No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
Two new species of cave-adapted pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae, Chthoniidae) from Guangxi, China
Abstract
Two new troglomorphic pseudoscorpion species, Bisetocreagris maomaotou sp. nov. (Family Neobisiidae) and Tyrannochthonius chixingi sp. nov. (Family Chthoniidae) are described from one cave in the tower karst of northern Guangxi Province, China. This cave is located at close proximity to a village and an adjacent urban area. As with many caves in the South China Karst, this feature occurs at an elevation slightly above agriculture and rural activities; thus, we suggest it may be partially buffered from human activities in the lowland areas. We discuss the likelihood of narrow range endemism and provide research and conservation recommendations to guide future management of these two species.
... So far, ten species and one subspecies of this genus have been described from China, of which seven are exclusively known from karst caves: T. akaelus Mahnert, 2009 andT. antridraconis Mahnert, 2009 from Sichuan, T. ganshuanensis Mahnert, 2009 from Sichuan and Hubei, T. chixingi Gao, Wynne & Zhang, 2018 from Guangxi, T. harveyi Gao, Zhang & Chen, 2020 and T. zhai Gao, Zhang & Chen, 2020 from Guizhou, T. pandus Hou, Gao & Zhang, 2022a from Yunnan. All species are troglobites without eyes. ...
... It is worth mentioning that T. pandus can be easily separated from other new species described in this paper (except T. qilinensis sp. nov.) by its strongly curved chelal fingers (Fig.1;Mahnert 2009;Gao et al. 2018Gao et al. , 2020Hou et al. 2022a;World Pseudoscorpiones Catalog 2022). ...
... Subterranean-adapted pseudoscorpions, one of the representative groups of cave-dwelling arthropods, are usually eyeless and have a hypopigmented body cuticle and elongated body appendages (Li 2008). So far, over 750 cave-dwelling animals have been identified in China (nearly 20% of them are from Guizhou), including 49 (eleven of them are from Guizhou) cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species from four families (Atemnidae, Chernetidae, Chthoniidae and Neobisiidae) (Schawaller 1995;Mahnert 2003Mahnert , 2009Mahnert & Li 2016;Gao et al. 2017Gao et al. , 2018Gao et al. , 2020Li et al. , 2019Feng et al. 2019Feng et al. , 2020Latella 2019;Zhang et al. 2020;Li & Wang 2021;Hou et al. 2022aHou et al. , 2022bXu et al. 2022). ...
Twenty-four new Tyrannochthonius species from twenty-eight karst caves of Guizhou are described, including detailed diagnosis and illustrations: T. acutus sp. nov. from Gazuida Cave (Kaili City), T. altus sp. nov. from Shenren Cave (Hezhang County), T. arificus sp. nov. from Hei Cave (Anlong County), T. babaowanensis sp. nov. from Babaowan Cave (Yinjiang County), T. breviculus sp. nov. from Yanjia Cave (Libo County), T. brevispinus sp. nov. from Jingua Cave (Danzhai County), T. duo sp. nov. from Liangfeng Cave (Jiangkou County), T. gracilis sp. nov. from Xianren Cave (Hezhang County), T. hispidus sp. nov. from Qilin Cave (Jianhe County), T. infirmus sp. nov. from Liujiadadong Cave (Pu’an County), T. latus sp. nov. from Zimu Cave (Panzhou City), T. maculosus sp. nov. from Daxiao Cave (Xingren City), T. multicavus sp. nov. from Xiaohui Cave & Weier Cave (Pingtang County) and Da Cave & Qixia Cave (Luodian County), T. multidentatus sp. nov. from Guanyin Cave (Fenggang County) and Anjialin Cave (Sinan County), T. nanxingensis sp. nov. from Feng Cave (Panzhou City), T. oblongus sp. nov. from Houzi Cave (Huaxi District), T. parcidentatus sp. nov. from Daniu Cave (Dafang County), T. pictus sp. nov. from Gaoluo Cave and Cangjun Cave (Dushan County), T. pinguis sp. nov. from Zharou Cave (Ziyun County), T. planus sp. nov. from Yanggong Cave (Sandu County), T. qilinensis sp. nov. from Qilin Cave (Jianhe County), T. quattuor sp. nov. from Guanjiadadong Cave (Dafang County), T. umidus sp. nov. from Da Cave (Wudang District), and T. yanshanensis sp. nov. from Yanshan Cave (Wuchuan County). An identification key to all known Tyrannochthonius species from China is also provided.
... At least 100 troglomorphic (subterranean-adapted) arthropods have been identified from Guangxi (Wynne, unpublished data). Most have been identified as short-range endemic species (Tian 2011, Deharveng et al. 2008) with more than half (or 58 species) considered single cave endemics (Gao et al. 2018). ...
... Three additional subterranean-adapted species occurred in multiple caves with maximum distances ranging from 81.27 and 137.6 km ( Table 3). As many troglomorphic arthropods are identified as short-range endemic species, occurring in a single cave or geological formation (Reddell 1994, Culver et al. 2000, Christman et al. 2005, Deharveng et al. 2008, Tian 2011, Harvey and Wynne 2014, Gao et al. 2018, Nitzu et al. 2018 and that rivers and valleys/ lowland areas often result in vicariance (Barr 1985, Faille et al. 2015, Katz et al. 2018, the genetic relatedness of at least these three species should be further examined using genetic techniques. While these species may be morphological similar, we suggest they may be genetically distinct -potentially representing different subspecies or lineages. ...
... This paper revealed that at least 38 troglomorphic millipede species occur in Guangxi. Other examples of SCK's high cave diversity includes at least 19 species of troglomorphic pseudoscorpions (Gao et al. 2018), 29 vascular plant species believed restricted to cave entrances (Monro et al. 2018), and the richest globally diversity of cavefishes with at least 154 species and nearly half of these species considered single cave endemics (Zhao et al. in press). As this work continues, we anticipate the number of subterranean-adapted millipedes, as well as other arthropod species will increase. ...
We synthesized the current knowledge of cave-dwelling millipede diversity from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi), South China Karst, China and described six new millipede species from four caves from the Guilin area, northeastern Guangxi. Fifty-two cave-dwelling millipedes are known for the region consisting of 38 troglobionts and 14 troglophiles. Of the troglobionts, 24 are presently considered single-cave endemics. New species described here include Hyleoglomerisrukouqu sp. nov. and Hyleoglomerisxuxiakei sp. nov. (Family Glomeridae), Hylomusyuani sp. nov. (Family Paradoxosomatidae), Eutrichodesmusjianjia sp. nov. (Family Haplodesmidae), Trichopeltisliangfengdong sp. nov. (Family Cryptodesmidae), and Glyphiulusmaocun sp. nov. (Family Cambalopsidae). Our work also resulted in range expansions of Pacidesmustrifidus Golovatch & Geoffroy, 2014, Blingulussinicus Zhang & Li, 1981 and Glyphiulusmelanoporus Mauriès & Nguyen Duy-Jacquemin, 1997. As with many hypogean animals in Southeast Asia, intensive human activities threaten the persistence of both cave habitats and species. We provide both assessments on the newly described species’ distributions and recommendations for future research and conservation efforts.
... To date, 33 cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species, representing three families (Chthoniidae, Neobisiidae, Chernetidae), have been described from China. Among them, eight species are known from Yunnan (Schawaller 1995;Mahnert 2003Mahnert , 2009Mahnert and Li 2016;Gao et al. 2017;Li et al. 2017;Gao et al. 2018;Li et al. 2019;Feng et al. 2020;Gao et al. 2020;Zhang et al. 2020). ...
