In addition to the genus diagnosis, the following features characterize the species:FEMALECephalothorax low (its height is 30% of length of cephalothorax), flat, long and narrow, its width is 50% at eyes I, 52% at eyes III, not broadening along its whole length, with eight characteristic dark protuberances bearing stridulatory setae under lateral eyes – just as in Pseudicius. Eye field extending over 37% of cephalothorax, its length equal to 74% of width at eyes I; almost rectangular, broadening posteriorly by 4%; eye field indistinctly narrower than cephalothorax, eyes III are located closely to the edges of cephalothorax; its width at eyes III is 87% of width of cephalothorax in the same area. Cephalothorax blackish brown with transversal light brown spot behind eyes I. Broad dorsal area of thorax yellow, margins of dorsum brown, sides light yellow. Abdomen appears enormously elongated, actually 155 % of length of cephalothorax, and thin, with two marginal dark streaks. Frontal aspect: clypeus white. Legs I robust and long, as in Pseudicius, with tibia I armoured with three prolateral ventral spines in the anterior half of the segment, none retro-laterally. Metatarsus I darker than other segments. Legs II–IV slender and short, yellow. Epigynum: Identical with Simon’s specimen from Suez-Alexandria, different from Pseudicius but showing some resemblances to the Pseudicius cinctus group in the general outline of channels (which are, however, located anteriorly to the openings). Male unknown.Measurements (mm). Female. Length of cephalothorax 2.27; length of abdomen 4.20. © PRÓSZYŃSKI 2003 Body: Markings: dark or bright vertical stripes. basic colouring bright. Chelicera: Base furrow teeth number promarginal: 2 teeth. Labium: Length: longer than wide. Legs: Leg formula: 1-4-2-3. 1-4-3-2. Distribution: Geographical Distribution: Afrika. Middle East. COMMENTSRemark. Description of female Festucula monticola Berland et Millot (1941: 345 Fig. 48) from W Africa (Guinea) suggests these forms are very similar and may be actually conspecific.Seasonal appearance of adult specimens. Female – I. © PRÓSZYŃSKI 2003 |