Ambohima sublima Griswold 1990
Creators: name: Griswold, Charles E.
name: Wood, Hannah Marie
name: Carmichael, Anthea D.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2012
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Arachnida
Araneae
Phyxelididae
Ambohima
Ambohima sublima

description: AMBOHIMA SUBLIMA GRISWOLD 1990   
(FIGS 1,2A, B, 3B, 6E, F, 13A–C, 30A–F, 32A–F, 40A–I, 42M–O, 43A–F, 46A, 48D–F, 52A–D, 53A–D, 57)  
 Ambohima sublima Griswold 1990: 128; Platnick 2011.   
 Types: Holotype male and paratype female from Ambohimanga Village (18°44′S, 47°34′E), Tananarive District, Madagascar (Dec. 1959; R. Legendre), deposited in MNHN, examined.   
 Diagnosis: Male with palp as in Figure 13A–C, embolic base with a raised, distal cone, cymbium large, length typically greater than 0.75 times carapace length (Figs 3B, 6E, F), palpal tibial prolateral hook long, narrow; distinguished from A. maizina by having the abdomen dorsally with chevron or herringbone pattern (Figs 1, 3B, 6E, F) and legs more spinose, with spines on all leg femora. Some A. sublima males from Ranomafana have short cymbia, i.e. length 0.71 of carapace length: these may be distinguished from males of A. vato sp. nov. by the much longer legs, femur I length greater than 3.0 times carapace length (Fig. 2B). Female epigynum as in Figures 32A, D and 40B, vulva as in Figures 32B, E and 40C–I, spermathecal base with longitudinal, bilobed chamber, anteriorly with four or more coils.   
 Male (Ambohimanga, CASENT9016200): Total length 3.75 + 3.90 + 1.65 = [14.60]; IV: 5.75 + 1.10 + 5.50 + 6.00. Markings as in Figure 6E. Carapace 2.70 long, 5.75 + 2.10 = [20.20]; palp: 1.90 + 0.65 + 0.65 + 2.25 wide, margin entire; thoracic fovea broad, deep, (absent) + 2.60 = [5.80]. Palpus as in Figure 13A–C, narrowed posteriorly, length 0.22 times that of femur with row of five slender, anterobasal setae set carapace; clypeus 0.18 high; ocular area 0.36 in enlarged bases, distal two short, stout, thorn-like; long, 0.82 wide; ratio of eyes AM/AL/PM/PL, tibia with dorsal process (DTA) broad, blade-like, api- 1.42:2.91:1.00:1.08, diameter of PM 0.12. Chelicerae cally pointed, prolateral hook (PTA) at base of 1.00 long, slender, smooth, promargin of fang furrow cymbium long, narrow, curved, pointed, dorsadwith two small and five large teeth, retromargin with directed (Fig. 6E); cymbium narrowed for apical half, six large teeth. Sternum 1.52 long, 1.24 wide, large, length 0.95 times carapace length; palpal bulb apex pointed; labium 0.52 long, 0.48 wide; palpal length 1.88 times width, embolic base with a raised, coxa 0.88 long, 0.40 wide. Legs elongate, femur I distal cone.   
 length 2.32 times carapace length; metatarsi I and II with segment cylindrical basad of prola- Variation (N = 10): Total length 6.00–9.00; carapace teral, spinule-lined concavity. Leg measurements length 1.20–1.30 times width, height 0.29–0.43 times (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = [total]): width; PER width 2.09–3.22 times OAL; OQP 1.00– I: 6.25 + 1.30 + 7.80 + 6.15 + 2.50 = [24.00]; II: 5.30 + 1.19 times OQA; clypeal height 1.23–2.15 times AM 1.15 + 4.85 + 4.60 + 2.05 = [17.95]; III: 4.35 + 0.95 + diameter; cheliceral length 4.71–6.00 times clypeal height; promargin of fang furrow with 5–6 teeth, retromargin of fang furrow with 6–7 teeth; sternum length 1.17–1.26 times width; femur I length 2.18– 3.62 times carapace length; metatarsus I length 2.11– 3.77 times carapace length; cymbium length 0.71– 1.14 times carapace length. Specimens from the southern end of the species range (Fianarantsoa Province) are larger (greater than 7 mm body length vs. less than 7 mm body length), have longer legs (femur I greater than 3 times carapace length vs. less than 2.5 times carapace length) and most individuals have relatively smaller cymbia (Fig. 6F) (less than 0.75 times carapace length vs. about as long as carapace length, although one Ranomafana male has a cymbium 0.92 times carapace length) compared with specimens from the northern part (Antananarivo and Toamasina Provinces) that have huge cymbia (Figs 1,3B, 6E).   