... This genus can be diagnosed as follows (see Material and methods for explanation of abbreviations): trichobothrium sb situated midway between st and b, or closer to st; trichobothria ib and isb situated close together in a median or sub-basal position on the dorsum of the chelal hand; chelal hand not distally constricted and the movable finger without a complex or strongly sclerotized apodeme at the base; fixed finger usually with one large, medial acuminate spine-like seta at its base, but can be reduced or absent in some cave-dwelling species; coxal spines generally long and present on coxae II only; epistome pointed, triangular or rounded, inconspicuous and usually with 2 closelyflanking setae at its base (Chamberlin 1962;Muchmore 1984Muchmore , 1991Muchmore and Chamberlin 1995;Edward and Harvey 2008). So far, nine species and one subspecies of this genus have been described from China, of which six are exclusively known from karst caves: T. akaelus Mahnert, 2009 from Sichuan, T. ganshuanensis Mahnert, 2009 from Sichuan and Hubei, T. antridraconis Mahnert, 2009 from Sichuan, T. chixingi Gao, Wynne & Zhang, 2018 from Guangxi, T. harveyi Chen, 2020 andT. zhai Gao, Zhang &Chen, 2020 from Guizhou. ...
... zhai Gao, Zhang &Chen, 2020 from Guizhou. All species are troglobites without eyes (Mahnert 2009;Gao et al. 2018;Gao et al. 2020;WPC 2022). ...
Two new cave-adapted pseudoscorpion species belonging to the family Chthoniidae are described: Tyrannochthonius pandus sp. nov. from Biyu Cave (Yunnan: Luxi) and Lagynochthonius laoxueyanensis sp. nov. from Laoxueyan Cave (Yunnan: Yanshan). Both of them, collected from the dark zone of caves, are highly troglomorphic species.
... The pseudoscorpion family Chthoniidae Daday, 1888, containing three subfamilies, Chthoniinae Daday, 1888, Tridenchthoniinae Balzan, 1892 and Lechtyiinae Harvey, 1992, currently includes approximately 50 genera and 746 described species (Harvey, 2013;Zhang & Zhang, 2014;Gao et al., 2018;Benavides et al. 2019;Harvey, pers. comm.). ...
... comm.). Among them, four genera and 17 species are known from China (Schawaller, 1995;Harvey, 2013;Gao et al., 2018;Li et al., 2019). Members of this family are typically found in leaf litter, soil, under rocks and stones, but many species are also troglobitic and found in caves and karst systems across the world (Harvey, 2013). ...
... The genus Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929, belonging to the subfamily Chthoniinae and the tribe Tyrannochthoniini Chamberlin 1962, is very diverse with more than 140 recognized species from all continents except Antarctica (Harvey, 2013). So far, eight species and one subspecies of this genus have been described from China, of which four are exclusively known from karst caves: T. akaelus , T. ganshuanensis Mahnert, 2009, T. antridraconis Mahnert, 2009and T. chixingi Gao, Wynne & Zhang, 2018Harvey, 2013;Gao et al., 2018). ...
Two new troglomorphic pseudoscorpion species, Tyrannochthonius harveyi, sp. nov. and Tyrannochthonius zhai, sp. nov., are described from the dark zone of caves in the tower karst of the Guizhou Province in China. Both species are presently known only from single caves and are likely to have very restricted distribution ranges.
... Most studies of cave-dwelling arthropods have focused on the extensive South China Karst, which encompasses four administrative provinces in southern China and contains thousands of caves. To date, at least 301 cave-dwelling arthropod species have been identified from this region (Tian & Clarke 2012;Ran & Yang 2015;Gao et al. 2018;Liu & Wynne 2019). Our knowledge of northern cave-dwelling arthropods is limited primarily to the Beijing area. ...
... Until now, there have not been any documented cases of subterranean-adapted pseudoscorpions in northern China, and our knowledge has been limited to 20 troglomorphic pseudoscorpion species (Families Chthoniidae, Neobisiidae and Chernetidae) from southern China (Schawaller 1995;Mahnert 2003Mahnert , 2009Mahnert & Li 2016;Gao et al. 2017;Li et al. 2017;Gao et al. 2018). ...
... While Magang Cave is much further from human activities (1 km), this cave was also recently visited by humans. Gao et al. (2018) proposed several community-based conservation measures for caves in the Guangxi Province, which may also be applicable in the north. These measures include outreach activities to educate villagers, school children and tourists concerning the fragility of cave biological resources, as well as posting educational signs discussing the sensitivity of these resources both within the villages and potentially at proximity to the cave entrances. ...
Two new troglomorphic pseudoscorpion species, Parobisium magangensis sp. n. and P. yuantongi sp. n., belonging to the family Neobisiidae, are described based on specimens collected in karst caves from Beijing, China. These are the first troglomorphic pseudoscorpions discovered from caves in northern China. Detailed diagnosis, descriptions, and illustrations are provided. We also offer future research and management recommendations for these two new pseudoscorpion species.
... At least 100 troglomorphic (subterranean-adapted) arthropods have been identified from Guangxi (Wynne, unpublished data). Most have been identified as short-range endemic species (Tian 2011, Deharveng et al. 2008) with more than half (or 58 species) considered single cave endemics (Gao et al. 2018). ...
... Three additional subterranean-adapted species occurred in multiple caves with maximum distances ranging from 81.27 and 137.6 km ( Table 3). As many troglomorphic arthropods are identified as short-range endemic species, occurring in a single cave or geological formation (Reddell 1994, Culver et al. 2000, Christman et al. 2005, Deharveng et al. 2008, Tian 2011, Harvey and Wynne 2014, Gao et al. 2018, Nitzu et al. 2018 and that rivers and valleys/ lowland areas often result in vicariance (Barr 1985, Faille et al. 2015, Katz et al. 2018, the genetic relatedness of at least these three species should be further examined using genetic techniques. While these species may be morphological similar, we suggest they may be genetically distinct -potentially representing different subspecies or lineages. ...
... This paper revealed that at least 38 troglomorphic millipede species occur in Guangxi. Other examples of SCK's high cave diversity includes at least 19 species of troglomorphic pseudoscorpions (Gao et al. 2018), 29 vascular plant species believed restricted to cave entrances (Monro et al. 2018), and the richest globally diversity of cavefishes with at least 154 species and nearly half of these species considered single cave endemics (Zhao et al. Accepted). ...
We synthesized the current knowledge of cave-dwelling millipede diversity from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi), South China Karst, China and described six new millipede species from four caves from the Guilin area, northeastern Guangxi. Fifty-two cave-dwelling millipedes are known for the region consisting of 38 troglobionts and 14 troglophiles. Of the troglobionts, 24 are presently considered single-cave endemics. New species described here include Hyleoglomeris rukouqu sp. nov. and Hyleoglomeris xuxiakei sp. nov. (Family Glomeridae), Hylomus yuani sp. nov. (Family Paradoxosomatidae), Eutrichodesmus jianjia sp. nov. (Family Haplodesmidae), Trichopeltis liangfengdong sp. nov. (Family Cryptodesmidae), and Glyphiulus maocun sp. nov. (Family Cambalopsidae). Our work also resulted in range expansions of Pacidesmus trifidus Golovatch & Geoffroy, 2014, Blingulus sinicus Zhang & Li, 1981 and Glyphiulus melanoporus Mauriès & Nguyen Duy-Jacquemin, 1997. As with many hypogean animals in Southeast Asia, intensive human activities threaten the persistence of both cave habitats and species. We provide both assessments on the newly described species’ distributions and recommendations for future research and conservation efforts.
... This genus can be diagnosed as follows: trichobothrium sb situated midway between st and b, or closer to st; trichobothria ib and isb situated close together in a median or sub-basal position on the dorsum of the chelal hand; chelal hand not distally constricted and the movable finger without a complex or strongly sclerotized apodeme at the base; fixed finger usually with one large, medial acuminate spine-like seta at its base, but can be reduced or absent in some cavedwelling species; coxal spines generally long and present on coxae II only; epistome pointed, triangular or rounded, inconspicuous and usually with two closely-flanking setae at its base (Chamberlin 1962;Muchmore 1984Muchmore , 1991Muchmore and Chamberlin 1995;Edward and Harvey 2008). So far, 15 species and one subspecies of this genus have been described from China, of which 12 are exclusively known from karst caves (Mahnert 2009;Gao et al. 2018Gao et al. , 2020Hou et al. 2022a;Li 2022;WPC 2022). ...
