A synopsis of the smaller arachnid orders of the Seychelles islands (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones, Schizomida, Amblypygi and Palpigradi)

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Arachnida and
Myriapoda
of
the
Seychelles
islands
Siri
ScisnMc
Pmzs

Seychelles Fauna Monographs
The Indian Ocean Biodiversity Assessment 2000-2005 reviewed the biogeography of
the Seychelles islands through systematic collecting of all taxonomic groups. Biodiversity
collecting for this assessment started in 2000 under a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Seychelles government with taxonomic support from
87
expert taxonomists in 20 countries.
These taxonomists reported the identification of a large number of previously undescribed
species and the material initiated taxonomic revisions of most of the groups concerned.
These revisions are being published in widely dispersed academic journals, most of which
are not available in Seychelles. The only comprehensive taxonomic treatments available
cover dicotyledon plants and vertebrates.
The
information generated by the project has been
collated into a monographic series on the Seychelles fauna. The aim of these monographs is to
disseminate taxonomic information in a form that can be easily utilised by future workers in
the region and by conservationists and researchers in Seychelles. This high quality biodiversity
information is essential for future sustainable biodiversity management.
Further details of the Indian Ocean Biodiversity Assessment can be found on the
Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles web-site:
http://islandbiodiversity.com.
Cover photo:
Gasteracantha sanguinolenta
on Alphonse island, M. Betts
First published 20 10
ISBN 978-0-9558636-8-4
Available directly from the publisher at
http://www.siriscientificpress.co.uk
Edited by Justin Gerlach'
&
Yuri
Marusik2
'Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles
21nstitute for Biological Problems of the North, Russian Academy of Sciences
0
2010 Siri Scientific Press
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be translated or reproduced in any form by print,
photoprint, microfilm, or any other means without the prior approval and written permission
of the publishcr.

331
Smaller Arachnid Orders
A synopsis of the smaller arachnid orders of the Seychelle Islands (Arachnida:
Pseudoscorpiones, Schizomida and Palpigradi)
Mark S. Harvey
Many arachnid groups are represented amongst the Seychelles fauna, including
spiders, mites, harvestmen, scorpions, pseudoscorpions, schizomids, whip spiders and
palpigrades. This contribution provides a synopsis of the Pseudoscorpiones, Schizomida and
Palpigradi known to occur on the Seychelles islands. Information on these arachnid groups
has accumulated slowly in the literature, usually based on specimens collected during various
expeditions to the islands or on specimens collected sporadically by collectors.
This contribution covers the entire political area governed by the Republic of
Seychelles, including the granitic islands, the Amirantes group, the Farquhar group, and the
miscellaneous coral islands to the north and south of the granitics.
The specimens newly examined for this study are lodged in the Western Australian
Museum, Perth (WAM) and the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren (MRAC). The
specimens were studied using a Leica MZ16A dissecting microscope and an Olympus BH-2
compound microscope. Whole specimens were examined in 70–75% ethanol, and dissected
structures (such as chelicerae, legs, and genitalia) were examined by dissecting them from the
specimen, and placing them in 50% lactic acid on a microscope slide with a small glass cover
slip supported by two pieces of nylon fishing line of appropriate thickness. Some specimens
were examined without dissection and mounted in glycerol on a microscope slide. After the
examination was completed, the specimens were rinsed and returned to ethanol.
Order PSEUDOSCORPIONES De Geer, 1778
Pseudoscorpions were first recorded from the Seychelles Islands by Tullgren (1907a)
who described Garypus insularis, and later by Ellingsen (1910) who recorded the European
Chthonius tetrachelatus (Preyssler) from unspecified locations within the Seychelles islands.
Hirst (1911; 1913) reported on specimens collected during the Percy Sladen Trust Expedition
to the Indian Ocean, and described Feaella affinis Hirst from Silhouette and Praslin Islands.
