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...

Arachnids of the Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area

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Arachnids of the Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area

Abstract

The Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area (YDWMA) was established by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department in 2014. No prior surveys of the invertebrate fauna had been undertaken at the WMA. This study conducted a taxonomic survey of the arachnids in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The arachnids were sampled using a combination of pitfall trapping, sweep netting, and general collecting. Eight pitfall arrays were deployed, four in mesquite habitat and four in shinnery oak habitat. The arachnids were sampled for 1-week periods during May-August. Eight samples and eight general collecting samples were also gathered during each sampling period. A total of 28 families, 66 genera, and 101 species of arachnids in five orders were documented. All the species identified represent new records for Cochran County, Texas. A total of 49 species of spiders and two species of Solifugae are the first reports for the Southern High Plains of Texas. Notably, the following three species of spiders: Agyneta fratrella (Chamberlin 1919), Piabuna pallida Chamberlin & Ivie 1935, and Allocosa morelosiana (Gertsch & Davis 1940) are documented in Texas for the first time.

Zechariah Saavedra, W. David Sissom "Arachnids of the Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area," Southwestern Entomologist, 51(2), 657-679, (5 May 2026) https://doi.org/10.3958/059.051.0221