Corresponding author: Yun-Chun Li (
Academic editor: Jana Christophoryová
Four new species of the genus
Li Y-C, Shi A-M (2022) Cave-inhabiting Cheliferidae (Arachnida, Pseudoscorpiones) from Thailand, with description of four new species of
The pseudoscorpion genus
Males of the genus
The specimens were examined with a Leica M205FA stereomicroscope and an Olympus CX31 compound microscope. The specimens are preserved in 75% ethanol. They were cleared in lactic acid for 12–24 h at room temperature and, after the study, washed in distilled water and returned to alcohol. Photographs were taken using a Canon 6D Mark II camera fitted with a Laowa 25 mm f/2.8 2.5–5 × and 100 mm F2.8 2.0 × ultra macro lens. The final high depth of field images were stacked from 30 to 80 single photos using Helicon Focus 7.6.1., and CorelDRAW 2018 and SAI 2 software were used to draw the figures. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the collection of the Museum of China West Normal University (
Pseudoscorpion terminology and measurements mostly follow
1 | Carapace slightly broader than long |
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– | Carapace slightly longer than broad |
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2 | Tergite XI with two tactile setae; pedipalpal femur 4.49 × longer than broad (1.08/0.24 mm) |
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– | Tergite XI without tactile setae; pedipalpal femur 5.22 × longer than broad (1.41/0.27 mm) |
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3 | Fixed and movable chelal fingers with at least 57 teeth; trichobothrium |
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– | Fixed and movable chelal fingers with 35 teeth; trichobothrium |
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4 | Tergite XI with two tactile setae |
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– | Tergite XI without tactile setae |
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5 | Venom ducts very short, not extending past |
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– | Venom ducts long, extending past |
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6 | Carapace with 100–101 setae; coxal sac occupying 1/2 of coxal length; anterior genital operculum of female with tubular setae |
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– | Carapace with 86–88 setae; coxal sac occupying only 2/5 of coxal length; anterior genital operculum of female without tubular setae |
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Troglobiont habitus. This new species is distinguished from other members of the genus
Latinized adjective, derived from the last name of the collector, Zhi-Gang Chen.
Thailand (Nakhon Ratchasima).
Troglobiont habitus. This new species is distinguished from other members of the genus
The new species is named in honour of the late Volker Mahnert (Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève, Switzerland).
Thailand (Chiangmai).
Troglobiont habitus. This new species is distinguished from other members of the genus
Latinized adjective, derived from the province of Tak, where the type locality is located.
Thailand (Tak).
Troglobiont habitus. This new species is distinguished from other members of the genus
Latinized adjective, derived from the country of Thailand, where the type locality is located.
Thailand (Tak).
Except for
Distribution of known
We are very grateful to Dr Prasit Wongprom (Thai Nature Education Centre) for his collaboration during the fieldwork. We thank Dr Mark Judson (Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France) for help with the identification of specimens from Wat Dewaroop Song Cave 3 and Tham Borichinda Cave. Dr Meng-Lin Wang (College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China) kindly helped to review the original English manuscript. We thank Prof. Mark Harvey (Western Australian Museum, Perth, Australia) and Dr Catalina Romero-Ortiz (Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia) who provided useful comments and suggestions for improvements to the manuscript. This study was supported by the Doctoral Scientific Research Foundation of China West Normal University (18Q043).