One new genus and nineteen new species of ground spiders (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) from Iran, with other taxonomic considerations

One new genus, Zagrotes gen. nov., and 19 new species of ground spiders (Gnaphosidae) are described from Iran: Berinda bifurcata sp. nov. (♂, Bushehr, Khuzestan; southwestern and southern Iran), Berinda hoerwegi sp. nov. (♂♀, Fars, Ilam, Kermanshah, Kurdistan; western and southcentral Iran), Berlandina artaxerxes sp. nov. (♂ Yazd; central Iran), Cryptodrassus iranicus sp. nov. (♂, Kermanshah; western Iran), Drassodes persianus sp. nov. (♀, Kermanshah, Sistan & Baluchistan; western and southeastern Iran), Echemus caspicus sp. nov. (♀, Golestan; northern Iran), Gnaphosa qamsarica sp. nov. (♀, Isfahan; central Iran), Haplodrassus medes sp. nov. (♂, Fars; southcentral Iran), Haplodrassus qashqai sp. nov. (♂♀, Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Lorestan; southwestern to southern Iran), Marinarozelotes achaemenes sp. nov. (♀, Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad; southwestern Iran), Marjanus isfahanicus sp. nov. (♀, Isfahan; central Iran), Nomisia ameretatae sp. nov. (♂, Tehran; northern Iran), Prodidomus inexpectatus sp. nov. (♂, Hormozgan; southern Iran), Scotophaeus anahita sp. nov. (♀, Isfahan; central Iran), Scotophaeus elburzensis sp. nov. (♀, Tehran, Zanjan; northwestern and northern Iran), Sosticus montanus sp. nov. (♀, Ilam; western Iran), Synaphosus martinezi sp. nov. (♂♀, Kohgiluyeh & BoyerAhmad; southwestern Iran), Zagrotes apophysalis sp. nov. (♂♀, Hormozgan, Kohgiluyeh & BoyerAhmad; southwestern to southern Iran) and Zelotes hyrcanus sp. nov. (♀, Mazandaran; northern Iran). These are the fi rst records of the genera Berinda Roewer, 1928, Echemus Simon, 1878 and Marjanus Chatzaki, 2018 in Iran. Additionally, the previously unknown female of Callipelis deserticola Zamani & ZAMANI et al., New taxa of Gnaphosidae from Iran 69 Marusik, 2017 is described and illustrated, and Berlandina mesopotamica Al-Khazali, 2020 is recorded in Iran for the fi rst time. Furthermore, Berinda idae Lissner, 2016 syn. nov. (Greece, Cyprus) is synonymized with Berinda infumatus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) comb. nov. (ex. Heser Tuneva, 2004; Greece, Tanzania, Egypt, Israel, introduced to Japan).


Introduction
Gnaphosidae Pocock, 189, commonly known as ground spiders, is the fourth largest family of spiders with 2549 currently recognized extant species in 162 genera worldwide (WSC 2021). Currently, 111 species in 35 genera of gnaphosids are known from Iran (Zamani et al. 2021). Most of the regional data on this family is known as a result of the large-scale faunistic series by Zamani et al. (2014Zamani et al. ( , 2015Zamani et al. ( , 2016Zamani et al. ( , 2018aZamani et al. ( , 2019Zamani et al. ( , 2020, as well as other scattered records gathered from local, mostly provincial-level surveys (e.g., Mozaffarian et al. 2000;Komposch 2002;Kashefi et al. 2013;Zamani 2015;Namaghi et al. 2016;Sadeghi et al. 2016;Zamani & Mozaffarian 2017;Zamani & Marusik 2018;Hosseinpour et al. 2019). The number of taxonomic papers is scarcer (e.g., Roewer 1955;Senglet 2012;Marusik et al. 2013;Zamani et al. 2018b;, and overall, this family is poorly studied in the region, with only five Iranian endemic species currently listed by Zamani et al. (2021). Therefore, the present study was carried out on Iranian gnaphosid material collected by two of the authors as well as on specimens deposited in institutional collections in Europe, yielding the discovery of one new genus and 19 new species, the first record of the female of the monotypic genus Callipelis  as well as the first record of Berlandina mesopotamica Al-Khazali, 2020 in Iran. All these discoveries are described and illustrated in this paper. Additionally, new taxonomic considerations within the genus Berinda Roewer, 1928, including a new combination and a new synonymy, are proposed.