... According to a survey, more than 1000 karst caves have been found in Yunnan Province (Ming 1997). To date, more than 750 cave-dwelling animals have been identified in China (nearly 15% of them are from Yunnan), including 54 cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species (25 of them are from Yunnan) (Schawaller 1995;Mahnert 2003Mahnert , 2009Mahnert and Li 2016;Gao et al. 2017Gao et al. , 2018Gao et al. , 2020Li et al. 2017Li et al. , 2019Feng et al. 2019Feng et al. , 2020Latella 2019;Zhang et al. 2020;Li and Wang 2021;Hou et al. 2022a, b;Li 2022;WPC 2022;Xu et al. 2022). ...
Three new cave-adapted chthoniid pseudoscorpions from four karst caves of Yunnan Province (China) are described, including detailed diagnosis and illustrations: Tyrannochthonius calvatus sp. nov. from an unnamed cave and Dongtianfu Cave (Fuyuan County), T. capito sp. nov. from Xianren Cave (Xichou County), and Lagynochthonius daidaiensis sp. nov. from Daidai Cave (Qiubei County). All three species are endemic to Yunnan. Tyrannochthonius calvatus sp. nov. , lacking the carapaceal antero-median setae and having intercalary teeth on the movable chelal finger only, is a peculiar chthoniid species.
... Since 2017, 39 new subterranean-adapted species across several taxonomic arthropod groups have been described (Gao et al. 2017;Huang et al. 2017;Li and Wang 2017;Song et al. 2017;Tian et al. 2017Tian et al. , 2018Deuve and Tian 2018;Li et al. 2019a). Overall, at least 382 cave-dwelling arthropod species are now known from this region (Ran and Yang 2015;Tian et al. 2016;Li and Wang 2017;Gao et al. 2018;Feng et al. 2019;Li et al. 2019b;Liu and Wynne 2019). Incidentally, this work has also resulted in the identi cation of at least 21 troglomorphic pseudoscorpion species (refer to Feng et al. 2019;Li et al. 2019b). ...
... In the last 25 years, cave-dwelling pseudoscorpions from China, speci cally in Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, Sichuan, and Hubei Provinces, and Beijing and Chongqing Municipalities, total at least 29 pseudoscorpion species (Schawaller 1995;Mahnert 2003Mahnert , 2009Mahnert and Li 2016;Gao et al. 2017;Gao et al. 2018;Feng et al. 2019;Li et al. 2019; Table 1). Of these, 23 are troglobionts and six are troglophiles (Table 1). ...
We summarize and discuss the 29 known cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species from China. Four new troglomorphic pseudoscorpion species, Parobisium motianense sp. nov., P. qiangzhuang sp. nov., P. san- louense sp. nov., and P. tiani sp. nov., belonging to the family Neobisiidae, are described based on speci- mens collected in karst caves in Guizhou, China. Detailed diagnosis, descriptions, and illustrations are presented. We also provide recommendations for management of caves where they occur, as well as the cave arthropod communities and the habitats that support them.
... Describiendo nuevas especies de artrópodos utilizando sólo un espécimen macho y mediante comparación con otros tres congéneres regionales, se ha determinado que este coleóptero estafilínido tenía ojos reducidos. Dadas las dificultades de acceso a muchas cavidades en general, no es infrecuente el que se describa una nueva especie con un único espécimen (por ejemplo, Harvey y Wynne 2014; Bernard et al. 2015;Gao et al. 2018). La recolección de especímenes adicionales en Sima GESM sería beneficiosa para mejorar la descripción de esta especie con nuevos datos de los caracteres utilizados originalmente para describir a los machos, así como la información requerida para definir caracteres morfométricos relevantes para la hembra. ...
... Para mejorar las tasas de captura de coleópteros, recomendamos el uso de trampas de "pitfall" con cebo. En cuanto a estimar la diversidad de escarabajos, Wynne et al. (2018) se han basado solamente en técnicas de búsqueda visual, que detectarían sólo en torno al 30% de los escarabajos que se podrían capturar si se utilizasen trampas de caída con cebo. Las nueve especies de escarabajos detectados en este estudio se identificaron con un solo ejemplar por especie. ...
Este trabajo representa el primer inventario, a gran escala, de la biología de las cuevas del Parque Natural de la Sierra de las Nieves, Andalucía, España. Se han muestreado siete cavidades, de las cuales tres se localizan a cota relativamente baja, a una altura media de unos 1000 m.s.n.m., mientras las otras cuatro se localizan a una cota relativamente alta, con una altura media de 1600 m.s.n.m. Se han identificado, de modo preliminar, al menos 40 morfoespecies y 13 grupos taxonómicos a escala general (esto es, categorías taxonómicas de nivel orden o superior) de artrópodos que viven en cuevas, incluyendo la especie relicta de colémbolo Onychiurus gevorum Arbea 2012. Los murciélagos se detectaron en dos de las tres cuevas de cota baja; una colonia de murciélagos, posiblemente Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774), consistente en aproximadamente 100 individuos que se vio en una de las cuevas; y un murciélago (Myotis sp.) que se encontró aletargado en otra cavidad. El sapo común
(Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758)) se ha encontrado en dos de las cuevas de cota baja. Se proponen recomendaciones para desarrollar una investigación complementaria que ayude a la gestión futura de estos recursos biológicos.
... Subterranean-adapted pseudoscorpions, one of the representative groups of cave-dwelling arthropods, are usually eyeless and have a hypopigmented body cuticle and elongated body appendages. Up to now, 58 cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species from five families (Atemnidae, Chernetidae, Chthoniidae, Neobisiidae, Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) have been identified in China, sixteen of them are from Guizhou (Schawaller 1995;Mahnert 2003Mahnert , 2009Mahnert and Li 2016;Gao et al. 2017Gao et al. , 2018Gao et al. , 2020Gao et al. , 2023Li et al. 2017Li et al. , 2019Feng et al. 2019Feng et al. , 2020Zhang et al. 2020;Li and Wang 2021;Hou et al. 2022aHou et al. , 2022bLi 2022;Xu et al. 2022). ...
Eleven new Lagynochthonius species from thirteen karst caves of Guizhou Province are described, including detailed diagnosis and illustrations: L. biyunensis sp. nov. from Biyun Cave (Panzhou City), L. guanniuensis sp. nov. from Guanniu Cave (Xifeng County), L. latipectus sp. nov. from Xianren Cave and Shenxian Cave (Jiangkou County), L. longedentatus sp. nov. from Hongbaituo Cave (Ceheng County), L. longyanensis sp. nov. from Longyan Cave (Bozhou District), L. maanensis sp. nov. from Pianxiao Cave (Zheng’an County), L. mawangensis sp. nov. from Mawang Cave (Wuchuan County), L. nigriculus sp. nov. from Yuqiyan Cave and unnamed cave (Weining County), L. tuoluoensis sp. nov. from Tuoluodadong Cave (Shuicheng District), L. xiaoensis sp. nov. from Xiao Cave (Suiyang County) and L. zhijinensis sp. nov. from Long Cave (Zhijin County). All species are endemic to Guizhou. An identification key to all known Lagynochthonius species from China is also provided.
... They are usually eyeless and have a hypopigmented body cuticle and elongated body appendages. To date, 54 cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species from four families (Atemnidae, Chernetidae, Chthoniidae, Neobisiidae) have been described from China (Schawaller 1995;Mahnert 2003Mahnert , 2009Mahnert and Li 2016;Gao et al. 2017Gao et al. , 2018Gao et al. , 2020Li et al. 2017Li et al. , 2019Feng et al. 2019Feng et al. , 2020Zhang et al. 2020;Li and Wang 2021;Hou et al. 2022a, b;Li 2022;Xu et al. 2022), including 12 species from Guizhou. No cavernicolous pseudotyrannochthoniid species have been reported from China yet. ...
Four new troglomorphic pseudotyrannochthoniid pseudoscorpion species collected from karst caves in Guizhou Province are described with detailed diagnoses and illustrations: Allochthonius bainiensis sp. nov. from Liangfeng Cave (Xishui County), Allochthonius pandus sp. nov. from Daozuo Cave (Xishui County), Allochthonius xinqiaoensis sp. nov. from Sanjie Cave (Fenggang County), and Spelaeochthonius wulibeiensis sp. nov. from Wulibei Cave (Weining County). Spelaeochthonius wulibeiensis sp. nov. represents the first record of the genus in China. The diagnostic features of these four new cave-adapted (troglomorphic) species are presented and discussed, as well as compared with closely related species. The data on their distribution, habitat and ecology of the species are also given.
