Gonatium tridentatum is a species of dwarf spider in the family Linyphiidae, described in 2025 by Muhammad Irfan, Chang-Cheng Zhang, Yu-Jun Cai, and Zhi-Sheng Zhang.[1] It is endemic to Jiangjin District, Chongqing, China.
Gonatium tridentatum can be easily recognized by a unique feature in males: a small leg-like structure near their reproductive organ has three distinct tooth-like points, unlike its close relative Gonatium japonicum, which has only one.[1]
Another distinctive trait in males is a long, curved spine shaped like the letter "C", which wraps close to another part of the body called the cymbium, ending slightly beyond it. The cymbium itself is shaped like a hoof with a small bump on the side.[1]
Females of this species are identified by their reproductive structures, which include spiral-shaped internal ducts and round, globular organs (spermathecae) where sperm is stored, unlike the more oval shapes found in similar species.[1]
Distribution
The species is known only from several localities within the Jiangjin District of Chongqing, China, collected at elevations between 1092 and 1226 meters.[1]
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