[Arachnida • 2025] Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis, S. yamigulensis ... • Four New Species of Dragon Pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae: Spelaeochthonius) from Caves in South Korea revealed by integrative taxonomy

Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis

Jeong, Harms, Yoo & Kim, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325375

Abstract

Karst research in Korea is still in its infancy and the invertebrate fauna of subterranean systems across the country is poorly known. One of the very diverse lineages in caves across Korea, the pseudoscorpions, are almost undocumented although they represent stunning examples of cave adaptations and troglomorphism. In this study, we provide a phylogenetic hypothesis for the pseudoscorpion Spelaeochthonius Morikawa, 1954 (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) in South Korea; a genus that exclusively occurs in caves across China, Japan and the Korean Peninsula. We report seven species of which four are newly described and illustrated based on molecular, distributional and morphological data: Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis sp. nov., S. geumgulensis sp. nov., S. magwihalmigulensis sp. nov. and S. yamigulensis sp. nov. All species are strongly cave-adapted and known from a single cave or karst system only, emphasizing the need to implement conservation strategies for Korean karst systems and their fauna.

 

Habitus of Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis sp. nov.
A. Holotype male, dorsal view; B. Holotype male, ventral view;
C. Paratype female, dorsal view; D. Paratype female, ventral view.

Scale bar: 1 mm.

Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis sp. nov., 

S. geumgulensis sp. nov., 

S. magwihalmigulensis sp. nov. 

S. yamigulensis sp. nov.

Kyung–Hoon Jeong, Danilo Harms, Jung-sun Yoo and Sora Kim. 2025. Four New Species of Dragon Pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae: Spelaeochthonius) from Caves in South Korea revealed by integrative taxonomy. PLoS One. 20(7): e0325375.  DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325375 [July 9, 2025]

[Arachnida • 2025] Tyrannochthonius rudongyanensis, T. tiani & T. yanwuensis • Three New Cave-dwelling Species of Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 (Pseudoscorpiones: Chthoniidae) from Guangxi, China

  

Tyrannochthonius rudongyanensis

Sun, Guo & Zhang, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.51.146465  

Abstract

Three new Tyrannochthonius species are described, including detailed diagnosis and illustrations: T. rudongyanensis sp. nov., T. tiani sp. nov., and T. yanwuensis sp. nov. All samples were collected from the hypogean habitats in Guangxi, China. A distribution map of all Tyrannochthonius species in Guangxi is provided.

Keywords: Diversity, karst, morphology, taxonomy

Rudongyan Cave, type locality of Tyrannochthonius rudongyanensis sp. nov.,
A, D live female T. rudongyanensis sp. nov. in its natural environment
B, C areas where T. rudongyanensis sp. nov. specimens were collected.

 Jianzhou Sun, Xiangbo Guo and Feng Zhang. 2025. Three New Cave-dwelling Species of Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from Guangxi, China. Subterranean Biology. 51: 115-133. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.51.146465  

[Arachnida • 2023] Cheiridium piracanjubae • A New Species of Cheiridium Menge, 1855 (Pseudoscorpiones: Cheiridiidae: Cheiridiinae) from the Brazilian Cerrado Biome

Cheiridium piracanjubae

 Bedoya-Roqueme, Silva dos Reis, de Freitas Barroso & Tizo-Pedroso, 2023

  DOI: 10.1080/01650521.2023.2239628 

  twitter.com/EvertonTizo

ABSTRACT

During a survey on the arachnid fauna in the Central Brazilian Cerrado, Goiás State, a new species of the genus Cheiridium Menge, 1855, was found. This specimen represents the third record of this genus in Brazil, and it is described as a new species, Cheiridium piracanjubae sp. n. The species represents an important record for a biome considered a biodiversity hotspot, but with a still poorly known arachnid fauna.

 

KEYWORDS: Arachnida, pseudoscorpion, tropical savanna, tree bark fauna, Vochysiaceae

 

Edwin Bedoya-Roqueme, Jessica Silva dos Reis, Renata de Freitas Barroso and Everton Tizo-Pedroso. 2023. A New Species of Cheiridium Menge, 1855 (Pseudoscorpiones: Cheiridiidae: Cheiridiinae) from the Brazilian Cerrado Biome. Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment.  DOI: 10.1080/01650521.2023.2239628 

  twitter.com/EvertonTizo/status/1688892028887707648

[Arachnida • 2021] Pseudochthonius ramalho • The First Troglobitic Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones: Chthoniidae) from the Karst Area of Serra do Ramalho, Brazil: A Threatened Species

Pseudochthonius ramalho   

 Assis, Schimonsky & Bichuette, 2021

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.40.77451

  Researchgate.net/publication/356486292

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

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).

