible by transparence trough the tegument. Copu- latory openings at the lower, lateral side of median septum. Vul- va as in Figs. 1G, 2E. Spermathecae small and round, located in the lower-half of the vulva, below vulval pockets and being partially covered by them. Vulval pockets wide and rounded, sac-shaped, located above spermathecae. Copulatory ducts with a wider diameter in the ventral trait and narrower in the dor- sal trait, rolling up around the lower part of vulval pockets and reaching spermathe- cae with some turns (Figs. 1F, 2E). Insem- ination ducts begin- ning from the lower part of spermathe- cae and following the same course of copu- latory ducts. Distribution Italy, endemic to the northern Apennines. Known only from the type locality; Tana delle Fate di Coreglia Antelminelli cave (Fig. 6). Biospeleological and ecological notes The entrance of Tana delle Fate di Coreglia Antelminelli cave (Italian National Caves Registry number: 141/T/LU; Fig. 3E) opens in the left bank of the narrow valley of Segone Creek in the Province of Lucca (Toscana region) at an elevation of 260 m a.s.l. The cave occurs in the limestone of the Maiolica formation (lower Tithonian���lower Aptian, ~150���120 Ma), which is particularly rich in flint nodules. After an initial steep slope (approximately 10 m deep), the cave continues with a long and sub-horizontal spatial development and a general NW���SE orientation (Fig. 3F). It branches with several, sub-circular tunnels as a result of ancient groundwater flows. The cave has an estimated total extension of 1100 m, although the deeper segments are still unexplored, as they are either filled with water or ending with sumps. The inner section is generally humid, with mud often covering the bottoms of the tunnels. The cave hosts a rich sub- terranean fauna including some endemic or locally protected species, e.g. the carnivorous land snail Oxychilus sp. (Gastropoda, Oxychilidae), the cave cricket Dolichopoda laetitiae Minozzi, 1920 (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae), the blind subterranean beetle Duvalius apuanus lanzai Straneo, 1943 (Coleoptera, Trechinae), the Italian cave salamander Speleomantes italicus (Dunn, 1923) (Amphibia, Plethodontidae), and three species of bats: the greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774), the lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein, 1800) (Chiroptera, Rhinolophidae), and the common bent-wing bat Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817) (Chiroptera, Miniop- teridae). Other animals known from the cave from the literature (Lanza, 1961) or directly observed by the author include: Octodrilus complanatus (Dug��s, 1828), O. hemiandrus ( Cognetti, 1901), O. transpadanus (Rosa, 1884), and Aporrectodea rosea (Savigny, 1826) (Anellida, Lumbricidae); Chaetophiloscia cellaria (Dollfus, 1884) (Isopoda, Philosciidae), Androniscus dentiger Verhoeff, 1908, and Spelaeonethes mancinii (Brian, 1913) (Isopoda, Trichoniscidae); Euscorpius carpathicus (Linnaeus, 1767) (Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae); Trogulus sp. (Opiliones, Trogulidae), Ischyropsalis a damii Canestrini, 1873 (Opiliones, Ischyropsalididae); Lithobius tylopus Latzel, 1882 (Chilopoda, Lithobiidae), Gryllomorpha dalmatina (Ocskay, 1832) (Orthoptera, Gryllidae), Hypaena sp. (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), Stenophylax permistus Mc- Lachlan, 1895 (Tricoptera, Limnephilidae), and a large population of limoniid crane flies (Diptera, Limoniidae). Near the entrance and in the early section of the cave, numerous spiders were also observed: Amaurobius ferox (Walckenaer, 1830), A. pesarinii Ballarin and Pantini, 2017 (Amaurobiidae), Kryptonesticus eremita (Simon, 1880) (Nesticidae), Meta menardi (Latreille, 1804), Metellina merianae (Scopoli, 1763) (Tetragnathidae), Pholcus phalangioides (Fuesslin, 1775) (Pholcidae), and Tegenaria sp. (Agelenidae). The new species was found in the initial segments of the cave, but at some distance from the entrance (Fig. 3F). During summer, when the cave was visited, adults, subadults, and juveniles of D. culsu sp. nov. were observed together, with a substantially higher number of adults and subadults during the month of August. Most of the juveniles collected in the cave and bred in captivity became adults after 2���3 months of captivity, while it took approximately one year for the youngest specimens to reach sexual maturity. Two different species of nesticid spiders, K. eremita and D. culsu sp. nov., were collected together in the Tana delle Fate di Coreglia Antelminelli cave. These species cover a different spatial distribution within the cave (Fig. 3F), coexisting without overlapping despite occupying approximately the same ecological niche. Cohabitant nesticids, in particular involving D. menozzii or D. speluncarum together with K. eremita, have been previously observed in several occasions in Italian caves, and sometimes collected at short distances from each other (Brignoli, 1971). However, no clear species overlap are reported within the same cave. Such distinct spatial partition can be explained by the different grade of adaptation to the hypogean environment showed by these arachnids. In fact, K. eremita appears to be a less specialized cave-dweller, lacking extreme morphological adaptations to subterranean life. Therefore, it mostly occurs near the entrance of caves or inside artificial tunnels, including, occasionally, shadowed epigean habitats with constant temperature and high relative humidity (Brignoli, 1971 and personal observations by the author). On the other hand, all Domitius species show a greater degree of adaptation to the subterranean habitat, as suggested by reduction of the eyes and body depigmentation. Such strong adaptation allows Domitius to occupy deeper segments of the caves, thus