... Interestingly, no species of Spelaeochthonius have yet been recorded from China despite the abundance of karst habitats in this country and the ongoing discovery of troglomorphic pseudoscorpions in several provinces (Gao et al. 2018(Gao et al. , 2020Feng et al. 2019Feng et al. , 2020. Recent studies indicate that Allochthonius is diverse in forest habitats throughout China, with nine species already described (Gao et al. 2016) but, again, no subterranean species has been collected there to date and all troglobiontic species belong to the Chthoniidae (genera Lagynochthonius Beier, 1951 andTyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929) and the Neobisiidae (Bisetocreagris Ć určić, 1983 andParobisium Chamberlin, 1930) (Feng et al. 2020) that have no known troglobiontic species in Korean caves. ...
South Korea is a country with more than 1000 caves that support a high diversity of invertebrate species. Here we review the pseudoscorpion genus Spelaeochthonius Morikawa, 1954 (family Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) that is exclusive to caves in Japan and South Korea and reinstated here as a valid taxon. Based on recent field collections, three species in this genus are described from South Korea: S. dentifer (Morikawa, 1970), comb. nov., S. cheonsooi sp. nov., and S. seungsookae sp. nov. Based on present-day knowledge about range sizes and morphological variability in this fauna, three Japanese taxa currently classified as subspecies are elevated to species rank: Pseudotyrannochthonius kobayashii akiyoshiensis (Morikawa, 1956) = Spelaeochthonius akiyoshiensis Morikawa, 1956, stat. nov., Pseudotyrannochthonius kobayashii dorogawanesis (Morikawa, 1956) = Spelaeochthonius dorogawaensis Morikawa, 1956, stat. nov.; and Pseudotyrannochthonius undecimclavatus kishidai (Morikawa, 1960) = Spelaeochthonius kishidai (Morikawa, 1960), stat. nov. We emphasize that no epigean Spelaeochthonius have ever been found despite considerable search effort in the forests of Japan and Korea, and that past glacial cycling may have resulted in the total extirpation of surface species in this lineage. We also note that all species are narrow-range endemics that may require conservation management.
... At present, 31 cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species have been described from China, including the two new species reported in this study. Among them, Neobisiidae accounts for 64.5%, Chthoniidae and Chernetidae account for 22.6% and 12.9% respectively (Mahnert 2003(Mahnert , 2009Mahnert & Li 2016;Gao & Zhang 2017;Gao et al. 2018;Li et al. 2017Li et al. , 2019Feng et al. 2019Feng et al. , 2020. Fewer chthoniids and chernetids are reported probably because they are much smaller and difficult to detect. ...
Two new species of troglomorphic pseudoscorpions of the family Neobisiidae, collected from karst caves in Yunnan, China, are described: Parobisium laevigatum sp. n. and P. muchonggouense sp. n.. A key to the Parobisium species from China is also provided.
... Given the difficulties in access to many cave sites, it is not uncommon to describe a new species with only one specimen (e.g., Harvey & Wynne 2014;Bernard et al. 2015;Gao et al. 2018). Because it is identified as cave-adapted, D. gevia should be considered a management concern species. ...
This work represents the first large scale cave biological inventory of caves in Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, Andalucía, Spain. We sampled seven caves (three low and four high elevation caves) from 22 June through 01 July 2017. We have preliminarily identified at least 42 morphospecies and 13 coarse-level taxonomic groups (i.e., Order or higher) of cave-dwelling arthropods including the relict springtail species, Onychiurus gevorum Arbea 2012. Bats were detected in two of three low elevation caves; a bat roost of unknown type consisting of approximately 100 bats was observed in one cave, and one bat (Myotis sp.) was found torporing in another cave. The common toad (Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758)) was identified in two low elevation caves. We also provide recommendations for additional research to aid in the future management of these resources.
Five new species of the genus Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 are described from caves in the provinces of Yunnan ( T. huilongshanensis sp. nov. , T. xinzhaiensis sp. nov. , and T. yamuhensis sp. nov. ), Guizhou ( T. dongjiensis sp. nov. ), and Sichuan ( T. huaerensis sp. nov. ). An identification key is provided for all known representatives of the genus Tyrannochthonius from China.
Subterranean ecosystems are among the most widespread environments on Earth, yet we still have poor knowledge of their biodiversity. To raise awareness of subterranean ecosystems, the essential services they provide, and their unique conservation challenges, 2021 and 2022 were designated International Years of Caves and Karst. As these ecosystems have traditionally been overlooked in global conservation agendas and multilateral agreements, a quantitative assessment of solution-based approaches to safeguard subterranean biota and associated habitats is timely. This assessment allows researchers and practitioners to understand the progress made and research needs in subterranean ecology and management. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature focused on subterranean ecosystems globally (terrestrial, freshwater, and saltwater systems), to quantify the available evidence-base for the effectiveness of conservation interventions. We selected 708 publications from the years 1964 to 2021 that discussed, recommended, or implemented 1,954 conservation interventions in subterranean ecosystems. We noted a steep increase in the number of studies from the 2000s while, surprisingly, the proportion of studies quantifying the impact of conservation interventions has steadily and significantly decreased in recent years. The effectiveness of 31% of conservation interventions has been tested statistically. We further highlight that 64% of the reported research occurred in the Palearctic and Nearctic biogeographic regions. Assessments of the effectiveness of conservation interventions were heavily biased towards indirect measures (monitoring and risk assessment), a limited sample of organisms (mostly arthropods and bats), and more accessible systems (terrestrial caves). Our results indicate that most conservation science in the field of subterranean biology does not apply a rigorous quantitative approach, resulting in sparse evidence for the effectiveness of interventions. This raises the important question of how to make conservation efforts more feasible to implement, cost-effective, and long-lasting. Although there is no single remedy, we propose a suite of potential solutions to focus our efforts better towards increasing statistical testing and stress the importance of standardising study reporting to facilitate meta-analytical exercises. We also provide a database summarising the available literature, which will help to build quantitative knowledge about interventions likely to yield the greatest impacts depending upon the subterranean species and habitats of interest. We view this as a starting point to shift away from the widespread tendency of recommending conservation interventions based on anecdotal and expert-based information rather than scientific evidence, without quantitatively testing their effectiveness.
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.
Ever-increasing human pressures on cave biodiversity have amplified the need for systematic, repeatable, and intensive surveys of cave-dwelling arthropods to formulate evidence-based management decisions. We examined 110 papers (from 1967 to 2018) to: (i) understand how cave-dwelling invertebrates have been sampled; (ii) provide a summary of techniques most commonly applied and appropriateness of these techniques, and; (iii) make recommendations for sampling design improvement. Of the studies reviewed, over half (56) were biological inventories, 43 ecologically focused, seven were techniques papers, and four were conservation studies. Nearly one-half (48) of the papers applied systematic techniques. Few papers (24) provided enough information to repeat the study; of these, only 11 studies included cave maps. Most studies (56) used two or more techniques for sampling cave-dwelling invertebrates. Ten studies conducted ≥10 site visits per cave. The use of quantitative techniques was applied in 43 of the studies assessed. More than one-third (42) included some level of discussion on management. Future studies should employ a systematic study design, describe their methods in sufficient detail as to be repeatable, and apply multiple techniques and site visits. This level of effort and detail is required to obtain the most complete inventories, facilitate monitoring of sensitive cave arthropod populations, and make informed decisions regarding the management of cave habitats. We also identified naming inconsistencies of sampling techniques and provide recommendations towards standardization.
The overexploitation of the world's biomes for natural products calls for the prioritization of biologically important ecosystems for conservation. Here we show that limestone karsts are “arks” of biodiversity and often contain high levels of endemism. Humans have exploited karsts for a variety of products and services, but unsustainable practices have caused population declines and extinctions among site-endemic taxa. Limestone quarrying is the primary threat to karst biodiversity in Southeast Asia, where quarrying rates exceed those in other tropical regions. Several socioeconomic, political, and scientific issues undermine the stewardship of these karsts. Mitigation of these problems will involve (a) better land-use planning to prevent karst resources from being exhausted in developing regions, (b) comprehensive assessments of a karst's economic and biological value before development, (c) improved legislation and enforcement to protect karst biodiversity, and (d) increased research and activities to promote public awareness of the importance of karsts and the threats facing them.