Specimens collected on later British expeditions to Seychelles led by J. Stanley Gardiner
were described by Chamberlin (1930) and Beier (1940). The latter also described a further
species collected in 1938, and a small litter dwelling tridenchthoniid from Mahé (Beier 1974).
Mahnert (1978) analysed a large collection of pseudoscorpions collected during the 1972
expedition led by P.L.G. Benoit and J.J. van Mol of the Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale,
Tervuren. Amongst the samples of pseudoscorpions submitted to me by Justin Gerlach were
representatives of several different species.
Family CHTHONIIDAE Daday, 1888
Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) tetrachelatus (Preyssler, 1790)
Scorpio tetrachelatus Preyssler, 1790: 56, plate 3, f. 3.
Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) tetrachelatus (Preyssler): Harvey 2009 (full
synonymy).
Remarks: C. tetrachelatus has been found over much of Europe, north Africa, Central Asia,
Middle East, eastern North America, Hawaii, Seychelles and south-eastern Australia (see
Harvey 2009 for summary). It was recorded from the Seychelles Islands by Ellingsen (1910),
based upon five specimens collected by “Braun” but no further specimens have since been

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reported. Chthonius tetrachelatus is presumably introduced into Seychelles.
Lagynochthonius sp.
Material examined: Seychelles; Mahé: 1 deutonymph, Le Niol, 4°40’S, 55°28’E, 06.1994,
J. Gerlach (WAM T79011); 1 tritonymph, La Reserve, 4°40’S, 55°28’E, J. Gerlach (WAM
T79010); 1♀, Grand Bois, 4°40’S, 55°28’E, 07.2002, J. Gerlach (WAM T54651). Silhouette:
1♂, Gratte Fesse, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 03.08.1998, J. Gerlach (WAM T56687); 1♂, Mon Plaisir,
12.1993, high-altitude forest, Clidermia hirta litter, J. Gerlach (WAM T79009). Conception:
2♂ 1♀, 4°39’S, 55°22’E, 07.10.2002, J. Gerlach (WAM T54646).
Remarks: This tiny species apparently represents an undescribed species of Lagynochthonius.
Tyrannochthonius contractus (Tullgren, 1907)
Chthonius contractus Tullgren, 1907b: 232, f. 10a–b.
Tyrannochthonius contractus (Tullgren): Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: Originally described from South Africa (Tullgren 1907b), this species has been
subsequently recorded from Eritrea (Ellingsen 1909), Guinea (Vachon 1952), Zimbabwe (Beier
1964) and Seychelles (Aldabra) (Spaull 1979). The identification of some of these specimens
may be doubtful, and it is possible that more than one species is involved across the broad
range reported for T. contractus.
Tyrannochthonius sp.
Material examined: Seychelles; Silhouette: 5 ♀, 1 tritonymph, La Passe, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 12
07.2001, J. Gerlach (WAM T57345).
Family TRIDENCHTHONIIDAE Belzan, 1892
Compsaditha seychellensis Beier, 1974
Compsaditha seychellensis Beier, 1974: 144. Harvey, 2009 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Amirantes, D’Arros: 1♀, 5°51’S, 53°10’E, 21.06.2003, J.
Gerlach (WAM T57357).
Remarks: C. seychellensis was described from several specimens collected on Mahé (Beier
1974), and a female is here recorded from D’Arros. It is endemic to Seychelles.
Family FEAELLIDAE Ellingsen, 1906
Feaella (Tetrafeaella) affinis Hirst, 1911
Feaella affinis Hirst, 1911: 394, f. 11.
Feaella (Tetrafeaella) affinis Hirst: Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Silhouette: 1 tritonymph, 3 deutonymphs, near Mont Pot à
Eau, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 08.1990, J. Gerlach, Pisonia sechellarum forest, mist forest (WAM
T78986). La Digue 1♂ 1♀, 4°21’S, 55°50’E, 10.2001, J. Gerlach (WAM T54649). Praslin: 1
tritonymph, Valle de Mai, 4°19’S, 55°44’E, 19.03.2002, J. Gerlach (WAM T78987).