avoiding direct competition with K. eremita. The entrance of Tana delle Fate di Coreglia Antelminelli cave (Italian National Caves Registry number: 141/T/LU; Fig. 3E) opens in the left bank of the narrow valley of Segone Creek in the Province of Lucca (Toscana region) at an elevation of 260 m a.s.l. The cave occurs in the limestone of the Maiolica formation (lower Tithonian���lower Aptian, ~150���120 Ma), which is particularly rich in flint nodules. After an initial steep slope (approximately 10 m deep), the cave continues with a long and sub-horizontal spatial development and a general NW���SE orientation (Fig. 3F). It branches with several, sub-circular tunnels as a result of ancient groundwater flows. The cave has an estimated total extension of 1100 m, although the deeper segments are still unexplored, as they are either filled with water or ending with sumps. The inner section is generally humid, with mud often covering the bottoms of the tunnels. The cave hosts a rich sub- terranean fauna including some endemic or locally protected species, e.g. the carnivorous land snail Oxychilus sp. (Gastropoda, Oxychilidae), the cave cricket Dolichopoda laetitiae Minozzi, 1920 (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae), the blind subterranean beetle Duvalius apuanus lanzai Straneo, 1943 (Coleoptera, Trechinae), the Italian cave salamander Speleomantes italicus (Dunn, 1923) (Amphibia, Plethodontidae), and three species of bats: the greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774), the lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein, 1800) (Chiroptera, Rhinolophidae), and the common bent-wing bat Miniopterus schreibersii (Kuhl, 1817) (Chiroptera, Miniop- teridae). Other animals known from the cave from the literature (Lanza, 1961) or directly observed by the author include: Octodrilus complanatus (Dug��s, 1828), O. hemiandrus ( Cognetti, 1901), O. transpadanus (Rosa, 1884), and Aporrectodea rosea (Savigny, 1826) (Anellida, Lumbricidae); Chaetophiloscia cellaria (Dollfus, 1884) (Isopoda, Philosciidae), Androniscus dentiger Verhoeff, 1908, and Spelaeonethes mancinii (Brian, 1913) (Isopoda, Trichoniscidae); Euscorpius carpathicus (Linnaeus, 1767) (Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae); Trogulus sp. (Opiliones, Trogulidae), Ischyropsalis a damii Canestrini, 1873 (Opiliones, Ischyropsalididae); Lithobius tylopus Latzel, 1882 (Chilopoda, Lithobiidae), Gryllomorpha dalmatina (Ocskay, 1832) (Orthoptera, Gryllidae), Hypaena sp. (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), Stenophylax permistus Mc- Lachlan, 1895 (Tricoptera, Limnephilidae), and a large population of limoniid crane flies (Diptera, Limoniidae). Near the entrance and in the early section of the cave, numerous spiders were also observed: Amaurobius ferox (Walckenaer, 1830), A. pesarinii Ballarin and Pantini, 2017 (Amaurobiidae), Kryptonesticus eremita (Simon, 1880) (Nesticidae), Meta menardi (Latreille, 1804), Metellina merianae (Scopoli, 1763) (Tetragnathidae), Pholcus phalangioides (Fuesslin, 1775) (Pholcidae), and Tegenaria sp. (Agelenidae). The new species was found in the initial segments of the cave, but at some distance from the entrance (Fig. 3F). During summer, when the cave was visited, adults, subadults, and juveniles of D. culsu sp. nov. were observed together, with a substantially higher number of adults and subadults during the month of August. Most of the juveniles collected in the cave and bred in captivity became adults after 2���3 months of captivity, while it took approximately one year for the youngest specimens to reach sexual maturity. Two different species of nesticid spiders, K. eremita and D. culsu sp. nov., were collected together in the Tana delle Fate di Coreglia Antelminelli cave. These species cover a different spatial distribution within the cave (Fig. 3F), coexisting without overlapping despite occupying approximately the same ecological niche. Cohabitant nesticids, in particular involving D. menozzii or D. speluncarum together with K. eremita, have been previously observed in several occasions in Italian caves, and sometimes collected at short distances from each other (Brignoli, 1971). However, no clear species overlap are reported within the same cave. Such distinct spatial partition can be explained by the different g, Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco, 2020, Domitius Culsu sp. nov. (Araneae, Nestici-dae), a new troglobiont spider from Italy with notes on Italian nesticids of the genus Domitius Ribera, 2018, pp. 82-94 in Journal of Cave and Karst Studies 82 (2) on pages 83-93, DOI: 10.4311/2019lsc0103, http://zenodo.org/record/3925078, {"references":["Brignoli, P. M., 1979, Ragni d'Italia XXXI. Specie cavernicole nuove o interessanti (Araneae):. Quaderni del Museo di Speleologia \" V. Rivera \", v. 5, no. 10, p. 1 - 48.","Brignoli, P. M., 1971, Note su ragni cavernicoli italiani (Araneae): Fragmenta Entomologica, p. 121 - 229.","Brignoli, P. M., 1985, Aggiunte e correzioni al \" Catalogo dei ragni cavernicoli italiani \": Memorie del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Verona, serie 2, v. 4, p. 51 - 64.","Zangheri, P., 1966, Repertorio sistematico e topografico della flora e fauna vivente e fossile della Romagna, Tomo II - Regno Animale. Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Verona: Memorie Fuori Serie n ° 1, Stamperia Valdonega, Verona, p. 854.","Kritscher, E., 1958, Araneen aus den Picentinischen Bergen: Memorie del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Verona, v. 6, p. 313 - 320.","Lanza, B, 1961, La fauna cavernicola della Toscana: Rassegna Speleologica Italiana, v. 13, no. 2, p. 23 - 51.","Culver D. C., and Pipan T., 2009, The Biology of Caves and Other Subterranean Habitats: Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, p. 256.","Pavlek, M., and Ribera, C. 2017, Kryptonesticus deelemanae gen. et sp. nov. (Araneae, Nesticidae), with notes on the Mediterranean cave spe- cies: European Journal of Taxonomy, 262, p. 1 - 27, https: // doi. org / 10.5852 / ejt. 2017.262.","Ribera, C., 2018, A new genus of nesticid spiders from western European Peninsulas (Araneae, Nesticidae): Zootaxa, v. 4407, p. 229 - 240, https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4407.2.4.","Ballarin, F., and Li, S., 2018, Diversification in tropics and subtropics following the mid-Miocene climate change: A case study of the spider genus Nesticella: Global Change Biology, v. 24, p. 577 - 591, doi: 10.1111 / gcb. 13958."]}