Caves are considered buffered environments in terms of their ability to sustain near-constant microclimatic conditions. However,
cave entrance environments are expected to respond rapidly to changing conditions on the surface. Our study documents an assemblage
of endemic arthropods that have persisted in Rapa Nui caves, despite a catastrophic ecological shift, overgrazing, and surface
ecosystems dominated by invasive species. We discovered eight previously unknown endemic species now restricted to caves—a
large contribution to the island's natural history, given its severely depauperate native fauna. Two additional species, identified
from a small number of South Pacific islands, probably arrived with early Polynesian colonizers. All of these animals are
considered disturbance relicts—species whose distributions are now limited to areas that experienced minimal historical human
disturbance. Extinction debts and the interaction of global climate change and invasive species are likely to present an uncertain
future for these endemic cavernicoles.
This study reports on the pseudoscorpion fauna of the subterranean ecosystems of northern Arizona, U.S.A. Our work resulted in the descriptions of two new species, Hesperochernes bradybaughi sp. nov. and Tuberochernes cohni sp. nov. (Chernetidae) and the range expansion of one species, Larca cavicola (Muchmore 1981) (Larcidae). All of these species were cave-adapted and found within caves on Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in northwestern Arizona. Based upon this work, the genus Archeolarca Hoff and Clawson is newly synonymized with Larca Chamberlin, and the following species are transferred from Archeolarca to Larca, forming the new combinations L. aalbui (Muchmore 1984), L. cavicola (Muchmore 1981), L. guadalupensis (Muchmore 1981) and L. welbourni (Muchmore 1981). Despite intensive sampling on the monument, the two new species were detected in only one cave. This cave supports the greatest diversity of troglomorphic arthropod species on the monument—all of which are short-range endemics occurring in only one cave. Maintaining the management recommendations provided by Peck and Wynne (2013) for this cave should aid in the long-term persistence of these new pseudoscorpion species, as well as the other troglomorphic arthropods.
In the present paper, a new subgenus and two new species of the cave-dwelling genus Dongodytes Deuve, 1993 are described and illustrated: Dongodytes (Dongodytodes) deharvengi, subgen. and sp. nov. and Dongodytes baxian, sp. nov. from Du'an Xian, North Guangxi, China.
Prior to this study, there was no information on arthropods, bats, and other vertebrates of caves in northwesternmost Arizona. Based on invertebrate and vertebrate inventory work conducted during 2005 and 2006, we provide future directions for conservation and management for caves on Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument, northwestern Arizona. Baseline investigations to find and identify arthropods, bats, and other vertebrates were conducted at 7 of the largest known caves on the monument. We identified 52 morphospecies including 44 arthropods, 4 bats, and 4 other vertebrates. Of the cave-dwelling arthropods, we found 10 eisodophiles, 6 troglophiles, 8 questionable troglophiles, 7 trogloxenes, 8 accidentals, 3 taxa of unknown cave affiliations, and 2 mammalian parasites. We made several contributions to the entomological record including 2 new genera, 6 new species, 3 possible new species, one range extension, and one possible range extension. Also, we identified 5 bat roosts—1 hibernaculum, 2 night roosts, and 3 summer roosts of unconfirmed use. Observed arthropod richness per cave ranged from 1 to 14 morphospecies, and observed bat and other vertebrate (combined) richness was 1–3 morphospecies. We did not detect any cave-adapted arthropods during this investigation. For the caves sampled, we are uncertain whether the lack of cave-adapted taxa is due to (a) low nutrient input and high cryptoaridity associated with many southwestern cave systems or (b) lack of intensive sampling. Despite the lack of cave-adapted species, 5 of the 7 caves inventoried are considered of high management concern. Additional research at these caves will be required to obtain the data necessary to best manage and protect these systems.
A new pseudoscorpion classification is proposed with two new suborders, Epiocheirata and Iocheirata, based upon a cladistic analysis of relationships within the order. The Epiocheirata contains two superfamilies: Chthonioidea for Chthoniidae, Tridenchthoniidae and Lechytiidae, stat. nov. (for Lechytia), and Feaelloidea for Feaellidae and Pseudogarypidae. The Iocheirata is divided into two infraorders: Hemictenata Balzan and Panctenata Balzan. The Hemictenata contains a single superfamily, Neobisioidea for Bochicidae, Gymnobisiidae, Hyidae, Ideoroncidae, Neobisiidae, Parahyidae, fam. nov. (for Parahya) and Syarinidae. The Panctenata contains two microorders: Mestommatina, nov, with Garypoidea for Cheiridiidae, Garypidae, Geogarypidae, Larcidae, fam. nov. (for Archeolarca and Larca ) and Pseudochiridiidae, and Olpioidea for Menthidae and Olpiidae; and Elassommatina, nov. with Sternophoroidea, stat. nov, for Sternophoridae, and Cheliferoidea for Atemnidae, Cheliferidae, Chernetidae and Withiidae. The Vachoniidae is synonymised with the Bochicidae, and the Cheiridioidea is treated as a synonym of Garypoidea. Philomaoria Chamberlin and Philomaoriini are transferred from the Withiidae to the Cheliferidae. The chthoniid tribe Pseudotyrannochthoniini is elevated to subfamily rank, and the systematic position of the Devonian family Dracochelidae is discussed.
The Verona Museum research in China caves led to a record in the field of an higth number of taxa. Some of them
have not yet been identified at the species level, some were already studied, and some are still in study. In this paper,
after a brief history of biospeleological research in China, the list of fauna collected in each cave is provided.
An ecological and biogeografical analysis on cave fauna of the investigated Provinces is provided.
Key words: cave fauna, biodiversity, history of researches, South China.
Borges P.A.V., Cardoso P., Amorim I.R., Pereira F., Constancia J.P., Nunes J.C., Barcelos P., Costa P., Gabriel R. and Dapkevicius M.d.L. 2012. Volcanic caves: priorities for conserving the Azorean endemic troglobiont species. International Journal of Speleology, 41(1), 101-112. Tampa, FL (USA). ISSN 0392-6672. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5038/1827-806X.41.1.11 Azorean lava-tubes and volcanic pits adequately sampled for arthropod fauna were evaluated for species diversity and rarity. An iterative partial multiple regression analysis was performed to produce a multi-criteria index (Importance Value for Cave Conservation, IV-CC) incorporating arthropod species diversity indices but also including indices qualifying cave geological and management features (e.g., the diversity of geological structures, threats, accessibility). Additionally, we calculated complementarity solutions (irreplaceability and Fraction-of-Spare measures) for each cave with different targets per species, i.e., the minimum number of caves needed for each species to be represented either once or twice. Our results clearly show that to preserve all troglobiont arthropods endemic to the Azores, it is crucial to protect several caves per island. As many as 10 and 15 caves are needed to include one or two occurrences, respectively, per species.
Human intrusion on the Cave of Marvels (southwestern Spain) has produced a series of effects on the water (fall in the level
of the pools due to pumping from nearby wells), the air (increased temperature and CO2 concentration as well as decreased relative humidity) and the rock. In addition, plant colonization, favored by the lighting
system, has irreversibly altered numerous speleothems. The processes of degradation are especially intense in the sectors
with less air volume and limited ventilation. The analysis of the cave deposits by scanning electron microscopy and thin section
analysis revealed that floral pollution constitutes one of the most aggressive agents against the calcite and aragonite precipitates,
being responsible for biochemical and biophysical degradation of the first order.
Lava tube cave ecosystems on the volcanic islands of Hawai‘i support communities of rare and highly specialized cave arthropods.