Remarks: F. affinis was named from seven specimens from Silhouette and Praslin (Hirst 1911),
of which Judson (1997) was able to locate six specimens (4 males and 2 females), noting that
the all specimens were in the same tube. Feaella affinis was later recorded from Praslin and
La Digue by Mahnert (1978). The new specimens examined during this study were taken from
litter samples on Silhouette, La Digue and Praslin. It is endemic to Seychelles.
Family SYARINIDAE Chamberlin, 1930
Ideoblothrus seychellesensis (Chamberlin, 1930)
Ideobisium seychellesensis Chamberlin, 1930: 38, f. 1x, dd, 2cc.

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Ideoblothrus seychellesensis (Chamberlin): Muchmore 1982: 212, figs 23–24.
Harvey, 2009 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Silhouette: 1♀, La Passe, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 12.07.2001, J.
Gerlach (WAM T57346).
Remarks: I. seychellesensis was originally described from a single specimen in which only
the appendages were described as the body was lost (Chamberlin 1930). As explained by
Muchmore (1982a), Chamberlin’s claim that the specimen was collected by an expedition
aboard the vessel ‘Felicité’ probably refers to the island of Felicité. The new specimen recorded
here was collected on Silhouette. Ideoblothrus seychellesensis is endemic to Seychelles.
Family GARYPIDAE Simon, 1879
Anagarypus oceanusindicus Chamberlin, 1930
Anagarypus oceanusindicus Chamberlin, 1930: 615, f. 1a,g,l,q,r,y,ff, 2e,i,p,mm,nn,
k,l (as Anagarypus oceanus-indicus). Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: A. oceanusindicus was originally described from numerous specimens collected
from the Chagos Archipelago and Ile Esprit, Aldabra (Chamberlin 1930), and later recorded
from Aldabra (Spaull 1979) and the Andaman Islands (Beier 1981). It was redescribed by
Muchmore (1982b). Anagarypus oceanusindicus is restricted to seashore habitats where it
occurs under driftwood and dry vegetation on the beach crest (Spaull 1979).
Garypus insularis Tullgren, 1907
Garypus insularis Tullgren, 1907a: 62, f. 19a–b. Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: G. insularis was described from an unspecified location in Seychelles by Tullgren
(1907a), and later recorded from India and South Africa (Ellingsen 1912, 1914). Species of
Garypus are amongst the largest pseudoscorpions, and all are found in intertidal habitats (e.g.
Lee 1979).
Family GARYPINIDAE Daday, 1888
Aldabrinus aldabrinus Chamberlin, 1930
Aldabrinus aldabrinus Chamberlin, 1930: 597. Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: A. aldabrinus is known only from the holotype female collected from Esprit Island,
Aldabra (Chamberlin 1930). The specimen was redescribed by Muchmore (1974) in his review
of the genus.
Family GEOGARYPIDAE Chamberlin, 1930
Afrogarypus impressus (Tullgren, 1907)
Garypus impressus Tullgren, 1907b: 228, f. 7.
Afrogarypus impressus (Tullgren): Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: This species was first described from South Africa (Tullgren 1907b), and subsequently
recorded from Mozambique (Beier 1964) and Aldabra (Spaull 1979).
Afrogarypus seychellesensis (Beier, 1940)
Geogarypus seychellesensis Beier, 1940: 173, f. 173.
Afrogarypus seychellesensis (Beier): Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: Beier (1940) described G. seychellesensis based upon a single female from Praslin,
but no further specimens have been recorded. The subgenus Afrogarypus was elevated to
generic level by Harvey (1986). Afrogarypus seychellesensis is endemic to Seychelles, and
has only been recorded from Praslin.

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Geogarypus ocellatus Mahnert, 1978
Geogarypus (Geogarypus) ocellatus Mahnert, 1978: 874, f. 14–20.
Geogarypus ocellatus Mahnert: Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Silhouette: 1♀, La Passe, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 02.1998, J.