Genus Centromerus Dahl, 1886 Type species Centromerus brevipalpus (Menge, 1866)., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Pantini, Paolo, 2020, Three new species and new records of the genus Centromerus (Araneae, Linyphiidae) from Italy, pp. 1-23 in European Journal of Taxonomy 660 on page 3, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.660, http://zenodo.org/record/3885512

Centromerus leruthi Fage, 1933 For a complete list of references, see WSC (2020). Material examined ITALY ��� Emilia-Romagna Region ��� 1 ♂; Piacenza, Bobbio, near Passo Penice; 1100 m a.s.l.; 26 Apr.���27 Jun. 2002; forest; pitfall traps; P. Pantini leg.; MSNB. Distribution Europe, northern Italy. Remarks Centromerus leruthi was previously known in Italy from records from the Central Alps (Lombardia and Alto Adige regions) only. The new record reported here extends the distribution of this species to the northern Apennines., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Pantini, Paolo, 2020, Three new species and new records of the genus Centromerus (Araneae, Linyphiidae) from Italy, pp. 1-23 in European Journal of Taxonomy 660 on page 20, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.660, http://zenodo.org/record/3885512

Centromerus serratus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1875) For a complete list of references, see WSC (2020) Material examined ITALY ��� Liguria Region ��� 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Genova, Mezzanego, near Giaiette; 850 m a.s.l.; 31 Oct. 2009 ��� 25 May 2010; beechwood; pitfall traps; O. Lodovici, P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♂; La Spezia, Varese Ligure, Passo Cento Croci; 1000 m a.s.l.; Sep. 1991 ��� May 1992; pitfall traps; G. Buttarelli, R. Cerbino, P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB. ��� Veneto Region ��� 3 ♂♂; Verona, Mezzane di Sotto, Castagn��; 45.497778�� N, 11.105833�� E; 470 m a.s.l.; 27 Feb.���4 Mar. 2010; thermophilic undergrowth; pitfall trap; F. Ballarin leg.; MSNV ��� 1 ♀; Brenzone, Mt Baldo, N of Prada village, Val di Fies; 45.692491�� N, 10.782905�� E; 950 m a.s.l.; 21 Oct. 2017; in the litter of a deciduous mixed forest; F. Ballarin leg.; MSNV. ��� Emilia-Romagna Region ��� 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Piacenza Bobbio, Passo Pernice; 1100 m a.s.l.; 19 Sep. 2001 ��� 20 Mar. 2002; forest; pitfall traps; P. Pantini leg.; MSNB ��� 7 ♂♂; same locality as for preceding; 20 Mar. 2002 ��� 26 Apr. 2002; P. Pantini leg.; MSNB. ��� Marche Region ��� 4 ♂♂; Macerata, Castelsantangelo sul Nera, Gualdo; 900 m a.s.l.; Jan. 1992 ��� Jun. 1992; pitfall traps; P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 2 ♂♂; Macerata, Fiuminata, near Passo Cornello; 600 m a.s.l.; Jan. 1992 ��� Jun. 1992; pitfall traps; P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB. ��� Toscana Region ��� 7 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀; Firenze, Marradi, Badia Valle; 430 m a.s.l.; 12 Jan. 1998; A. Usvelli leg.; MSNB ��� 9 ♂♂, 26 ♀♀; same locality as for preceding; 6 Mar. 2003; A. Usvelli leg.; MSNB ��� 2 ♂♂, 8 ♀♀; same locality as for preceding; 23 Apr. 2003; A. Usvelli leg.; MSNB ��� 3 ♂♂, 12 ♀♀; Firenze, Marradi, Ponte Valle; 500 m a.s.l.; 6 Mar. 2003; A. Usvelli leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; 28 Apr. 2003; A. Usvelli leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♀; Firenze, Marradi, Ponte Valle, Valgamogna; 800 m a.s.l.; 26 Apr. 2004; A. Usvelli leg.; MSNB. ��� Umbria Region ��� 1 ♂; Perugia, Nocera Umbra, Colle Aprico, Mt Pennino slopes; 700 m a.s.l.; Jan. 1992 ��� Jun. 1992; pitfall traps; P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♀; Perugia, Sigillo, Piani di Monte; 1200 m a.s.l.; Jun. 1991 ��� Dec. 1991; pitfall traps; G. Buttarelli, E. Ghilardi, P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB. ��� Abruzzo Region ��� 1 ♀; Teramo, Torricella Sicura, Monti della Laga, 1 km from Santo Stefano village heading to Rocca Santa Maria; 2 Nov. 2002; G. Osella leg.; MSNB. ��� Basilicata Region ��� 1 ♂; Potenza, San Severino Lucano, near the sanctuary; 1500 m a.s.l.; Jun. 1990 ��� Jun. 1991; pitfall traps; G. Buttarelli, E. Ghilardi, P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB. Distribution Europe (Nenwig et al. 2020), widespread along the entire Italian peninsula and in Sicily (Pantini & Isaia 2019). Remarks Species widely distributed, but Italian records are sparse and restricted to the north and the south of the country. Our new records confirm the presence of C. serratus in numerous regions of Central Italy., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Pantini, Paolo, 2020, Three new species and new records of the genus Centromerus (Araneae, Linyphiidae) from Italy, pp. 1-23 in European Journal of Taxonomy 660 on pages 17-18, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.660, http://zenodo.org/record/3885512, {"references":["Pantini P. & Isaia M. 2019. Araneae. it: the online Catalog of Italian spiders with addenda on other arachnid orders occurring in Italy (Arachnida: Araneae, Opiliones, Palpigradi, Pseudoscorpionida, Scorpiones, Solifugae). Fragmenta Entomologica 51 (2): 127 - 152. https: // doi. org / 10.4081 / fe. 2019.374 Available from www. araneae. it [accessed 14 Feb. 2020]."]}

