taxonID	type	description	language	source
046A8790FFB2FF94FF497B3A5530F8D0.taxon	discussion	Remarks and supplementary descriptive data: Haddad (2013) provided a detailed description and diagnosis for the genus. The presence of a lobe found on the distal side of the cheliceral paturon in front of the fang base (cheliceral promarginal pronounced mound, CPPM, Fig. 3; also see Ramírez 2014: 53) is a structure reported from the genus for the first time here. A CPPM is found in four of the Messapus species described here, as well as M. natalis, but is absent from M. martini and M. meridionalis sp. n., and may be of phylogenetic significance.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB5FF98FF497ED85720FF33.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype ♀: ZIMBABWE: Harare, Highlands, Walmer drive, 17 ° 49 ' S, 31 ° 05 ' E, leg. M. Cumming, 28. V. 1999 (in tree) (NCA 2014 / 1857). Paratype: Same data as holotype, 1 ♂ (NCA 2014 / 1858).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB5FF98FF497ED85720FF33.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named after the collector of the type specimens, Meg Cumming.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB5FF98FF497ED85720FF33.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Messapus megae sp. n. can be recognised by the females having oblique-oval epigynal ridges that are posterolaterally situated and two spermathecae that are widely separated and anteriorly positioned in the epigyne (Figs 32, 41). Males have a very distinctive palp, with a long embolus originating prolaterally, curving distally and ending medially along the retrolateral margin of the tegulum. They also possess a characteristic very fine, weakly sclerotised prolateral conductor, and a very long narrow RTA (Figs 37, 43).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB5FF98FF497ED85720FF33.taxon	description	Female (holotype, Harare, NCA 2014 / 1857). Measurements: CL 2.85, CW 2.65, AL 4.45, AW 2.85, TL 7.10, FL 0.25, SL 1.45, SW 1.69, CH 0.08, AME – AME 0.10, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.56, PME – PME 0.15, PME – PLE 0.14, PLE – PLE 0.76, PERW 0.98, MOQAW 0.52, MOQPW 0.51, MOQL 0.54. Length of leg segments (sequence from femur to tarsus, and total): I 2.75 + 1.25 + 2.05 + 1.92 + 1.17 = 9.14; II 2.55 + 1.10 + 1.80 + 1.78 + 1.05 = 8.28; III 2.50 + 1.00 + 1.75 + 2.08 + 1.15 = 8.48; IV 2.90 + 1.10 + 2.30 + 2.50 + 1.20 = 10.00. General appearance as in Fig. 4. Carapace yellow-brown, paler laterally, with broad mediolateral black markings, black marking in front of fovea; markings covered in black FS, silver-white FS between them. All eyes surrounded by black rings; clypeus height equal to distance 0.37 times AME diameter; AER slightly procurved; AME larger than ALE; AME separated by distance 0.44 times their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance 0.15 times AME diameter; PER slightly procurved; PME slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by distance 0.86 times their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance 0.82 times PME diameter. Chelicerae orange-brown with black mottled markings, with dark brown setae on paturon; CPPM present; promargin with three teeth, median tooth largest, slightly larger than proximal tooth, distal tooth tiny, median and distal teeth closest together; retromargin with four teeth, proximal largest, separate from remaining teeth that are adjacent, decreasing in size distally. Endites creamy-brown, cream distally; serrula distinct; labium yellow-brown, cream distally; sternum shield-shaped, broader than long, cream, with scattered straight brown setae. Legs creamy-yellow, distal segments slightly darker; markings covered in black FS; femora with broad black band at 2 / 3 their length, scattered small black spots in proximal half; patellae with lateral black marking, proximal median stripe; tibiae with broad median black band; metatarsi with proximal black band, faint narrow distal ring; tarsi without markings. Leg spination: femora: I pl 1 do 3, II pl 2 do 2 rl 1, III pl 2 do 1 rl 2, IV do 1 rl 1; tibiae: I plv 2 rlv 1, II and III spineless, IV plv 1; metatarsi: I plv 2 rlv 2 vt 2, II spineless, III vt 2, IV vt 2. Palpal spination: femora: pl 1 do 