Langona redii (♂,♀) (AUDOUIN, 1825)

In addition to the genus diagnosis, the following features characterize the species:

MALE

Cephalothorax dark brown with striking streaks of white setae along dorsal eyes of thorax, in some specimens extending anteriorly along lateral edges of eye field, slightly medially to them, posteriorly in some specimens to thoracic hindmargin; there is usually a whitish streak of setae along ventral edge of carapace. Abdomen striped dark brown and white, with thick median white streak and either thin white marginal lines or two broad white lateral streaks, separated from the median one by dark brown areas; marginal white areas merge with light greyish to white sides of abdomen. I assume that width of marginal white stripes is due to individual variation. Frontal aspect: there are stiff light brown setae stretching horizontally forward above anterior eyes, particularly noticeable above AME, eyes I encircled dorsally with fawn, ventrally and laterally with white setae, which are longer on lateral sides of AME and continue as prominent diagonal line of white setae from between AME and ALE to the ventral edge of carapace near coxa I, gradually getting shorter and less striking; the area above that diagonal white line is darker, particularly posteriorly to eyes ALE, area between diagonal lines on both sides, which corresponds with clypeus is light fawn with almost invisible colourless setae; when seen from profile the setae appear much more conspicuous, whitish, dense and long, particularly just above central edge of clypeus - for "redii" specimens the clypeus was described as "covered densely with white setae". Chelicerae light brown covered with long whitish, inconspicuous setae, medially some stronger short brown bristles. Pedipalps light yellow. Ventral aspect generally light. Legs robust, dorsal surfaces yellowish fawn, with darker areas laterally near both ends of some segments, basal half of femora lighter, metatarsus I and apical part of tibia darker also dorsally, tarsi I-II with scopulae of whitish setae. (c) PRÓSZYŃSKI 2003

Distribution: Geographical DistributionAfrika. Middle East.

FEMALE

Similar in coloration and body shape to male. Cephalothorax dark brown with sparse, black scales, two distinct streaks of white scales on brown background, running from behind eyes ALE/AME medially to eyes III and then continuing along dorso-lateral edges of thorax, ending shortly before thoracic hindmargin. Eye field covered with adpressed brown scales, a few lighter scales anteriorly, long anterior, horizontal bristles above eyes I, weak upright dark bristles scattered over eye field. Sides brown, ventral edge black, white marginal belt absent. Epigynum heavily sclerotized edge of posterior wall almost straight, slightly bent medially, without vertical spur, its supporting sclerotized skeletal vesicles spherical; in comparison with L. oreni the anterior white membranous area is larger, reverse "U" shaped spermathecae narrower. (c) PRÓSZYŃSKI 2003

Distribution: Geographical DistributionAfrika. Middle East.

COMMENTS

Diagnosis. Large spider (body 9-11 mm), black with striking white stripes. Males can be identified by single apophysis followed by a bunch of stiff setae; cymbium with large scales. Posterior wall of epigynum vertical or slightly concave, without spur. Adult specimens sit immobile on ground and stones awaiting passing prey.
Remark. I could not find any convincing differences between specimens of Langona redii from "Syria C.B." in the collection of Simon, NMHN-Paris and syntypes (apparently) of Langona mendax (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1876) from "Egypt, Bottle 1732, tube 112"(in the Hope Ent. Coll. Oxford). I assume that these are synonyms.
Remarks. In the Negev occurs in areas with rainfall annually 90-100 mm, pitfall traps and incidental collecting on rocky slopes and wadis, out of these 18 males and 2 females were collected in spring/early summer (III-VI), 13 males in late summer/autumn (VII-X) in 1990-1993 (Y. Lubin).
Seasonal appearance of adult specimens. Males - III, IV, V, VI, VII, IX, X ; females - I, II, IV, V, VI.