In these cave ecosystems, plant roots, both living and dead, provide the main energy source for cave animals. Loss of deep-rooted
plants over caves will affect populations of cave-adapted animals living below. Furthermore, the loss of native plant species
will likely eliminate host specific cave animals. Thus, identification of plant roots currently found in caves is necessary
for the development of effective management actions that encourage the growth of appropriate deep-rooted plant species, thereby
protecting the underlying cave ecosystem. We used molecular techniques to identify plant roots found within cave ecosystems
on the islands of Maui and Hawai‘i. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the 5.8S gene of nuclear
ribosomal DNA from cave roots were compared to sequences of known plant species either collected on the surface over the footprint
of each cave or to sequences accessioned in GenBank. Roots in the cave ecosystem studied on Maui belonged to two alien tree
species: Eucalyptus tereticornis and Grevillea robusta. Within the Hawai‘i cave ecosystem, roots of two plant species were identified: the alien tree G. robusta and the native vine Cocculus orbiculatus. The Maui cave ecosystem supports populations of at least 28 species of arthropods, including eight that are blind obligate
cave inhabitants. The Hawai‘i cave ecosystem supports 18 arthropod species, of which three are cave-adapted. Creating protected
reserves around biologically significant caves, controlling, and preventing the introduction of harmful invasive plant species
within the cave footprint, and encouraging the establishment of deep-rooted native plant species is essential for the continued
survival of the unique ecosystems found within Hawaiian lava tube cave systems.
The overexploitation of the world's biomes for natural products calls for the prioritization of biologically important ecosystems
for conservation. Here we show that limestone karsts are “arks” of biodiversity and often contain high levels of endemism.
Humans have exploited karsts for a variety of products and services, but unsustainable practices have caused population declines
and extinctions among site-endemic taxa. Limestone quarrying is the primary threat to karst biodiversity in Southeast Asia,
where quarrying rates exceed those in other tropical regions. Several socioeconomic, political, and scientific issues undermine
the stewardship of these karsts. Mitigation of these problems will involve (a) better land-use planning to prevent karst resources
from being exhausted in developing regions, (b) comprehensive assessments of a karst's economic and biological value before
development, (c) improved legislation and enforcement to protect karst biodiversity, and (d) increased research and activities
to promote public awareness of the importance of karsts and the threats facing them.
Lagynochthonius fragilis n. sp. is described from a limestone cave in the Hong Chong karst of Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, which is currently threatened by quarrying activities. This is the first record of a troglomorphic species of Lagynochthonius Beier, 1951 from continental Asia. The presence of chemosensory setae on the dorsum of the chelal palm is interpreted as a synapomorphy of the tribe Tyrannochthoniini Chamberlin, 1962. The New Zealand genus Maorichthonius Chamberlin, 1925 is transferred from the Chthoniini Daday, 1888 to the Tyrannochthoniini. The genus Tyrannochthoniella Beier, 1966, also endemic to New Zealand, is assigned to the tribe Chthoniini Daday, 1888. The genus Stygiochthonius Carabajal Márquez, García Carrillo & Rodríguez Fernández, 2001, from southern Spain, is synonymized with Paraliochthonius Beier, 1956 (n. subj. syn.). Five new combinations are proposed: Lagynochthonius ovatus Vitali-di Castri, 1984 (ex Tyrannochthonius); Paraliochthonius barrancoi (Carabajal Márquez, García Carrillo & Rodríguez Fernández, 2001) (ex Stygiochthonius); P. curvidigitatus (Mahnert, 1997) (ex Lagynochthonius); P. setiger (Mahnert, 1997) (ex Tyrannochthonius); and P. superstes (Mahnert, 1986) (ex Tyrannochthonius). A key is given to the genera of the Tyrannochthoniini. The parallel evolution in several groups of pseudoscorpions of a characteristic chelal morphology, here termed lagyniform, is discussed. New designations are proposed for the spot-sensilla of the chelal fingers. The so-called ‘sensorium’ near the tip of the fixed chelal finger of Lagynochthonius species is shown to be a modified tooth that has migrated dorsally from the dental margin. The new term rallum is introduced as a replacement for the inappropriate term ‘flagellum’, as applied to the cheliceral blades of pseudoscorpions. The term bothridial vestibulum is introduced for the internal cuticular sheath at the base of the bothridia of the trichobothria.Lagynochthonius fragilis n. sp. est décrit d’une grotte calcaire de la province de Kien Giang, au sud du Vietnam, actuellement menacée par une exploitation de carrière. Elle est la première espèce troglomorphe du genre Lagynochthonius Beier, 1951 connue de l’Asie continentale. La présence des soies chemosensorielles sur la main de la pince est interprétée comme une synapomorphie de la tribu des Tyrannochthoniini Chamberlin, 1962. Le genre néo-zélandais Maorichthonius Chamberlin, 1925 est transféré des Chthoniini Daday à la tribu des Tyrannochthoniini. Le genre Tyrannochthoniella Beier, 1966, également endémique de la Nouvelle Zélande, est attribué à la tribu des Chthoniini Daday, 1888. Le genre Stygiochthonius Carabajal Márquez, García Carrillo & Rodríguez Fernández, 2001, du sud de l’Espagne, est mis en synonymie avec Paraliochthonius Beier, 1956 (n. syn. subj.). Cinq combinaisons nouvelles sont proposées : Lagynochthonius ovatus Vitali-di Castri, 1984 (ex Tyrannochthonius) ; Paraliochthonius barrancoi (Carabajal Márquez, García Carrillo & Rodríguez Fernández, 2001) (ex Stygiochthonius) ; P. curvidigitatus (Mahnert, 1997) (ex Lagynochthonius) ; P. setiger (Mahnert, 1997) (ex Tyrannochthonius) ; et P. superstes (Mahnert, 1986) (ex Tyrannochthonius). Une clé de détermination des genres de Tyrannochthoniini est fournite. L’évolution parallèle des facies caractéristiques de la pince, ici qualifié de “ lagyniforme ”, est évoquée chez plusieurs groupes de pseudoscorpions. Desnouveaux sigles sont proposés pour les sensilles punctiformes des doigts de la pince. Il est démontré que le “ sensorium ” à l’extrémité du doigt fixe de la pince des espèces de Lagynochthonius est une dent modifiée qui a migré dorsalement dès la marge dentale. Le terme inapproprié de “ flagelle ”, dans le sens de son application aux lames chélicèriennes des pseudoscorpions, est remplacé par rallum. Le terme nouveau vestibule trichobothriale est introduit pour la gaine cuticulaire à la base des bothridies des trichobothries.
Aim: Identify the optimal combination of sampling techniques to maximize the detection of diversity of cave-dwelling arthropods.
Location: Central-western New Mexico; northwestern Arizona; Rapa Nui, Chile.
Methods: From 26 caves across three geographically distinct areas in the Western Hemisphere, arthropods were sampled using opportunistic collecting, timed searches, and baited pitfall trapping in all caves, and direct intuitive searches and bait sampling at select caves. To elucidate the techniques or combination of techniques for maximizing sampling completeness and efficiency, we examined our sampling results using nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), analysis of similarity (ANOSIM), Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, species richness estimators and species accumulation curves.
Results: To maximize the detection of cave-dwelling arthropod species, one must apply multiple sampling techniques and specifically sample unique microhabitats. For example, by sampling cave deep zones and nutrient resource sites, we identified several undescribed cave-adapted and/or cave-restricted taxa in the southwestern United States and eight new species of presumed cave-restricted arthropods on Rapa Nui that would otherwise have been missed. Sampling techniques differed in their detection of both management concern species (e.g., newly discovered cave-adapted/restricted species, range expansions of cave-restricted species and newly confirmed alien species) and specific taxonomic groups. Spiders were detected primarily with visual search techniques (direct intuitive searches, opportunistic collecting and timed searches), while most beetles were detected using pitfall traps. Each sampling technique uniquely identified species of management concern further strengthening the importance of a multi-technique sampling approach.
Main conclusions: Multiple sampling techniques were required to best characterize cave arthropod diversity. For techniques applied uniformly across all caves, each technique uniquely detected between ~40% and 67% of the total species observed. Also, sampling cave deep zones and nutrient resource sites was critical for both increasing the number of species detected and maximizing the likelihood of detecting management concern species.
Two new pseudoscorpion species of Bisetocreagris Ćurčić, 1983, B. guangshanensis sp. nov. and B. gracilenta sp. nov., belonging to the family Neobisiidae, are described based on specimens collected in karst caves in Guizhou Province, China. Detailed diagnosis, descriptions, and illustrations are presented.
