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 Harpactocrates Simon, 1914 (Araneae: Dysderidae) from Cantabria, Spain

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A new species of Harpactocrates Simon, 1914 (Araneae: Dysderidae) from Cantabria, Spain

Abstract 

A new species of Harpactocrates Simon, 1914 is described from Cantabria, northern Spain as Harpactocrates trenti sp. n. The species is closely related to H. ravastellus Simon, 1914, but can readily be distinguished by the more globular tegulum and a longer, hook-shaped embolus. Female specimens also show a characteristic configuration of the valve folds, visible through the cuticle as two anteriorly diverging lines. Detailed morphological descriptions, images of genital structures, and distribution data are provided. The discovery of H. trenti sp. n. increases the known Iberian representatives of the genus to nine species and highlights the need for further sampling in poorly surveyed regions, where additional undescribed taxa may occur.

Narro-Martín, A. J. (2026). A new species of Harpactocrates Simon, 1914 (Araneae: Dysderidae) from Cantabria, Spain. Arachnology 20(5): 693-698.