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...

New Theraphosinae from Ecuador: description of five species (Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae, Romopelma, and Homoeomma) with the establishment of a new genus

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New Theraphosinae from Ecuador: description of five species (Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae, Romopelma, and Homoeomma) with the establishment of a new genus

Abstract

A review of specimens from the subfamily Theraphosinae in Ecuador resulted in the identification of five new species across three genera; from the genus Romopelma Peñaherrera-R et al., 2024, Romopelma chirapa sp. nov. (♂♀); from the genus Homoeomma, Homoeomma josti sp. nov. (♂♀). The female of Romopelma barrigae Peñaherrera-R et al., 2024, the type species of the genus, is described for the first time. The proposed synonymy of Homoeomma strabo (Simon, 1892) from Colombia with H. familiare Bertkau, 1880, from Brazil, is rejected. Additionally, one new genus is established, and three species are described: Yunka gen. nov., Y. suenos sp. nov. (♂♀), Y. guasaganda sp. nov. (♂♀), and Y. baboso sp. nov. (♂♀). SEM images of palpal bulb, and urticating setae are presented, and morphological nomenclature of palpal bulb keels is updated.

Dupérré N, Tapia E, Salazar-Valenzuela D (2026) New Theraphosinae from Ecuador: description of five species (Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae, Romopelma, and Homoeomma) with the establishment of a new genus. Evolutionary Systematics 10(2): 217-261. https://doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.10.196576