Four new species of the genus Bisetocreagris Ćurčić are described from caves in the provinces of Guizhou (B. chtianensis n. sp.), Sichuan (B. baozinensis n. sp., B. jiianxtiae n. sp., and Bisetocreagris sp.) and Chongqing (B. cavernarum n. sp.). On the basis of the trichobothrial pattern and the apparent fragility of the galea in this group, the following species are transferred to Bisetocreagris: Parobisium martii Mahnert, 2003, P. titanium Mahnert, 2003, P. scaurum Mahnert, 2003, and Stenohya chinacavernicola Schawaller, 1995.
Four new species of the genus Bisetocreagris are described from China, prov. Guizhou (B.chuanensis n.sp.), Sichuan (N. baozinensis n.sp., B. juanxuae n.sp.) and Chongqing (B. cavernarum n.sp.). The following species are transferred to Bisetocreagris: Parobisium martii Mahnert, P. titanium Mahnert, P. scaurum Mahnert, and Stenohya chinacavernicola Schawaller.
Pseudoscorpions were first reported in China when Balzan (1892) recorded Chelifer (Chelifer) pekinensis Balzan (since removed to the genus Withius Kew (Beier, 1932)) and Microcreagris gigas Balzan. Schawaller (1995) reviewed the state of knowledge of the pseudoscorpion fauna of China (excluding Taiwan) and cited 47 taxa. Song (1996) recorded five soil pseudoscorpions, with simple descriptions and illustrations, some of which have been transferred to other genera or synonymized. Since then, there have been few papers about the systematics of Chinese pseudoscorpions, except for the ten new cave-dwelling species described by Mahnert (2003) and Mahnert (2009). To date, 63 species and 7 subspecies have been reported in China (including Taiwan and Tibet) (Harvey, 2009, Mahnert, 2009). Obviously, this diversity pales in comparison to the nearly 3400 species known globally and must represent only a fraction of the true diversity considering the huge area of China. Therefore, further investigations of pseudoscorpion taxonomy from the vast and remote areas of China are badly needed.
Lagynochthonius fragilis n. sp. is described from a limestone cave in the Hong Chong karst of Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, which is currently threatened by quarrying activities. This is the first record of a troglomorphic species of Lagynochthonius Beier, 1951 from continental Asia. The presence of chemosensory setae on the dorsum of the chelal palm is interpreted as a synapomorphy of the tribe Tyrannochthoniini Chamberlin, 1962. The New Zealand genus Maorichthonius Chamberlin, 1925 is transferred from the Chthoniini Daday, 1888 to the Tyrannochthoniini. The genus Tyrannochthoniella Beier, 1966, also endemic to New Zealand, is assigned to the tribe Chthoniini Daday, 1888. The genus Stygiochthonius Carabajal Márquez, Garcia Carrillo & Rodríguez Fernândez, 2001, from southern Spain, is synonymized with Paraliochthonius Beier, 1956 (n. subj. syn.). Five new combinations are proposed: Lagynochthonius ovatus Vitali-di Castri, 1984 (ex Tyrannochthonius); Paraliochthonius barrancoi (Carabajal Márquez, García Carrillo & Rodríguez Fernández, 2001) (ex Stygiochthonius); P. curvidigitatus (Mahnert, 1997) (ex Lagynochthonius); P. setiger (Mahnert, 1997) (ex Tyrannochthonius); and P. superstes (Mahnert, 1986) (ex Tyrannochthonius). A key is given to the genera of the Tyrannochthoniini. The parallel evolution in several groups of pseudoscorpions of a characteristic chelal morphology, here termed lagyniform, is discussed. New designations are proposed for the spot-sensilla of the chelal fingers. The so-called 'sensorium' near the tip of the fixed chelal finger of Lagynochthonius species is shown to be a modified tooth that has migrated dorsally from the dental margin. The new term rallum is introduced as a replacement for the inappropriate term 'flagellum', as applied to the cheliceral blades of pseudoscorpions. The term bothridial vestibulum is introduced for the internal cuticular sheath at the base of the bothridia of the trichobothria. Pseudoscorpion, Tyrannochthoniini, taxonomy, morphology, endangered species, cave, Vietnam, New Zealand, Spain, sensilla
The new species Parobisium martii sp. n., Parobisium scaurum sp. n., Parobisium titanium sp. n., and Nudochernes lipsae sp. n. are described from caves near the city of Zhen Xiong (Yunnan), and their taxonomic positions are discussed. Parobisium titanium sp. n., with a body length of about 4.5 mm, is the pseudoscorpion species with by far the largest known pedipalpal length of about 17 mm.
New species of pseudoscorpions (Arachnida, Pseudoscorpiones: Chthoniidae, Chernetidae) from caves in China. - Three new species are described and figured in the genus Tyrannochthonius J.C. Chamberlin (akaelus sp.n., ganshuanensis sp.n., antridraconis sp.n.), two species in the genus Megachernes Beier (glandulosus sp.n., tuberosus sp.n.) and one species of Nudochernes Beier (troglobius sp.n.). The affinities of these new taxa are discussed. They bring up to 13 the number of species currently recorded from caves in China, but this is certainly only a small proportion of the total number occurring in the numerous cave systems of this country.
In the dry tropics, the main nutrient influx into caves, which occurs during monsoonal flooding, is closely simulated by the deliberate introduction of wet leaf litter into the cave environment. We describe the construction and use of a wet leaf litter trap which exploits the attractiveness of wet leaf litter to orthopteroid insects inhabiting such caves. The traps collect a greater diversity of species per unit time and a greater total number of individuals per unit time than other techniques. Apart from the efficiency of the traps they can be used to allow sampling with replacement. This technique has a minimal impact on populations of cave invertebrates, and we therefore recommend its use where sampling is likely to pose a conservation threat to the fragile cave ecosystem.
We studied a variety of chthoniid pseudoscorpions collected from the semiarid zone of Western Australia. Five new species of Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 and three new species of Lagynochthonius Beier, 1951 are named and described from the Pilbara and Gasgoyne regions, and surrounding areas such as Barrow Island. Tyrannochthonius basme, sp. nov. and Lagynochthonius asema, sp. nov. from pisolitic mesas near Pannawonica, T. garthhumphreysi, sp. nov. from limestone karst on Barrow Island, T. souchomalus, sp. nov. from calcrete deposits near Cue, T. billhumphreysi, sp. nov. and L. polydentatus, sp. nov. from a calcrete deposit on Sturt Meadows Station and L. leemouldi, sp. nov. from calcrete near Marble Bar are all considered to represent hypogean species as all exhibit typical troglomorphic adaptations including total loss of eyes and attenuated appendages. New records are provided for T. brooksi Harvey and T. butleri Harvey from Cape Range peninsula. A new epigean species, T. aridus, sp. nov., was found on Barrow Island and the Pilbara mainland. Two further putative new species based upon nymphal specimens from subterranean environments are described but not named owing to the lack of adult specimens. Although the epigean species T. aridus, sp. nov. is relatively widespread, all of the subterranean species are thought to represent short-range endemic species as they have been found at very few locations, all of which occur in localised habitats such as limestone or within mesa formations. Tyrannochthonius chamorro Chamberlin, 1947 from Guam is transferred to the genus Lagynochthonius, creating the new combination Lagynochthonius chamorro (Chamberlin 1947).
Nearly 20 000 specimens of pseudoscorpions from a full range of habitats have been examined. For New Zealand, 70 species and subspecies in 28 genera are recognised, and for Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands, 11 species in 9 genera. Endemism is very high in this area: in New Zealand, 13 out of 25 indigenous genera are endemic; 2 others (Apatochernes, Nesochernes) are shared with Norfolk Island; and 4 (Sathrochthonius, Austrochthonius, Synsphyronus, Protochelifer) extend their distribution to Australia (Austrochthonius is known also from South America and South Africa). The rest of the native genera have a wider distribution in the Pacific. Three species (Lamprochernes savignyi, Withius subruber, Chelifer cancroides) have a wide and disjunct distribution induced by human traffic, and are considered to be an introduced element.
