Lacronia utaru Carvalho & Kury, 2024, sp. nov.
Creators: name: Carvalho, Rafael N.
name: Kury, Adriano B.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Arachnida
Opiliones
Gonyleptidae
Lacronia
Lacronia utaru

description: Lacronia utaru sp. nov.
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 47119D64-A910-438E-8EFD-A211D80F6831
(Figs. 2–5, 6B)
Type series. Holotype ♂ (MHNCI), from Brazil, Paraná State, Morretes, Porto de Cima, 10.vi.1989, Segalla. M. V. leg.; 1 ♂ paratype (MNRJ 3697), from Brazil, Paraná State, Paranaguá, Estação Ecológica do Guaraguaçu, Estrada do Bosque (-25.6193°, -48.52682°, alt.: 16 m); 15–16.i.2024, Carvalho R. N. & Kury, A. B. leg.
Type locality. Brazil, Paraná State, Morretes, Porto de Cima (-25.422°, -48.88552°).
Etymology. The specific name is a noun in apposition referring to the Utaru, an agrarian tribe in the universe of the game Horizon Forbidden West developed by Guerrilla Games. The body painting of the Utaru exhibits a color and shape pattern very similar to that found on the tubercles highlighted on the AS lateral borders of this new species.
Diagnosis. Lacronia utaru sp. nov. can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of male characters: a) AS lateral borders with light-colored tubercles contrasting with its background (without areolated spots surrounding the tubercles) at the height of mesotergum areas II–IV (Figs. 2A–D, 3A, C–D, 4A–B); b) Ocularium elliptical in dorsal view, almost perpendicular in relation to the carapace (Fig. 4B); c) Carapace and mesotergum areas I–IV with ordinary tubercles not contrasting with its background (Figs. 2A–D, 3A, C–D, 4A); d) Ti III proventral face with a comb of three spines (iII) on the distal third, the larger ones not touching each other’s tip (Fig. 4D); e) Tr IV prolateral proximal/central portion with an almost isosceles triangle-shaped apophysis with a prodorsal basal protuberance (like in L. serripes) (Figs. 3A–B, 4A, G–H); f) dorsal face of Mt IV with a row of 14 conical spines (iIIIIIIIIIiIii) (Figs. 2C, 3E, 4K); g) ventral process of stylus flabellum scallop-shaped, slightly bent ventrad (Fig. 5B). Female is unknown.
Description. DS measurements of ♂ holotype: CW 2.7, CL 1.8, AW 4.8, AL 3.0; legs I–IV measurements in Table 1; tarsal counts: 5(3) / 6(3) - 11(3) / 11(3) - 7 / 7 - 7 / 8.
Dorsum. DS gamma-pyriform, as long as wide, with lateral borders of the AS convex, widest at mesotergal area II and higher at mesotergal area III, with posterior border convex (Figs. 3A, 4A). DS anterior border with a pair of shallow cheliceral sockets separated by a small central projection (Fig. 4A). Carapace with one pair of prominent tubercles posterior to the ocularium (Fig. 4A). Ocularium elliptical (in dorsal view), high (ca. 4 × eye diameter), almost forming a 90º angle with DS, placed in the anterior portion of the carapace (Figs. 2A, 3A, C, 4A–B). Ocularium with a pair of almost parallel spines (ca 2 × the eye diameter), slightly inclined frontwards (Figs 2B, 4A–C). Mesotergum divided in four clearly defined areas (Figs 2A, D, 3A, 4A). AS lateral borders with 8–12 yellowish prominent tubercles contrasting with the background at level of mesotergum areas II–IV (Figs. 2A–D, 3A, C, 4A–B). Mesotergum area I divided into left and right halves by a longitudinal median groove (Figs. 2A–B, D, 3A, 4A). All areas tuberculate, with tiny tubercles not contrasting with the background (Figs. 2A–B, D, 3A, 4A). Mesotergum area I with a pair of prominent tubercles (Figs. 4A–B). Mesotergum area III with a pair of outstanding paramedian spines (ca. 1.5 × the ocularium spines) with subconical apex. (Figs 2A–D, 3A, C–D, 4A–B, E). Mesotergum area IV with a transversal row of four to five prominent tubercles (Fig. 4A). DS posterior border with a transversal row of prominent tubercles (same color as the background) (Figs. 2A, C–D, 3A, C–D, 4A–B). Free tergites I–III with a transversal row of ordinary tubercles (Figs. 2C, 3A, C–D, 4A). Anal operculum covered by ordinary tubercles (Figs. 2C, 3D).
