(Figs 1182, 1198, 1235–1238)

Material examined. Holotype: ♀, THAILAND , Chiang Rai Province: Chiang Khong District, 780 m, 14 October 1994, leg. P.J. Schwendinger (MHNG). Paratypes: 4♀, same data as holotype (TNHM, MHNG).

Diagnosis. This new species is similar to M. capitulata sp. nov.; it can be separated by the narrower epigynal plate lacking prominent anterior lateral lobes (Figs 1182 cf. 1180) and by the absence of a small tubercle on the apex of the spermathecae (Fig. 1236).

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin noun (rana = frog) alluding to the internal genitalia resembling a tadpole.

Description. Female (holotype). Total length 8.80; prosoma 4.52 long, 3.50 wide. Eye sizes and interdistances: AME 0.28, ALE 0.22, PME 0.22, PLE 0.22, AME–AME 0.20, AME–ALE 0.26, PME–PME 0.24, PME–PLE 0.44; MOQ: 0.62 long, 0.60 anterior width, 0.62 posterior width. Leg measurements: I 16.92 (4.06, 5.30, 4.24, 3.29), II 14.03 (3.54, 4.40, 3.52, 2.54), III 14.10 (3.70, 4.24, 3.78, 2.36), IV 19.48 (4.70, 5.74, 6.08, 2.94).

Coloration (Fig. 1198). Carapace orange -brown. Sternum brown. Legs yellowish, except for coxae I and II whitish. Dorsum of opisthosoma dark sepia, mottled with numerous pale spots. Dorsal pattern: first pair represented by pale round spots; second pair by broad transverse bands; third to fifth pairs by a series of thin transverse bands.

Genitalia (Figs 1182, 1235–1238). Epigynal plate rectangular; anterior median incision V-shaped; posterior margin straight, rebordered. Lateral borders triangular, bluntly pointed. Spermathecae tadpole-like in anterior view, apex strongly curved backwards.

Male. Unknown.

Natural history. Mallinella raniformis sp. nov. was collected from a small remnant patch of evergreen forest at 780 m elevation.

Distribution. Known only from the type locality in northern Thailand.