Conapesquius spinifemur (B. Soares, 1945 ), 2025

Carvalho, Rafael N. & Kury, Adriano B., 2025, Further draining of Discocyrtus to expand Neopachylinae (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae): absorption of taxa and establishment of new genera and species, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society (zlae 023) 203 (1), pp. 1-65 : 36-41

Conapesquius spinifemur (B. Soares, 1945) gen. et comb. nov.

( Figs 16–20 )

• Discocyrtus spinifemur B. Soares 1945b: 201 , fig. 5.

Discocyrtus spinifemur —H. Soares 1945: 227; Soares and Soares 1947a: 141, fig. 3; Soares and Soares 1954: 255; Kury 2003: 166.

Type data

Discocyrtus spinifemur : ♂ holotype ( MHNCI 177 !, examined), from BRAZIL, Paraná, Curitiba, Barigui .

Records

BRAZIL: state of Paraná: Curitiba ( Soares and Soares 1947a).

Diagnosis

Conapesquius spinifemur can be distinguished from C. brevifemur , C. heteracanthus , and C. rectipes due to (1) Ch bulla with anterior mesal margin unarmed ( Fig. 17A ); (2) DS gamma type ( Figs 16A , 17A , 18A); (3) DS thickest at area III (as in C. heteracanthus ) ( Figs 16E , 17B , 18B); (4) Fe IV with three outstanding spines on the proximal half (as in C. heteracanthus ) ( Figs 16A , 17A , 18F–G, I); (5) MS A1 on the central part of the VP ( Fig. 19A–C); (6) MS B below MS A3 ( Fig. 19B–C); (7) Ventral process of the glans convex dorsad ( Fig. 19C); (8) Flabellum hand-shaped, provided with three branches with short spines ( Fig. 19D).

Non-type material examined

BRAZIL: state of Paraná: [ Campina Grande do Sul ] : 3 ♂ 12 ♀ 2 juv ( MHNCI 6538 ), Represa Capivari , [-25.177°, -48.997°], 05.vi.1989. Paranaguá : 1 ♂ ( MHNCI 6359 ) PR, Ilha do Mel , [-25.52°, -48.34°], x.1988, Moraes, V. leg .; 1 ♀ ( MHNCI 6324 ), Morro da Baleia , 09.iv.1988, Bedin, S. & Moraes, V. leg. State of Santa Catarina: Florianópolis : 5 ♂ ( MNRJ 2458 )!, [-27.61°, -48.49°], Mata do morro atrás dos prédios APAE, ÚNICA e SESI, 15-17.xii.1999, Giupponi, A. P. L. & Pedroso, D. R. leg. Paulo Lopes : 1 ♂ 1 ♀ ( MZSP 28477 ), [-27.954°, -48.722°], Parque Estadual do Tabuleiro , 10–20.i.2003, Equipe Biota leg. Rancho Queimado : 1 ♀ ( MCN 1292 ), [-27.707°, -49.071°], 15-18.xi.1995, Bonaldo, A. B. leg. São Francisco do Sul: 5 ♀ ( UFMG 10424 ), Centro de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais Vila da Glória , -23.2204°, -48.688°, 12-15.xii.2011, Magalhães, I. L. F. et al. leg .

Distribution (new records with an asterisk)

BRAZIL: state of Paraná: Campina Grande do Sul*, Curitiba, Paranaguá*. State of Santa Catarina: Florianópolis*; Paulo Lopes*, Rancho Queimado*, São Francisco do Sul* ( Fig. 3 ).

Redescription

MHNCI 177! (male holotype) and MHNCI 6538 (male) for the external body illustrations and description ( Figs 16 , 17A–C , 18); DS, measurements: CW 2.9, CL 2.0, AW 6.0, AL 3.2; Leg I–IV measurements in Table 11 ; Right/left tarsal (distitarsal) counts: 6(3)/6(3) - 9(3)/9(3) - 7/7 - 7/7. MNRJ 2458! for genitalic illustrations ( Fig. 19).

