Selenops isopodus Mello-Leitao 1941

Selenops isopodus group

The species of the group can be distinguished from other selenopids by their genitalia. The epigyne is characterized by a large median field, and the endogyne consists of long, broad copulatory ducts that posteriorly curve dorsally to the secondary spermathecae, continuing to the primary spermathecae (Figs 19, 22–23, 25, 28–29). Additionally, females have a robust posterodorsal fold which covers most of the primary spermathecae (Figs 19, 22–23, 25, 28–29). The shape of the median field and of the epigynal pockets can vary within species (Figs 24, 27), but there are discrete differences between species. In the male, the cymbium is angular, the RTA has a long, tapering dorsal branch, the tegulum is large, with the embolus arising from it at a somewhat inconspicuous location after the tegulum narrows, the embolus is broad, flat, and slightly twisted, and the spermophor folds inward from the tegulum into the hematodocha (Figs 30–37).