Venter. Cx I–III sub-parallel to each other, each with ventral longitudinal rows of setiferous tubercles (Cx I rows with higher and sharper tubercles than the others) (Fig. 2E). Cx II retro-ventral margin with a longitudinal row of acuminate tubercles on the distal third (Fig. 3B). Cx III retro-ventral border with a transversal row of acuminate tubercles on the centro-distal two thirds (Fig. 3B). Cx IV much larger than the others, directed obliquely (Figs. 2E, 3B). Intercoxal bridges well-marked (Figs 2E, 3B). Stigmatic area inverted-Y-shaped, clearly sunken in relation to Cx IV distal part (Figs. 2E, 3B). Cx IV covered by ordinary tubercles. (Figs 2E, 3B). Cx IV posterior border and stigmatic area each with a transversal row of ordinary tubercles (Fig. 2E). Stigmata visible (Figs 2E, 3B). Free sternites with a transverse row of ordinary tubercles.
Chelicerae. Basichelicerite elongate, bulla well-marked, with marginal setiferous tubercles (two–three mesal and posterior, two ectal) (Figs. 2B, 3A, C, 4A); hand not swollen.
Pedipalps. Tr with two geminate ventral setiferous tubercles. Fe with a ventral basal and a mesal apical setiferous tubercle. Pa unarmed. Ti with two rows of four spines (IiIi) on ventro-mesal and ventro-ectal faces. Ta with two rows of spines: three (Iii) on ventro-mesal face and four (IiIi) on ventro-ectal face.
Legs. All the unmentioned podomeres are unarmed or without relevant armature. Tr I–III each with several ventral tubercles (Figs. 3A–B). Fe I sub-straight (Figs. 2E, 3A–B); Fe II straight (Figs. 2A, E, 3A); Fe III sinuous (Figs. 2A, E, 3A, B, 4D). Fe and Ti I–III with all faces covered by longitudinal rows of small tubercles (Figs. 3A, B, 4D). Fe II–III with an apical retro-dorsal spur (Figs. 2A, E, 3A, 4D). Fe III with an apical prodorsal spur (much smaller than the retro-dorsal one) (Fig. 3C). Fe III and Ti III with two rows (proventral and retro-ventral) of small acuminate tubercles, distally becoming spines (outstanding spines on Ti III) (Figs. 3B, 4D). Pa I–III covered dorsally by tubercles (Figs. 2D, 4D). Ti III mace-shaped (Figs. 2B–C, E, 3A–B, 4D).
Coxa IV reaching the level of the mesotergum areas III–IV of DS (Figs 2A, 3A, 4A); its prodorsal and ventral faces are covered by a mix of ordinary and prominent acuminated tubercles (Figs. 2A, E, 3A–C, 4A); with a prodorsal distal thick cylindrical apophysis (slightly curved backwards in the distal fourth), posteriorly crenated (Figs. 3A–D, 4A, F–I); a retrolateral distal spiniform apophysis, fused with a small secondary branch (Figs. 2A, D–E, 3A–B, D, 4A, G, I).