 Female (Ambohimanga, CASENT9016200): Total length 6.50. Markings as in male. Carapace 3.30 long, 2.40 wide; thoracic fovea deep, narrowed posteriorly, length 0.12 carapace; clypeus 0.22 high; ocular area 0.35 long, 1.02 wide, PER weakly procurved; ratio of eyes AM/AL/PM/PL, 1.41:3.58:1.00:1.00, diameter of PM 0.14. Chelicerae 1.34 long, robust, smooth, promargin of fang furrow with six teeth, retromargin with four large and two minute teeth. Sternum 1.74 long, 1.42 wide, apex prolonged, blunt; labium 0.60 long, 0.56 wide; palpal coxa 0.96 long, 0.56 wide. Femur I length 1.54 times carapace length. Leg measurements (femur + patella + tibia + metatarsus + tarsus = [total]): I: 5.10 + 1.30 + 4.90 + 4.40 + 2.05 = [17.75]; II: 3.95 + 1.05 + 3.25 + 3.10 + 1.60 = [12.95]; III: 3.30 + 1.05 + 2.55 + 2.65 + 1.40 = [10.95]; IV: 4.40 + 1.10 + 3.70 + 3.55 + 1.60 = [14.35]; palp: 1.50 + 0.55 + 0.75 + (absent) + 1.70 = [4.50]. Calamistrum origin at 0.40 from metatarsus base, length 0.35 that of segment. Epigynum as in Figure 30D, copulatory openings oblique, slit-like, ML trapezoidal, sides angled, posterior margin procurved; spermathecae as in Figure 30C, each with posterior copulatory duct leading to broad, twisted, longitudinal bilobed chamber which leads to anterior spiralled duct making seven turns to apical blind-ending bulb, internal duct arising at base of spiral and extending posteriad within curve of outer chamber.   
 Variation (N = 16): Total length 5.80–10.90; carapace length 1.15–1.40 times width, height 0.26–0.43 times width; PER width 2.29–2.24 times OAL; OQP 1.09– 1.28 times OQA; clypeal height 1.57–2.13 times AM diameter; cheliceral length 4.64–6.11 times clypeal height; promargin of fang furrow with 6–7 teeth, retromargin of fang furrow with 5–6 teeth; sternum length 1.11–1.25 times width; femur I length 1.50– 2.72 times carapace length; metatarsus I 1.18–2.46 times carapace length. Epigyna as in Figures 30D, F, 32A and 40B. Vulvae as in Figures 30A–C, E, 32B, E, and 40C–I: the number of spiral turns of the vulva duct varies from as few as four (specimens from Fianarantosa Province) (Figs 30E, 40D) to as many as ten (specimens from Antananarivo and Toamasina Provinces) (Figs 30C, 40E).   
 Natural history: This species makes retreats beneath stones, logs, and bark of standing or fallen trees. Webs comprise a sheet that extends out from this retreat (Fig. 2A).   
 Distribution: Known from rainforests and scattered forest patches along the eastern escarpment and highlands in central to south-central Madagascar, with extension to the isolated Forêt d’Ankazotsihitafototra in the west (Fig. 57).   
