Two New Species of Cave-Dwelling Pseudoscorpions Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from Northeastern Brazil: Shedding Light on the Troglobitic Status of Some Brazilian Species

Zool Stud. 2024 Jul 9:63:e21. doi: 10.6620/ZS.2024.63-21. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Two new pseudoscorpion species, Pseudochthonius aware sp. nov. and Pseudochthonius itakuatiara sp. nov., are herein described. These species exhibit distinct characteristics that differentiate them from other congeneric species, including variations in chelal and cheliceral dentition, coxal chaetotaxy, and measurements. In addition to taxonomic details, we provide ecological observations for each species, identify potential threats, propose avenues for future research, and offer a key for distinguishing the Pseudochthonius species found in Brazil.

Keywords: Cave-dwelling; Pseudoscorpion; Subterranean biology; Taxonomy; Troglomorphism.