Trochanter IV square-shaped in dorsal view (Figs. 2A, 3A, 4A, G); prodorsal distal face with three-four tubercles (two prolateral most prominent) (Figs. 4A, F–G); prolateral proximal/central portion with an almost isosceles triangle-shaped apophysis, with a prodorsal basal protuberance (Fig. 4A, G–I); ventral face tuberculate (Figs 2E, 3B, 4H–J), retro-lateral face with a proximal conical apophysis (slightly curved dorsad on the distal portion), and with a reduced distal subconical apophysis (Figs 2E, 3A–B, 4A, G, I–J).
Femur IV straight in dorsal view and swollen at the centro-distal thirds (Figs. 2A–E, 3A–C, E, 4G–J); a dorsal row of nine prominent subconical tubercles and conical spine, with a short apical spur (Figs 4G–H, J); prodorsal face with a row of 16–17 prominent subconical tubercles (Figs. 4G–H); prolateral face with a row of 14–15 subconical prominent tubercles (Figs. 4G–I); proventral face with a row of seven sub-conical tubercles on proximal half, and eight prominent conical tubercles on distal half (Figs 4H–I); ventral face with three–four sub-conical tubercles on proximal fifth (Figs 4I); retro-ventral face with a row of nine subconical tubercles on proximal half, and six prominent conical tubercles on distal half (the second distal larger than the others, almost spine-shaped) (Figs. 4I–J); a retro-lateral row of three sub-conical tubercles on the proximal third, three prominent tubercles and three conical spines interspersed on the centro-distal portion, and five–six ordinary tubercles on the distal fourth (Figs 4G, I–J); a retro-dorsal row of 15 sub-conical tubercles on the proximal and central thirds, with a conical spine (slightly bent retro-laterad) on the distal third (Figs 4G, J); a sizeable spur on prodorsal and retro-dorsal apical faces (retro-dorsal larger than prodorsal) (Figs 4G–H, J); an outstanding spine on proventral and retro-ventral apical faces (Figs 4H–J).
Patella IV dorsally covered by sub-conical tubercles and conical spines (Figs. 2A, C–D, 3C–E, 4G–H, J); a proventral row of three spines (IIi) (Figs 4H–I); with retro-ventral three spines (iII) (Figs 4I–J).
Tibia IV dorsal face with a proximal conical tubercle on the proximal fifth, and two ordinary tubercles plus an apical reduced spur on the distal third (Figs 4G–H, J); prodorsal face with six prominent subconical tubercles on the proximal 4/5 fifths (Figs. 4G–H); prolateral face with nine prominent subconical tubercles on its entire length (Figs 4G–H); proventral face with three ordinary tubercles on the basal fourth, five subconical tubercles on the central 2/4 fourths, and one subconical tubercle and one spine (I) on the distal fourth (Figs 4H–I); retro-ventral face with five–six prominent subconical tubercles on the proximal 2/3 thirds and three spines (iiI) on the distal third (Figs 4I–J); retro-lateral face with six–eight subconical spines on its entire length (Figs 4G, I–J); retro-dorsal face with six–eight subconical spines on the proximal 4/5 fifths, with three subconical tubercles on the distal fifth (Figs 4G, J); proventral and retro-ventral faces with an outstanding spine/spur on apical portion (retro-ventral largest than proventral) (Figs. 4H–J).
Metatarsus IV dorsal face with a row of 14 conical spines (iIIIIIIIIIiIii) (Figs. 2C, 3E, 4K); prodorsal, prolateral, retro-lateral and retrodorsal faces with a row of tiny tubercles (Fig. 4K); proventral and retro-ventral faces with a row of sub-conical tubercles (Fig. 4K); proventral and retro-ventral faces with a spur on apical portion (Fig. 4K).