Dorsum: DS gamma, as long as wide, with AS lateral margins strongly convex, widest at areas II– III and thickest at area III, with sinuous posterior margin ( Figs 16A , 17A–B , 18A–B). DS anterior margin divided by a small central projection in the centre and a pair of shallow cheliceral sockets ( Fig. 18A). Carapace with a paramedian pair of prominent tubercles, surrounded by ordinary tubercles on lateral and posterior portions ( Figs 17A–B , 18A–B). Ocularium elliptical (in dorsal view), slightly inclined frontwards (in lateral view), high (c. 3× the eye diameter), perpendicularly placed on the proximal portion of the carapace ( Figs 16A, C, E , 17A–B , 18A–C). Ocularium with a pair of parallel spines (c. 1.5× the eye diameter), slightly inclined frontwards (in lateral view) ( Figs 16A, C, E , 17A–B , 18A–C). AS lateral borders with two rows of tubercles: one external, composed of four–five prominent subconical tubercles at scutal areas II–IV; another internal one with ordinary tubercles from the anterior corner of the carapace to the posterior margin ( Figs 17A , 18A). Mesotergum divided into four clearly defined areas ( Figs 16A, E , 17A–B , 18A–B). All scutal areas tuberculate ( Figs 17A–B , 18A–B). Scutal area I divided into left and right halves by a longitudinal median groove ( Figs 16A , 17A , 18A). Scutal area I with three pairs of prominent columnshaped tubercles (the two centralmost c. 3× the ordinary tubercles; the lateralmost 2× the ordinary ones) ( Fig. 18A–B). Scutal area II with two pairs of prominent tubercles (c. 2× the ordinary tubercles) ( Fig. 18A–B). Scutal area II posterior-lateral border embracing the scutal area III ( Figs 16A , 17A , 18A). Scutal area III with a pair of paramedian outstanding subconical spines (c. 10× the ordinary tubercles), with their posterior surroundings covered with prominent tubercles (c. 2× the ordinary tubercles) ( Figs 16A, C–E , 17A–B , 18A–B, D). Scutal area IV central portion with a transversal row of six prominent subconical tubercles (c. 2× the ordinary tubercles) ( Fig. 18A–B). DS posterior margin and free tergites I– III each with a transversal row of prominent tubercles (larger on the central portion) ( Fig. 18A). Anal operculum tuberculate ( Fig. 16B, D ).

Venter: Cx I– III sub-parallel to each other, each with ventral longitudinal rows of 8–12 setiferous tubercles (Cx I rows with higher and sharper tubercles than the others) ( Fig. 16B ). Cx II with a retroventral distal row of five acuminate tubercles. Cx III with a retroventral distal row of 10 acuminate tubercles. Cx IV much larger than the others, directed obliquely ( Figs 16B , 17C ). Intercoxal bridges are well marked ( Figs 16B , 17C ). Stigmatic area Y-inverted-shaped, clearly sunken concerning Cx IV’s distal part ( Figs 16B , 17C ). Cx IV covered by ordinary tubercles. Stigmata are visible ( Figs 16B , 17C ). Free sternites with a transverse row of ordinary tubercles.

Chelicera: Basichelicerite elongate, bulla well-marked ( Figs 16A, C , 18A), with marginal setiferous tubercles—one lateral mesal, three lateral ectal and three anterior-posterior ( Fig. 18A); hand not swollen.

Pedipalps: Tr with two geminated ventral setiferous tubercles. Fe with a ventral basal and a mesal distal setiferous tubercle ( Figs 16B , 17C ). Pa unarmed ( Figs 16E , 17C ). Ti with two rows of spines—four (IiIi) ventro-mesal and five (IiIii) ventro-ectal ( Fig. 16C ). Ta with two rows of spines—three (IIi) or two (Ii) ventro-mesal and four (IiIi) ventro-ectal ( Fig. 16C ).