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

  Researchgate.net/publication/356486292_The_first_troglobitic_Pseudochthonius_from_the_karst_area_of_Serra_do_Ramalho_Brazil

[Arachnida • 2022] Selachochthonius naledi • A New Troglobitic Species of Pseudoscorpion (Pseudoscorpiones, Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) from South Africa

Selachochthonius naledi 

Prado, Du Preez & Ferreira, 2022

 DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.42.79190

Abstract

A new pseudoscorpion species, Selachochthonius naledi sp. nov., is herein described. It can be distinguished from the other species of the genus mainly by the absence of eyes, number and morphology of chelal teeth and coxae setae and by the appendices proportions. This new species represents the fourth record for the genus in South Africa. We also provide some ecological remarks of the new species and recommendations for future research.

Keywords: Cave-dwelling, pseudoscorpion, taxonomy

Type locality and habitat of Selachochthonius naledi sp. nov.
  A Villa Louise cave entrance B Villa Louise cave interior general aspect
C Villa Louise cave interior, showing altered floor D Yom Tov cave entrance
E live female holotype F live male paratype.

Family Pseudotyrannochthoniidae Beier, 1932

Genus Selachochthonius Chamberlin, 1929

 Selachochthonius naledi sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Selachochthonius naledi sp. nov. differs from other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: absence of eyes or eyespots (S. heterodentatus Beier, 1995 with four well-developed eyes and S. serratidentatus Ellingsen, 1912 bearing four small eyes) (Ellingsen 1912; Beier 1955); epistome triangular and strongly dentate (S. cavernicola Lawrence, 1935 presents a flattened apex and slightly dentated epistome) (Lawrence 1935); palpal femur with length of 0.65–0.66 mm or 6.2 times longer than wide (4.0 times in S. serratidentatus and S. heterodentatus with femur length of 1.0 mm); chela 6.1–6.2 times longer than wide (3.8 times in S. serratidentatus and 5.0 times in S. heterodentatus) (Ellingsen 1912; Beier 1955); fixed finger with 32–34 simple, sparse, acute and triangular teeth (S. cavernicola with 23 sparse, simple and triangular teeth, presented in only 2/3 of the segment; S. heterodentatus with 28 acute teeth intercalated by 24 smaller teeth and S. serratidentatus with sparse, acute and complex teeth, each one intercalated by one or two smaller teeth) (Ellingsen 1912; Lawrence 1935; Beier 1955); movable finger with 29–31 simple, sparse acute and triangular teeth (S. cavernicola with 17 simple, sparse, acute and triangular teeth; S. heterodentatus with 16 acute and triangular, intercalated by 12 smaller teeth) (Lawrence 1935; Beier 1955); presence of a small tubercle in both chelae between the 13th and 14th teeth of the female movable finger and between the 10th and 11th teeth of the male movable finger (S. cavernicola, S. heterodentatus and S. serratidentatus lacks tubercle); 7–11 coxal spines tripinnate arranged in a single row on the anterior portion of the coxa I (S. cavernicola with 12 bipinnate coxal spines) (Lawrence 1935).

Etymology: The epithet naledi refers to Homo naledi, an extinct hominid species discovered within the Dinaledi chamber. This chamber is located in the Rising Star Cave (Fig. 1C), a World Heritage site located approximately 50 km from Johannesburg. The caves where the pseudoscorpions were found are located on the same hill as Rising Star Cave. The distances between the entrance of Rising Star Cave and the entrances of Vila Louise and Yom Tov caves are approximately 425 and 220 meters, respectively. Considering the fissure system associated with the carbonatic rock in the area, it is likely that the pseudoscorpions are able to disperse through small fissures to other macrocaves in the hill, including Rising Star Cave.