Centromerus hanseni sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: DABE9924-06A9-4ED5-9CA8-F4246BCD9902 Figs 3���4, 10 Diagnosis Males of the new species generally resemble male Centromerus tongiorgii sp. nov., C. semiater and C. sellarius. They can easily be separated from males of the other three species by the presence of a welldeveloped radical apophysis I (RA-I) which is clearly visible when the palp is observed prolaterally or retrolaterally, in contrast to the absent or non-visible RA-I in males of the other three species. A further diagnostic character is the square, stocky dorsal hump (DT) of male C. hanseni sp. nov., which appears triangular and ending with a sharp or rounded tip in the other three species. In addition, male C. hanseni sp. nov. can easily be separated from male C. tongiorgii sp. nov. and C. semiater by the presence of a well-developed apophysis in the distal part of the paracymbium (APC), clearly visible when the palp is observed ventrally (Fig. 4C), absent in the other two species. The epigyne of female C. hanseni sp. nov. is similar to that of female C. tongiorgii sp. nov., C. isaiai and C. sylvaticus. However, female C. hanseni sp. nov. can be distinguished by the narrower and truncated anterior wall (AW); the other species have a wider AW, always ending with a sharp or lobate tip. The different shape of the posterior median plate (PMP) further distinguishes these species, as the PMP is squared in C. hanseni sp. nov., but, in contrast, rectangular in C. tongiorgii sp. nov., triangular in C. isaiai and trapezoid in C. sylvaticus (see Figs 3G, 4E vs Figs 1G, 2E vs Bosmans & Colombo 2015: fig. 13 and Wiehle 1956: fig. 55). In addition, the small size of both males and females easily separates the new species from the large majority of other species of Centromerus, which generally show a larger body size. Etymology The specific name is a patronym in honor of Harald Hansen, an Italian arachnologist from Venice who recently passed away (Uliana 2018). Hansen widely contributed to the study of the Italian spider fauna, in particular the family Salticidae. Material examined Holotype ITALY ��� ♂; Calabria Region, Cosenza, Fagnano Castello, Trifoglietti Lake; 39.5489�� N, 16.0229�� E; 1050 m a.s.l.; Aug. 2016 ��� May 2017; beechwood, in the litter; pitfall traps; M. Valle leg.; MSNB. Paratypes ITALY ��� Calabria Region ��� 1 ♀; same locality as for holotype; Aug. 2013 ��� Aug. 2014; M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 3 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; same locality as for holotype; Aug. 2014 ��� May 2015; M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 2 ♀♀; same locality as for holotype; Aug. 2015 ��� Aug. 2016; M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same locality as for holotype; Aug. 2016 ��� May 2017; M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♂; Reggio Calabria, Bagaladi, Nucarelle; 38.0553�� N, 15.812�� E; 1100 m a.s.l.; Nov. 2013 ��� Jun. 2014; beechwood; pitfall traps; E. Castiglioni and F. Manti leg.; MSNB ��� 4 ♂♂; Reggio Calabria, San Luca, Serra Juncari; 38.1559�� N, 15.9367�� E; 1750 m a.s.l.; Nov. 2013 ��� Apr. 2014; mixed wood with beech (Fagus sylvatica), juniper (Juniperus communis) and pine trees (Pinus sp.); pitfall traps; E. Castiglioni and F. Manti leg.; MSNB. Description Male HABITUS. See Fig. 3H. MEASUREMENTS. Total length 1.55���2.05. Carapace 0.71 long, 0.52 wide. PROSOMA. Carapace uniformly yellowish, chelicerae, labium and gnathocoxae of the same color. Chelicera with stridulatory ridges on the lateral margin. Three teeth at the anterior margin of the fang groove, posterior margin with 4���5 small denticles. Sternum greyish. ABDOMEN. Greyish with 3���4 V-shaped lighter stripes, sometimes reduced to simple marks barely visible in some specimens. LEGS. Uniformly yellowish. Femur I with 1 prolateral spine. Tibial spine formula: 2221. TmI: 0.25. Leg measurements as follows: I: 0.73 + 0.23 +0.68 +0.52 +0.38 (2.54), II: 0.67 +0.23 + 0.58 +0.47 +0.38 (2.33), III: 0.55 + 0.21 +0.47 +0.43 +0.35 (2.01), IV: 0.75 +0.21 +0.66 +0.56 +0.37 (2.56). PALP (Figs 3 A���D, 4A���C). Patella and tibia bearing one robust spine each, tibia with 3 trichobothria. Cymbium with a stocky, squared dorsal hump. Paracymbium large, with a robust, pointed apophysis headed outward on the distal part, lateral margin covered with several minute wrinkles. Two proximal radical apophyses, one robust, spine-like, the other long, thin and thread-like, both curved outward and downward. Distal radical apophysis with several minute denticles. Distal suprategular apophysis robust and curved outward, second branch shorter. Antero-proximal part of median membrane with a row of 9���10 small, stumpy teeth. Terminal apophysis transparent and scarcely visible, ending with a wide, flat and wrinkled tip. Embolus curved, ending in a sharp point. Female HABITUS. See Fig. 3I. MEASUREMENTS. Total length 1.7���1.9. Carapace 0.82 long, 0.67 wide. PROSOMA AND ABDOMEN. As in male. Abdomen with more marked and wider light stripes. LEGS. As in male. Leg measurements as follows: I: 0.56 +0.22 +0.46 +0.35 +0.34 (1.92), II: 0.51 + 0.18 + 0.40 + 0.34 + 0.30 (1.72), III: 0.42 + 0.18 + 0.31 + 0.31 + 0.27 (1.49), IV: 0.59 +0.17 + 0.51 +0.39 +0.31 (1.96). EPIGYNE AND VULVA (Figs 3 E���G, 4D���E). Anterior wall triangular and strongly wrinkled, covering a large epigynal cavity, ending with a truncated, squared tip. Distal part of scapus wide, strongly protruding from the epigynal cavity. Posterior median plate large and rectangular, wider than longer. Spermathecae small, comma-like. Copulatory grooves first turning posteriorly and outward before returning to the middle part of the vulva and ending in copulatory openings at the distal part of the scapus. Distribution Endemic to Italy. Distributed along the Calabrian Apennine mountain range, see Fig. 10., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Pantini, Paolo, 2020, Three new species and new records of the genus Centromerus (Araneae, Linyphiidae) from Italy, pp. 1-23 in European Journal of Taxonomy 660 on pages 8-11, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.660, http://zenodo.org/record/3885512, {"references":["Bosmans R. & Colombo M. 2015. New species of spiders from Sardinia (Araneae), with ecological notes on Lipocrea epeiroides (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) (Araneae: Araneidae). Arachnology 16 (9): 319 - 332. https: // doi. org / 10.13156 / arac. 2015.16.9.319","Wiehle H. 1956. Spinnentiere oder Arachnoidea (Araneae). 