Material and methods
While comparing our specimens to the species reported from Europe, we realized that Berinda idae Lissner, 2016 (described from Greece and later reported from Cyprus) is undoubtedly a junior synonym of Heser infumatus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) (from Greece, Tanzania, Egypt and Israel; introduced to Japan). The copulatory organs are identical (cf. Lissner &Chatzaki 2016: figs 2-3 andLevy 1998: figs 112-115) and both have been recorded from Greek islands. The long filiform embolus, robust conductor and distinctive tibial apophysis conform to Berinda rather than Heser Tuneva, 2004 (see Panayiotou et al. 2010). Thus, a generic transfer is proposed, resulting in the new combination Berinda infumatus comb. nov. (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872).

Diagnosis
This new species differs from all congeners by the deeply bifurcated retrolateral tibial apophysis (vs two apophyses in B. cypria Chatzaki & Panayiotou, 2010, or one apophysis shallowly [in the upper ⅓] bifurcated or not bifurcated in other species).
Palp as in Fig. 1B-G. Femur and patella unmodified; femur as long as cymbium; tibial apophysis deeply bifurcated, both arms subequal in size and length, as long as tibia's length; guiding hook-like structure (Hs) (sensu Panayiotou at al. 2010) located in anterior half of the bulb and directed anteriorly; spermophor coiled, located in posterior half of the bulb; embolus long, filiform, originating at about 9 o'clock position, proximal part with membranous mesal part, with a small tooth at the retrolateral anterior part of the loop, terminal part bent perpendicular to the plane of the cymbium.

Female
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the listed localities in Bushehr and Khuzestan Provinces, southwestern Iran. This is the first record of Berinda in Iran, and the southeasternmost record of the genus.

Diagnosis
Males of this species differ from all congeners by the tibial apophysis being rectangular with a blunt end (vs with tapering tip) and by the distinct form of the median apophysis (= conductor sensu Panayiotou et al. 2010), with the sclerotized part directed terminally (vs laterally in B. aegilia Chatzaki, 2002 andB. amabilis Roewer, 1928 Fig. 2A. Total length 4.50. Carapace 1.92 long, 1.50 wide. Eye sizes and interdistance of PMEs: AME = 0.09, ALE = 0.12, PME = 0.12, PLE = 0.12, PME-PME = 0.03. Carapace, chelicerae, sternum, maxillae and labium light reddish brown. Chelicera with 2 pro-and 5 retromarginal teeth. Legs slightly lighter than carapace, without annulations, and with numerous spines (III and IV). Abdomen light brown, without any markings and with a small scutum anteriorly. Palp as in Fig. 2B-G. Femur unmodified; patella slightly longer than tibia (not including apophysis); tibial apophysis as long as tibia, with swollen base and flat anterior part, margins parallel; cymbium 2 times as long as wide, its width as long as tibia; spermophor coiled; median apophysis (= conductor sensu Panayiotou at al. 2010) large, sharply pointed; filamentous embolus originates almost from the center of the bulb, makes 360° loop.
Female (paratype from Ilam Province) Carapace 3.05 long, 2.28 wide (abdomen missing). Eye sizes and interdistance of PMEs: AME = 0.13, ALE = 0.15, PME = 0.13, PLE = 0.12, PME-PME = 0.05. Coloration and habitus features as in male. Epigyne as in Fig. 2H-L. Epigyne with small, conical anterior hood, and lateral plates with copulatory openings located posteriorly in relation to the hood; copulatory ducts long, extending to the edges of the epigynal plate with two full coils, continuing posteriorly to two small, oval spermathecae.

Etymology
The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to Ardashir I (equivalent to Greek Artaxérxēs), the founder of the Sasanian Empire. Palp as in Fig. 3B-D. Tibia with massive apophysis, as long as tibia, pointed tip directed dorso-anteriorly with angle about 45° to the axis of the palp; cymbium ovoid, 1.6 times as long as wide; median apophysis long, oblique, about as long as tibial apophysis; embolar base (Eb) complex, with 2 outgrowths: a basal pointed process (Po) weakly sclerotized, and a sclerotized apical outgrowth (Ao) [tip appears broken] parallel to a bent, long embolus; embolus proper gently curved and making a course of about 90°.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Yazd Province, central Iran.

Distribution
Previously known only from southeastern Iraq. New to Iran, with the current material representing the southeasternmost record of the species across its known range.

Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of the male, see . In the absence of any other congener, the newly described female of this species is tentatively diagnosed here by the shape of the epigynal atrium resembling an inverted droplet with narrowing posterior rims. The female of C. deserticola differs from those of Callilepis Westring, 1874 by their light color and distinct abdominal folium (vs dark and lacking folium) and the anterior lateral spinnerets being longer than the posterior ones (vs subequal).

