Remarkable micro-endemism and high congeneric richness: eight new cave-restricted species of Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from the Brazilian semi-arid

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  Remarkable micro-endemism and high congeneric richness: eight new cave-restricted species of Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from the Brazilian semi-arid Abstract Eight new species of pseudoscorpions belonging to the genus Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 are described from the semi-arid region of Brazil. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, diagnostic characters, detailed illustrations, and ecological remarks of the habitats are provided for Pseudochthonius celestialis sp. nov., P. caritas sp. nov., P. patientia sp. nov., P. temperantia sp. nov., P. diligentia sp. nov., P. castitas sp. nov., P. humilitas sp. nov., and P. benignitas sp. nov. In addition, we present a brief discussion of the potential factors underlying the remarkable congeneric species richness observed in this geographically restricted region, as well as the principal threats faced by these species. These findings underscore the importance of conserving caves in order to pr...

A New Species of the Lynx Spider Genus Hamataliwa Keyserling, 1887 (Araneae: Oxyopidae) from Meghalaya, India

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A New Species of the Lynx Spider Genus Hamataliwa Keyserling, 1887 (Araneae: Oxyopidae) from Meghalaya, India

Abstract

Hamataliwa Keyserling, 1887 is the second most species-rich genus within the family Oxyopidae Thorell, 1869. Members of this genus are typically smaller than other oxyopids and are characterised by relatively drab body colouration, macrosetae on the legs and opisthosoma, and weakly developed posterior leg pairs. In this study, we describe a new species of lynx spider, Hamataliwa mawlyngot sp. nov. (♀♂), from Mawlyngot, a small village in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India. The species is documented with a detailed morphological description, and micrographs of the habitus and genitalia. This represents the first report of the genus from Meghalaya and highlights the need for thorough surveys to unveil many more species of this foliage-dwelling genus in the future.

Bhattacharya, U., Sudhin, P.P. & Sen, S. A New Species of the Lynx Spider Genus Hamataliwa Keyserling, 1887 (Araneae: Oxyopidae) from Meghalaya, India. Natl. Acad. Sci. Lett. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-026-02315-3