A new genus, Melchisedec, is established for two new Afrotropical species, M. thevenot (type species) and M. birni. These spiders are unique among oonopids in having a crest on the ventral pedicel sclerite, and in having very short, scepterlike setae on the distal metatarsi I and II. The male of M. thevenot has a long, inward-curved embolus-conductor complex and a sternal pouch. The embolus-conductor complex resembles that of the Australian genus Grymeus Harvey, but differs in important details. The genital system of the female is highly complex, and includes two uterine sclerites, two winglike lateral apodemes and a receptaculum with a globular appendix. The receptaculum is much larger than in most other Oonopidae and has an unusual, strongly folded surface.
How to translate text using browser tools
10 December 2010
On Melchisedec, a New Genus of the Spider Family Oonopidae (Araneae, Dysderoidea)
Wouter Fannes