Description
Female (MHNG) Habitus as in Figs 5A-C, 6. Total length 5.35. Carapace 2.72 long, 2.21 wide. Eye sizes and interdistance of PMEs: AME = 0.18, ALE = 0.22, PME = 0.18, PLE = 0.22, PME-PME = 0.12. Carapace light yellowish brown with a dark marginal line and a distinct mark in clypeus; a distinct dark V-shaped mark in front of fovea. Sternum, maxillae and labium slightly lighter than carapace. Chelicerae ( Fig. 5E) with 2 promarginal teeth and a retromarginal translucent lamina, widest at its base. Legs the same color as carapace and with numerous spines. Abdomen dorsally with long, thin setae and faded light brown stripes medially, extending into darker comb-shaped patterns laterally; ventrally without any pattern (Fig. 5D).  Epigyne as in Fig. 5F-J. Atrium large, inverted droplet shaped, with distinct anterior hood; copulatory openings behind lateral hoods at median part of the atrium; glands near the anterior edge of lateral hoods; copulatory ducts rather short, twisting posteriorly; receptacles not delimited from ducts, with additional bursae and glands.

Male
See .

Diagnosis
The new species differs from the congeners by having a distinct tegular bulge (Tb) near the base of embolus.

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to the collection locality of the new species.

Distribution
Genus endemic to Iran, known from the type locality in South Khorasan Province, the newly reported locality in Yazd Province (Fig. 6B) and the photographic record ( Fig. 6A) in Semnan Province, central to eastern Iran. All specimens have been observed and collected in sand dunes.  Palp as in Fig. 7A-H. Femur and patella unmodified; tibial apophysis small, sharply pointed, shorter than tibia; cymbium with rounded and short tip; bulb elongate oval; tegulum with antero-prolateral bulge (Tb) near base of embolus; median apophysis (Ma) (or conductor sensu Chatzaki et al. 2002 andChatzaki 2018) subtriangular in ventral view, lacking hook; embolus relatively short, filiform, originating at ca 8 o'clock position and terminating at about 12, terminal part with short, spine-like outgrowth (Eo).

Female
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Kermanshah Province, western Iran.

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to the historical region of the Middle East, located in eastern Mesopotamia, which is now Iran.

Male
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Sistan & Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran, and another locality in Kermanshah Province, western Iran.

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to the Caspian region, in which the type locality of the new species in located.

Male
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Golestan Province, northern Iran. This is the first record of the genus Echemus in Iran.

Diagnosis
The new species differs from all Palearctic congeners by the widely separated lateral margins not converging posteriorly, and widely separated receptacles leaving an open atrium with parallel rims (vs receptacles almost touching and lateral margins converging posteriorly). Furthermore, it differs by the presence of short copulatory ducts, almost vertical and in line with the receptacles (vs bent copulatory ducts parallel to the receptacles). The species most similar to G. qamsarica sp. nov. are: G. cumensis Ponomarev, 1981, G. halophila Esyunin & Efimik, 1997, G. jucunda Thorell, 1875, G. saurica Ovtsharenko, Platnick & Song, 1992, G. ukrainica Ovtsharenko, Platnick & Song, 1992and G. zeugitana Pavesi, 1880. The last one is the most similar in that the copulatory ducts are almost in line with the receptacles and the receptacles are widely separated. However, G. qamsarica sp. nov. differs from G. zeugitana by the parallel lateral margins and the rectangular atrium (vs triangular).

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to the type locality of the new species.

Male
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Isfahan Province, central Iran.  Marusik, Hippa &Koponen, 1996 andH. aenus Thaler, 1984 by having a relatively thin embolic apophysis (Ea) with smooth surface / edges and by being over 2.5 times as long as wide but differs from them by having a prolateral bulge on the bulb (Bb, Fig. 11B, E), and by the shape of the tibial apophysis, relatively sharp and straight (vs with indentations or sharper).

Etymology
The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the ancient group of Iranian people who inhabited an area known as Media between western and northern Iran.

Female
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Fars Province, southcentral Iran. apophysis with a single pointed tip. Females of the new species resemble those of H. pseudosignifer Marusik, Hippa & Koponen, 1996, H. typhon (Simon, 1878, H. invalidus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) and H. concertor (Simon, 1878) in having the epigynal plate with almost parallel margins and conical posterior ends but differ by the presence of distinct longitudinal folds along the spermathecal sacs (vs bell-shaped in all others).

