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 orb-weaver genus Argiope Audouin, 1826 from West Kalimantan, Indonesia, with notes on a new synonymy of Gea spinipes C. L. Koch, 1843 (Araneae: Araneidae)

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A new species of orb-weaver genus Argiope Audouin, 1826 from West Kalimantan, Indonesia, with notes on a new synonymy of Gea spinipes C. L. Koch, 1843 (Araneae: Araneidae)

Abstract

Recent biodiversity expeditions in Danau Sentarum National Park and Betung Kerihun National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia have yielded significant findings in the genus Argiope Audouin, 1826. We described Argiope songketica sp. nov. (♂, ♀) and provided detailed descriptions with high-quality photographs of both sexes. Additionally, we report the first record of Argiope versicolor (Doleschall, 1859) and Gea spinipes C. L. Koch, 1843 in the National Parks, extending their known distribution range. Finally, we propose Argiope sapoa Barrion & Litsinger, 1995 as junior synonym of Gea spinipes C. L. Koch, 1843. These findings highlight the arachnological significance of protected areas in Borneo and contribute to the knowledge of Southeast Asian araneids.

Dhiya’ulhaq, N.U. & Rahmadi, C. (2026) A new species of orb-weaver genus Argiope Audouin, 1826 from West Kalimantan, Indonesia, with notes on a new synonymy of Gea spinipes C. L. Koch, 1843 (Araneae: Araneidae). Zootaxa, 5845 (2), 304–318. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.5