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...

Taxonomic revision of Akela Peckham & Peckham, 1896 (Araneae: Salticidae: Freyina), with insights into secondary spermathecae in Salticidae and coupling pocket homology in Freyina

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Taxonomic revision of Akela Peckham & Peckham, 1896 (Araneae: Salticidae: Freyina), with insights into secondary spermathecae in Salticidae and coupling pocket homology in Freyina

Abstract

The genus Akela Peckham & Peckham, 1896 is revised. Akela scaloneta Rubio, Baigorria & Stolar, 2023 is synonymized with Evophrys melanoleucus Mello-Leitão, 1944. Akela zinha Ruiz & Bustamante sp. nov. from Brazil is described based on both sexes. New records are also given for A. ruricola Galiano, 1999. After this revision, the genus is composed of four Neotropical species, plus one misplaced species from Pakistan, not treated herein. Variation in colour patterns and the morphology of epigynes within the genus is discussed. The position of secondary spermathecae is also discussed and compared throughout the Salticidae. The homology of epigynal coupling pockets within Freyina is also discussed.
Ruiz, G. R., Marta, K. S., Hagopián, D., & Bustamante, A. A. (2026). Taxonomic revision of Akela Peckham & Peckham, 1896 (Araneae: Salticidae: Freyina), with insights into secondary spermathecae in Salticidae and coupling pocket homology in Freyina. Zoologischer Anzeiger. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2026.05.011