28. Familie Linyphiidae-Baldachinspinnen. Die Tierwelt Deutschlands 44: 1 - 337.","Uliana M. 2018. \" In memoria \" Harald Hansen. Lavori della Societa Veneziana di Scienze Naturali 43: 165."]}

Centromerus isaiai Bosmans, 2015 Centromerus isaiai Bosmans in Bosmans & Colombo, 2015: 319, figs 1���14. Centromerus isaiai ��� Breitling 2018: 9, fig. 2n. Material examined ITALY ��� Sardegna Region ��� 1 ♂; Nuoro, Desulo, Gennargentu; hut; 1500 m a.s.l.; 9���15 Jan. 2007; pitfall traps; F. Fiori leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♂; Nuoro, Tonara, Su Azzime; 682 m a.s.l.; 11���18 Jan. 2008; ISE leg.; MSNB. Distribution Southern France, Corsica, Italy (Sardinia)., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Pantini, Paolo, 2020, Three new species and new records of the genus Centromerus (Araneae, Linyphiidae) from Italy, pp. 1-23 in European Journal of Taxonomy 660 on page 20, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.660, http://zenodo.org/record/3885512, {"references":["Bosmans R. & Colombo M. 2015. New species of spiders from Sardinia (Araneae), with ecological notes on Lipocrea epeiroides (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) (Araneae: Araneidae). Arachnology 16 (9): 319 - 332. https: // doi. org / 10.13156 / arac. 2015.16.9.319","Breitling R. 2018. Eric Duffey's spider collection in the Manchester Museum - an update. Newsletter of the British Arachnological Society 141: 5 - 9."]}

Centromerus gatoi sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: E18DBDAC-6CCE-4598-B092-13D921CCAC0B Figs 5���6, 10 Diagnosis Species closely related to Centromerus milleri Deltshev, 1974. Males of the new species can be distinguished from male C. milleri by the different shape of the dorsal hump of the cymbium (DT), shorter and larger in C. gatoi sp. nov. in contrast to the longer and thinner hump in C. milleri, and by the presence of a massive, stocky apophysis in the proximal part of the paracymbium (APC), lacking in C. milleri (see Figs 5A, 6A vs Deltshev 1974: figs 4���5 and Dimitrov & Deltshev 2019: figs 5���6, 15���16). Females of the new species are distinguished from female C. milleri by the more protruding epigyne (shorter in C. milleri), with a proportionally longer basal part of the scapus and lateral lobes of the anterior wall (LAW) (see Figs 5 E���G, 6D���F vs Deltshev 1974: figs 7���9 and Dimitrov & Deltshev 2019: figs 10���12, 20���22). Etymology The specific name is a patronym in memory of our friend Federico ���Gato��� Mazzoleni, a young and promising Italian arachnologist who prematurely passed away. Federico first recognized this new species. Material examined Holotype ITALY ��� ♂; Calabria Region, Reggio Calabria, Santo Stefano d���Aspromonte, Ponte Sant���Antonio, Valone di Pilima; 38.1876�� N, 15.8466�� E; 1260 m a.s.l.; Nov. 2013 ��� Oct. 2014; beechwood, in the litter; pitfall traps; E. Castiglione and F. Manti leg.; MSNB. Paratypes ITALY ��� Calabria Region ��� 1 ♀; Reggio Calabria, Santo Stefano d���Aspromonte, Gambarie; 1300 m a.s.l.; Jun. 1990 ��� Jun. 1991; pitfall traps; G. Buttarelli, E. Ghilardi, P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♀; Reggio Calabria, Santo Stefano d���Aspromonte, between Gambarie and Montalto; 1500 m a.s.l.; Jun. 1990 ��� Jun. 1991; pitfall traps; G. Buttarelli, E. Ghilardi, P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♀; Reggio Calabria, Santo Stefano d���Aspromonte, Ponte Sant���Antonio, Valone di Pilima; 38.1876�� N, 15.8466�� E; 1260 m a.s.l.; 13 Nov. 2013; beechwood, in the litter; E. Castiglione, F. Manti and P. Pantini leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; same locality as for preceding; Nov. 2013 ��� Oct. 2014; pitfall traps; E. Castiglione and F. Manti leg.; MSNB. Comparative material BULGARIA ��� 1 ♂, holotype of C. milleri Deltshev, 1974, 1 ♀, paratype; Eastern Rhodopes, Kartjali town, Karangil Cave, 2 Apr. 1972; Kolev B. leg.; NMNS. Description The available specimens were in a poor condition of preservation; thus, the colouration of the species might be slightly different in life. Male HABITUS. See Fig. 5H. MEASUREMENTS. Total length 2.73���3.01. Carapace 1.14 long, 0.95 wide. PROSOMA. Carapace uniformly yellowish-brown, chelicerae, labium and gnathocoxae of the same colour. Chelicera with stridulatory ridges on the lateral margin. Three teeth at the anterior margin of the fang groove, posterior margin with 4���5 small denticles. Sternum greyish. ABDOMEN. Covered with sparse setae, uniformly greyish with lighter marks barely visible on the dorsal side, distal end with a lighter area. LEGS. Uniformly yellowish-brown. Femur I with 1 prolateral spine. Tibial spine formula:. 2-2-?-? (tibiae III and IV missing). TmI:. 