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| Pseudochthonius ramalho Assis, Schimonsky & Bichuette, 2021 |
Abstract
Pseudochthonius ramalho sp. nov. is described to Gruna do Vandercir cave, in the Serra do Ramalho karst area, southwestern Bahia, Brazil. This area has an extensive limestone outcrop, with several caves, and the occurrence of potential minerals that are financially attractive for mining projects. The new species shows troglomorphic characteristics such as the depigmentation of the carapace and absence or reduction of eyes. It is a rare troglobitic species, and following the criteria of IUCN, we categorized the species as Critically Endangered – CR, IUCN criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii). According to Brazilian legislation, locations, where critically endangered species live, can be protected by law, and we consider this cave/region to be of maximal relevance for protection.
Keywords: Arachnida, Bahia State, Chthoniinae, conservation, endemic, troglobite
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| A Gruna do Vandercir cave B surroundings of Gruna do Vandercir cave with its dry characteristic vegetation (Images A Adriano Gambarini B Maria Elina Bichuette). |
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| Holotype of Pseudochthonius ramalho sp. nov. in natural habitat, at Gruna do Vandercir cave, Serra do Ramalho, Bahia. (Image: Adriano Gambarini). |
Taxonomy
Family Chthoniidae Daday, 1889
Subfamily Chthoniinae Daday, 1889
Tribe Chthoniini Daday, 1889
Genus Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892
Pseudochthonius ramalho Assis, Schimonsky & Bichuette, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Pseudochthonius ramalho sp. nov. can be identified by the following combination of characters: eyes absent (♂) or with eyes-spots (♀); the middle and distal fixed chelal finger teeth positioned two by two with 29–30 acuminate teeth and 3–4 slightly basally rounded ones, the presence of two rounded micro–denticles, along with pedipalpal fixed finger teeth in males; trichobothria ist closer to esb than to the est (ratio ist-est/ist-esb = 4.71); serrula exterior with 13 (♂) or 14 (♀) lamellae, rallum with seven blades, and coxae I and II with 3 to 5 coxal spines.
Etymology: The species is named after the region of Serra do Ramalho due to its importance regarding the speleological heritage and the unique fauna and flora diversity. The name is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Leonardo de Assis, Diego Monteiro von Schimonsky and Maria Elina Bichuette. 2021. The First Troglobitic Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from the Karst Area of Serra do Ramalho, Brazil: A Threatened Species. Subterranean Biology. 40: 109-128. DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.40.77451