2; patellae: do 1; tibiae: pl 3 plv 2. Abdomen cream dorsally and laterally, with black patches anteriorly and chevrons in posterior half; markings covered in black FS, silver-white FS between them; venter cream, covered in short straight brown setae and cream FS. Epigyne with slightly separated posterolaterally situated oblique-oval epigynal ridges (Figs 32, 41); copulatory openings entering spermathecae posteromedially; spermathecae widely separated and positioned anterolaterally in epigyne (Fig. 42). Male (paratype, Harare, NCA 2014 / 1858). Measurements: CL 2.79, CW 2.43, AL 4.30, AW 2.40, TL 7.05, FL 0.11, SL 1.37, SW 1.49, CH 0.11, AME – AME 0.13, AME – ALE 0.02, ALE – ALE 0.49, PME – PME 0.13, PME – PLE 0.09, PLE – PLE 0.63, PERW 0.87, MOQAW 0.50, MOQPW 0.47, MOQL 0.54. Length of leg segments (sequence from femur to tarsus, and total): I 2.92 + 1.10 + 2.28 + 2.55 + 1.35 = 10.20; II 2.60 + 1.00 + 1.90 + 1.85 + 1.20 = 8.55; III 2.55 + 1.02 + 1.92 + 2.10 + 1.25 = 8.84; IV 2.85 + 1.10 + 2.30 + 2.50 + 1.35 = 10.10. General appearance as in Fig. 5; colouration, markings and cheliceral morphology as for female, except male slightly darker. Clypeus height equal to distance 0.48 times AME diameter; AER slightly procurved; AME larger than ALE; AME separated by distance 0.34 times their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance 0.10 times AME diameter; PER slightly procurved; PME very slightly smaller than PLE; PME separated by distance 0.57 times their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance 0.38 times PME diameter. Leg spination: femora: I pl 1 do 2, II pl 1 do 2, III pl 2 do 1 rl 2, IV pl 1 do 1; tibiae: I plv 2 rlv 1, II spineless, III plv 1, IV plv 1; metatarsi: I plv 2 rlv 2 vt 2, II spineless, III vt 2, IV vt 2. Palpal spination: femora: pl 1 do 1; patellae: pl 1; tibiae: pl 1 plv 1. Abdomen with yellow-brown anterior scutum extending abdomen length. Palps yellow-brown, embolus long, originating prolaterally, curving distally in broad arc, ending medially along retrolateral margin of tegulum, distal end forming a loop; conductor very fine, weakly sclerotised, situated prolaterally at embolus base, extending approximately 1 / 3 of embolus length (Figs 37, 43); RTA very long and narrow, slightly curved in retrolateral view (Figs 38, 44).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB5FF98FF497ED85720FF33.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 55).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF98FF497B135720F98E.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype ♀: SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Samango waterfall trail, 30 ° 42.612 ' S, 30 ° 16.182 ' E, leg. C. Haddad, 200 m a. s. l., 13. I. 2011 (canopy fogging) (NCA 2014 / 1856).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF98FF497B135720F98E.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From Latin for southern (meridionalis), referring to its distribution as the southernmost species in the genus.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF98FF497B135720F98E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Similar to females of M. martini, females of M. meridionalis sp. n. possess horse-shoe shaped epigynal ridges and copulatory openings that are situated anteriorly. Medially, the epigynal ridges of M. martini extend half the length of the epigyne (Haddad 2013: fig. 34), while those of M. meridionalis sp. n. extend to the posterior margin (Fig. 45). The spermathecae of M. martini are oblique (Haddad 2013: fig. 35), while those of M. meridionalis sp. n. are longitudinal (Fig. 46). Male unknown.