0.46. Leg measurements as follows: I: 1.37 + 0.37 +1.42 +1.31 +0.84 (5.31), II: 1.21 +0.36 +1.25 + 1.19 +0.78 (4.80), III: 1.17 +0.36 +missing, IV: 1.47 + 0.30 +missing. PALP (Figs 5 A���D, 6A���C). Patella with a single thin spine, tibia bearing 3 trichobothria and 3 robust spines. Cymbium with a massive, elongated dorsal hump facing backward. Paracymbium large, with a stocky apophysis facing backward in the proximal part of the lateral margin. Lateral margin of the paracymbium lacking wrinkles or denticles. Radical apophysis long, thin, thread-like, curved downward and outward. Distal radical apophysis, bearing 2 robust teeth. Distal suprategular apophysis with two robust and curved branches, the second branch shorter than the first branch in some specimens, and the same length as the first branch in others. Antero-proximal part of median membrane lacking any teeth. Terminal apophysis ending with a wide, curved and serrated lobe. Embolus curved, narrow at the base and thickening distally, with sharp tip. Female HABITUS. See Fig. 5I. MEASUREMENTS. Total length 2.72���3.33. Carapace 1.25 long, 0.76 wide. PROSOMA AND ABDOMEN. As in male. LEGS. As in male. Leg measurements as follows: I: 1.28 +0.39 +1.26 +1.16 +0.74 (4.84), II: 1.22 + 0.36 + 1.16 + 1.08 + 0.67 (4.49), III: 1.10 + 0.34 + 0.98 + 1.03 + 0.62 (4.08), IV: 1.48 +0.39 + missing. EPIGYNE AND VULVA (Figs 5 E���G, 6D���G). Anterior wall wide, with a round border and two elongated lateral lobes. Basal part of scapus long and strongly protruding ventrally. Distal part of scapus wide and curved. Posterior median plate wide, rectangular, longer than wide. Spermathecae elongated and S-shaped. Copulatory grooves first turning posteriorly and outward before returning to the middle part of the vulva and ending in copulatory openings at the distal part of the scapus. Distribution Endemic to Italy. Known only from the Aspromonte massif, see Fig. 10., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Pantini, Paolo, 2020, Three new species and new records of the genus Centromerus (Araneae, Linyphiidae) from Italy, pp. 1-23 in European Journal of Taxonomy 660 on pages 11-15, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.660, http://zenodo.org/record/3885512, {"references":["Deltshev C. 1974. A new Centromerus from Bulgarian caves (Araneae, Linyphiidae). International Journal of Speleology 6: 81 - 86. https: // doi. org / 10.5038 / 1827 - 806 X. 6.1.2","Dimitrov D. & Deltshev C. 2019. Contribution to the study of the genus Centromerus in Turkey, with the description of a new species of blind spiders (Arachnida, Araneae: Linyphiidae). Revue suisse de Zoologie 126 (2): 261 - 267. https: // doi. org / 10.5281 / zenodo. 3463463"]}

Centromerus cf. paradoxus (Simon, 1884) Figs 7 A���B, 8, 10 For a complete list of references, see WSC (2020). Material examined ITALY ��� Liguria Region ��� 1 ♀; La Spezia, Portovenere, Isola Palmaria; 170 m a.s.l.; 24���28 Apr. 2003; S. Ciocca leg.; MSNB. ��� Umbria Region ��� 2 ♂♂; Perugia, Nocera Umbra, Colle Aprico, Pendici Monte Pennino; 700 m a.s.l.; Jan.���Jun. 1992; pitfall traps; P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 5 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Perugia, San Giustino, near Lama village; 400 m a.s.l.; Jan.���Jun. 1992; pitfall traps; P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Perugia, Sigillo, near the village; 500���550 m a.s.l.; Jan.���Jun. 1991; pitfall traps; P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB ��� 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same locality as for preceding; Jun.���Dec. 1991; P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB. ��� Lazio Region ��� 1 ♂; Roma, Canale Monterano, Regional Natural Reserve of Monterano, Diosilla; 42.1313�� N, 12.0902�� E; 255 m a.s.l.; 15 Jan.���15 Feb. 2008; deciduous forest with black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus); pitfall traps; V. Rizzo and A. Vigna leg.; MSNV ��� 1 ♂; same locality as for preceding; 15 Feb.���14 Mar. 2008; V. Rizzo and A. Vigna leg.; MSNV. ��� Basilicata Region ��� 2 ♂♂; Potenza, Viggianello; 550 m a.s.l.; Jun. 1990 ��� Jun. 1991; pitfall traps; G. Buttarelli, E. Ghilardi, P. Pantini and M. Valle leg.; MSNB. Other material (Centromerus paradoxus (Simon, 1884)) SPAIN ��� Tarragona Province ��� 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Ulldecona, Avenc de les Canals; 28 May 2014; EGA-MZB leg.; MCNB ��� 1 ♀; Torre Espa��ol, Mina Horts n�� 1; 24 Jun. 1998; F. Fadrique leg.; MCNB ��� 1 ♀; Vallclara (Conca de Barber��), Cv. del Mas de la Llana; 11 Mar. 2012; R.S. and J.P. leg.; MCNB. ��� Castell��n Province ��� 3 ♀♀; Xert, Av. Comanegra; 9 Apr. 1993; O. Escol�� leg.; MCNB ��� 1 ♀; Tirig (Alt Maestrat), Cv. de Mas Abad; 15 Dec. 1996; F. Fadrique leg.; MCNB. Comparative material SERBIA ��� ♂, holotype of C. acutidentatus Deltshev, 2002, 1 ♀, paratype; vili. Selacka near Minicevo, Monastery Cave I, at the entrance; 15 Nov. 1997; in leaf litter; RND, OSK, VTT, SBĆ and NBĆ leg.; MHNG. Distribution Western Mediterranean. In Italy widespread along the entire Apennine mountain chain. See Fig. 10. Remarks Records of C. paradoxus have long been considered doubtful for the Italian fauna since Brignoli (1972), thus being omitted in the recent Catalog of the Italian Spiders by Pantini & Isaia (2019). New records from Italy herein reported confirm the presence of a member of the paradoxus species group in the Italian peninsula. The paradoxus species group currently covers a wide distributional area across Europe, with species recorded in the Western Mediterranean (C. paradoxus (Simon, 1884)), Balearic Islands (C. ponsi Lissner, 2016), Carpathian Mountains (C. gentilis Dumitrescu & Georgescu, 1980) and the Balkans (C. acutidentatus Deltshev, 2002 and C. obenbergeri Kratochvil & Miller, 1938) (Nentwig et al. 2020). However, among such species, only minor differences in the diagnostic characters of palp and epigyne can be observed, making their morphological separation tricky. Such interspecific similarities suggest the presence of cryptic species or potential misidentification