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...

Death-feigning behavior following dragline escape in a huntsman spider Heteropoda venatoria (Araneae: Sparassidae)

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Death-feigning behavior following dragline escape in a huntsman spider Heteropoda venatoria (Araneae: Sparassidae)

Abstract 

Death-feigning behavior (thanatosis) was documented in the Pantropical Huntsman Spider, Heteropoda venatoria (Araneae: Sparassidae), observed within a human dwelling. Upon disturbance, the spider rapidly descended from a vertical surface using a silk dragline and subsequently assumed a motionless posture with legs partially flexed inward, closely resembling a dead individual. This immobile state persisted for approximately ten minutes despite mild tactile stimulation. Although huntsman spiders primarily relied on rapid escape responses, this observation indicated that thanatosis may have functioned as an additional anti-predator strategy. There are limited reports of this behavior in Sparassidae.

Sylvester, C. & Abhilash, H. R. 2026. Death-feigning behavior following dragline
escape in a huntsman spider Heteropoda venatoria (Araneae: Sparassidae). Munis
Entomology & Zoology, 21 (2): 2095-2097 Munis Entomology & Zoology