Legs: All the unmentioned podomeres are unarmed or without relevant armature. Cx I–II dorsal proximal face with anterior and posterior basal apophyses (linked with ozopores); simple ones on Cx I, prominent ones on Cx II (posterior apophysis bifurcated, with the anterior bud larger and swollen). Tr I– III each with several ventral tubercles ( Fig. 16B ). Fe I–II straight ( Figs 16A , 17A ). Fe III sub-straight ( Figs 16A–B , 17A ). Fe and Ti I–II with prodorsal, proventral, retroventral, and retrodorsal rows of small tubercles ( Fig. 16C ). Fe III and Ti III with prodorsal, proventral, retroventral, and retrodorsal rows of ordinary tubercles (Fe III proventral and retroventral tubercles larger than others) ( Fig. 16B ). Fe II– III with an outstanding apical retrodorsal spur ( Figs 16A , 17A–C , 18E). Cx IV reaches the DS posterior margin ( Figs 16A , 17A , 18A). Cx IV tuberculate between prodorsal and ventral faces ( Fig. 18A). Cx IV with a prodorsal conical apophysis (subapically bent to posterior), bearing a small accessory blunt branch on its central posterior third ( Figs 16A–E , 17A–C , 18A–B). Cx IV with a short retrolateral apophysis, fused with a small secondary branch ( Figs 16A–B , 17A , 18A). Tr IV rectangle-shaped (in dorsal view) ( Figs 16A–B, E , 17A–C , 18A). Tr IV central portion with a prominent tubercle on the dorsal and prolateral faces ( Fig. 18A, F–G). Tr IV proximal portion with a conical apophysis on prolateral and retrolateral faces (retrolateral largest) ( Fig. 18A, F). Tr IV distal portion with a transversal apophysis (similar to a hook) on prodorsal and retrodorsal faces, and a subconical prominent tubercle on retrolateral face ( Fig. 18A, F–I). Tr IV tuberculate on ventral face ( Fig. 18G–I). Fe IV sub-straight, arched on the central portion towards retrodorsal face ( Figs 16B–C, E, F–I ). Fe IV dorsal face with six conical spines (IiIiIi) (the four proximal-most bent retrolaterad) and an apical prominent conical tubercle ( Fig. 18F–G, I). Fe IV prodorsal face with seven prominent tubercles ( Fig. 18F–G). Fe IV proventral face with 10 prominent tubercles (the three distalmost acuminated) ( Fig. 18G–H). Fe IV retroventral face with (1) one basalmost prominent subconical tubercle followed by a subconical spine (bent retrolaterad) on the proximal third, (2) a subconical spine on the medial third, and (3) two conical spines on the distal third ( Fig. 18H–I). Fe IV retrolateral face with (1) one prominent subconical tubercle on the proximal third, (2) a subconical spine on the medial third, and (3) two conical spines on the distal third (the basalmost largest) ( Fig. 18F, H–I). Fe IV retrodorsal face with a row of ordinary tubercles and a sizeable apical spur ( Fig. 18F, I). Pa IV dorsally covered by prominent and acuminated tubercles (retrolateral and retrodorsal larger and shaper than others) ( Fig. 18F–I). Pa IV proventral and retroventral faces with rows of four and three spines, respectively ( Fig. 18F–G, I). Ti IV with all faces containing longitudinal rows of spines (proventral, retroventral, and retrolateral larger than others) ( Fig. 18F–I). Mt IV with all faces containing longitudinal rows of small spines. Mt IV with proventral and retroventral apical spurs.

Coloration (in ethanol) ( Fig. 16 ): Carapace and ocularium background Brilliant Greenish Yellow (98). Scutal areas I–IV background and free tergites I– III background Light Greenish Yellow (101). AS lateral margins and the outer half of scutal areas I– II Grayish Greenish Yellow (105). Pair of paramedian spines on scutal area III Moderate Olive (107). Ch background Light Greenish Yellow (101). Pp and legs I– III background Light Yellow Green (119). Cx IV with (1) proximal third Moderate Greenish Yellow (102), (2) central third Strong Yellowish Brown (74), and (3) distal third Dark Grayish Olive (111). Tr IV background Deep Yellow (85). Fe IV with the proximal half background Dark Yellow (88). Fe IV distal half and Tr–Mt IV background Light Yellow Green (119).

Male genitalia: VP slightly divided into a distal half forming a trapezium (widest at the apex) with latero-apical flaps and a proximal half elliptical ( Fig. 19A–B). VP ventral surface entirely covered with microsetae of type 1 ( Fig. 19B–C). All macrosetae cylindrical, inserted on lateral of VP. MS A1–A3 thick and acuminated—A1 on the central portion of the VP, A2 beside A3 on the basal half of VP ( Fig. 19A–C). MS B1 short, inserted ventrally, below A3 ( Fig. 19B–C). MS C1–C3 thick and acuminated, forming a longitudinal row on the distal half of VP ( Fig. 19A–C). MS D1 short, as close to A1 as C3 ( Fig. 19A, C). MS E1–E2 very reduced, located on the laterodistal flange of VP—E1 beside C1, E2 beside C3 ( Fig. 19C). Glans sac arising from the middle bulge on the podium, not extended as a dorsal process ( Fig. 19A, C). Stylus and its ventral process axis fused basally, forming a pedestal above the glans ( Fig. 19C–D). Stylus cylindrical, bent at the distal part (forming a plateau) and armed with a set of ventral subapical spines ( Fig. 19A, C–D). Stylus without any expansion or flattening, in situ reaching the distal margin of VP. Ventral process bent dorsad, as long and thinner than the stylus ( Fig. 19A, C). Flabellum slightly bent ventrad, hand-shaped (with three branches provided by short spines) ( Fig. 19A, C–D).