Gerlach (WAM T96279); 1♂, La Passe, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 08.01.1999, under bark, J. Gerlach
(WAM 99/2163); 1 protonymph, south coast, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 27.03.2001, J. Gerlach (WAM
T95090). Mahé: 1♂ 1♀, Le Niol, 4°40’S, 55°28’E, J. Gerlach (WAM T57361); 1 protonymph,
La Reserve, 4°40’S, 55°28’E, J. Gerlach (WAM T57383).
Remarks: Mahnert (1978) described G. ocellatus from Praslin, Curieuse and Mahé, and is here
also recorded from Silhouette. G. ocellatus is endemic to Seychelles.
Family OLPIIDAE Banks, 1985
Beierolpium benoiti Mahnert, 1978
Beierolpium benoiti Mahnert, 1978: 868, f. 1–6. Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Silhouette: 1♀, La Passe, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 02.1998, J. Gerlach
(WAM T62821); 1♀, La Passe, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 01.09.1996, J. Gerlach (WAM T96280).
Remarks: Beierolpium benoiti was described by Mahnert (1978) from Curieuse and Praslin,
and is here recorded from Silhouette Island. It is endemic to Seychelles.
Xenolpium insulare Beier, 1940
Xenolpium insulare Beier, 1940: 171, f. 1. Mahnert 1978: 873, f. 12–13. Harvey 2009
(full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; L’Islette: 1♂, 4°39’S, 55°24’E, 06.04.2003, J. Gerlach (WAM
T54648).
Remarks: Beier (1940) described X. insulare from Silhouette and Praslin (erroneously spelled
“Graslin”), and Mahnert reported new specimens from Praslin (Mahnert 1978). It is here
recorded from L’Islette.
Xenolpium madagascariense (Beier, 1931)
Parolpium madagascariense Beier, 1931: 308.
Xenolpium madagascariense (Beier): Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: Originally described from Madagascar (Beier 1981), and subsequently recorded
from the Andaman Islands (Beier 1981) and Aldabra (Spaull 1979).
Xenolpium pacificum (With, 1907)
Olpium pacificum With, 1907: 75, figs 34–38.
Xenolpium pacificum (With): Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: Xenolpium pacificum is known from New Zealand and Norfolk Island (With 1907;
Beier 1976; Heurtault 1980; Harvey 2009), and Chamberlin (1930) recorded a female from Ile
Esprit, Aldabra, but this identification is quite suspicious.
Family CHEIRIDIIDAE Hansen, 1894
Neocheiridium? sp.
Material examined: Seychelles; Praslin: 1♂, 4°19’S, 55°44’E, 19.03.2002, J. Gerlach (WAM
T62820).
Remarks: A single cheiridiid male was collected on Praslin which appears to represent a
species of Neocheiridium.

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Family PSEUDOCHIRIDIIDAE Chamberlin, 1923
Pseudochiridium africanum Beier, 1944
Pseudochiridium africanum Beier, 1944: 181, f. 6–7. Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: Pseudochiridium africanum was described from two females from Amani, Tanzania
(Beier 1944), and subsequently recorded from Chad (Beier 1965), Democratic Republic of
Congo (Zaire) (Beier 1972) and Aldabra (Spaull 1979).
Family ATEMNIDAE Chamberlin, 1931
Anatemnus seychellesensis Beier, 1940
Anatemnus seychellesensis Beier, 1940: 175, fig. 4. Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: Beier (1940) described A. seychellesensis from the male holotype from Silhouette,
but no further specimens have been reported. It is endemic to Seychelles.
Oratemnus brevidigitatus Beier, 1940
Oratemnus brevidigitatus Beier, 1940: 176, f. 5. Mahnert 1978: 880, f. 24–29. Harvey
2009 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Silhouette: 2♂ 3♀, La Passe, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 08.01.1999, J.
