Selenops curazao Alayon 2001

Selenops curazao Alayón, 2001

Figs 2–3, 8–11, 21–22, 34–35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 52

Selenops curazao Alayón, 2001: 17–20, figs 1–4 (♂, ♀). Crews 2011: 18, figs 3–6 (♂, ♀).

Type material: Holotype (designated by Alayón 2001): male, CarMaBI (Caribbean Marine Biology Institute), Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, September 1963 (MCZ 44835, examined).

Paratype: female, Piscadera Baai building, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, 18–30 December 1962, H. & L. Levi (MCZ 44836, examined).

Other material examined. See Crews (2011).

Diagnosis. Females of Selenops curazao can be differentiated from other members of the S. isopodus group by the sclerotized septum found within the median field of the epigyne (Fig. 21). Such a septum is absent and the median field is weakly sclerotized in the other species of the group (Figs 18, 20, 24, 26–27). The copulatory ducts curve outward laterally, then back inward medially, then out again before curving back on themselves dorsally (Fig. 22). Additionally, when the genitalia is viewed caudally, it is much narrower dorsoventrally than in the other species (Fig. 52). Males of S. curazao can be differentiated from other members of the S. isopodus group by the posteriorly rounded, rather than proximally protruded, tegulum (Fig. 34). Also, the tip of the conductor is angular rather than rectangular (Figs 34, 41, 44, 47, 50).

Description. See Crews (2011).

Distribution. Curaçao, Bonaire (Fig. 60).

Life history and habitat preferences. This species has been collected under wood, rocks, cactus, and other debris on the ground, both near to and away from human dwellings. During the day, it can be found hiding in crevices near the ceiling molding in houses, emerging at night. It is found in dry thornscrub and dry forest (Fig. 57). The female guards the white, flat, disc-shaped egg sac, and lays approximately 25– 50 eggs.