New records and invasion risk of Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) in Brazil

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  New records and invasion risk of Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) in Brazil Abstract Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 is a schizomid native to the Caribbean and Central America and is notable for facultative parthenogenesis and a broad synanthropic distribution. It is widely reported as an exotic species in several regions worldwide, with recognized invasive potential. Here, we expand its known distribution in Brazil by documenting the first records from the state of Mato Grosso and new occurrences in tourist caves in Bahia. We also model the species’ potential distribution in South America using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm under current and future climate scenarios. The models indicate higher habitat suitability in regions characterized by low annual temperature variation and consistent rainfall patterns, conditions typical of tropical and subterranean environments, and predict range expansion under future climate change, p...

The first known troglomorphic, eyeless spider wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): Troglopompilus miracaecatus gen. et sp. nov. from the Nullarbor Caves, Western Australia

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The first known troglomorphic, eyeless spider wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): Troglopompilus miracaecatus gen. et sp. nov. from the Nullarbor Caves, Western Australia

Abstract

Surveys of caves of the Nullarbor Plain, Western Australia, revealed a remarkable assemblage of exceptionally well-preserved mummified arthropods, comprising Araneae, Blattodea, Coleoptera and Chilopoda, all of which exhibit high levels of troglomorphism, lacking eyes and showing a number of other adaptations. Of note, this arthropod assemblage also included a pompilid wasp which is eyeless and brachypterous and unlike any member of the family known globally. Here, we describe this amazing wasp as Troglopompilus miracaecatus gen. et sp. nov., and discuss its remarkable morphology and possible affinities and biology.

Rodriguez, J., Austin, A. D., & Marsh, J. R. (2026). The first known troglomorphic, eyeless spider wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): Troglopompilus miracaecatus gen. Et sp. Nov. From the Nullarbor Caves, Western Australia. Austral Entomology, 65(2), e70061. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.70061