Gerlach (WAM T78991); 3♂ 3♀, Anse Patates, 07.01.1999, J. Gerlach (WAM T78990); 2♂
4♀, Belle Vue, 17.01.1999, under bark, J. Gerlach (WAM T78989); 4♂, La Passe, 4°29’S,
55°14’E, 02.1998, J. Gerlach (WAM T62822). Aride: 2♂, 4°12’S, 55°40’E, 10.2000, J. Bowler
(WAM T78988).
Remarks: O. brevidigitatus was described by Beier (1940) using several specimens from
Mahé, most of which are lodged in the Natural History Museum, London (Judson 1997). It was
subsequently recorded from Praslin and Silhouette (Mahnert 1978), and now also from Aride.
Although it is currently considered to be endemic to Seychelles (Mahnert 1978; Harvey 2009),
Klausen (2005) noted that several species of Oratemnus, including O. brevidigitatus, are likely
to be synonymous with O. navigator, based upon the morphology of the male genitalia.
Oratemnus navigator (With, 1906)
Chelifer navigator With, 1906: 191, fig. 22, plate 4 f. 9a.
Oratemnus navigator (With): Klausen 2005: 645, fig. 16. Harvey 2009 (full
synonymy).
Remarks: Oratemnus navigator is widely distributed in the Asian region (Harvey 2009). It was
first recorded from Seychelles by Klausen (2005) who listed specimens from Praslin which had
been identified by V. Mahnert as O. brevidigitatus. As noted under O. brevidigitatus, Klausen
(2005) suggested that several species of Oratemnus, including O. brevidigitatus, are probable
synonyms of O. navigator.
Family CHERNETIDAE Menge, 1855
Lamprochernes savignyi (Simon, 1881)
Chelifer savignyi Simon, 1881: 12.
Lamprochernes savignyi (Simon): Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Cousine: 3♂ 3♀, 4°21’S, 55°38’E, 09.03.1998, J. Kelly
(WAM T62819).
Remarks: L. savignyi occurs in many different regions of the world, including Africa, Europe,
Australasia, North and South America (Harvey 1987, 2009), and has been presumably
accidentally introduced in cargo within sea-going vessels. The species was redescribed by
Harvey (1987) and Sezek and Özkan (2006), and was first recorded from Seychelles on Mahé
by Mahnert (1978). The species is here recorded from Cousine.

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Family CHERNETIDAE Menge, 1855
Metagoniochernes sp.
Material examined: Seychelles; Aldabra: 1♀, Maldabr (Pandanus axil), 07.2000, J. Gerlach.
Family WITHIIDAE Chamberlin, 1931
Nesowithius seychellesensis Beier, 1940
Nesowithius seychellesensis Beier, 1940: 186, fig. 14. Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: Beier (1940) described N. seychellesensis based upon two males from Praslin,
and Mahnert (1978) subsequently recorded a female from Praslin. Beier (1966) described
Paragoniochernes digitulus based upon a female specimen from Durban, South Africa,
taken amongst “in einem von den Seychellen eingeführten Paket mit Lodoicea-Nüssen mit
Microcerotermes subtilis” from Seychelles (Beier 1966). N. seychellesensis appears to be
endemic to Seychelles.
Withius congicus (Beier, 1932)
Allowithius congicus Beier, 1932: 53.
Withius congicus (Beier): Harvey 2009 (full synonymy).
Remarks: W. congicus occurs in Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire), Kenya, Tanzania and
Socotra (Beier 1932, 1967; Mahnert 1988, 2007; Harvey 2009), and has been recorded from
Aldabra (Spaull 1979).
Withius piger (Simon, 1978)
Chelifer piger Simon, 1878: 148–149.
Withius piger (Simon): Harvey, 2009 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Cousine: 1♂, 4°21’S, 55°38’E, 09.03.1998, J. Kelly (WAM
T62818).
Remarks: Widely distributed around the world (Harvey 2009), and was first recorded from
Seychelles (Bowler et al. 1999) based upon the specimen from Cousine listed here.