Female ( MHNCI 6538) ( Figs 17D–F , 20 ): DS, measurements: CW 2.8, CL 2.0, AW 5.2, AL 2.8; Leg I–IV measurements in Table 12 ; Right/left tarsal (distitarsal) counts: 6(3)/6(3) - 8(3)/9(3) - 7/7 - 7/7. DS gamma-pyriform ( Figs 17D , 20B ). Ocularium lower than in males ( Figs 17D–E , 20B ). AS lateral margins less concave than in males ( Figs 17D , 20B ). Scutal area III with a pair of paramedian conical spines (c. 20× the ordinary tubercles) ( Figs 17D–E , 20B ). DS posterior margin and free tergites I– III with a transversal row of outstanding tubercles ( Figs 17D–E , 20B ). Cx IV narrower than males, with the prodorsal distal apophysis reduced to a single spine and without a retrolateral distal apophysis ( Figs 17D, F , 20B ). Tr IV unarmed on prolateral proximal and retrodorsal distal halves ( Figs 17D , 20B–D ). Tr IV prodorsal distal face with two prominent subconical tubercles on the distal third ( Fig. 20B–C ). Tr IV retrolateral distal apophysis forming a 90° angle in relation to the Tr IV longitudinal axis ( Fig. 20B–D ). Fe IV straight ( Fig. 20C–D ). Fe IV with four–five spines on the dorsal face ( Fig. 20C ). Fe IV with a row of spines (iiIiI) on the retrolateral face ( Fig. 20C–D ). Fe IV with a sizeable spur on the prodorsal apical face ( Fig. 20C ). Ti IV (in dorsal view) with tubercles not clearly organized in longitudinal rows ( Fig. 20B ).

Intraspecific variation: Some variations between minor morph males and major morph males were detected: (1) Cx IV prodorsal apophysis less developed and bent to posterior; and (2) Fe-Ti IV thinner, with a smaller and thinner armature. No evident intraspecific variation among the major morph males and among females were detected in the material studied.

Figures

Figure 3. South Brazil, showing distribution of Conapesquius species. Shaded areas in the background are Morrone’s regionalization of the Neotropics (‘provinces’; Morrone et al. 2022): Araucaria Forest province (in light green) and Atlantic province (in dark green).

Figure 16. Conapesquius spinifemur (B. Soares, 1945), ♂ holotype (MHNCI 177)!. A, habitus, dorsal view. B, same, ventral view.C, same, anterior view.D, same, posterior view. E, same, lateral view. Scale bars = 3 mm.

Figure 17. Conapesquius spinifemur (B. Soares, 1945), ♂ (MHNCI 6538). A, habitus, dorsal view. B, same, lateral view. C, same, ventral view. ♀ (same voucher).D, habitus, dorsal view. E, same, lateral view. F, same, ventral view.Scale bars = 5 mm.

Figure 20. Conapesquius spinifemur (B. Soares, 1945), ♀ (MHNCI 6538). A, ocularium, anterior view. B, habitus, dorsal view.C, right trochanter–tibia IV, dorsal view. D, right trochanter–patella IV, ventral view. Scale bars:1 mm (A), 3 mm (B–D).

Tables

Table 11. Leg measurements of Conapesquius spinifemur, ♂ (MHNCI 6538)

	Tr	Fe	Pa	Ti	Mt	Ta	Cl	Total
Pp	0.53	1.04	0.68	1.02	–	0.85	0.68	5.00
Leg I	0.56	2.22	0.83	1.61	2.56	1.63	–	9.41
Leg II	0.75	4.80	1.22	3.20	4.73	3.17	–	17.87
Leg III	0.83	3.39	1.27	2.36	3.58	1.85	–	13.28
Leg IV	1.53	4.27	1.49	3.29	5.31	2.07	–	17.96

Table 12. Leg measurements of Conapesquius spinifemur, ♀ (MHNCI 6538)

	Tr	Fe	Pa	Ti	Mt	Ta	Cl	Total
Pp	0.56	1.48	0.66	1.17	−	0.95	0.90	5.72
Leg I	0.58	1.95	0.73	1.58	2.24	1.22	–	8.30
Leg II	0.73	4.07	1.05	3.10	4.36	2.61	–	15.92
Leg III	0.78	3.02	0.97	2.05	3.22	1.80	–	11.84
Leg IV	1.24	4.00	1.15	2.85	5.02	2.07	–	16.33