Cavernicoles can be divided into 1) troglobites - obligate cave-dwellers that cannot survive outside the hypogean environment; 2) troglophiles - facultative species that live and reproduce in caves but which are found in similar dark, humid microhabitats on the surface; and 3) trogloxenes - which regularly inhabit caves for refuge but normally return to the surface to feed. Following brief comments on zoogeography, discussion centres on the nature of the subterranean biome, energy sources in caves, nutrient cycling, and behavioural responses by the arthropods. Notes are also provided on experimental work, and the need for conservation is indicated. -P.J.Jarvis
Summary • Caves are arguably the hottest of the biodiversity hotspots as measured by endemism and threat, yet they receive very little attention or appropriate management. Some recent investigations in China have found that up to 90% of the animals collected in caves are new to science, yet environmental assessments for development projects in karst areas rarely if ever give attention to the cave fauna. • The lack of light, and the cave-specific conditions of humidity, air flow and source of energy have resulted in extreme adaptations among the animals living within them. • There is no government agency or non-governmental organization (NGO) on conservation concerned with caves in China or many other countries, and although there are caving expeditions, they concentrate on exploration rather than the cave fauna. • Disturbance by limestone quarrying, visitors, tourism infrastructure, and changes in water flow through, or from above, the cave can have devastating effects on the highly adapted and range-restricted fauna. • Some examples of World Bank-financed development projects which have led to cave conservation are given. • Synthesis and applications. The cave biodiversity of China and neighbouring countries is worthy of conservation and there is a huge number of nationally endemic species, most of which are unknown. Destruction or damage to caves can cause entire communities of cave species to become extinct. To address this problem, the disparate, taxon-limited specialists interested in cave fauna need to reach out to the cave exploration community, the major conservation NGOs, and the state and local conservation agencies. Those charged with the task of conserving biodiversity should give thought to how the current national protected area systems and processes manage – and fail – to address the needs of the cave fauna, and look for the means to effect the necessary changes in management, based on the peculiar ecology of caves.
Aim Over 250 species of obligate terrestrial cave-dwelling animals (troglobionts) are known from single caves in the eastern United States. We investigate their geographical distribution, especially in relation to other troglobionts. We relate these patterns to taxonomic group, opportunities for dispersal and geographical location.Location Caves of the United States east of the Mississippi River.Methods We associated over 3000 records of more than 450 troglobiotic species and subspecies with hexagons of 1000, 5000 and 10,000 km2 in size. We calculated Moran's I, black–white joins and cubic regression of endemics on non-endemics at all three spatial scales. For 5000 km2 hexagons, we modelled the spatial autocorrelation of the residuals of the cubic regression of endemics on non-endemics.Results Differences among orders in percentage single-cave endemism were not significant, except for Pseudoscorpionida, which was higher (69%) than any other order. At all three scales, Moran's I and black–white joins were significant, indicating a clumped distribution of both single-cave endemics and other troglobionts. Spatial patterns were similar at all three scales and Moran's I was highest at 5000 km2. The cubic fit of endemics to non-endemics was consistently better, with less systematic error or residuals, than were linear or quadratic models. Residuals showed a significant geographical pattern with excess endemics in more southerly locations.Main conclusions There was both a non-spatial and spatial component to the pattern of single-cave endemism. The non-spatial component was the association of high levels of single-cave endemism with areas of high diversity of non-endemics. It may be that both are high because of high secondary productivity. Spatially, single-cave endemism is high in central rather than peripheral areas and in the southern part of the range. It is not higher in areas of more dissected limestone, which would reduce migration rates; if anything endemism is lower. Regional spatial effects are important, indicating that cave communities cannot be understood (or protected) in isolation.
We investigated the effects of human-induced disruption in a subterranean stable environment containing valuable Palaeolithic paintings and engravings (Ardales Cave, Southern Spain) using a double analytical approach.
An environmental monitoring system was installed in the cave to record temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO(2)) and radon ((222)Rn) concentrations in air. In the same stations, an aerobiological sampling was conducted to quantify the level of airborne microorganisms.
The combination of different methods allowed us to detect the extent of human-induced changes, confirming that these can be very hazardous in certain cave areas that should be apparently outside the scope of human disturbances, either by their remoteness to the visitor entrance or by being briefly visited.
The detection of evident anomalies in the environmental parameters and airborne microorganism concentration in the cave area housing the high density of paintings and engravings helps to control human disturbances and supports the direct application of this double approach for cave management purposes.
Baiyun Cave in Hebei Province is one of the main show caves in North China. The speleothem landscape is wonderful, but strongly weathered. In order to set up the relationship between visitor flow and CO2 content and temperature, these parameters were measured at observation sites No. 1 and No. 2 in the tourist peak period of May Day Holiday from May 1 to May 7, 2000. and general tourist season August and October, 2000. The results show that visitor flow strongly affects the fluctuations of cave CO2 content and temperature, that the cave topography and dimensions affect the accumulation and diffusion of CO2. Variation of air temperature in the cave has shown to be attributable to the visitors.
Aracnidi della Colonia del Kenya raccolti da Toschi e Meneghetti negli anni 1944-1946
- L Caporiacco
- Di
Caporiacco, L. di 1949. Aracnidi della Colonia del Kenya raccolti da
Toschi e Meneghetti negli anni 1944-1946. Commentationes
Pontificiae Academia Scientarum 13:309-492.
A synoptic classification of the false scorpions or chela-spinners, with a report on a cosmopolitan collection of the same. Part 1. The Heterosphyronida (Chthoniidae) (Arachnida-Chelonethida). Annals and Magazine of Natural History
- J C Chamberlin
Chamberlin, J.C. 1929. A synoptic classification of the false scorpions
or chela-spinners, with a report on a cosmopolitan collection of the
same. Part 1. The Heterosphyronida (Chthoniidae) (Arachnida-Chelonethida). Annals and Magazine of Natural History [series 10]
4:50-80.
The cave fauna of Southeast Asia: Origin, evolution and ecology
- L A Deharveng
- Bedo
Deharveng L. & A. Bedo. 2000. The cave fauna of Southeast Asia:
Origin, evolution and ecology. Pp. 603-632. In Ecosystems of the
World 30: Subterranean Ecosystems (H. Wilkens, D.C. Culver,
W.F. Humphreys, eds.). Elsevier, Amsterdam.
Mulun and surrounding karsts (Guangxi) host the richest cave fauna of China
- L O F Deharveng
- A N Bréhier
- M Y Bedos
- Y B Tian
- F Li
- Zhang
Deharveng, L.O., F. Bréhier, A.N. Bedos, M.Y. Tian, Y.B. Li, F.
Zhang et al. 2008. Mulun and surrounding karsts (Guangxi) host
the richest cave fauna of China. Subterranean Biology 6:75-79.
Pseudoscorpions of the World, version 3.0. Western Australian Museum
- M S Harvey
Harvey, M.S. 2013. Pseudoscorpions of the World, version 3.0.
Western Australian Museum, Perth. Online at http://museum.wa.
gov.au/catalogues-beta/pseudoscorpions Accessed 12 June 2017.
Guangxi 2005 cave fauna report (China Caves Project)
- A K Clarke
Clarke, A.K. 2006. Guangxi 2005 cave fauna report (China Caves
Project). YRC Bulletin, Autumn 2006.
A revision of some Asian species of Microcreagris Balzan, 1892 (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones)
- B P M Ć Určić
Ć určić, B.P.M. 1983. A revision of some Asian species of Microcreagris Balzan, 1892 (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones). Bulletin of
the British Arachnological Society 6:23-36.
A revision of some species of Microcreagris Balzan, 1892 (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones) from the USSR and adjacent regions
- B P M Ć Určić
Ć určić, B.P.M. 1985. A revision of some species of Microcreagris
Balzan, 1892 (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones) from the USSR and
adjacent regions. Bulletin of the British Arachnological Society
6:331-352.
A revision of some Asian species of Balzan, 1892 (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones)
- B P M Ćurčić
A revision of some species of Balzan, 1892 (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones) from the USSR and adjacent regions
- B P M Ćurčić