Order SCHIZOMIDA Petrunkevitch, 1945
Family HUBBARDIIDAE Cook, 1899
Anepsiozomus sobrinus Harvey, 2001
Anepsiozomus sobrinus Harvey, 2001: 686, fig. 7.
Remarks: Collected from Cousine and Aride (Harvey 2001), and is known only from female
specimens.
Apozomus gerlachi Harvey, 2001
Apozomus gerlachi Harvey, 2001: 682, f. 1–4.
Remarks: Recorded from Silhouette and North, where it occurs in a variety of locations and
habitats (Harvey 2001).
Bamazomus aviculus Harvey, 2001
Bamazomus aviculus Harvey, 2001: 684, f. 5.
Remarks: Known from a single female collected on Frégate (Harvey 2001).
Mahezomus apicoporus Harvey, 2001
Mahezomus apicoporus Harvey, 2001: 685, f. 6.
Material examined: Seychelles; Mahé: 3♀ 4j., Morne Blanc, 08–09.08.1972, forêt endémique,

337
P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC).
Remarks: Only known from two localities on Mahé, Copolia and Forêt Noire (Gerlach and
Bruggen 1999; Harvey 2001). M. apicoporus is the sole named species of Mahezomus (Harvey
2001), which is only known from female specimens. Several new specimens are here newly
recorded Mahé.
Ovozomus similis (Hirst, 1913)
Schizomus similis Hirst, 1913: 33, f. 1–3.
Ovozomus similis (Hirst): Harvey 2003: 114 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Mahé: 1♀, Northolme, 4°36’S, 55°26’E, 27.06.1972, cocotiers
avec sous-bois, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 143613); 1♀, Anse Louis, 4°43’S, 55°29’E,
24.06.1972, dans mangrove, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 143611). Curieuse: 1♀,
4°16’S, 55°44’E, 27.07.1972, forêt dégradée, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 226074).
Fregate: 1♀, 4°35’S, 55°56’E, 01.10.2002, J. Gerlach (WAM T54647).
Remarks: Originally described from an unspecified number of specimens collected on Long
Island (Hirst 1913), which is situated off the north-eastern coast of Mahé. Harvey (2001)
redescribed the species using two females from the original collection, as well as females from
Silhouette, and Alphonse, which is part of the Amirantes group. Several new specimens are
here recorded from Mahé, Curieuse and Fregate.
Secozomus latipes (Hansen, 1905)
Schizomus latipes Hansen, in Hansen & Sörensen, 1905: 49, plate 4 f. 1a–h.
Secozomus latipes (Hansen): Harvey 2001: 688, fig. 9; 2003: 122 (full synonymy).
Remarks: S. latipes was described by Hansen and Sörensen (1905) from a single female
specimen collected from an unspecified location within the Seychelles Islands. It was
redescribed by Harvey (2001), who transferred the species to a new genus, Secozomus. No
further specimens have been identified.
Zomus bagnallii (Jackson, 1908)
Trithyreus bagnallii Jackson, 1908: 75.
Zomus bagnallii (Jackson): Harvey 2003: 128 (full synonymy).
Material examined: Seychelles; Curieuse: 1♀, 4°16’S, 55°44’E, 27.07.1972, forêt dégradée,
P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 226075). Denis: 5j. 3°48’S, 55°40’E, 16.09.2003, J.