 

 Guilherme C. Prado, Gerhard C. Du Preez and Rodrigo L. Ferreira. 2022. Selachochthonius naledi sp. nov. (Pseudoscorpiones, Pseudotyrannochthoniidae), A New Troglobitic Species from South Africa. Subterranean Biology. 42: 125-138. DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.42.79190

[Arachnida • 2021] Chthonius kirghisicus • A New Cave-dwelling Species (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from Kyrgyzstan

Chthonius kirghisicus 

Prado, Viana, Milko & Ferreira, 2021

 DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.40.67303

Abstract

A new pseudoscorpion species, Chthonius kirghisicus sp. nov., is described. It can be distinguished from the other species of the genus mainly by the number and shape of chelal teeth, the number of coxae setae, the arrangement of carapacal setae, and its measurements. This new species represents the first record for the genus in Kyrgyzstan. We also provide recommendations for future research on this species.

Keywords: Cave-dwelling, pseudoscorpion, taxonomy

Figure 6. Type locality and habitat of Chthonius kirghisicus sp. nov.
A Kyrgyzstan karst landscape B general area where the cave is located with the lower entrance featured C detail of the lower cave entrance D cave interior E live holotype.

Family Chthoniidae Daday, 1888

Genus Chthonius C.L. Koch, 1843

Chthonius kirghisicus sp. nov.

 

Etymology: The epithet kirghisicus is an adjective that refers to the country where the specimens were collected, Kyrgyzstan.

Diagnosis: Chthonius kirghisicus sp. nov. differs from other members of the subgenus by the following combination of characters: one pair of eyes (C. tadzhikistanicus with four feebly small eyes, C. aquasanctae with two eyespots, C. pagus and C. submontanus bearing two anterior well-developed eyes and two posterior eyespots, C. shelkovnikovi, C. carinthiacus, C. delmastroi and C. tenuis with four well developed eyes, C. azerbaidzhanus and C. satapliaensis lack eyes or eye spots) (Redikorzev 1930; Schawaller and Dashdamirov 1988; Dashdamirov and Schawaller 1992; Gardini 2009; Christophoryová et al. 2011; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a); epistome large and heavily dentated (C. azerbaidzhanus, C pagus and C. satapliaensis with small dentated epistome, C. carinthiacus and C. aquasanctae with a distinct but small epistome, C. ponticus, C. delmastroi, C. tenuis and C. submontanus without an epistome) (Beier 1964; Schawaller and Dashdamirov 1988; Gardini 2009; Christophoryová et al. 2011; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a); anterior margin mostly serrated (ranging between seta ame and al) (C. tadzhikistanicus with anterior margin entirely serrated, C. azerbaidzhanus, C. satapliaensis, C. pagus, C. aquasanctae, C. carinthiacus and C. ponticus with only epistome region serrated) (Beier 1964; Schawaller and Dashdamirov 1988; Christophoryová et al. 2011; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a); carapace with 20 setae, chaetotaxy 4: 2: 4: 4: 2: 4 (C. ponticus [4: 4: 2: 4: 2: 2], C. carinthiacus, C. delmastroi, C. tenuis and C. submontanus [4:6:4:2:2] with 18 setae); il located medially (in C. tadzhikistanicus, C. shelkovnikovi and C. azerbaidzhanus il is situated on the lateral margin), pl situated posteriorly to pm (in C. satapliaensis pl is located anteriorly to pm); palpal femur 5.2 times longer than wide (4.5 times in C. tadzhikistanicus, 3.0 times in C. shelkovnikovi, 5.4 times in C. azerbaidzhanus and 6.1 times in C. satapliaensis); chela 5.8 times longer than wide (5.4 times in C. tadzhikistanicus, 5.1 times in C. satapliaensis, 4.0 times in C. shelkovnikovi and 5.1 times in C. ponticus, 4.9 times in C. aquasanctae, 4.4 times in C. delmastroi, 5.3 times in C. tenuis, 4.5 times in C. submontanus and 4.8 times in C. pagus) (Redikorzev 1930; Beier 1964; Dashdamirov and Schawaller 1992; Gardini 2009; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a); fixed chelal finger with 75–77 contiguous, acute and reclined backwards teeth (25 acute and straight teeth in C. azerbaidzhanus, 28 in C. satapliaensis, 33–38 acute, reclined backwards and close-set teeth in C. carinthiacus, 23–25 in C. aquasanctae, 30–33 in C. pagus, 32–36 in C. submontanus, 38 in C. tenuis, and 27–29 in C. delmastroi; 12–13 acute and sparse teeth in C. ponticus and 50 round and small teeth in C. shelkovnikovi); movable finger with 59–60 contiguous acute and retrorse teeth (18 acute and small teeth in C. azerbaidzhanus, 18 acute and straight teeth in C. satapliaensis, 17–20 acute, reclined backwards and close-set teeth in C. carinthiacus, 19–21 in C. aquasanctae, 25–39 in C. pagus, 23–30 in C. submontanus, 34 in C. tenuis, 26–29 in C. delmastroi; 24 flat and small teeth in C. ponticus and 50 round and small teeth in C. shelkovnikovi); absence of a protuberance near ib and isb (found in C. tadzhikistanicus C. tenuis and C. delmastroi); chelal hand long and slender (C. ponticus presents a ventrally round portion of the hand, C. shelkovnikovi exhibits short and robust chela) (Redikorzev 1930; Beier 1964; Schawaller and Dashdamirov 1988; Dashdamirov and Schawaller 1992; Gardini 2009; Christophoryová et al. 2011; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a).