Etymology
The specific epithet is a noun in apposition, referring to a conglomeration of clans in Iran consisting of mostly Turkic peoples but also Lurs, Kurds and Arabs.

Description
Male (holotype) Habitus as in Fig. 12C-D. Total length 5.00. Carapace 2.26 long, 1.87 wide. Eye sizes and interdistance of PMEs: AME = 0.13, ALE = 0.15, PME = 0.14, PLE = 0.10, PME-PME = 0.08. Carapace dark brown, lighter in pars thoracica, with faded radiating lines from fovea to submarginal area. Chelicerae, maxillae and labium dark brown. Sternum light brown, slightly darker anteriorly. Chelicera with 2 pro-and 2 retromarginal teeth. Legs light yellowish and without annulations. Abdomen dorsally dark gray, with numerous transverse light bands, forming a patch posteriorly, ventrally with distinct tracheal marks and a V-shaped light pattern surrounding them. Spinnerets light gray and uniform in color. Palp as in Figs 12E-H, 13A-D, 14A-C. Tibial apophysis as long as tibia, paddle-shaped, angled dorsally, with a pointed tip; embolic apophysis with distinctly serrated inner surface; embolus with wide, blunt end and with an additional pointed outgrowth that arises from its base.
Female (paratype, Lorestan Province) Habitus as in Figs 12A-B. Total length 5.49. Carapace 2.54 long, 1.93 wide. Eye sizes and interdistance of PMEs: AME = 0.09, ALE = 0.14, PME = 0.15, PLE = 0.09, PME-PME = 0.05. Carapace, chelicerae, maxillae, labium and sternum light yellowish brown. Chelicera with 3 pro-and 2 retromarginal teeth.  Epigyne as in Fig. 14D-H. Epigynal plate about 1.3 times as long as wide, with weakly sclerotized anterior margin; atrium long and thin, almost 2 times as long as wide and ⅓ of epigynal plate width, with parallel lateral margins converging posteriorly and lateral sclerotization at anterior half; receptacles round, as wide as the narrowest part of the atrium; fertilization ducts long; distinct anterior bursae present with longitudinal folds; lateral anterior glandular heads at outer edges of the bursae.

Distribution
Known from the listed localities in Hormozgan, Khuzestan and Lorestan Provinces, southwestern to southern Iran.

Diagnosis
The new species is mostly similar to M. cumensis (Ponomarev, 1979), M. manytchensis (Ponomarev & Tsvetkov, 2006), M. malkini (Platnick & Murphy, 1984) and M. mutabilis (Simon, 1878) in that the M-shaped median ridge is at the middle to upper part of the median plate, while extending further to posterior end in the congeners. It differs from M. cumensis by its long copulatory ducts extending beyond the anterior margin (vs very short and well below the anterior margin) and from the others by the shape of atrium being wider than long (vs longer than wide).

Etymology
The specific epithet is a noun in apposition, referring to the apical ancestor of the Achaemenid dynasty.

Male
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad Province, southwestern Iran.

Diagnosis
The new species differs from the generotype by having interrupted anterior margins (vs uninterrupted), a strongly rebordered W-shaped atrium (vs inconspicuous) and round receptacles (vs tubular).

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to Isfahan Province, Iran, the type locality of the new species.

Male
Unknown.

Comments
Based on the similarity of the epigynal conformation to that of the type species, we tentatively place this species here in the absence of male specimens. However, only two of the three diagnostic elements of the females of this genus are met in this new species: the long, coiled copulatory ducts and additional anterior copulatory bursae and the receptacles being round rather than tubular. The latter character may have to be omitted from the generic diagnosis when more species are described and included in this genus.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Isfahan Province, central Iran. This is the first record of Marjanus in Iran, and the second species described in this genus.

Etymology
The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case and refers to Ameretat, the Avestan language name of the Zoroastrian divinity concept of immortality.
Palp as in Fig. 17C-G, I-K. Tibia with small, membranous retroventral apophysis and well sclerotized retrolateral one; retrolateral apophysis shorter than tibia, broader in central part than at the base, tip rounded, central part with conical process; cymbium 2.3 times as long as wide; tegulum with massive protrusion directed prolaterally; terminal apophysis subtriangular, well sclerotized, parallel to embolus, arising behind tegulum; embolus pike-like, oblique, directed at an almost 2 o'clock position.

Female
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Tehran Province, northern Iran.