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF98FF497B135720F98E.taxon	description	Female (holotype, Oribi Gorge, NCA 2014 / 1856). Measurements: CL 3.85, CW 3.30, AL 4.40, AW 2.30, TL 8.40, FL 0.35, SL 1.70, SW 1.90, CH 0.13, AME – AME 0.14, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.73, PME – PME 0.23, PME – PLE 0.21, PLE – PLE 1.03, PERW 1.32, MOQAW 0.68, MOQPW 0.67, MOQL 0.76. Length of leg segments (sequence from femur to tarsus, and total): I 3.30 + 1.60 + 2.20 + 2.45 + 1.55 = 11.10; II 2.80 + 1.45 + 2.25 + 2.45 + 1.50 = 10.45; III 3.30 + 1.35 + 2.50 + 3.10 + 1.50 = 11.75; IV missing. General appearance as in Fig. 6. Carapace yellow medially, with light brown markings with black FS mediolaterally, creamy-yellow laterally; eye region generally black, cream between posterior eyes. All eyes surrounded by black rings; clypeus height equal to distance 0.44 times AME diameter; AER slightly procurved; AME larger than ALE; AME separated by distance slightly less than half their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance 0.11 times AME diameter; PER slightly procurved; PME slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by distance equal to their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance 0.87 times PME diameter. Chelicerae orange-brown, with dark brown setae on paturon; CPPM absent; promargin with three teeth, median largest, distal smallest; median and distal teeth adjacent, median and proximal teeth widely separated; retromargin with two widely separated teeth, distal tooth slightly larger. Endites and labium creamy-yellow, paler distally; endites with distinct serrula; sternum shield-shaped, broader than long, with scattered light brown setae. Legs cream, with faint mottled markings comprising black FS from femora to metatarsi. Leg spination (leg IV missing): femora: I pl 2 do 3, II pl 1 - 2 do 3 rl 0 - 1, III pl 2 - 3 do 3 rl 1 - 2; tibiae: I pl 0 - 1 plv 3 rlv 3, II pl 2 plv 2 rlv 3, III pl 2 do 2 rl 2 plv 2 rlv 2 vt 2; metatarsi: I plv 2 rlv 2 vt 2, II pl 1 plv 2 rlv 2 vt 2, III pl 1 plv 2 rlv 2 vt 3. Palpal spination: femora: pl 1 do 2; patellae: pl 1 do 1; tibiae: pl 1 plv 3; tarsi: pl 1 plv 1. Abdomen cream dorsally, densely covered in dark grey FS, sparser medially in anterior half; venter cream, with less dense FS and scattered short straight setae. Epigyne with horse-shoe shaped epigynal ridges, with median ridge extending to posterior; copulatory openings situated anteriorly in epigynal ridges (Figs 33, 45); spermathecae fused medially, longitudinal, with broad lateral lobes (Fig. 46).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF98FF497B135720F98E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 55).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF99FF497CDF5720FB93.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype ♀: GUINEA: Mt Nimba, Gba Valley, 07 ° 42 ' N, 08 ° 24 ' W, leg. D. van den Spiegel & A. Henrard, 11. X. 2011 (beating, primary gallery forest, litter in trees and shrubs) (MRAC 238097).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF99FF497CDF5720FB93.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From Latin seiugatus (separated), referring to its isolated distribution from all of the other Messapus species, in far West Africa.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF99FF497CDF5720FB93.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Messapus seiugatus sp. n. females are recognised by their nearly spherical spermathecae and small curved epigynal ridges (Figs 34, 47, 48). The epigynal ridges of M. seiugatus sp. n. are small and curved inwards, while those of M. tropicus sp. n. are larger and curved outwards (compare Figs 47 and 51). Male unknown.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF99FF497CDF5720FB93.taxon	description	Female (holotype, Mt Nimba, MRAC 238097). Measurements: CL 4.25, CW 3.60, AL 4.95, AW 3.55, TL 9.25, FL 0.45, SL 1.93, SW 2.14, CH 0.14, AME – AME 0.13, AME – ALE 0.02, ALE – ALE 0.68, PME – PME 0.22, PME – PLE 0.16, PLE – PLE 0.94, PERW 1.30, MOQAW 0.67, MOQPW 0.70, MOQL 0.73. Length of leg segments (sequence from femur to tarsus, and total): I 4.75 + 1.90 + 3.75 + 3.65 + 2.00 = 16.05; II 4.40 + 1.70 + 3.20 + 3.40 + 1.85 = 14.55; III 4.40 + 1.60 + 3.10 + 3.62 + 1.93 = 14.65; IV 5.12 + 1.76 + 3.90 + 4.75 + 2.05 = 17.58. General appearance as in Fig. 7. Carapace creamy-yellow, with dark brown mediolateral markings, median line in front of and surrounding fovea, mottled spots behind PER, small brown spots laterally between coxal pairs; eye region black, with silver-white FS between median eyes, also between carapace markings; markings covered in black FS. All eyes surrounded by black rings; clypeus height approximately half AME diameter; AER procurved; AME larger than ALE; AME separated by distance 0.44 times their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance 0.08 times AME diameter; PER slightly procurved; PME subequal to PLE; PME separated by distance 0.90 times their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance 0.65 times PME diameter. Chelicerae orangebrown; CPPM present; promargin with three slightly separated teeth, proximal tooth largest, distal tooth smallest; retromargin with six closely spaced teeth, proximal largest, remaining teeth decreasing in size distally. Endites and labium yellow-brown, cream distally; endites with distinct serrula; sternum shield-shaped, slightly broader than long, creamy-orange, with black median marking anteriorly. Legs with femora to tibiae cream, metatarsi and tarsi yellow-brown, with scattered short straight brown setae; black markings covered in black FS; femora with band at 2 / 3 their length and narrow distal black ring dorsally; patellae with dense black mottling proximally, distally and laterally; tibiae and metatarsi with broad median band; tarsi without markings. Leg spination: femora: I pl 1 do 3, II pl 2 do 3 rl 1, III pl 1 do 3 rl 2, IV do 3 rl 1; tibiae: I plv 2 rlv 2 vt 2, II rlv 2 vt 2, III plv 1 rlv 2 vt 2, IV plv 2 vt 2; metatarsi: I plv 2 rlv 2 vt 3, II plv 2 rlv 2 vt 2, III plv 1 rlv 2 vt 3, IV plv 1 rlv 1 vt 3. Palpal spination: femora: pl 1 do 2; patellae: do 1 pl 1; tibiae: pl 1 plv 1; tarsi: plv 1. Abdomen creamy-grey dorsally, laterally and ventrally, with mottled markings; dorsum with sparse short straight setae, very dense ventrally; markings covered in black FS, with creamy-yellow FS between them. Epigyne with small ridges medially, curved inwards; copulatory openings situated anteriorly in ridges (Figs 34, 47); spermathecae nearly spherical, anteriorly situated (Fig. 48).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFB8FF99FF497CDF5720FB93.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 55).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9AFF497AC5501DF95C.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype ♀: NAMIBIA: Caprivi strip, 34 km East of Divungu, 18 ° 02.944 ' S, 21 ° 54.611 ' E, leg. C. Haddad, 30. XI. 2006 (under bark) (NCA 2007 / 916). Paratypes: BOTSWANA: Okavango Delta, Near Shakawe, Lesideng Research Camp, 18 ° 25.822 ' S, 21 ° 53.771 ' E, leg. L. van As, XII. 2008 (in house), 1 ♀ (NCA 2014 / 1774); Same locality, leg. C. Haddad, 26 – 29. XI. 2006 (night collecting), 1 ♀ (NCA 2014 / 1775); Same locality, leg. C. Haddad, 11. XII. 2006 (pitfall traps, riverine forest), 1 ♀ (NCA 2014 / 1775).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9AFF497AC5501DF95C.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species name is taken from the Latin tigris (tiger), for the conspicuous bands on the legs.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9AFF497AC5501DF95C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Females are easily recognized by the broad epigyne with two oblique incomplete oval ridges directed posterolaterally, which differs from M. megae sp. n. and M. natalis, in which they are orientated anterolaterally. Males unknown.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9AFF497AC5501DF95C.taxon	description	Female (holotype, Caprivi Strip, NCA 2007 / 916). Measurements: CL 3.78, CW 3.20, AL 5.75, AW 4.10, TL 9.90, FL 0.45, SL 1.90, SW 1.95, CH 0.15, AME – AME 0.14, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.67, PME – PME 0.26, PME – PLE 0.17, PLE – PLE 0.96, PERW 1.25, MOQAW 0.62, MOQPW 0.66, MOQL 0.68. Length of leg segments (sequence from femur to tarsus, and total): I 3.39 + 1.75 + 2.65 + 2.43 + 1.25 = 11.47; II 2.98 + 1.50 + 2.16 + 2.23 + 1.15 = 10.02; III 2.75 + 1.35 + 2.05 + 2.40 + 1.05 = 9.60; IV 4.00 + 1.60 + 3.25 + 3.80 + 1.35 = 14.00. General appearance as in Figs 1, 2, 8. Carapace orange-brown medially, yellow-brown laterally, with broad black median stripe, absent along midline behind PER, around fovea to posterior margin; narrow pale oblique streak behind PLE; black lateral spots at coxae I – III; markings covered with black SSB, area between median eyes and areas without markings covered in silver-white SSB. All eyes surrounded by black rings; clypeus height equal to distance 0.63 times AME diameter; AER slightly procurved; AME slightly larger than ALE; AME separated