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...

Editorial: Horizons in arachnid science

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Editorial: Horizons in arachnid science

Editorial on the Research Topic Horizons in arachnid science

Frontiers in Arachnid Science, a community-rooted journal, aims to engage researchers across a full spectrum of disciplines, including early-career scientists and established researchers. We are pleased to introduce the inaugural “Horizons in Arachnid Science” collection, featuring invited, high-impact, and accessible reviews synthesizing transformational arachnology research. Contributors were selected by the Chief Editors in recognition of their scientific contributions and impact.

Among arachnids, spiders (order Araneae) represent the second most diverse order, with 53,967 currently described species (). Despite this remarkable diversity, the natural history, ecology, and evolutionary relationships of many spider lineages remain poorly understood. Two reviews in this Research Topic address these gaps from complementary perspectives by focusing on both a widespread ecological strategy and a charismatic focal lineage.

Herzig, V., Schausberger, P., Bond, J. E., Cabezas-Cruz, A., & Kuntner, M. (2026). Editorial: Horizons in arachnid science. Frontiers in Arachnid Science, 5, 1890569. https://doi.org/10.3389/frchs.2026.1890569