Micropholcomma linnaei Rix 2008

Overview & Synopsis

Micropholcomma linnaei Rix, 2008 Micropholcomma linnaei Rix, 2008: 343, figs 1–11. Platnick, 2009. Type material. Holotype male: Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Giant Tingle Area, 8 km NE. of Walpole, Western Australia, Australia, mixed Eucalyptus litter, 19.XII.1976, J. Kethley (WAM T85552). Paratypes: Allotype female, same data as holotype (WAM T85553); 33 males and 51 females, same data as holotype (WAM T85554); 1 male and 3 females, same data as holotype (FMC); 5 males and 2 females, same data as holotype except Karri and Acacia litter (FMC). Remarks. Micropholcomma linnaei is the only species of Micropholcomma currently described from Western Australia, and is most similar to M. turbans from Tasmania (Rix 2008). Main (1974) recorded two other micropholcommatid species from Western Australia (M. longissimum and M. bryophilum), although the exact identity of these species cannot be confirmed given the lack of voucher specimens. Western Australia is now known to have a large diversity of Micropholcomma, with several species clearly similar to M. longissimum and M. bryophilum (see Remarks for M. longissimum, below), and the true identity of the Main (1974) specimens will require further testing.