[Arachnida • 2026] Karschia baii • A New Species of the Genus Karschia Walter, 1889 (Solifugae: Karschiidae) from China

 

 Karschia (Karschia) baii 

Chen, Fan & Zhang, 2026.  

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.180913

Abstract

A new species of the genus Karschia Walter, 1889, Karschia (Karschia) baii sp. nov., is described from northwest China. We provide a detailed morphological description, diagnostic features, and illustrations for the new species, and present its known distribution in China. Additionally, the first photographs of wild mating for the family Karschiidae are presented.

Key words: Camel spider, mating behavior, morphology, solpugids, taxonomy

Habitat and living photos of Karschia (Karschia) baii sp. nov.
A, B. Arid desert habitat with sparse vegetation in Gansu Province; C. Male individual in natural condition; D. Female individual in natural condition; E, F. Close-up of a mating pair on Artemisia branches, showing natural coloration and positioning during copulation.

Karschia (Karschia) baii sp. nov.

Aidie Chen, Wenlong Fan, Feng Zhang. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Karschia Walter, 1889 (Solifugae, Karschiidae) from China. ZooKeys. 1269: 181-197. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.180913 [13 Feb 2026]