Notes on two Stiphropus species from China (Araneae, Thomisidae)

Area of Science:

• Arachnology
• Taxonomy
• Zoology

Background:

• The spider genus *Stiphropus* comprises 21 species, with 12 in Africa and 9 in Asia.
• Four *Stiphropus* species (*S. falciformus*, *S. myrmecophilus*, *S. ocellatus*, *S. soureni*) are currently documented in China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a new species of *Stiphropus* spider from China.
• To provide the first morphological description of the male of *Stiphropus soureni*.

Main Methods:

• Morphological examination of spider specimens.
• Taxonomic description based on physical characteristics.
• Comparative analysis with related species.

Main Results:

• A new species, *Stiphropus qianlei* sp. n. (♂♀), is described, identified from a mismatched female of *S. falciformus*.
• The male of *Stiphropus soureni* Sen, 1964 is described for the first time.
• Photographic and detailed morphological descriptions are provided for both species.

Conclusions:

• The findings contribute to the understanding of *Stiphropus* spider diversity in China.
• This research enhances the taxonomic knowledge of the *Stiphropus* genus.