of one or a few species with a wide distribution and high local intraspecific variability. In light of these facts, a general revision of this species group, possibly including both morphological and molecular analysis, seems necessary to confirm the validity of the current taxonomy. Our specimens from Italy show few morphological differences with congeners such as C. paradoxus and C. acutidentatus, making a specific diagnosis difficult. In our opinion, the differences observed are insufficient to establish a new species. In order to avoid further problems in the already confusing taxonomy of this group, we temporarily attribute the Italian specimens to C. cf. paradoxus, the species which, geographically, is most likely to be present in Italy. Further studies, involving a precise morphological and molecular comparison of all the species of this group, will allow a better identification of the Italian samples., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Pantini, Paolo, 2020, Three new species and new records of the genus Centromerus (Araneae, Linyphiidae) from Italy, pp. 1-23 in European Journal of Taxonomy 660 on pages 15-17, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.660, http://zenodo.org/record/3885512, {"references":["Simon E. 1884. Les arachnides de France. Tome cinquieme, deuxieme et troisieme partie. Roret, Paris, 180 - 885.","Bosmans R. 1986. Etudes sur les Linyphiidae Nord-Africaines IV. Le genre Centromerus Dahl (Araneae: Linyphiidae.). Biologisch Jaarboek Dodonaea 54: 85 - 103.","Brignoli P. M. 1972. Catalogo dei ragni cavernicoli italiani. Quaderni di speleologia, Circolo Speleologico Romano 1: 5 - 211.","Pantini P. & Isaia M. 2019. Araneae. it: the online Catalog of Italian spiders with addenda on other arachnid orders occurring in Italy (Arachnida: Araneae, Opiliones, Palpigradi, Pseudoscorpionida, Scorpiones, Solifugae). Fragmenta Entomologica 51 (2): 127 - 152. https: // doi. org / 10.4081 / fe. 2019.374 Available from www. araneae. it [accessed 14 Feb. 2020].","Nentwig W., Blick T., Gloor D. Hanggi A. & Kropf C. 2020. Spiders of Europe. Version 02.2020. Available from www. araneae. nmbe. ch [accessed 14 Feb. 2020]."]}

Genus Hamus gen. nov. Type species: Hamus bowoensis sp. nov. Etymology. The generic name is derived from the Latin word " hamus " meaning "hook". The term refers to the shape of processes of the terminal apophysis and of the conductor in the nominal species. The gender is masculine. Diagnosis. Several characters diagnose the genus as new in the Nesticidae. For the male, the short paracymbium ending with a hooked process, the apex of the embolus ending in the center of the palpal bulb, the shape of the terminal apophysis with its C-like hooked processes and the distally swollen palpal femur. A long and laminar conductor with a counterclockwise course also occurs in Nescina gen. nov., however Hamus gen. nov. has two strongly sclerotized processes at the base of the conductor while only a single laminar process is present in Nescina gen. nov. (Figs 1B and 3B). This structure, together with the difference of size and all the other diagnostic characters in male palp and epigyne, clearly distinguish the two genera. The tuft of hair present on the femur I of the male is also helpful to separate this genus from all the others. Females have massive spermathecae visible through the tegument and peculiar orientation of the insemination ducts. Distribution. China (Tibet)., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Li, Shu-Qiang, 2015, Three new genera of the family Nesticidae (Arachnida: Araneae) from Tibet and Yunnan, China, pp. 179-190 in Zoological Systematics 40 (2) on page 180, DOI: 10.11865/zs.20150203, http://zenodo.org/record/7176404

Ballarin, Francesco, Li, Shu-Qiang (2015): Three new genera of the family Nesticidae (Arachnida: Araneae) from Tibet and Yunnan, China. Zoological Systematics 40 (2): 179-190, DOI: 10.11865/zs.20150203, URL: http://zoobank.org/7b3cf8c2-4af0-44c3-9048-f927c4ddd4bc

Genus Wraios gen. nov. Type species: Wraios longiembolus sp. nov. Etymology. The generic name is derived from the Greek word "ωραίος - wraios" meaning "lovely, nice", referring to the colorful pattern of the nominal species. The gender is masculine. Diagnosis. The new genus has peculiar characters in the palpal, epigynal and vulval structure that clearly separate it from any other known genus of the family Nesticidae. Distinctive characters in the male are the extremely long and coiled embolus, the general shape of the paracymbium, the conductor and the axe-head shaped tegular apophysis. The wide, trapezoidal epigynal plate of the female, its coiled screw-shaped insemination ducts and the small spermathecae have no close similarities with any other nesticids genus. Distribution. China (Yunnan)., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Li, Shu-Qiang, 2015, Three new genera of the family Nesticidae (Arachnida: Araneae) from Tibet and Yunnan, China, pp. 179-190 in Zoological Systematics 40 (2) on page 189, DOI: 10.11865/zs.20150203, http://zenodo.org/record/7176404

Genus Nescina gen. nov. Type species: Nescina minuta sp. nov. Etymology. The generic name is an arbitrary combination of letters inspired by the word " Nesticus ", the nominal genus of the family Nesticidae. The gender is feminine. Diagnosis. The new genus is diagnosed by the remarkably small size, the elevated cephalic area clearly separate from the prosoma, the flat terminal apophysis with a laminar and a small hook-like processes and by the simple, hooked shape of the paracymbium. The ventrally flat appearance of the palpal bulb also contributes to make the new genus peculiar within the Nesticidae. The general shape of the conductor and its elongated lamina recalls the similar structure present in Hamus gen. nov. although all the other characters clearly identify them as different genera (Figs 1B and 3B). The epigyne appearance and shape of the long, twisted insemination ducts are diagnostic for the female and are unique within the family. Distribution. China (Yunnan)., Published as part of Ballarin, Francesco & Li, Shu-Qiang, 2015, Three new genera of the family Nesticidae (Arachnida: Araneae) from Tibet and Yunnan, China, pp. 179-190 in Zoological Systematics 40 (2) on page 183, DOI: 10.11865/zs.20150203, http://zenodo.org/record/7176404