Diagnosis
The new species is very similar to P. redikorzevi Spassky, 1940 from which it differs by the shape of the tibial apophysis (with longer claw-like tip, and smaller dorsal lobe).

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to the unexpected discovery of a new species of this genus in Iran.
Palp as in Fig. 18C-F, H-I. Femur length / width ratio 3.33; tibia with broad retrolateral apophysis and small, spine-like dorsal apophysis; lateral apophysis with claw-like tip and dorsal small lobe; cymbium elongated, oval, 1.7 times as long as wide, tip rounded; tegulum protruding ventrally, in lateral view, longer than cymbium's width; embolus long, making roughly 2.25 loops.

Female
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Hormozgan Province, southern Iran.

Comments
The two new species described below are tentatively placed in Scotophaeus due to the absence of males and the general taxonomic uncertainty surrounding this genus. According to Levy (1999: 437), Scotophaeus is a "cumulative taxon for medium-sized robust gnaphosids", a problem that has not been resolved; the genus requires a full revision (Murphy 2007: 51). However, the similarity of most of the somatic characters of the new species with Scotophaeus (e.g., habitus, shape of maxillae, cheliceral dentition, eye configuration [as illustrated in Murphy 2007: fig. 374], presence of scopulae on metatarsi I and II [a diagnostic character of the genus, according to Levy 1999: 437]) as well as the form of the genital organs, with a wide epigynal depression and multi-chambered receptacles, indicate that this genus is the best candidate for generic assignment.

Diagnosis
The two new species of Scotophaeus described here, S. anahita sp. nov. and S. elburzensis sp. nov., are very similar in the structure of their epigynal sclerotization and somatic characters but are clearly different in the structure of the endogyne. In S. anahita sp. nov., the lateral ducts are spiraled (vs relatively straight, slightly curved outward in S. elburzensis sp. nov.) and the terminal lobes are smaller than the basal lobes and located anteriorly (vs larger than the basal lobes and located posteriorly in S. elburzensis sp. nov.) (cf. Fig. 19B, E). Similarly, they resemble S. nanus Wunderlich, 1995 in the form of the epigynal atrium, but the configuration of the spermathecal cluster is very different from both of the new species (see Wunderlich 1995: figs 6-8).

Etymology
The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the divinity of the Waters (associated with fertility, healing and wisdom) in Persian mythology.

Male
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Isfahan Province, central Iran.

Diagnosis
The new species is easily distinguished from its congeners by the atrium which is trapezoidal posteriorly and anteriorly an open dome, and by the peculiar placement of the two pairs of receptacles, one vertical to the other. As in the similar S. anahita sp. nov., the posterior part of the epigynal atrium is most similar to that of S. nanus (see Wunderlich 1995: figs 6-8), but the rest of the epigynal characters are unique enough to consider it a new species. This species can be further diagnosed from the related S. anahita sp. nov. by the lateral ducts being relatively straight and slightly curved outward (vs spiraled) and the terminal lobes being larger than the basal lobes and located posteriorly (vs smaller than basal lobes and located anteriorly).

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to the Elburz Mountain Range, from where the specimens have been collected.

Male
Unknown.

Comments
There are differences in the size and position of the receptacles between the type specimen from Zanjan (Fig. 19F, I) and the additional material examined from Tehran ( Fig. 19D-E), which are considered intraspecific variations.

Distribution
Known only from the listed localities in Zanjan and Tehran Provinces, northwestern and northern Iran.

Comments
The genus is currently known by 10 species, including two from the Nearctic. The Palearctic species S. loricatus (L. Koch, 1866) and seven species from India, are all known from females and probably misplaced in this genus (WSC 2021).
Sosticus montanus sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:9C05213D-7ACA-4312-A314-26D6EA50A334 Fig. 21 Diagnosis Epigyne of the new species is most similar to that of S. loricatus but differs by the shape of atrium and the copulatory ducts: atrium triangular, wider posteriorly (vs wider anteriorly) and the ducts converge medially and diverge anteriorly (vs opposite).

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to the mountainous habitat of the new species in the Zagros Mountain Range.

Male
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Ilam Province, western Iran.

Diagnosis
The male of the new species is somewhat similar to that of S. trichopus (Roewer, 1928) by having a simple conductor with only one arm but differs by lacking a palpal patellar apophysis (vs present) and a longer embolus originating at the ca 2 o'clock position (vs 5-6 o'clock). The female of S. martinezi sp. nov. is most similar to that of S. nanus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) by having an anterior hood and longitudinally oriented copulatory ducts but differs by having lateral hoods (vs lacking in S. nanus).