by distance 0.60 times their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance 0.13 times AME diameter; PER slightly procurved; PME slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by distance 1.18 times their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance 0.79 times PME diameter. Chelicerae deep orange-brown, with several longitudinal black streaks; long black setae on paturon; CPPM present; promargin with three teeth, proximal tooth largest, distal tooth smallest; retromargin with five teeth, proximal tooth large, slightly separated from second tooth, remaining teeth smaller and adjacent, decreasing slightly in size distally. Endites yellow-brown, cream distally, with distinct serrula; labium slightly broader than long, yellow-brown, yellow distally; sternum shield-shaped, broader than long, cream-yellow, darker around margins, without markings, with scattered short straight setae. Legs creamyyellow, with black markings comprising SSB; femora with broad black band in distal half, small black mottled markings in proximal half; patellae with black band in proximal two-thirds; tibiae and metatarsi with broad black band, absent at proximal and distal ends; tarsi black with orange tips. Leg spination: femora: I pl 1 do 2, II pl 1 do 2, III pl 2 do 3 rl 2, IV do 1 - 3 rl 1 - 2; tibiae: I plv 3 rlv 3, II spineless, III pl 2 rl 2 plv 2 rlv 1 vt 2, IV pl 2 rl 2 plv 2 vt 2; metatarsi: I plv 2 rlv 2 vt 3, II plv 2 rlv 2 vt 2, III pl 1 rl 1 plv 1 rlv 2 vt 3, IV pl 1 rl 2 plv 2 rlv 2 vt 3. Palpal spination: femora: pl 1 do 2; patellae: pl 1 spine do 2 thickened setae; tibiae: pl 3; tarsi: pl 1 plv 1. Dorsum and sides of abdomen covered in black SSB, with scattered tiny patches of cream SSB; venter creamy-grey, covered in creamy-brown SSB and scattered short straight brown setae, with scattered small patches of black SSB. Epigyne broad, with two oblique oval ridges directed anterolaterally, with copulatory openings in anterior corner of ridges (Figs 35, 49); ST massive, suboval, situated laterally, with small anterior lobe (Fig. 50).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9AFF497AC5501DF95C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from two localities in Botswana and Namibia (Fig. 55).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9DFF497CB85795FD3B.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype ♀: D. R. CONGO: Mayombe, Bas-Congo, Luki Forest Reserve, 05 ° 37 ' S, 13 ° 05 ' E, leg. D. de Bakker & J. P. Michiels, 16. IX. 2007 (beating near fogging site 3) (MRAC 223134). Paratype: D. R. CONGO: Masako, 00 ° 35 ' N, 25 ° 11 ' E, leg. J. Juakaly, 20. VII. 2001 (old secondary rainforest), 1 ♂ (MRAC 211889).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9DFF497CB85795FD3B.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From Latin tropicus (tropical), referring to its equatorial distribution.	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9DFF497CB85795FD3B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Messapus tropicus sp. n. females are recognised by the outward-curved epigynal ridges and the spermathecae with large, posteriorly directed lateral lobes (Figs 36, 51, 52). The embolus of male Messapus tropicus sp. n. is somewhat similar to that of M. martini, but the species can be separated by the very different structures of the RTA (compare Figs 39, 40, 53, 54 with Haddad 2013: figs 37, 38).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9DFF497CB85795FD3B.taxon	description	Female (holotype, Mayombe, MRAC 223134). Measurements: CL 3.65, CW 3.21, AL 5.93, AW 4.05, TL 9.60, FL 0.40, SL 1.69, SW 1.71, CH 0.10, AME – AME 0.14, AME – ALE 0.04, ALE – ALE 0.71, PME – PME 0.22, PME – PLE 0.19, PLE – PLE 1.02, PERW 1.29, MOQAW 0.63, MOQPW 0.65, MOQL 0.66. Length of leg segments (sequence from femur to tarsus, and total): I 3.85 + 1.50 + 2.98 + 2.85 + 1.65 = 12.83; II 3.55 + 1.45 + 2.60 + 2.60 + 1.55 = 11.75; III 3.50 + 1.30 + 2.50 + 2.90 + 1.60 = 11.80; IV 4.30 + 1.46 + 3.23 + 3.75 + 1.70 = 14.44. General appearance as in Fig. 9. Carapace yellow-brown, with mediolateral black markings, more prominent in posterior half of carapace, mottled dark spots behind PER, narrow line medially in front of fovea, black lateral spots between