 Material examined: MADAGASCAR: Antananarivo Prov. 3 km 41° NE Andranomay, 11.5 km 147° SSE Anjozorobe, 18°28′24″S, 47°57′36″E, elev. 1300 m, montane rainforest, 5–13 December 2000, Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team, 6 ♀, CASC (CASENT9019990, 9019993, 9019992, 9019991, 9004077, 9004111), ‘beneath leaves of fallen Ravenala’, 1 ♂, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9004080); Ambohimanga Village, 18°44′S; 47°34′E, December 1959, R. Legendre, holotype ♂, paratype ♀, MNHN; Ambohimanga, 18°44′S, 34°47′E, elev. 1400 m, 1 November 1993, R. Andriamasamanana, J. Coddington, C. Griswold, S. Larcher & N. Scharff, 4 ♂ 15 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016224, 9016200, 9016220, 9016225, 9016218, 9016204, 9016217, 9016202, 9016299, 9016198, 9016203, 9016205), 1 ♂ 2 ♀, ZMUC (CASENT9016221), 1 ♂ 1 ♀, USNM (CASENT9016201, 9016219), from beneath stone, with eggs, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016222); Ambohimanga, 18°44′S, 34°47′E, elev. 1400 m, 2 December 1993, C. Griswold, 1 ♂, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9020323); Ambohimanga, 18°44′S, 34°47′E, elev. 1400 m, 2 December 1993 (moulted in captivity), C. Griswold, 3 ♂, CASC (CASENT9016226, 9016227, 9016227); Ambohimanga, June, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN; Forêt Mangidy, July 1941, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9025740); R. S. d’Ambohitantely, primary forest, c. 20.9 km 72° NE d’Ankazobe, 18°13′30.3″S, 47°16′44″E, elev. 1574 m, montane rainforest, 19 March 2003, D. Andriamalala & D. Silva, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9015040); Forêt d’Ambohitantely, July 1941, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9016212); Angavokely, November 1946, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9032844); Gr. Angavokely, 1946, J. Millot, 7 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9016208, 9016209, 9016211, 9016210); Angavokely, grotte de la reine, 1946, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9016207). Fianarantsoa Prov. Parc National Ranomafana, Talatakely forest, 42.3 km 58° NE Fianarantsoa, 21°15′28.0″S, 47°25′21.8″E, elev. 1050 m, general collecting in montane rainforest, 24 December 2005 – 14 January 2006, H. Wood, J. Miller, J.J. Rafonomezantsoa, E. Rajeriarison, and V. Andriamananony, 3 ♀, CASC (CASENT9024053, 9024052, 9024485); Talatakely forest, 42.3 km 58° NE Fianarantsoa, 21°15′28.0″S, 47°25′21.8″E, elev. 1050 m, montane rainforest, general collecting day and night, 24 December 2005 – 14 January 2006, H. Wood, J. Miller, J.J. Rafonomezantsoa, E. Rajeriarison, V. Andriamananony, 1 ♂, CASC (CASENT9022484); Talatakely, 21°14.9′S, 47°25.6′E, 9–30 April 1998, C. Griswold, D. Kavanaugh, N. Penny, D. Ubick, M. Raherilalao, J. Schweikert & S. Ranorainarisoa, 3 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016997, 9016994); Talatakely, 21°14.9′S, 47°25.6′E, 9–30 April 1998, C. Griswold, D. Kavanaugh, N. Penny, D. Ubick, M. Raherilalao, J. Schweikert & S. Ranorainarisoa, 1 ♂, 6 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016997, 9016994, 9016992, 9016994, 9016993, 9017000); Talatakely, 21.25041°S, 47.41945°E, elev. 900 m, 2–22 January 2001, D. & K. Kavanaugh, R. Brett, E. Elsom & F. Vargas, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9003502); 7 km W Ranomafana, elev. 900 m, c. 21°12′S, 47°27′E, 20–31 January 1990, W. E. Steiner, 1 ♂, USNM, 7 km W Ranomafana, elev. 1100 m, 1–7 November 