Figs 1e, 4d, 5, 70–72, 95b
Meriola rahue Platnick & Ewing, 1995: 35, figs 92–96 (male holotype and female allotype from 16 km from Rahue on Rt. 46, Neuquén, Argentina, in AMNH, not examined).
Diagnosis. Males (Figs 71, 72) can be recognized by the RTA in a dorsal position, which is curved ventrally. Females are distinguished by the epigyne with a small, triangular anterior hood and oval secondary spermathecae with relatively long stalks (Fig. 70h; Platnick & Ewing 1995: figs 95, 96).
Description. Male and female described by Platnick & Ewing (1995).
Natural history and habitat. The specimens were found between 800–1500 m altitude, in forests of Nothofagus dombeyi (coihue), N. antarctica (ñire) and Chusquea (caña colihue) or under rocks. Many specimens were collected by pitfall traps.
Distribution. Known from Neuquén and Río Negro provinces in Argentina and Osorno province in Chile (Fig. 95b).
New records. ARGENTINA: Neuquén: Lácar: Parque Nacional Lanín, Lago Queñi, S 40.159353°, W 71.709362°, 15.II.1996, M. Ramírez, 1 male (MACN-Ar 16335). Los Lagos: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Cerro La Mona (M4S6E06), S 40.57163°, W 71.69777°, elev. 1300 m, I.2006, pitfall traps, V. Werenkraut, 1 male (MACN-Ar 20503). Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Cerro La Mona (M4S8M06), S 40.57575°, W 71.69948°, elev. 1095 m, III.2006, pitfall traps, V. Werenkraut, 1 male (MACN-Ar 20276). RP 65, pasando Arroyo Pedregoso (LT352E5), S 40.62246°, W 71.59593°, elev. 852 m, I.2005, forest of Nothofagus dombeyi (coihue), N. antarctica (ñire) and Chusquea (caña colihue), pitfall traps, P. Sackmann, 2 males (MACN-Ar 16339). Zapala: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Pelado (M2S6E05), S 40.93134°, W 71.33495°, elev. 1318 m, I.2005, pitfall traps, V. Werenkraut, 1 male, temporary preparations MGM-00113–00114, MGM-00116–00117 (MACN-Ar 21642). Río Negro: Bariloche: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Tronador, S 41.171787°, W 71.872928°, 23.XII.2014, under rocks, A. Porta, 1 female, sample MGM-00424, MGM-00493 (MACN-Ar 33092). Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Challhuaco (M5S4M06), S 41.24917°, W 71.28273°, elev. 1203 m, III.2006, pitfall traps, V. Werenkraut, 1 male, MGM-00494–00495 (MACN-Ar 20251). Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Challhuaco (M5S4M05), S 41.24917°, W 71.28273°, elev. 1203 m, III.2005, pitfall traps, V. Werenkraut, 1 male, temporary preparations MGM- 00122, MGM-00125–00127 (MACN-Ar 21964). Pasando Paso Cretón, poco antes de Pampa Linda (LT552E5), S 41.24963°, W 71.74312°, elev. 874 m, I.2005, forest of Nothofagus antarctica (ñire), pitfall traps, P. Sackmann, 1 female, 2 males, temporary preparations MGM-00118–00121, MGM-00123–00124 (MACN-Ar 16338). Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Challhuaco (M5S7E05), S 41.26248°, W 71.29703°, elev. 1509 m, I.2006, pitfall traps, V. Werenkraut, 1 male (MACN-Ar 21774). CHILE: Región X de Los Ríos: Provincia de Osorno: Parque Nacional Puyehue, Antillaca, S 40.775000°, W 72.191667°, elev. 1050–1350 m, 30.XII.2000, alpine meadow, pitfall traps, K. Miller, I. Agnarsson, F. Álvarez, J. Coddington & G. Hormiga, 1 female (NMNH 01561).