coxal pairs; markings covered in black feathery setae, cream feathery setae on rest of carapace. All eyes surrounded by black rings; clypeus height equal to distance 0.42 times AME diameter; AER slightly procurved; AME slightly larger than ALE; AME separated by distance 0.60 times their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance 0.15 times AME diameter; PER slightly procurved; PME very slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by distance equal to their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance 0.86 times PME diameter. Chelicerae orange-brown, with dark-brown setae on paturon; CPPM present; promargin with three teeth, proximal largest, distal smallest, median and distal adjacent, proximal and median slightly separated; retromargin with six teeth, decreasing in size from proximal to distal. Endites yellow-brown, cream prolaterally and distally, with scattered setae; serrula distinct; labium yellow-brown, cream distally. Sternum shield-shaped, broader than long, with black median marking anteriorly and scattered erect setae. Legs yellow, with scattered short straight brown setae, black markings covered in black feathery setae; femora with band at 2 / 3 their length and narrow distal black ring dorsally; patellae with weak black mottling proximally, distally and laterally; tibiae and metatarsi with broad median band; tarsi yellow-brown. Leg spination: femora: I pl 1 do 2, II pl 1 do 2 rl 1, III pl 1 do 3 rl 2, IV do 3 rl 1; tibiae: I plv 2 rlv 2, II plv 2 rlv 2, III plv 2, IV plv 2 rlv 1; metatarsus: I plv 2 rlv 2 vt 2, II rlv 2 vt 3, III plv 1 rlv 2 vt 3, IV plv 2 rlv 1 vt 3. Palpal spination: femora: pl 1 do 2; patellae: pl 1; tibiae: pl 2 plv 1; tarsi: plv 1. Abdomen dorsum creamy-grey, with mottled black patches anteriorly, faint chevron markings medially in posterior half, scattered mottled patches laterally; markings with black feathery setae, cream feathery setae between them; venter creamy-grey, with scattered brown straight setae and cream feathery setae. Epigyne with sclerotised epigynal ridges situated medially, curving outwards, with CO posteriorly in ridges (Figs 36, 51); ST with lateral lobes directed posteriorly (Fig. 52). Male (paratype, Masako, MRAC 211889). Measurements: CL 3.45, CW 3.05, AL 4.25, AW 2.40, TL 7.35, FL 0.38, SL 1.63, SW 1.75, CH 0.15, AME – AME 0.14, AME – ALE 0.03, ALE – ALE 0.76, PME – PME 0.19, PME – PLE 0.13, PLE – PLE 0.92, PERW 1.25, MOQAW 0.62, MOQPW 0.61, MOQL 0.68. Length of leg segments (sequence from femur to tarsus, and total): I 4.30 + 1.65 + 3.45 + 3.32 + 1.95 = 14.67; II 3.80 + 1.42 + 2.85 + 3.03 + 1.83 = 12.93; III 3.85 + 1.35 + 2.80 + 3.25 + 1.90 = 13.15; IV 4.55 + 1.48 + 3.38 + 4.10 + 2.05 = 15.56. General appearance as in Fig. 10; colouration, markings and cheliceral morphology as for female, except markings darker and bolder, especially on legs. Clypeus height equal to 0.58 AME diameter; AER slightly procurved; AME larger than ALE; AME separated by distance equal to 0.56 times their diameter; AME separated from ALE by distance 0.13 times AME diameter; PER slightly procurved; PME very slightly larger than PLE; PME separated by distance 0.86 times their diameter; PME separated from PLE by distance 0.57 times PME diameter. Leg spination: femora: I pl 1 do 2, II pl 1 do 2, III pl 1 do 3 rl 2, IV do 3 rl 1; tibiae: I plv 3 rlv 2, II rlv 2, III plv 2 rlv 2, IV plv 2 vt 2; metatarsus: I plv 2 rlv 2 vt 3, II rlv 2 vt 3, III plv 2 rlv 2 vt 3, IV plv 2 rlv 1 vt 3. Palpal spination: femora pl 1 do 2, patellae pl 1, tibiae plv 1. Male palp light yellow, tibia with two small teeth-like ventral apophyses and larger, slightly curved triangular retrolateral apophysis; embolus originating prolaterally distally, curved and flattened; conductor absent (Figs 39, 40, 53, 54).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
046A8790FFBAFF9DFF497CB85795FD3B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from two localities in D. R. Congo (Fig. 55).	en	Haddad, Charles R., Mbo, Zingisile (2015): Five new species of the Afrotropical dark sac spider genus Messapus Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Corinnidae). Zootaxa 4057 (3): 385-398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4057.3.5