 Guilherme C. Prado, Ana Clara M. Viana, Dmitry A. Milko and Rodrigo L. Ferreira. 2021. Chthonius kirghisicus (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae), A New Cave-dwelling Species from Kyrgyzstan. Subterranean Biology. 40: 27-41. DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.40.67303

[Arachnida • 2019] Typhloroncus guatemalensis • A New Troglobitic Species of Typhloroncus (Pseudoscorpiones: Ideoroncidae) from Guatemala

Typhloroncus guatemalensis 

 Viana & Ferreira, 2019

  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4576.2.4

Abstract

Typhloroncus guatemalensis sp. n., found in Gruta de Lanquín, a limestone cave located in the municipality of Lanquín (Alta Verapaz, Guatemala), is described. It can be distinguished from the congeneric species mainly by the presence of lanceolate ventrodistal telotarsal setae on all legs; by the chelal teeth, which exhibit a varied morphology; by the number of trichobothria (30‒32); and by its measurements. Typhloroncus guatemalensis sp. n. represents the first record for the genus in Guatemala and is considered to be troglobitic.

Keywords: Pseudoscorpiones, taxonomy, pseudoscorpions, troglomorphism, cave

Typhloroncus guatemalensis 

Ana Clara M. Viana and Rodrigo L. Ferreira. 2019. A New Troglobitic Species of Typhloroncus (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Ideoroncidae) from Guatemala. Zootaxa. 4576(2); 288–300. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4576.2.4

[Arachnida • 2018] Antillobisium tomasi • A New Antillobisium Species (Pseudoscorpiones: Bochicidae) from Cuba, with Biogeographical and Ecological Remarks on the Genus

Antillobisium tomasi

 Díaz, Zaragoza & Iborra, 2018

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4464.3.5 

Abstract

A new troglobitic species of the genus Antillobisium is described from Sancti Spiritus province, Cuba. Antillobisium tomasi n. sp. is the third known species of the genus and is well characterized by its large size and extremely slender appendages. Biogeographical and ecological considerations on the genus are given.

Keywords: Arachnida, Cave, hypogean, karst, pseudoscorpions, relict, troglobitic

 Superfamily Neobisioidea Chamberlin, 1930 

Family Bochicidae Chamberlin, 1930 

Subfamily Bochicinae Chamberlin, 1930 

Genus Antillobisium Dumitresco & Orghidan, 1977

A. vachoni Dumitresco & Orghidan, 1977 

A. mitchelli Dumitresco & Orghidan, 1977

 Antillobisium tomasi n. sp., male habitus.

Antillobisium tomasi n. sp.

Etymology. The species is named after the Cuban biospeleologist and arachnologist Tomás Michel Rodríguez, who collected the holotype.

 René Barba Díaz, Juan A. Zaragoza and Germán López Iborra. 2018. A New Antillobisium Species (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Bochicidae) from Cuba, with Biogeographical and Ecological Remarks on the Genus. Zootaxa. 4461(3); 399–410.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4464.3.5

Resumen: Se describe una nueva especie troglobia del género Antillobisium de la provincia de Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. Antillobisium tomasi n. sp. es la tercera especie conocida del género y está bien caracterizada por su gran tamaño y por sus artejos extremadamente esbeltos en comparación con las otras. Se dan consideraciones biogeográficas y ecológicas sobre el género.