Draconarius latellai n. sp. Figs 1���12, Type material. Holotype 3 (MSNV) PAKISTAN, Northern Areas [= Gilgit-Baltistan administrative unit], Gilgit Dist., Bagrot Valley, Burche Glacier, 36 ��00' 19.8 ''N 74 �� 32 ' 28.4 ''E, 27.10. 2008 (L. Latella). Paratypes: 2 ���� (MSNV), Northern Areas, Gilgit Dist., Naltar Valley, 36 �� 11 ' 2.4 ''N 74 �� 9 ' 12.7 ''E, 1.11. 2008 (L. Latella, R. Ahmed). Etymology. The specific name is a patronym in honour of the collector of the holotype, Italian coleopterologist Leonardo Latella (Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Verona). Diagnosis. The new species belongs to the D. venustus species group, which encompasses over 25 species (see Wang, 2003) and is most similar to the type species of the genus (D. venustus Ovtchinnikov, 1999). Draconarius venustus and the new species are distinguished from other Draconarius by having the longest insemination duct, which consists of at least seven coils (Figs 11 ���12, 16��� 17); further distinguished from most Draconarius species in having no distinct pattern on carapace or abdomen (Figs 7���8). The new species is distinguished from D. venustus by its round spermatheca (Figs 11���12; elongate in D. venustus Fig. 17), longer patellar apophysis (Fig. 4; compare with Figs 14���15), shorter embolus (Fig. 3; compare with Figs 13���15), and longer tip of cymbium (Fig. 3; compare with Figs 13���15). In addition, the upper part of the conductor is rounded in new species, whereas in D. venustus it is angled (Fig. 14). Of the remaining species described from Central Asia, the new species differs from D. pakistanicus by having longer embolus reaching base of tibia (Figs 1���6; compare with Figs 18���19) and cymbial furrow (Fig. 1; compare with Figs 18���19), and also by having more numerous coils of insemination ducts (over seven in the new species, four in D. pakistanicus); from D. naranensis (known from the male only) by having smaller epigynal teeth terminating over the fovea (large and terminate below fovea D. naranensis) and also by having more coils of the insemination duct (three in D. naranensis; Fig. 23). Differences between D. latellai n. sp. species and three other Central Asian species are summarized in the key. Description. Male. Total length 8.4. Carapace: 4.4 long, 2.9 wide, uniformly coloured. Eyes sizes and distances: AME 0.14, ALE 0.20, PME 0.15, PLE 0.12, AME-AME 0.07, AME-ALE 0.05, PME-PME 0.10, PME- PLE 0.17, AME-PME 0.14. Abdomen 4.1 long, 2.25 wide. Light brown, without distinct pattern on carapace and abdomen (Figs 7���8). Abdomen with distinct heart mark which is darker than other parts of abdomen (Fig. 8). Palp as in Figs 1���5, femur short, its length is about 2 / 3 of cymbial length; patella as long as wide, with long spiniform apophysis (Pa), its length is equal to 2 / 3 of patella length; tibia with small lateral apophysis and with keel like RTA, both apophyses forming kind of furrow; cymbium large, cymbial furrow (Cf) very long, it occupying 88 % of the cymbial length; tegular (=median) apophysis (Ta) large, almost as long as patella; conductor (Co) trilobate as in other congeners; embolus (Em) long and thin, making several coils in different planes. Female. Total length 8.75���9.5. Carapace 3.15���3.35 long, 2.0��� 2.6 wide. Eye sizes and distances: AME 0.08, ALE 0.17, PME 0.14, PLE 0.15, AME-AME 0.05, AME-ALE 0.04, PME-PME 0.10, PME-PLE 0.12, AME-PME 0.10. Abdomen 5.2���5.7 long, 2.95���3.35 wide. Coloration as in male. Epigyne as in Figs 9���12, fovea transverse (wider than high), posterior part with thin sclerotized strip (Ps); teeth (Tt) almost invisible, two conical invaginations (hoods) clearly visible on the internal side of the epigynal plate (Eh); insemination ducts (Id) coiled, they making at least 8 coils; spermatheca round; accessory glands (Ag) thin, placed over insemination ducts. Comments. Draconarius venustus and the new species have the longest insemination ducts in the genus. It seems that long ducts do not correspond to long emboli. Several Draconarius species have an embolus longer than in D. latellai n. sp. (D. venustus, D. longissimus Liu, Li & Pham, 2010), but they have insemination ducts as long as in D. latellai n. sp. or shorter. Distribution. The new species was found in two localities about 50 km apart in northern Kashmir., Published as part of Marusik, Yuri M. & Ballarin, Francesco, 2011, A new species of Draconarius Ovtchinnikov, 1999 (Araneae, Amaurobioidea, Coelotinae) from Northern Pakistan, pp. 27-32 in Zootaxa 2739 on pages 27-31, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.203709, {"references":["Wang, X. P. (2003) Species Revision of the Coelotine Spider Genera Bifidocoelotes, Coronilla, Draconarius, Femoracoelotes, Leptocoelotes, Longicoelotes, Platocoelotes, Spiricoelotes, Tegecoelotes, and Tonsilla (Araneae, Amaurobiidae). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 54, 25, 499 - 662.","Ovtchinnikov, S. V. (1999) On the supraspecific systematics of the subfamily Coelotinae (Araneae, Amaurobiidae) in the former USSR fauna. Tethys Entomological Research, 1, 63 - 80. [in Russian]","Platnick, N. I. (2010) The world spider catalog, version 11.0. American Museum of Natural History, New York. Available from http: // research. amnh. org / iz / spiders / catalog / (accessed 4 September 2010)"]}