Color (in vivo) (MNRJ 3697, paratype) (Figs 2A–E). Ocularium, DS background and its regular tubercles in a mixture of Light Brown (57) and Moderate Brown (58). Pair of spines on ocularium and mesotergum area III Dark Grayish Brown (62). DS lateral borders in a mixture of Brownish Orange (54) and Light Orange Yellow (70). AS posterior border and free tergites I–III Dark Greenish Yellow (103). Prominent tubercles contrasting with the AS lateral borders background Pale Yellow (89). Ch and Pp background in a mixture of Dark Greenish Yellow (103) and Grayish Olive (110). Cx I–III background in a mixture of Light Olive Brown (94) and Grayish Olive (110), with a dorsal distal semicircle Light Greenish Yellow (101). Fe–Mt I–II and Fe III proximal and central thirds background in a mixture of Light Olive (106) and Olive Gray (113). Fe III distal third and Pa–Mt III almost entirely Dark Grayish Olive (111). Cx–Tr IV background in a mixture of Dark Brown (59) and Strong Yellowish Brown (74), with a Tr IV dorsal distal semicircle Dark Grayish Yellow (91). Cx–Tr IV main apophyses Dark Grayish Reddish Brown (47), with apex Strong Orange (50). Fe–Pa IV and Ti IV proximal 4/5 almost entirely Dark Reddish Brown (44), with apex of the main spines Dark Orange Yellow (72). Ti IV distal fifth background Moderate Olive Brown (95), with proventral and retro-ventral spurs Light Yellow (86). Mt IV background Moderate Yellowish Brown (77). Mt IV dorsal spines Olive Gray (113), with apex Dark Grayish Yellow (91).
Color (in ethanol) (MHNCI, holotype) (Figs. 3A–E). Ocularium, DS background, free tergites I– III and Cx IV Moderate Orange Yellow (71). Spines of the mesotergum area III and Cx IV prodorsal distal apophysis Dark Yellowish Brown (78), with apex Moderate Orange Yellow (71). Prominent tubercles contrasting with the AS lateral borders background Yellowish White (92). Ch and Leg III background Light Orange Yellow (70). Pp and Legs I –II background Purplish White (231). Tr – Mt IV background Dark Greenish Yellow (103). Cx IV and Tr IV main apophyses background Dark Grayish Brown (62).
Male genitalia. VP slightly divided into an apical square-shaped half (with latero-apical flaps), and a basal half elliptical (Fig. 5A); ventral surface entirely covered with microsetae of type 1. All macrosetae inserted on the ventro-laterals of VP. MS A1–A3 cylindrical, thick, and acuminate, forming a diagonal row in lateral view (MS A1 dorsalmost) (Figs. 5A–B). MS B1 small, inserted ventrally and close to MS A3 (Fig. 5B). MS C1–C3 forming a longitudinal row (MS C3 dorsalmost) on the apical quarter of VP (Figs. 5A–B). MS D1 small, closer to MS C3 than the MS A1 (Figs. 5A–B). MS E1–E2 small, more ventrally on the laterodistal flange of VP. MS E1 placed between MS C1–C2 level, MS E2 same, below C3 (but closer to MS C3 than MS D1) (Fig. 5B). Glans sac arising from the middle bulge on the podium, not extended as a dorsal process (Figs 5A–B). Stylus and its ventral process axis fused basally, forming a prominent trapezoidal-shaped pedestal (Fig. 5B). Stylus cylindrical, almost straight, inserted on the pedestal in a 10º angle, without a conspicuous head (Figs. 5A–B); its subapical portion slightly swollen, with subdistal tiny spines on the lateral and ventral faces (Figs. 5A–B). Ventral process of stylus cylindrical, almost straight, with ¾ of the stylus length, and a flabellum on the apical half (Fig. 5B). Flabellum slightly bent ventrad, scallop-shaped with spines, with approximately 50% of the ventral process stem length (Fig. 5B).
Intraspecific variation. It was not possible to detect morphologically minor males in the studied material.
Geographic distribution. BRAZIL, Paraná State: Morretes, Paranaguá (Fig. 1).
description: Published as part of Carvalho, Rafael N. & Kury, Adriano B., 2024, Filling a geographic gap: a new species of genus Lacronia Strand, 1942 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae) from southern Brazil, pp. 417-428 in Zootaxa 5496 (3) on pages 420-426, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5496.3.7, http://zenodo.org/record/13346961