Kochosa obelix sp. nov.

(Figs 18A–E, 19A–E, 20)

Holotype. Male, Stirling Range National Park, N end of South Isongerup Track (34º22'52''S, 118º17'13''E, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA), M. S. Harvey, J. M. Waldock, K. Edward, C. Poustle, 8 April 2004, vehicle vibration (WAM T58303).

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym honouring Obelix, best friend of Astèrix and menhir delivery man (see etymology for K. asterix sp. nov. above).

Other material examined (6 males, 2 females, 8 juveniles). AUSTRALIA: Western Australia: 1 female Crowea, 34º28'S 116º10'E (WAM T62655) ; 1 male, Fitzgerald River National Park, West Mt Barren, north slope, 34º13'S 119º26'E (WAM T69958) ; 1 male, Stirling Range National Park, Bluff Knoll, 34º23'S 118º15'E (WAM T69497) ; 4 males, 1 female, 8 juveniles, Stirling National Park, Bluff Knoll, 34º22'56''S 118º14'55''E (WAM T69498) .

Diagnosis. Males of K. obelix sp. nov. can be separated from other Kochosa gen. nov. species by a thorn-like apophysis on the retrolateral side of the embolic division of the bulb, that can clearly be seen without dissecting this section (Fig. 18C, D). Kochosa tasmaniensis sp. nov. has a similar thorn, but in that species, the thorn points apically (Fig. 25C, E), whereas it points retrolaterally in K. obelix sp. nov. The epigyne of K. obelix sp. nov. is very similar to that of K. westralia sp. nov. In addition to the similar median septum, both species also have raised protuberances laterally of the epigyne (Figs 19C, D, 32C). However, the profile of the median septum is much flatter, i.e., much less raised in K. obelix sp. nov. than that of K. westralia sp. nov. (Figs 19C, D vs 32C) and the spermathecal heads are comparatively larger, with the spermathecal stalks attaching posteriorly, not dorsally (Figs 19E vs 32D).

Description.

Male ( based on holotype, WAM T58303; pedipalp WAM T69958) .

Cephalothorax. Dorsally brown, with wide light median band that is narrowing posteriorly, flanks of cephalic area light; wide light lateral bands; white setae especially dense on margin (Fig 18A). Sternum brown (Fig. 18B).

Abdomen. Dorsally olive-grey; cardiac mark continuous and narrowest posteriorly, there surrounded by dark brown border (Fig. 18A). Venter uniformly dark olive grey (Fig. 18B).

Pedipalps (Fig. 18A–E). Tegular apophysis poorly sclerotised lobe; embolic division almost entirely exposed; embolus stout and short; basoembolic apophysis strongly sclerotised with short and blunt retrolateral tip (Fig. 18E).

Legs. Brown, with indistinct darker annulations, particularly dark femora; spination of leg I: femur: 3 dorsal, 1 apicoprolateral; tibia: 3 ventral pairs, 2 prolateral, 1 retrolateral; metatarsus: 3 ventral pairs, 1 apicoventral, 2 prolateral, 1 apicoprolateral, 1 retrolateral, 1 apicoretrolateral.

Measurements. TL 4.37, CL 2.32, CW 1.82. Eyes: AME 0.10, ALE 0.10, PME 0.23, PLE 0.20. Row of eyes: AE 0.50, PME 0.67, PLE 0.86. Sternum (length/width) 1.14/0.92. Labium (length/width) 0.27/0.34. AL 2.14, AW 1.46. Legs: Length of segments (femur + patella/tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): Pedipalp 0.76+0.88+- +0.85=2.49, I 1.53+1.86+1.31+0.91=5.61; II 1.53+1.78+1.39+0.91=5.61, III 1.45+1.62+1.39+0.91=5.37; IV 1.79 +2.16+2.05+1.16=7.16.

Variation. Size (range, mean ± s.d.): TL 4.37–4.81, 4.54 ± 0.16; CL 2.32–2.68, 2.48 ± 0.12; CW 1.70–1.86, 1.79 ± 0.06, n = 6. Little colour variation was observed in the male specimens of K. obelix sp. nov. with some specimens having a darker abdomen and more distinct cardiac mark than the male illustrated here.

Female (based on WAM T62655; epigyne variation WAM T69498).

Cephalothorax and abdomen. Colouration and setae arrangement generally as male, but dark areas somewhat darker (Fig. 19A, B).

Epigyne: Ventral view: posterior lip formed by two incisions; sclerotised convex protrusions present laterally (Fig. 19C, D); dorsal view: large, subspherical spermathecal heads, spermathecal stalks bent at about 90 degrees, vulval chambers poorly defined in dorsal view (Fig. 19E).

Legs. Brown, with dark annulations; spination of leg I: femur: 2 dorsal, 1 apicoprolateral; tibia: 3 ventral pairs; metatarsus: 3 ventral pairs, 2 prolateral; 1 apicoprolateral; 1 retrolateral; 1 apicoretrolateral.

Measurements. TL 5.08, CL 2.60, CW 1.90. Eyes: 0.10, ALE 0.08, PME 0.27, PLE 0.24. Row of eyes: AE 0.57, PME 0.76, PLE 0.95. Sternum (length/width) 1.17/1.03. Labium (length/width) 0.36/0.38. AL 2.57, AW 1.89. Legs: Length of segments (femur + patella/tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = total length): Pedipalp 0.88+0.88+-+0.76=2.52, I 1.59+1.93+1.28+0.82=5.62, II 1.53+1.90+1.31+0.86=5.60, III 1.53+1.65+1.33+0.86=5.37, IV 1.99+2.30+2.22+ 1.14=7.65.

Variation. The second known female measured (WAM T69498) was slightly larger (TL 5.82, CL 2.90, CW 2.12) than the specimen illustrated here and of similar colouration.

Life history and habitat preferences. Males of K. obelix sp. nov. have been found between March and May and the two females in March and December. This points to a largely autumn-reproductive period. Only one specimen had a habitat description on the collection label, “open (cleared) forest with regrowth”.

Distribution. Kochosa obelix sp. nov. has been found at three locations in the south-west of Western Australian (Fig. 20).