Gerlach (WAM T57381). LaDigue: 7♀ 3j., Mt La Digue, 4°21’S, 55°50’E, 300 m, 28.07.1972,
31.07.1972, forêt dégradée avec restes endémique, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC
143621). Mahé: 7♀ 5j., La Misere, 4°40’S, 55°28’E, 438 m, 16–17.06.1972, forêt mélangée
humide, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 143608); 1♀, Morne Blanc, 4°39’S, 55°26’E, 667
m, 08.08.1972, 09.08.1972, forêt endémique, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 226076);
1j., Morne Blanc, south slope, 4°39’S, 55°26’E, 470 m, 23.06.1972, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van
Mol (MRAC 143610); 5♀ 2j., Morne Blanc, south slope, 4°39’S, 55°26’E, 470 m, 26.06.1972,
P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 143073); 1♀, Beau Vallon, 4°36’S, 55°25’E, 12.06.1972,
P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 143607); 1♀, Le Niol (Victoria), 4°37’S, 55°26’E, 450
m, 20.06.1972, forêt endémique dégradée, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 143609);
2♀, Anse Louis, 4°43’S, 55°29’E, 24.06.1972, dans mangrove, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol
(MRAC 226077). Praslin: 2♀, Vallée de Mai, 4°20’S, 55°44’E, 25.07.1972, rachis fané de
Lodoicea maldivica, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 143617); many ♀ and j., Vallée de
Mai, 4°20’S, 55°44’E, 22.07.1972, 23.07.1972, forêt de Palmacées domine par le Coco de mer
Lodoicea maldivica, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 143618); 1♀, Vallée de Mai, 4°19’S,
55°44’E, 19.03.2002, J. Gerlach (WAM T86037). Silhouette: ♀♀ and j., Mare aux Cochons,

338
4°09’S, 55°13’E, 500 m, 03.07.1972, 04.07.1972, sur Pandanus seychellarum et dans l’humus
à la base de feuilles, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van Mol (MRAC 143615); 9♀ 1j., Mare aux Cochons,
4°09’S, 55°13’E, 500 m, 02.07.1972, 03.07.1972, forêt endémique, P.L.G. Benoit, J.J. van
Mol (MRAC 143614); 8♀ 1j., ‘Impatiens site’, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 08.2000, J. Gerlach (WAM
T87098); 1♀, Jardin Marron, 4°29’S, 55°14’E, 27.06.2001, J. Gerlach (WAM T89356).
Petite Soeur: 1♀, 4°17’S, 55°51’E, 22.03.2002, J. Gerlach (WAM T67688).
Remarks: Z. bagnallii was originally described as a member of the genus Trithyreus from
specimens collected in the Kew Botanic Gardens, London (Jackson 1908). These specimens
were later redescribed (Sissom 1980) and the female genitialia was described and illustrated by
Cokendolpher et al. (1988) and Harvey (2001). The species was transferred to the monotypic
genus Zomus by Reddell & Cokendolpher (1995). Harvey (2001) recorded numerous specimens
of Z. bagnallii from Mahé and Silhouette, and further specimens are here recorded from many
other islands. Z. bagnallii is currently known from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia (Krakatau
Islands), Malaysia, Mauritius (Rodriguez), Seychelles, Singapore, United Kingdom (Reddell
& Cokendolpher 1995; Harvey 2001, 2003).
Order PALPIGRADI Thorell, 1900
Family EUKOENENIIDAE Petrunkevitch, 1955
Koeneniodes madecassus Rémy, 1950
Koeneniodes madecassus Rémy, 1950: 157, figs 12, 13. Harvey 2003: 160 (full
synonymy).
Remarks: K. madecassus was first described from Madagascar (Rémy 1950), and has been
subsequently recorded from Hong Kong (Condé 1993), Java (Condé 1990), Mauritius (Rémy
1958), Réunion (Rémy 1952, 1958), Seychelles (Condé 1997) and Sri Lanka (Rémy 1961).
This species is the only palpigrade to have been recorded from Seychelles, and was collected
from La Digue (Condé 1997). Unidentified specimens of Palpigradi were collected by P.L.G.
Benoit and J.-J. van Mol in 1972 (material MRAC) on Mahé (Morne Blanc, Beau Vallon, La
Misère, Le Niol, Anse Louis, Baie Lazare, Northolme), Sihouette (Mare aux Cochons, Mt.
Dauban), Praslin (Vallée de Mai, Fond Ferdinand), Curieuse and La Digue (Mt. La Digue).
Acknowledgements
I am very grateful to Justin Gerlach for forwarding specimens to me for identification,
and inviting me to participate in this special volume.
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