Pholcus domingo Huber

Pholcus domingo species group

Diagnosis

The two species included in this group are medium-sized, long-legged spiders (body length ~4.5, male leg 1 length:~35–40), distinguished from similar P. kerinci group by bipartite appendix (sclerotized retrolateral and whitish prolateral part; Figs 140, 150, 157), by shape of procursus (presence of dorsal process; absence of distal spine-like process; Figs 141, 158), and by dorsal trichobothrium of male palpal tibia in ‘usual’ position (i.e., at ~45% of tibia length, versus 55–60% in P. kerinci group); from other species groups in Pholcus by combination of the following characters: elongate abdomen angular dorso-posteriorly (Fig. 139); eight eyes; male chelicerae almost unmodified (indistinct lateral humps proximally; Fig. 142); male genital bulb without uncus; epigynum weakly sclerotized, with numerous transversal folds (Figs 143, 156, 159).

Description

See individual descriptions of the two very similar species below.

Composition

Only the two species described below.

Natural history

Both species were found on the undersides of live leaves where they built very fine webs tightly attached to the leaf surface. For further information, see description of P. domingo Huber sp. nov. below.

Distribution

The P. domingo group is restricted to Mindanao (Fig. 1).