Etymology
The new species is named after Cuban myriapodologist Carlos Alberto Martínez-Muñoz (University of Turku, Finland), a friend of the first author.

Diagnosis
The male of the new genus differs from other Zelotinae Platnick, 1990 occurring in the region by the large modified palpal patella being longer than the tibia, with a swollen proximal part, swollen base of the tibial apophysis, the tibia being two times wider distally than proximally and the bifid tibial apophysis. The female of Zagrotes gen. nov. differs from other species of Zelotinae (except for some female Berinda spp.) by having a distinct flexible scape with a digitiform tip.

Etymology
A combination of ʻZagrosʼ, a mountain range in Iran, Iraq and southeastern Turkey, and ʻZelotesʼ, referring to the distribution and affinity of the new genus, respectively.

Description
Same as for the type species.

Comments
Although the epigyne is different from those of all other genera of Zelotinae, and the male palp has modifications unknown in other members of this subfamily, the genus is placed in Zelotinae due to the presence of a preening comb on metatarsus III.

Composition
Only the type species.

Distribution
Southwestern and southern Iran.

Diagnosis
Same as for the genus.

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to the greatly enlarged retrolateral tibial apophysis of the male palp. apophysis, as long as bulb's width, apophysis with 2 arms; spermophor U-shaped in ventral view; tegulum with membranous, finger-shaped apophysis near the base of embolus (not easily discernible); embolus filamentous, originating at the middle of the tegulum and encircling it, reaching the retrolateral margin of the cymbium.

Diagnosis
The new species is similar to Z. eugeni Kovblyuk, 2009 andZ. longipes (L. Koch, 1866) by having a similarly shaped atrium and anterior hood. It differs from Z. eugeni by having anterior hoods that are 1.3 times as wide as the atrium (vs almost 2 times). It differs from Z. longipes by the longer lateral margins, ⅔ as long as atrium (vs ½) and the diverging copulatory ducts adjoining to receptacles (vs parallel).

Etymology
The specific epithet is an adjective and refers to Hyrcanian region, in which the type locality of the new species is located.
Epigyne as in Figs 24F-G, 26. Epigynal plate longer than wide; with distinct scape (Ds), basal part conical, goffered, tip heavily sclerotized, digitiform; posterior part of atrium with distinct margins and copulatory openings; copulatory ducts long, coiled and ending posteriorly in broad sacs.

Distribution
Known from the listed localities in Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad and Hormozgan Provinces, southwestern and southern Iran.
Epigyne as in Fig. 27A-C. Epigynal plate slightly longer than wide; atrium large, rounded posteriorly and with parallel margins anteriorly; lateral margins ⅔ of atrium's length; anterior part of margins with small hoods, anterior hoods distinct, separated by 0.77 of epigyne length (from posterior margin to anterior hoods); receptacles round, touching each other, diameter almost 4 times smaller than atrium width; copulatory ducts diverging.

Male
Unknown.

Distribution
Known only from the type locality in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran.

Discussion
Our results increase the number of ground spiders from Iran to 131 species from 40 genera. Three of these genera (Callipelis, Iranotricha Zamani & Marusik, 2018 and Zagrotes gen. nov.) are monotypic Iranian endemics. The first two are desert specialists; the surface temperature of the type locality of Iranotricha lutensis Zamani & Marusik, 2018 (central Lut Desert) has been recorded to be as high as 80.83°C (Zamani et al. 2018b;Azarderakhsh et al. 2020), which makes the area the hottest place inhabited by spiders (previously this record was attributed to Death Valley, California, with the highest ground temperature recorded at 56.7°C; see Mammola et al. 2017).
With 131 species recorded from Iran, Gnaphosidae is currently the most species rich spider family in Iran (Zamani et al. 2021). The number of species recorded from the smaller but better investigated neighboring Turkey is higher (150, see Danışman et al. 2019), and there are about 130 species recorded from the whole Caucasus (Otto 2020). In Europe, 173 gnaphosid species are known from France, and between 150-160 species have been recorded in Spain, Greece and Italy (Nentwig et al. 2021). Considering that the vast majority of Iranian territory remains poorly sampled in regard to spider fauna, and the fact that Gnaphosidae is a spider family consisting of many xerophilous or desert living species, it is reasonable to assume that the true diversity of this family in Iran could be much higher than what is currently known, as random and scattered samplings are still yielding new records or species.