1988, W. E. Steiner, 1 ♂, USNM; Parc National Ranomafana, Talatakely, 21°15′S, 47°25′E, elev. 900 m, 5–7 December 1993, R. Andriamasamanana, C. Griswold, S. Larcher & N. Scharff, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016189, 9016192), 1 ♀, USNM (CASENT9016190), 1 ♀, ZMUC (CASENT901688); Parc National Ranomafana, Vohiparara, 21°14′S, 47°24′E, elev. 900 m, 5–7 December 1993, R. Andriamasamanana, C. Griswold, S. Larcher & N. Scharff, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016191); Parc National Ranomafana, Vohiparara, Sahamalaotra forest, 41.1 km 54° NE Fianarantsoa, 21°14′19.9″S, 47°23′39.2″E, elev. 1200 m, montane rainforest, general day collecting, 26 December 2005 – 14 January 2006, H. Wood, J. Miller, J.J. Rafonomezantsoa, E. Rajeriarison, & V. Andriamananony, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9024826); Parc National Ranomafana, c. 2 km N Vohiparara village, 21°14.8′S, 47°25.7′E, at road cut, 11–12 April 1998, C. Griswold, D. Kavanaugh, N. Penny, D. Ubick, M. Raherilalao, J. Schweikert & S. Ranorainarisoa, 3 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016999, 9016998, 9017001); Parc National Ranomafana, 2.3 km N Vohiparara village, 21°12.8′S, 47°23.0′E, elev. c. 1100 m, 24–25 April 1998, C. Griswold, D. Kavanaugh, N. Penny, D. Ubick, M. Raherilalao, J. Schweikert & S. Ranorainarisoa, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9017002); Parc National Ranomafana, Trail F, 29 April 1992, B. Roth, 1 ♀, MCZ (CASENT9016193). Toamasina Prov. Station Forestier Analamazaotra, administered by Mitsinjo, 0.75 km N Andasibe, 18°55.783′S, 48°24.696′E, elev. 964 m, general collecting day and night in primary montane rainforest, 31 January–3 February 2009, D. Andriamalala, C. Griswold, G. Hormiga, A. Saucedo, N. Scharff, and H. Wood, 4 ♀, CASC (CASENT9036009, 9029884, 9029884); Perinet, 18°56′S, 48°24′E, elev. 1000 m, 4–5 November 1993, R. Andriamasamanana, J. Coddington, C. Griswold, S. Larcher & N. Scharff, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT 9016186, 9016187), 1 ♀, USNM (CASENT9016185), 1 ♀, ZMUC (CASENT9016184); Analamazaotra (Perinet) August 1945, J. Millot, 1 ♀, MNHN (CASENT9032845); Perinet, 18°55′S, 48°25′E, 1–3 August 1992, V. & B. Roth, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016183); 60 mi. E Tana, 18°54′35″S, 47° 55′28″E, elev. 1045 m, 1 August 1992, V. & B. Roth, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016235), under edge of shaded road cut, 1 ♂, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016232, 90162324, 9016233); 60 mi. W Moramanga, 18°54′44″S, 47°53′37″E, elev. 1300 m, 5 August 1992, V. & B. Roth, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016179); 50 km W Moramanga, 18°54′35″S, 47°53′37″E, elev. 1300 m, 1 August 1992, V. & B. Roth, 2 ♀, CASC (CASENT9016181, 9016180). Toliara Prov. Rés. Spéciale d’Ambohijanahary, Forêt d’Ankazotsihitafototra, 35.2 km 312° NW Ambaravaranala, 18°16′00″S, 045°24′24″E, elev. 1050 m, general collecting in montane rainforest, 13–17 January 2003, Fisher-Griswold Arthropod Team, 1 ♀, CASC (CASENT9018170).
description: Published as part of Griswold, Charles E., Wood, Hannah Marie & Carmichael, Anthea D., 2012, The lace web spiders (Araneae, Phyxelididae) of Madagascar: phylogeny, biogeography and taxonomy, pp. 728-810 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 164 (4) on pages 785-788, DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2011.00779.x, http://zenodo.org/record/5407022